Michelin - July 1815

[Ochoin]

As part of our on-going "After Waterloo" campaign, we fought the Battle Of Michelin, where the defeated British tried to halt the resurgent French on their way to Antwerp.







A French force under Davout is attempting to seize the crossings at Mechelin before Lord Hill's Anglo-Hanoverian forces can concentrate. The battlefield is dominated by a stream crossed by two bridges, with a village on one flank and enclosed farmland on the other.

The game is being fought using 'Valour & Fortitude'. Both sides have substantial reserves which will arrive later in the battle, so the initial deployment shown here is only part of the story.

The French are generally on the left of the photographs, the Allies on the right. Troops on the white trays are reserves awaiting their moment to enter the battlefield.

The game ended in a Major Victory for the French. Over a late supper of chicken wings, chips & a nice Barossa Shiraz, we discussed if the British could have won.

A viable alternative of simply defending might have been some sort of spoiling attack with the mounted force. Keep in mind, they only needed to stop the French till nightfall.


http://theminiaturespage.com/‌"TMP link
Our A-H player decided on a passive defence, holding the river line & the bridges.
The French were stretched thin & we tried to effect a coup de main across the north bridge to the vital crossroads.
NB the river was an "obstacle" – crossable for all bar artillery.

http://theminiaturespage.com/‌"TMP link
The formidable British infantry did their part although the Hanoverian brigade were being herded like sheep by the end of the game.
http://theminiaturespage.com/‌"TMP link
By the time the elements of the Cavalry Corps & the recently arrived Guard took the southern bridge, it was all over.

Ideas how YOU might handle the Anglo-Hanoverians or the French?

V&F (with a very few tweaks) gives a quick & satisfying game.

donald

[Iceman1964]

For Anglo-Hanoverians I would have let the French pass on the bridge near the village and then attacking them by surprise with troops hidden in the village itself, to collapse them when trying to return back trough the bridge.
but I'm a terrible general

[Ochoin]

Not a bad idea - the passive defence didn't work & I think "surprise" certainly would have been worth a go.
The Hanoverians weren't the greatest of troops in this battle though, so maybe the KGL instead.

donald

[Santi Pérez]

Great display, Donald, thanks for sharing.

Santi.

[Ochoin]

Thanks, Santi.
The campaign moves on -
Following the recent Battle of Mechelin, the strategic situation has changed considerably.

Anglo-Hanoverian Army

Although not decisively defeated, Wellington's army has suffered sufficiently to abandon further operations on the Continent for the present. The army has withdrawn to England to refit, absorb reinforcements and prepare for a future campaign. It is therefore out of the immediate campaign, although another British landing cannot be ruled out later.

Prussia

The Prussian Army has endured a disastrous series of defeats:

Wavre
Plancenoit
Two subsequent rearguard actions during its retreat

While still a formidable force on paper, it is in no condition to resume offensive operations. Reorganisation and reinforcement will occupy the Prussians for some time.

Russia

Russian armies continue their advance towards Central Europe but at a measured pace. Whether this reflects logistical necessity or a deliberate political strategy remains unclear. Every week that France and her enemies weaken one another serves Russian interests.

Austria

Austria presents the greatest uncertainty.

Despite being a member of the Coalition, Vienna has shown little enthusiasm for immediate offensive operations. Diplomatic exchanges continue while Austrian armies advance only cautiously.

The family connection between Emperor Napoleon and the Austrian Imperial House, through Empress Marie Louise, has inevitably led to speculation that Austria may seek a negotiated settlement rather than a prolonged war.

While a formal alliance between France and Austria appears unlikely, an armistice or prolonged diplomatic negotiations cannot be discounted.

The Strategic Situation

For the first time since Waterloo, Napoleon has gained the initiative.

Britain has withdrawn.

Prussia is recovering.

Austria hesitates.

Russia advances steadily but remains some distance from the decisive theatre of operations.

The Emperor now has a rare opportunity to choose where and when the next major battle will be fought.

Whether he seeks to strike the advancing Russians before they can fully concentrate, or waits for events to unfold, remains to be seen.

The campaign continues...

[C M Dodson]

Interesting stuff with lovely figures and terrain.

Napoleon seems to being doing well post Waterloo but I wonder if his forces would have been able to maintain the momentum against such odds.

They were no longer le Grande Armee of 1805 vintage.

Best wishes,

Chris