Now Evert's back from his holiday, we've resumed our progress through the base game scenarios with this intriguing challenge. My first thought was that the British would have a hard job of grinding their way through the French squares. Particularly if the Line infantry's muskets get into range. But the stats say the British win slightly more often. Evert plumped for the French, giving me the chance to see how it worked out in practice.
The first move from the British was to try to neutralise the two French Line infantry that were backing up the Light infantry squares. Generals Anson and Bock got in on the action, leading units from the British left and centre. Faced with Anson's Light cavalry, one Line unit formed square, taking casualties and inflicting some as well. The other tried to stand up to Bock's Heavies, but thought better of it, scampering back to join their comrades and General Foy. [ I used a "Leadership" card.]
French General Foy promptly led three Line units forward, their musketry inflicting casualties on Bock's Heavy cavalry unit, which pulled back out of range.
With the British cavalry making little impression on the French squares, Foy sent two Line units forward again. This time the muskets were deadly, eliminating Bock's Heavy cavalry. Bock himself trotted back to join a different unit. [Lucky dice from Evert, making the score 0:1.]
As the two French Line units advanced further, the British cavalry swapped casualties with a French square. Then General Gleichen on the left flank swung his heavy cavalry around the squares to attack the reinforcements. Deciding to stand firm, the French were slaughtered. [My turn for some lucky dice and the score's 1:1.]
More French Line units moved up, but Gleichen's men retired and reformed. French Heavy cavalry moved forward in the centre. occupying the woods. Three British Light cavalry advanced in the centre in turn, allowing General Anson to move back with his battered unit. The French Line attacked! [Evert had a "Bayonet Charge".] One hit Gleichen's Heavies, causing casualties even as the cavalry retired. The other did the same to a Light cavalry unit.
The British cavalry countered in the middle, demolishing one Line infantry and forcing General Foy to run for the trees - where he joined a Heavy cavalry unit. [As the second French infantry eliminated, that was two banners for me, making it 3:1.]
The French cavalry moved forward on their centre-left. And the British Light cavalry charged, sensing an opportunity to pick off one of their counterparts. Bad mistake. The French Heavies got in on the action, destroying two Lights, despite taking some casualties. [ I had a "Cavalry Charge" I'd been itching to play since the start, but Evert's battle backs did more damage. That's 3:3.]
The British Heavy cavalry on the British left continued to make no impression on the French squares while the French Heavy cavalry on their left finished off another Light cavalry. [3:4]
Finally, the French Line in square crumbled under the continued cavalry attack while another British Light cavalry fell to the French Heavies. [5:5]
General Foy took his (damaged) Heavy cavalry to take on Anson's (more damaged) Lights in the centre. The British Lights stood their ground, Foy's men coming off worse. More Light cavalry came to his aid, while Bock and his Heavies circled round to make another attack on one of the original squares. What was left of the French Light infantry fell to the horsemen. [6:5]
Phew, that was close! However, I think it shows that cavalry can grind down infantry in square. Evert was hampered by how few cards he had in his hand, but the French cavalry still beats the British cavalry in a straight fight.
Pevans
