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?