War of the Spanish Succession Game

My first game for what seems like, and probably is, months. For a change I brought the Danes along with some German support. Their opponents were, unhistorically, Andys superb Imperialists. No particular reason for using the Danes (apart from I like them) other than with only an eight by five table to play on I could use all the figures with no hard choices to make.

I also brought along some field works to protect my artillery.

With the horse largely massed on the right the night was spent in a series of intense and finely balanced cavalry melees. Neither side seemed to get the upper hand immediately and it was only the sheer weight of numbers on the Imperialist side that tipped the balance in their favour. Even having a quarter of their horse pursue the poor Fynske horse off the table meant that the Austrians still had a two to one advantage.

On the Danish left I advanced the Dansk Garden til Fot with a German battalion in support. The guards bravely took on two Austrian battalions. To show how long it since I played I miscalculated one move and advanced too far, receiving a hail of shot whilst not being to reply. However, being the elite troops that they are the subsequent return they gave made up for it. Ultimately of course being outnumbered told and the guard was forced from the field.

It might have been a while since I played but some things never change.

A combination of poor musketry rolls and some truly awful morale rolls meant that the Danes were not destined to prevail. Whilst they applied pressure at several points in the line the Austrians were always able to hold their own and, like the Welsh rugby team the other week, weather the storm.

Hopefully, Neil, the unfortunate player teamed with me, didn't feel as though his long trip from Gloucester was spoilt by the defeat. If not I look forward to the pleasure of his company at the club again.