Last weeks game with the lads was taken from the "7 Weeks war" or the "Austro-Prussian war of 1866".
This battle was between Bavaria (allied with Austria and numerous other German states) and Prussia.
The Prussian army was on the march. For the Bavarians, all they had to do was to keep the Prussians from getting their army across the river. Four bridges crossed the river, but all had charges under them, and all had Bavarian troops surrounding the exit points.
The Bavarians could attempt to blow one bridge per turn. Secretly they selected the order in which they would attempt to blow the bridges. There being a chance that the bridge would only have some damage and would therefore still be usable to the Prussians.
The Bavarians had more troops arriving to bolster the defences.
The Prussians kicked off going for all four bridges on turn one. The Prussians however blow their first bridge and the right hand Prussian Division had to change direction.
The Prussians charge across the bridge into the Bavarians in the town opposite. At the same time the Bavarians on the other flank detonate another bridge, trapping several Prussian Brigades on the other side.
The town at the bridge became a main point in the battle. Four times the Prussian took the town, and therefore the bridge and four times they were pushed back out by counter attacking Bavarians.
This bridge was damaged but the Prussians could still cross at one unit a turn. Several Brigades got across but were always under pressure and were forced to retreat or surrender.
Massed Prussian artillery all aimed at the town to help soften up it's defenders.
Finally the Prussian cavalry arrived on the scene. Their first mission was to find a ford across the river.
With the ford found the Prussian cavalry streamed across and charged into the waiting Bavarians.
This was too much for the Bavarians who had held up well under Prussian attacks. Their morale wavered and the Prussian cavalry broke through.
Despite still being in possession of the town the Bavarians were suffering the losses they had sustained and began to withdraw.
A very hard fought victory to the Prussians.
Thanks to Adrian for supplying all the troops, the bridges and all the buildings.
The rules used were Volley and Bayonet.
Great looking game
ReplyDeleteGreat looking game, must admit I had not heard of the 7 weeks war before!
ReplyDeleteDon't know much about this war, soon in our club, but it seems to be a great period...and a great looking game!
ReplyDeleteMy word, that's an impressive looking game.
ReplyDeleteIts all good stuff here Rodger! Cracking scenery mate and a history lesson as well!
ReplyDeleteSuperb looking game :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't given the wars of unification any study but they do look a fascinating subject...
Lovely looking game and very rare period for gaming (I think that, this is the first game of that war I ever seen).
ReplyDeleteThat's certainly a war you don't see gamed too often! Impressive stuff!
ReplyDeleteVery impressive game, Rodger! Great looking troops and wonderful terrain. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking game mate.
ReplyDeleteVery cool game, great write up of it too. I love how the bridge detonation mechanic worked, it adds a nice random element to proceedings!
ReplyDeleteWonderful looking game!
ReplyDeleteSeriously cool looking game!
ReplyDeleteAn excellent looking game, I can't remember ever seeing a 7 weeks War game before, keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteFantastic looking game Rodger. Poor old Bavarians.
ReplyDeleteNice and good fight, and once again, these stunning models finishing...
ReplyDeleteNice BIG campaign.
ReplyDeleteVery nice looking game!
ReplyDeleteGood looking game. Bavarians are never lucky......
ReplyDeleteBeutiful game! Love those proning mini's. Made the figurebases much more alive :)
ReplyDeleteA superb looking game Roger, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteExcellent pictures and battle report! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreetings
Peter