Neerwinden/Landen 1693, with 'Battle Command'

 Now, we have fought Neerwinden before, albeit with some simplified 'bits' vs this version of the battle, but that was done with Field of Battle rules.

This time, we used 'Field of Battle Evolved' (not its real title), otherwise known as 'Battle Command 1700-1900'.

 In terms of melee and shooting mechanics, movement dynamics and accounting for unit 'decay', it's the same game, however...the card deck is smaller and allows more options based upon the command dice roll - whether it is odd, even and the difference vs a D6.

 That sounds simple, but the differences it makes in the game are quite epic. Eight cards rather than 25 or so , with card options and command choices, makes for a very different game. You are still working with the luck you are dealt, however the scale of that luck is largely up to your choice now (albeit maximised by great dice rolls).

 Both setsshare the Piquet family DNA, randomized turn sequences via custom decks that create fog of war, fluid activation where both players act frequently, and opposed dice rolls for movement/combat, but Battle Command emphasizes deeper command-level decisions more aggressively.

The periods covered are a little tighter, but already there is also an ancient / medieval version, with a massive ww2 game to follow (with multiple scales of play).

 

Perhaps, this version is more conducive to command play (hence the title), over tactical play, which makes for very different decisions.

There is less chaos, and therefore a very different style of epic game-play. For instance, the army morale card in 'Field of Battle' can end a game very quickly, and randomly, whereas if it comes up here since your morale is gone, and you pass the roll, you have potentially a lot of time before it comes up again, to win the battle through good choices and sensible calls against the card choices. 

'...the pub's that way Maam'

 We had some changes for 1693 - but these were simple. 'Pikes forward' could seal flanks, and the French used the 'La Gloire' principle and could immediate melee. This is diluted by the start of the Marlburian period.

The French left, Berwick on the flank with the Wild Geese

French cavalry is historically posted in the centre, awaiting a breakthrough

The new card design - the leadership roll, and whether odd or even, and the difference rolled, dictates the command choices. A very different approach to the game

Attack on the French right - French and Swiss guards

The French right masses for attack

The French centre and right - French infantry prepares to smash at centre left

The French assault on Rumsdorf

French cavalry waits patiently, in the centre

Allied counter-attack on the right

As Rumsdorp falls to the French, the allied line hunkers down in its defences

Berwick's troops head toward the allied defences at Laer

French attack on their left, the Allied flank is under severe pressure now

'Steady lads!'

'Hold zee line!'

Incredibly...a French breakthrough at Laer, as the Allies fall back...

French infantry pour through the hole in the defences at Laer

But...the French have suffered terrible losses in order to break through; their morale chips running out - BUT they pass their first morale roll...narrowly.

French cavalry, which has waited for so long, thunders through the gap on the Allied right...

...thundering into the Allied lines, who counter-attack

The French break the Allied line, however, they fail another morale check and wiithdraw, literally one card draw from the Allies having to make a roll - a VERY close game.

"Sorry ladies..you'll have to go to another pub..."

Le Duc on the Road XXII - Three Kings at War

 As a roundup for the end of year, I present some pics (from the hundreds that I have taken) from a few road-trips during the latter part of the period. Now these are related to sites (existing and speculative) related to the Williamite Wars in Ireland 1689-91 (War of the Three Kings  -  Uncle Jimmy 'n' Billy 'n' that French guy Louie); so in some cases you might see a field, with some commentary, but it's all good.

There may be some truth to the rumour that there might be a battlefield touring company emerging off the back of these reconnaissance trips...

Original accounts of the Siege of Derry in the Cathedral

We got to see the business end of the tools, up close

Walking the walls

You may see a random street, but this is the point where defenders at Derry took a shot at King James from the walls, after he advanced in apparent ignorance of Richard Hamilton's previously made deal of no Jacobite advances upon the city ...at least until the defenders had had had a think about surrendering. After this, 'no surrender' became a thing, and still is. (You can also see the old gaol in the distance).

Near Culmore Fort and not far from the position of the Jacobite boom across the river

Moving to Athlone, and the castle in very good state of repair. We had a great reception here.

Now this is a field at Aughrim - granted - but very hard to get to this position without a gracious farmer's permission. What you are actually looking at is Ginkel's view from Urraghy Hill across to the Jacobite lines on the ridge in front. He would have to cross that bog, under cannon fire, and then assault the Jacobite positions,,,

One of the maps at the Aughrim site

Now to the Battle of the Boyne - the crossing point used by Dutch Guards at the start of the battle. The River has changed subtly and there has been some drainage in the area in the succeeding years, but still not an easy proposition...

Crossing point further downstream - Hugenots and Northern Irish would have crossed around here

A helpful map

Again - it looks like a field - but this is the centre of the Jacobite cavalry assaults, and not actually a focus for the local museum (but it should be). Jacobite cavalry attacked from here, down that hill toward Williamite positions for most of the day, repulsed again and again, using this area as a rallying point. The Duke of Berwick (later at Almanza during the WSS) and Richard Hamilton (later a mentor for the old Pretender) both in action and leading cavalry here.

Crossing the Nanny River - French battalions sat on this hill and prevented Williamite cavalry running down the retreating Jacobites - and yes, that's all they did. Damned if Louis was going to allow French troops to get shot up - the very thought of it :O

Now this one requires a lot more investigation. This is the Bloody Pass near the Battle of Newtownbutler. The water level was ten feet higher in 1689. A lot more to come on this one. A large mass grave is just off to the left.

Inishfendra Island looking north to Crom Castle. Galmoy sat here in March 1689 - then Mountcashel in July, and there is some evidence to suggest that a garrison was left here during the battle and the myth of the Bloody Pass is thereby related. More of that investigation to come.

Inishfendra was also used as barracks for elements of the US 8th Infantry Division during the Second World War- stationed at Crom Castle and vicinity from December 43 to June 44, when they were deployed for D-Day (this photo taken in front of the 'new' Crom Castle - probably in 1944). There is some evidence of trenchworks on Inishfendra, probably used for training, and in good condition. (The condition and design would suggest these works are not related to earlier C17th engagements).

A few more trips are planned, and it looks like, with business trips now ended, Le Duc can now focus on that proper history stuff...

Happy New Year to all.