Peninsular 1808 - Rolica - Battle Report

 So! The opening of the Peninsular War, relatively small scale fight, nicely set for a warm up. Rolica here we go.......

Scenario is here: https://themosquitoonthetenthfloor.blogspot.com/2023/10/peninsular-1808-rolica.html

Initial deployment sees the French take a deep defensive line, way out in front of the hills, whilst the British begin moving up in column formations

Just look at that depth of defence from the French. Bold move, Jacques. British commanders body language states "uncertain"

French cavalry sitting back, waiting for a gap in the line

British advance begins, although that terrain is hampering clean lines from being formed.

Wellington attempting to get the central brigade encouraged up the field

Cannon unlimbers to begin softening those French chappies up, if they sit in column.

Nicely lovely lines formed on the right British flank. Someones been shot though......

British centre advancing through the central terrain.

Rifles go in, as the lines begin exchanging fire along the entire French front.

Rifles promptly go out again, to their indignity.

British central brigade begins forming the central attack, whilst the right flank tries to sweep through.

French cavalry advances up in support of the line and to threaten any redcoats who get too brave.

The Light Division arrives, having ran up the table at top speed. Seriously! These fellows rolled consistent twos and threes for their brigade orders and overtook almost everyone, in spite of arriving a full three turns after everyone else! That cannon is going to cause some issues though...........

In the distance, French begin retreating back onto the hills in good order.

Some plucky Cacadores attempt to engage with the French as they pull back, but find themselves somewhat outclassed and in trouble.

Now up on the hills on both sides, French commanders watch the firefight take place. It seems as though the British are getting bogged down, but rather close......

Consequently, British cavalry attempts to force a path and goes headlong into the French cavalry, causing a gap to appear in the centre.

Eventually......numbers, lack of space to retreat and sustained casualties force the French to retreat from the field. Not in disgrace, but with the knowledge that they had held the British at bay very well, even if the final result was a defeat.

A very minor defeat mind!

Played out very well. Terrain was troublesome, the French were constantly pulling out of fights the British had lined up, the pressure of the clock was telling on the British and they only just made it, but make it to those hills, they did! Just not in enough of a condition to harry the retreat.

Rolica'ing good fun, you could say.