The belated St. George's Day took place on Saturday, as 10 players, plus the GM and onlookers participated in a re-fight of
Fuentes de Onoro. The goal of the French assault was to either force a way through the village or find a way around the British defensive positions on the outlying hills.
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Half hearted assault on Fuentes de Onoro |
The forces sent against the main village were badly mauled as Muskets and Canister rained down on them. Only a couple of columns managed to get to launch an assault in the entire game.
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French mass on the British right |
Instead it appeared that they were concentrating on the British Right plus hoping that the Guard Cavalry would turn up to help.
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French assault and clear outlying villages |
The French manage to take the outlying village that pinned the corner of the British defense. The counter-assault by the British ended disastrously with the total loss of the division.
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Attack Column vs the 95th |
Only the Light Division and some mounted Spanish Guerrillas stood in the way of the French traversing along the gorge.
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Half the British and French cavalry wipe each other out in charges. |
The British launch a cavalry charge, send half their mounts forward to try and stem the tide, and was remarkably successful\uncontrollable, taking out two French cavalry units and a section of artillery. The French then organise a counter charge that wipes the British out.
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French Breakthrough and cleans up rest of the Light Division |
The Light Division gets wiped out after the 95th break and the pursuit leaves the French behind the British Right, which is now wide open.
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The British Left, get bored and advance over the crest. |
The village of Fuentes do Onoro never really threatened to fall to direct assault, but the position was untenable with the roads to the rear open to the French, and the British are forced to withdraw.
More photos of the day
here...