Lusitania Dragoons

The last post displayed two recently raised Spanish cavalry units trotting out from the painting desk.  In the commentary, Neil asked when will Spanish cavalry in yellow appear.  Well, the answer is today!

Out from the painting desk are a dozen Spanish cavalry from the Lusitania Dragoon Regiment.  While a number of Spanish cavalry regiments donned yellow uniforms, I chose Lusitania since this regiment was present at the Battle of Madonna dell'Olmo in 1744.

Batalla de Madonna del Olmo o de Cuneo (30 septiembre 1744).

Carga de los dragones de Lusitania. Autor Jordi Bru fotógrafo

During researching this battle, I found a painting depicting the Lusitanian Dragoons charging into a body of hapless defenders.  The painting is a magnificent sight.  This battle is on my To Do List once I return to bringing another SYW/WAS battle to the table.  Figures are Eureka Miniatures.  

On the gaming front, Tuesday's table action saw the Americans take on the Spanish in a Spanish-American War clash.  The game featured hidden movement, unspotted units, and dummy markers.  These mechanisms worked OK, I thought.  A few more games and the process will become much more natural.  I had five players in Tuesday's remote contest and the game was quite enjoyable for me as umpire and host.  Player response was positive (of course, they are all model gentlemen) and I received more ideas for expanding the bank of scenarios from which to draw inspiration.

I can say no more about this fight beyond stating that the Americans won on the last official turn of the game by breaking the Spanish Army.  Why must I remain silent on the details?  I have the same scenario scheduled for Wednesday in a one-to-one match-up and I do not want to provide any additional intel to my opponent.

Spanish spring the trap!

Looking through the photos from Tuesday's game, I am reminded of a number of decisive moments in the battle.  Hopefully a brief battle report will follow after the fighting dies down on Wednesday.