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Saturday 30 October 2021

A murderous affair

Today we had Lawrence back with us, so we were 3 again!

We had decided on a Seven Years War game for today so I had my Prussians against the Russians again.

As per usual for me I lost the initiative so Phil got Lawrence as co commander, and he was able to deploy in one of the table's flank zones.

I deployed with a solid infantry line, flanked by artillery with my Cavalry wings behind each flank.

Lawrence had the extended flank, and placed his horse in the flank sector. (No one noticed he had inadvertently deployed in column which is not allowed in deployment when everyone is on 'Stand orders'!!!)
Phil deployed in the more open terrain on the left.
I had a single 'Cautious Incompetent' brigadier, who Frederick supported!
The Russians got 2, the first time they had more than me as I can remember!!!- they made up for this with a Competent Brigadier, and a Brave one commanding the Grenadiers, which turned out to be an important move.
Lawrence only managed to get his Hussars and one Cuirassier regiment going in the first turn.
Their infantry got the whole first line advancing, despite the 2 incompetents!
Phil got his cavalry wing advancing easily.
My right wing horse got moving too to face Phil.
My left only got a Hussar regiment and a Kuirassier regiment out...
...and, of course, the redoubtable Frei Korps.!!!
Lawrence redeployed his reserve cavalry as soon as he realised!
They were unwilling to advance, even so!
Lawrence's HR1 - the Serbs, tried to charge my Hussars, but they baulked and halted!
The following Cuirassiers were forced to halt too.
The Russian wave was nearing my Prussian line now.
My Frei Korps fired ineffectually.
Initially, the Russian left was screened by some Cossacks.
Nice to see, though rather useless!!!!
I managed to get my Incompetent's Fusilier regiment onto the hill in front of my left, and these damaged the Russian regiment facing them. 
Lawrence deployed his guns right in front of my heavy gun, as I had failed to hit them at all as they approached!
My Fusiliers were still in charge of the hill and giving better than they got.
Phil turned a battalion to enfilade them.
His Corps of Observation Grenadiers also advanced on my right wing guns, who were being equally ineffective.
A single good volley swept them away.
Phil's artillery was trying to upset my right wing cavalry.
The Russians got a good volley against my Fusiliers, would they stand?
Yes! a return volley tore into the Russian ranks.
The(few)-survivors fled the field.
My Grenadiers got the first volley into their Russian counterparts.
The Corps of Observation Grenadiers now started engaging my infantry.
My Hussars actually charged the Russian Hussars, forcing them to retreat.
On my right, the Russian guns had the range.
I advanced another regiment to support my beleaguered Fusiliers, but they were blasted by another Russian regiment. 
Although not fatally damaged, another die roll of a 1 forced them to retreat!
The Russian Grenadiers failed to damage my Grenadiers.
I replied with another hard volley. The Russians STILL refused to retreat!
My right wing had stabilised, and I began to hurt the CofO Grenadiers.
I swung a Battalion onto their flank, with great effect.
Phil brought a fresh regiment in to flank them.
Lawrence's Grenadiers were still fighting, and damaged one of my Battalions!
My right wing horse had failed to charge twice, and were now being threatened by Russian cavalry and Corps of Observation musketeers.
On my right, the battle was confused and messy, but my brave Prussians were again giving more than they got.
My Grenadiers were still whittling down the Russian Grenadiers, who would not rout!!!
On my left, my Kuirassiers refused to charge again, and were hit by a Russian Cuirassier regiment.
KR11 routed - to the jeers of my other Kuirassiers!


At this point, we ran out of time, Night fell, and both armies fell back to lick their wounds.

Who had won? - my infantry was intact, with a couple of damaged regiments, where the Russians had lost several Battalions.
My Cavalry had failed big time, allowing the Russians to gain ascendancy on the wings.

Perhaps a draw is the best  description of the affair?

Saturday 23 October 2021

Having a Ball

 Today, we had our club back up and running after the church hall we hire has been redecorated! - its good to be back!

We had a couple of games of Wings of Glory WW1, as it was just Phil and me playing, so we played against my solo system again.

Our first opponents, two Fokker DVIIs.

Phil used Albert Ball's SE5a
I used James McCudden's
Our two opponents advanced in formation.
Phil and I were rather...spaced out!
I had tried to take a wide flank and cut across the German line, but timed it badly.
Phil passed the Germans on his own!
Both sides turned to engage.
I was closing, but even the with SE's speed it would take time.
Phil came off badly in the first engagement.
He managed to avoid engaging the second Fokker.
I was getting closer...
Phil emerged from the melee to join me.
Both sides turned or Immelmanned to face each other. 
Our fire converged on 'Pink tail', but only just outshot him.
I followed Pink tail, Phil went after Yellow.
The Yellow Fokker was lucky...
I was having trouble 'getting a bead'
The Fokker was lucky again!
I left pink tail and tried to join Phil.
The Fokker was lucky AGAIN!
Pink tail now turned after me.
Yellow tried to engage me, Phil finally stopped firing blanks!
Pink tail was still slowly turning after me.
Phil continued to follow Yellow.
The Fokkers were getting back together.
I Immelmanned to get at Yellow.
Pink tail now engaged us.
I still kept after Yellow.
I got a good hit as well!
Phil turned after Yellow too...
...and sent it down in flames!
We could now focus on the remaining German.
Pink tail was up for it!
He got a good hit on me, I missed!
I Immelmanned again.
Pink tail turned inside Phil and hit him hard again.
Phil, with only 1 hull point left, decided to break off.
I now turned to chase the pesky Fokker.
He was more maneuverable, I was faster.
The turning continued.
I got a deflection shot.
I closed and got a good hit!
He evaded me...as I Immelmanned again.
We flew side by side...
...I was able to turn and hit him.
It was enough to ensure a British victory!

Our second game

We decided to use planes of our choice, I took Albert Ball's Nieuport 17, Phil a Camel.

We fought two Pfalz DIII's.
Phil again came off worst in a nose to nose.
I was still closing in my slower plane.
Phil and the Boche passed.
My plane sailed serenely by my opponent.
Phil Immelmanned after his quarry.
He at least managed to damage his opponent.
My enemy turned to engage Phil, I Immelmanned - but would I be able to keep up?
Phil was faced by Yellow tail who Immelmanned, Black tail missed him.
I was getting left out!
Black tail started to turn towards me...or was he?
Phil turned to evade Yellow tail.
Both Pfalzen were keyed on the Camel. 
Phil turned sharply right and cut through his pursuers.
I now finally got into the action.
I managed to get on the flank of Black tail...
My first shot caused a Bang!
Who knew the Nieuport carried Sparrowhawk missiles!
We're Jammin',-- Jammin' on a Saturday night!
I turned after the lone Pfalz.
Phil kept loose as he tried to clear his guns.
He finally turned in an Immelmann and got a good hit!
The Pfalz managed to escape, though.
He then turned to attack.
I was the likely target.
I escaped, and Phil's Camel Immelmanned to engage the Pfalz.
I Immelmanned too.
The Pfalz slipped by.
I turned sharply after it.
It tried to turn to engage me...
...I got him!
Another Victory!

All in all we had a couple of good games!

It is good to be back at the club!