Friday, December 24, 2021

Maida Six, the Hard Way

After Sunday's Maida fight against Matt (see: Rock of Maida), I returned units to their starting positions and prepared to host a refight.

The second battle was fought on Tuesday with the remote UK group.  Hard to believe that I have been participating in remote games for more than one year now with these fine fellows.

At game time, I had six players online.  The quick of hand grabbed the three British commanders.  Graham volunteered to take a French commander.  The remaining two French slots were filled by default.

The players and commands were:

British

  • Ian - Major General Stuart, Acland's 2nd Brigade
  • Will - Cole's 1st Brigade, Oswald's 3rd Brigade, 20th Foot
  • Chris - Kempt's Advance Guard
French
  • Graham - General de Division Reynier, Peyri's Brigade 
  • Steve - Compere'e Brigade
  • Richard - Digonet's Brigade
With players assigned, the battle could begin.
Table ready for action.
First, a word about this battle report.  Unlike many of the games I host, I try to take game photos at regular intervals and at key moments of battle.  Umpiring six players in this game, I found myself caught up in the action with moving troops and adjudicating results, nonstop.  I am afraid that I was so busy in game coordination that I did not capture as many photos as usual at the critical time.  With what I have, I try to recreate a coherent narrative.  For another battle perspective, visit Graham's report at I might have Maida mistake.  

Anyway, off we go!

1st Legere investigates the Lamato River scrub
As Reynier orders a general advance, Compere's 1st Legere uncover the Corsican Rangers lurking in the scrub along the Lamato River.  Those enemy light troops must be dealt with to secure the French left before the attack goes in against Kempt's Combined Light Infantry Battalion.
Kempt's Combined Light Infantry Battalion
As the 1/1 Legere wheels left to address the threat in the scrub, the 42nd Ligne advances toward Kempt.  Within moments, artillery fire from a four-pound section crashes into the 2/42 sending it reeling back to its starting line.  Not an encouraging omen to the start of the French attack.
2/42 heads toward the rear
 while 1/1 Legere prepares to attack!
Players seemingly deep in thought as the battle begins
(or simply bored?)
In the center, Peyri's Brigade of foreigners steps off toward the British line.  On the right, Digonet repositions the 23rd Legere as his artillery opens up.  All of Reynier's artillery (four guns) and cavalry are placed within Digonet's Brigade out on the French right.  Does Reynier plan to hammer the right to turn the British left?
Digonet redeploys the 23rd Legere before his advance. 
Digonet's artillery and cavalry in front line
Not content to allow the battle to come to him, Cole on the British left advances 1/27th Foot and the Combined Grenadiers.  His two guns limber up and move to keep pace with the advance.  With his flank secured by the 20th Foot firmly ensconced in the scrub, Cole marches boldly forward.  Cole expects Acland to move up as well to cover his right linking his own brigade in a continuous line to Kempt positioned against the Lamato.  Nervous of the cavalry facing him, the 1/27th forms into square. 
Cole takes the fight to the enemy.
Back on the French left, with Compere leading the way, 1/1 Legere gives a volley and then storms across the Lamato River crashing into the Corsicans.  The Corsicans do not give ground easily.  What was planned to bring about a quick brushing aside of the rangers devolves into a protracted firefight among the scrub along the Lamato.  Casualties mount.
1/1/ Legere storms across the Lamato
Digonet attacks!  Sending 2/23rd Legere in against the 20th Foot who were content holding the scrub line on the British left, the two formations collide.  To its left, 1/23rd Legere attacks Cole's guns. Taking the guns but at great cost, the 1/23rd falls back to regroup.
Digonet attacks!
With the 1/27th Foot in square, Digonet's four guns open up and pound the densely packed infantrymen until they can take no more.  The 1/27th breaks!  Seeing the 1/27th break for the rear and passing through the ranks of the Combined Grenadiers, the 9th Chasseurs charge.  Having little regard for forming square, the grenadiers let loose a volley into the hard-charging cavalry.  Undaunted, the chasseurs press on.  In the chaos, of intermixed combat, losses are high.  Still, the grenadiers remain firm and drive off the chasseurs.   
French guns pound the square.
Cole's grenadiers hang on
after repulsing a cavalry charge.
1/27 the driven from scrub
while Digonet sees success on the right.
In the center, Acland moves up to plug the gap between Kempt and Cole.  Peyri marches on toward the British line with the Swiss and one Polish battalion in line supported by the second Pole in column.
Peyri marches up in the center
Acland moves up to plug the gap.
Back on the French left, the 1/1 Legere evicts the Corsicans from the scrub along the Lamato.  The Corsicans have seen enough.  They retire quickly toward safety.  Having recovered from its earlier, unplanned retirement, 2/42 returns to battle.  With its sister battalion drawn up on its left, the 42nd advances under heavy artillery fire. 
Compere advances
Going in against Kempt's light infantry, the 1/42nd takes horrific casualties.  The 2/42 is faring not much better.  The British gunners keep up a steady fire as chunks are taken out of the 2/42nd.  Can the 42nd reach the British lines?  No!  The 2/42nd breaks, carrying the already wavering 1/42nd along with it.  The regiment is in flight to the rear!
The 42nd takes a pounding in the advance.
Seeing the 42nd turn tail and run after enduring sustained volleys, Kempt orders the lights to give chase.  They obey and off they go in pursuit.  The only obstacle in their way is the 2/1st Legere.
42nd runs while the Lights give chase.
Returning to the action in the center, Peyri continues his attack with his foreign troops.  Of dubious quality, the Poles advance upon Acland's equally suspect troops.  Peyri's Swiss take a stab at capturing the second British gun section of the day but are repulsed with heavy, very heavy losses.  The Swiss, while gallant, are likely done for the day.  Reynier joins the Swiss to rally them.     
Peyri attacks!
Shifting back to the left, the 1st Legere, having dispatched the Corsicans, turn attention to Kempt's Lights.  With 1/1st Legere in its rear and the 2/1st Legere to its front, can Kempt extricate himself from this vise?
Kempt caught in a vise?
We will never know.  With the hour getting late, we concluded the game to the agreement of all.  The French players figured their attack had just about run out of steam.  While opportunities may still present themselves, the French conceded that they were likely beaten.

Losses were lighter than in the previous Maida battle.  At the end of battle, each army had only lost two units.  Many of the French units remaining on table, though, were in tatters.  Those wavering units, to see action, would require time to regroup. 
Battle lines at end of the day.
Coordinating a large, remote game with six players, all having active and meaningful commands can be a challenge.  Certainly, well worth the effort and I enjoyed the game immensely.

I made it with six players, the hard way, and loved every minute of it.  Perhaps, I captured more photos than I thought?

On that note, I hope readers enjoy this battle report and I wish everyone Happy Holidays and a
Merry Christmas!

50 comments:

  1. Blimey, is it really nearly a year of remote gaming?! Great that this has allowed some semblance of FtF gaming to carry on despite all the Covid issues and of course linking gamers up from all corners of the World.

    Another fine game and despite the lack of time to take photos, a good guide to how the game played out.

    So it just remains to wish you and your a very Merry Xmas!

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    1. Yes, a little over one year of remote gaming has passed. How time flies.

      We will have a White Christmas here. Enjoy the holidays, Steve!

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  2. It was a fine game, and a return to Napoleonics for me after about three decades, more or less. An interesting discussion on tactics ensued, which was also enjoyable. We've played some good games over the last 12 months.

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    1. Thank you, Graham. We sure have seen a lot of great action on the gaming table over the last twelve months. I have found a number of new friends too.

      Our discussions on game design have been a very enjoyable part as well. Something to which I always look forward.

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  3. Great looking second game!
    Best wishes for Christmas time!

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  4. A more coherent report than you give yourself credit for--been in something of a Napoleonic lull in these parts, seeing this game got those juices flowing again. Nicely done, doubly so given the timing to the holiday. Speaking of which...Happy Holidays!

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    1. Thanks for your encouragement and support, Ed! Perhaps we will see a return to Napoleonics for you? Happy Holidays!

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  5. Happy Christmas, good to see the Napoleonics on the table, the long lines do look good.

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    1. Thank you, Norm! Any new games waiting under your tree?

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  6. Jonathon,
    You have really shown how good remote gaming can be. Thank you.
    Merry Christmas!

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    1. Thank you! You give me a boost by your encouragement. Joe, happy you enjoy these remote battle reports.

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  7. Plenty of pictorial evidence of the battle there Jonathan, a most enjoyable lunchtime read thank you. Six people though, wow you sure like to party.

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    1. Thanks, Phil! As for partying, my family will strongly disagree!

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  8. I think you did very well getting photos! Great pics and report.

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  9. I have to concur with all the previous comments Jon...great report, plenty of pics and the figures look wonderful. Have a lovely family Christmas and I will catch up with you again in 2022, although there is still time for a couple of posts in the old year yet!

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    1. Thank you, Keith!

      You have a wonderful Christmas, yourself. I expect another post or two from me before year-end.

      Merry Christmas!

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  10. A splendid looking game and a very enjoyable report…
    Well done in controlling six players from the other side of the world…sometimes it’s hard enough dealing with six people in the same room.

    A very Merry Christmas to you and yours…

    All the best. Aly

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    1. Thank you so much, Aly!

      I would not say I am very good at controlling six players either in person or remotely. We make it through, though, without too many incidents.

      Merry Christmas!

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  11. Beautiful game! Merry Christmas Jonathan!

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    1. Thanks! Merry Christmas to you, Valentin! I sure enjoyed for project review. Beautiful collections you have.

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  12. Great batrep and umpiring 6 players in person is no mean task, online is awesome.

    Have a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2022.

    Cheers, Ross

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    1. Glad you liked it, Ross! Thank you.
      Merry Christmas to you too!

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  13. Another great looking game to round out the year. Happy Christmas!

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  14. Another hard-fought affair. Your Maida scenario looks very evenly balanced. Have a great Christmas Jonathan.

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    1. Hard fought, for sure. I think it could go either way.

      Merry Christmas, Lawrence!

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  15. A good looking second rendition of the battle. I don’t feel to bad as it looks like a tough nut for the french to make much progress. Have a great Christmas Jon enjoy the snow….👍

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    1. Hi Matt! Yes, I think this one is tough for the French but they are not without possibilities. More snow in the forecast until next week when the temperatures plummet making it too cold to snow.

      Merry Christmas!

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  16. Another fine Maida outing that made for another entertaining report with plenty of descriptive photos! Well done on the remote gaming front, I’ve enjoyed all of your posted reports on those games this year!

    Merry Xmas to you and the family. Stay safe in that frozen north.

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    1. Thanks, Dai! Very please to see that the battle reports are worth the effort.

      The north will soon be frozen solid…
      Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  17. A very nice table and batrep accompanied by more than enough photos. It seems from both games that neither side has had that extra clout to tip the balance in its favour. Difficult game to win for either side.

    Best Christmas wishes to you and your loved ones!

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    1. Thank you, Mike! Always great to get your feedback. Both games were close contests snd I could see them going either way.

      Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  18. Hello Jonathan:
    Another Maida AAR is a welcome find in my Christmas stocking. These back to back replays show what a tough nut this is for the French to crack. The river and the Corsicans discourage an attack on the left, while to advance centre or right exposes the French to fire across all that open ground. Hmmmmm.

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    1. Hello Michal and Merry Christmas!

      I am glad you enjoyed the Maida double-shot!

      This is a tough situation for the French but the British are not without problems too. The British center is manned by poor units and most of the British battalions have no skirmishers.

      Maida is one of my 'go-to' battles for rules' testing and trials.

      Are you considering giving Maida a run-out on your table?

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  19. Sounds (in my head) like a good game, tense and engrossing as things sway back and forth. It was good to read a remote player view as well as your report.
    and of course great pics.

    A good Christmas present! Hope you're having a good Christmas.

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    1. Ross, the game was a good one. While difficult for the French, I think they have many possibilities for putting together a win.

      Glad you enjoyed the battle report. This far, I am having good Christmas. The three dinner courses I am preparing are in the oven with a few minutes relaxation before dinner is served.

      Merry Christmas!

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  20. Great to see how differently Maida plays out - an excellent battle for testing! And brilliant that you managed a game with 6 players. I'm really looking forward to trying some remote gaming, though I doubt I'll ba as ambitious as this. And despite what you said about pictures, there seem to be more than enough to illustrate the battle very well. Excellent all round. Thanks.

    And a Happy New Year too.

    Cheers,

    David.

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    1. David, it is fun (for me, at least) to give a scenario more than one playing. glad you enjoyed the battle report and look forward to seeing a report from your first remote game.

      Happy New Year!

      Oh, SYW French are on the painting desk...

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  21. A lovely game and a gran effort with 6 players, Jon!

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  22. Great - look forward to seeing more SYW French! Good luck with the painting...

    And a Happy New Year too.

    Cheers,

    David.

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    1. One goal for 2022 is to paint some French.

      Happy New Year to you!

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  23. An excellent game, Jon.

    Thank you. Kempt's memoirs make no mention of a French pincer movement, and the lively engraving that he commissioned for the Times shows only Frenchmen scrambling in terror for their lives. :-)

    Regards, Chris.

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    1. Thank you, Chris, and you are welcome! Glad to have you take on the role of your namesake.

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