// Turn 5 //
After the dramatic turn of events last time I was keen to see how things would develop. Turn 5 would be a regular turn, so things may be a little calmer.
Events began with Von Trapp activating and ordering 'B' squadron of Schwarzwald Dragoons to attempt to rescue 'A' squadron and Major Verbockt. Dutifully they headed off at the gallop to try and take the Dragoons d'Baguette in the rear. The first move roll was rather average, but in the final attempt they rolled mighty nineteen on 2d12 and the charge hit home. The green-clad baguettes were taken entirely by surprise, suffered badly and their resulting morale test resulted in total failure.
In the centre, Von Trapp was desperate to take the shine of the Sechshugel regiment's success from last turn. The small squadron of Trinketstade light cavalry was ordered to charge the disordered battalion of Sechshugel flank companies.
Contact is made and the melee is resolved slightly in favour of the horsemen. The infantry are of high quality however and stand firm, prompting the cavalry to check their own morale which also holds, resulting in the squadron bouncing back in disorder.
Now came the time for Major Verbockt to attempt to rally his squadron of Schwarzwald dragoons from rout; a task that seemed more worthwhile now they didn't have enemy cavalry breathing down their necks. What with all the casualties they had taken only rolls for four or less on the d12s would count as successes. The cup was shaken and the dice released...1...2..and 3..enough for the dragoons to come back under command. Verbockt used his own initiative points to begin the process of recovering disorder.
On the opposite flank, the clash of light battalions around the swamill continued to be a stalemate with each side exchanging ragged musket volleys with only marginal effect.
Back in the centre each side plays it safe. The two battalions of the Sechshugel recover some of their disorder and both commanders use cavalry to shore up their flank. Mantelwenden still feels he has a slight advantage in the centre but his cavalry are now outnumbered nearly 3:1.
// Turn 6 //
Another regular turn and Mantelwenden's last realistic opportunity to secure victory before the discrepancy in cavalry makes his position untenable.
Again the light battalions focus on sporadic musketry and keeping their disorder under control, each having more to lose than gain by being too adventurous.
Mantelwenden, in contrast puts all of his chips on red and orders both Sechshugel fusilier battalions to charge the Salzundpfeffer musketeers. 2nd battalion rolls well, but 1st battalion slips up and only gets one action, not enough to make contact. They stumble forward with the field gun section coming up on their flank.
Resolving the melee sees the fusiliers pulling off an unexpected but narrow advantage in casualties inflicted. The Salzundpfeffer test morale but the veterans hold firm and force their opponents to check. A truly dreadful roll sees a rout and the panicked fusiliers run headlong past Mantelwenden.
All the flank company battalion can do is pivot so neither the jager or Trinketstade cavalry have a clear flanking position. The jager in turn pick away with their rifles and the flankers' losses mount
In the east, Verbockt and the dragoons rally away more disorder and swing around to face the Gallian rear:
Events to seem to be swinging back in favour of Von Trapp. Mantelwenden is joined by Major Haddoque who informs him that the Duc de Pommefritte is now taking command and he is ordered to disengage.
This may prove harder than in sounds...what was an encounter battle scenario has now become a rearguard action and an attempt to exit as many troops as possible in the desperate hope that the enemy are even more exhausted after nearly two hours of continuous fighting.
I'll pick up from turn 7 next time...
Another excellent write up! Enjoying all of this.
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