Having played out Neil Thomas’s minigame scenario I was left wondering if the unlikely Danish victory was just that.
In the first battle with this scenario the Austrians attacked straight up the road that was to be cleared yet they simply ran out of time.
This second battle was again run exactly as per the basic scenario suggestion by Neil Thomas.
same board size
same terrain
same units
units deployed at the start in the same way as the first battle except as below
At least the Danish Artillery put in an appearance.
The Austrian units arrived at the same point on the road but moved differently.
The Hussars charged up the road as before……..
The Hussars take a critical 4 hits from musketry and fail the required morale test – losing 2 bases at a stroke while the Austrian Artillery can’t seem to get the range right.The Danish Artillery push up the roadThe Elite Jaegar Infantry square up to the Danish Infantry (1866 style on the left and 1850 on the right!) Or Irregular Metals versus Hat Plastics – both are welcome in 20-25mm scaleThe 1866 dark blue caps drew their first melee with the Elite Jaegar (forcing their retreat) so had to advance in column to regain position in their own turn, meanwhile the artillery deploy. The 1850 Sky Blue caps decide to advance having suffered little damage from the austrian artilleryMove 5 and the 1866 Dark Blue caps have been driven off while a devastating artillery barrage has all but destroyed the 1850 sky blue caps. The Danish artillery made little impression on the remaining Elite Jaegar. Things are going wrong for the Danish With low morale to start with the Danish artillery fleeThe 1848 Danish Redcoats square up to the next assault by the Austrian Infantry. The Austrian Artillery fire blanks again but the 1850 Sky blue caps can only watch the austrian infantry charge past – they cannot attack unless they have more bases than the defender whereas the Austrians in this scenario get to attack anything anytime for the loss of their firing line capability. In the bottom right the Austrian skirmishers have sneaked round through the wood.Move 7 and the Austrians have been pummelled. Both Austrian Infantry columns have been shot away by the Danish defenders. The Austrian Artillery are still firing blanks while the Austrian Skirmishers are getting some hits on the Danish rear. Another assault and the 1848 Red coats have gone while the last danish infantry unit is taking hits from the skirmishers on their flankFinally the Austrian artillery are getting going – they blast away the last danish infantry alongside the skirmishers and remaining Austrain Infantry unit.Move 10 arrives and the Austrians have achieved their objective – time for some Radetsky Marching music………
A close run to the end but this time the expected outcome.
The Skirmishers had more effect by circling the eastern flank of the Danish. The dice throwing favoured the Austrians at critical moments – triggering morale collapse amongst the danish. As the danes were mainly levy this was to be expected and again its was more a case of their saving morale throws that meant the action went to 9 of the 10 permitted moves.
Published by Chatham Publishing in association with the National Maritime Museum this hard back book of 250 plus pages takes a highly selective trip through the Royal Naval presence in land war.
13 chapters – 3 about the Napoleonic era, 4 from mid 19th Century then 3 concerning the period 1896 – 1919 . Finally two from World War Two and one from 1999.
My interest was caught by two chapters. One about the 1840 Syrian campaign and then one about the 1855 action at Sweaborg in the Baltic. The Chapter on Walcheren 1944 then popped up.
£2 paid so worth a look.
A well produced well illustrated hardback complete with relevant mapsOne theme is the technology used in land actions by the Royal Navy – image National Maritime Museum
Each chapter covers a specific event so this is not a history as such.
Also there is a limited bibliography – but clear use of archive documents instead.
And the episodes provide some political context as well. Not least why the Navy did not have this or that when set a task. Also you get some perspective in government “interference”.
In a way this book has served two purposes.
providing insight on land oriented coastal naval actions.
giving ideas about potential for “counterfactual” events – something that interests me for my mid 19th century wargaming.
The book has a decent selection of images most of which are new to me.
But none quite like this one from my copy of a Times Illustrated commemoration of the coronation of King Edward VII in August 1902.
Neil Thomas offered this battle as an example of a small action using his mini battle setting. His rules assumed a 2’x 2′ or 600mm square. So thats board game sized.
His rules say you do not need to rebase. Always a positive these days.
I have a mixture of units – a result of my lock down era painting activity tending to paint what I fancied than worrying about actual armies!
The action is straightforward – the Danes are retreating and use a bottleneck on the key route north towards Jutland. The Danish rearguard are buying time for their main forces to retreat to their last defence line in Schlieswig – the Duppel fortifications.
suggested set up from book – copyright Neil Thomas.
Their opponent was the geographic “Empire” effectively still the Holy Roman Empire but now really the German Confederation post Waterloo with Austrian and Prussian interference/support.
In this case the Austrians were attacking the rearguard.
The Danish Rearguard
Infantry Unit A
Infantry Unit B
Infantry Unit C
Infantry Unit D
Artillery Battery E
The Artillery was Bronze Rifled while the Infantry were all Levy in loose order armed with rifled muskets.
The Danish troops are all deployed in the bottleneck.
The Austrians Attack starting at the river line comprise
9th Hussars – Average
Artillery – 2 batteries both with bronze rifled cannon
Their main forces arrive from move 1 on the main road
Jaeger Infantry unit – elite, rifled musket, loose order
Skirmishers – elite, rifled musket
On moves 2 & 3 the following units arrive via the same southern road access
Infantry Unit 6 – move 2 – average, rifled musket, loose order
Infantry Unit 7 – move 3 – average, rifled musket, loose order
Infantry Unit 8 – move 3 – average, rifled musket, loose order
Battle Narrative
With the objective to clear all danish forces from the road (at least 12cm from the road) essentially the Austrians simply went through the Front Door.
They had 10 moves to do it in with a win lose outcome and no draw.
Special Rules as suggested by Neil Thomas were used
Colonel Muller personal leadership of the Danes means any one unit at the start of any turn can be elite.
The Danish Artillery were quite ineffectual so get half the nortmal values in defence and attack
The Austrians fresh from rough handling by the French in 1859 adopt bayonet charges in preference to distance firefights. They stay in column the whole game and can charge without restriction (no unit base quantity advantage required)
Some shots of the action
Danish defence face the Austrian advance guard
The stream has no effect on movement except Artillery must use the bridge. The town can be accessed only by Infantry. The lake is impassable to all troops while infantry can move through the wood.
The Austrian battery drops into action as the 9th Hussars begin their fateful attack
The Danish front line are in line and not moving, supported by more mobile Column units behind. If infantry want to move in Neil Thomas’ rules they must be in column.
The 9th Hussars much reduced by musket fire charge home. The Austrian Skirmishers have made little impact but the Artillery have seriously depleted the Danish infantry to their front.The Danish front line has been blown away by the Austrian Artillery and the Elite Jaeger unit
Note in this game I chose not to field the woeful Danish Artillery ( i.e. I forgot to place them on the board!)
The second line of Danish infantry eventually destroy the Elite JaegerBut at the cost of another Danish unit when more Austrians charge homeIts the end of move 10 and the final Danish defence was about to be overrun by the Austrians
An Austrian victory seemed to confirm Neil Thomas’ view that history repeats itself with his suggested set up. In his notes he offers several options to up the defence capability of the Danes.
In this case a very narrow Danish Victory suggests a well thought out scenario by Neil Thomas. Generally I have found Neil Thomas scenarios are fun to play because they tend to lead to a lot of action and no quick outcomes. So although asymmetrical in set up they seem to be well balanced games.
Footnote:
The Figures are Irregular Miniatures and Hat for the Danish
In this picture top right clockwise – 1848 Danish Infantry, 1849 Danish Infantry then 1864 Danish and finally some rogue 1860 Piedmontese.The Austrians are top left clockwise Hat Grenzers – being Skirmishers then Minifigs (1970’s) French Hussars posing as the 9th, Waterloo1815 1859 Austrian Artillery and finally the elite Jaeger are WW1 Belgians painted as Neapolitan 1859 Cracciatori Light Infantry
Elsewhere in the photographs the regular Austrian Infantry on show are Waterloo1815 1859 Austrians in their white coats – in 1864 it was bitter winter weather so soldiers actually fought in their greatcoats.
Neil Thomas offers the mini game as a quick affair and it certainly was. Lots of enjoyment from a two foot square, scenery, dice and some figures.
If you strip it down making a car or a piece of art is the same thing. I am stretching a point here regarding quantity.
It is a creative process that ends in something tangible which may also be useful. And “use” can result in different things.
The piece of art that is still in use 200 years later because its action is to be seen. Or that car which was mercilessly driven in all weathers every day with every component exercised till its early demise on a scrap heap a few years later.
Wargamers are often gamers but as opposed to say Board gamers they are often model makers and nearly always painters.
And some Wargamers are collectors as well.
Add to this that some wargamers are what one would call artists – their work is exemplary, out of the ordinary, admired and copied.
And you can visit thousands of sites on the net to learn how they did this or that.
In a world that has rapidly replaced the physical world with the online world (both are real but different), it is interesting to meet real humans, who are artists and be able to connect their creations with their working area, their tools and discuss their processes right there – one to one.
No rewind – you have to listen and concentrate. It is an experience.
So York Open Studios offers you a hundred artists and makers to chose from. A useful booklet shows you where each artist/maker is located and a thumbnail picture and a few words provide the introduction.
My experience is that I select on image – it is disconcerting. I force myself to read the useful words – collage, etching, printing, digital, sculpture, carving…..
This time we wanted to walk between sites within a specific time frame – we chose an area with many locations and it meant we visited some locations where the brochure image was not compelling and the words uncertain.
At least one artist whose work I like had used an unfamiliar image and I could never remember their name. it was a surprise to find them in my list of maybe/so so sites to visit in the area we had chosen.
And the lesson about “reinforcing what you like means you might miss out” continued as I found my less preferred visits yielded very interesting discussions on process – how, why, what, where, when etc.
What is overwhelming?
Individuality – they may use fairly common materials, and even processes yet what they add is crucial. That is the most important ingredient
Commitment – despite the throngs of people in kitchens, conservatories, the garden shed, part of a living room – these people must spend a lot of time on their own to achieve what they do.
Enjoyment – to open your “studio/space” to strangers and be cross examined (politely of course) on how you did that or why did you do this – is an act of bravery – most of all I think it reflects their enjoyment of their work and the pleasure it gives them.
In a way wargame shows are those open studios when artists and makers show their work on the wargames table – the difference tending to be that you don’t buy (except at the nearest trader), you just look and maybe discuss. You might go home and copy their work – inspired by their enthusiasm – which includes the game as well – rules, scenery and figures.
Then there are the traders – many of whom are still small businesses in effect our hobbies most obvious artists and makers.
There is also a place for all those useful internet sources*.
And there is the irreplaceable act of human contact discussing a shared interest.
So whether it is a local arts and crafts show or that wargames show – “go see” – I am betting that seeing what others do will inspire you to paint more, make more and be more creative.
*That includes the American Railroad Modeller preoccupied with homemade Italian Cypress Trees which I might need one day!
Ok Cavalry has not been my top list item for mid 19th century forces. They don’t figure much in the record and are derided for ineffective battle action as well as being the scout forces that seemed to be missing in action as armies stumbled into each other.
Having said all that they still had colourful uniforms! At the end is an item about the obvious error…….
These figures date to my try a “few of many” period so no vast regiments but squadrons and patrols.
And of course composite cavalry units did seem the order of the day at times.
In this case I have opposing forces on show as well!
Central Italian League 1860 – Cavalry Regiment “Guide”*
*I have previously posted about the Warrior Napoleonic Hussars posing as Guides for the Central Italian League.
The Piedmont Cavalry are Waterloo1815 French Line Lancers.
The Uhlans are by Lucky Toys
The Austrian Dragoons are Hat Austrian Napoleonic Dragoons
I have used a range of grasses here over my standard 3 colour (burnt sienna base + ochre dry brush+ yellow/white highlights) painted budgie grit.
The Piedmont Cavalry are flocked with Woodland Scenics fine turf
The Austrian Dragoons are flocked with Woodland Scenics fine turf with Gamers Grass Dense Beige 6mm wild tufts
The Austrian Uhlans are flocked with Woodland Scenics fine turf with Gamers Grass Beige 2mm tufts
The Guides also sport Gamers Grass Dense Beige 6mm wild tufts
Which do you prefer?
A – Hussars in the brushwood?
B – Piedmontese on the thin turf?
C – The Uhlans in the small tufts?
D – The Dragoons in turf and brushwood?
Out of interest the painted base looks right when viewed on the games table but not in close up.
Warrior v Waterloo1815 v LuckyToys v Hat figures compared when painted and based
Flock references above and Grasses below
This ends a small flurry of completions for my mid 19th century armies.
The Error
My Piedmontese Cavalry have a helmet “comb” where there should not be one. “No comb” was the mid century fashion for Dragoons and Cuirassiers. Yet I could not bring myself to cut them off as they make this figure…………………..
Now the Danish are up against the Prussians yet their uniforms will not save them from defeat and the loss of Holstein and a great chunk of Schlieswig.
Had Britain taken more notice of the Schlieswig Holstein Question consequences, maybe 80 subsequent years of Teutonic misery across Europe might have been avoided.
Back to the figures – its a paint job with the caps being cut down at the front. To match my typically 24 mm 1/72 figures I based these with a washer beneath them as Irregular sell them as 20mm and use thin base metal. Some of the figures sport a black greatcoat.
I bought some Austrian WW1 infantry from Irregular Miniatures – I thought they might work for mid 19th century forces. The peaked cap was my interest. The lower leg bindings were not desired and the baggy trousers equally did not look promising. Also the front peaks were a bit obvious.
I put them aside way back in 2020.
And then just before Xmas 2022 I had another look and decided they might work as fill in for my mid 19th century Danish tests.
In this case I had a go at painting away the errors. The only mods were to slice off the hat top and add a sliver of tapered plastic. One original test with a tall “wood” mod cap can also be seen!
Here are some 1850 infantry fresh from defeating their German adversaries.
At the start of the war the Infantry sported Red tunics and Bell Shakoes. My previous post for such a unit is here.
2023 has proven to be one of thin pickings wargame wise when it comes to painting.
I managed a few games and I have started on some permanent grid boards – now half abandoned!
Yet Painting which has been a mainstay over the last few years has dried up.
Well until yesterday when ignoring the paint queue I started some new figures…..madness this way lies…….
In the queue are mid 19th century Dane’s, French, hannovarians, Austrians, Piedmontese, with some zorn painted ecw figures from 2021 plus 1970’s Vikings to add flavour!
So now I have added more – Prussians, Bavarians, Danes and wagons.
This latest madness stems from the battle of standard and me looking for a medieval cart – queue I find my half prepped danish and Prussian horse plus some newline Prussians earmarked as 1848 Bavarians.
This years Hammerhead was very busy – the car park was full and early on. This site is no good for public transport being well outside Newark with no bus services to the site. The car park is therefore a good measure of attendance.
Inside the main hall it was extremely busy. Traders were doing lots of business or rather had many visitors. How much was being spent was another matter.
The participation games looked well patronised.
One change was the second hall that held mainly the DBA gamers was not open this year. So the DBA gamers were in the main hall. Much reduced in number post covid19 and perhaps some were grateful for the hubbub around them while others maybe longed for the quieter setting of the second hall. Earnest stuff though!
I spent little – in fact just a set of transfers on the day!
Normally I have a few things in mind but not this time. I was tempted by some paper boys books, see below one of the participation games, while Helion publications on Franco Prussian and Hungary 1848 wars almost made me part with some cash. Osprey have published yet another book about late roman britain – my interest was that it covered Gaul as well – but not enough to make a buy – yet. Some 1/72 plastic kit armoured cars nearly captured me. In the end I was happy just to look.
A few games I did snap all looked fine. I forgot to go back and play the Spanish Civil War game (GB30 a very spanish civil war by Three shirews gaming) or get a pick – it was very lively.
Similarly no pick of Anarchy in North Yorkshire 1138 (GB15) by Red car Iron Beards: Using the versatile Lion Rampant ruleset for a small skirmish. I had a good chat with them – hope they find a new home and grow again.
GA03 Gaslands on show – but I am guessing this product has run a bit low on gas since its spectacular arrival?It remains an interesting alternative that is easily accessible – Homefront Gamers offered a good set up.Not much scenery tempts me although I have a soft spot for sunshine buildings – maybe thats a winter thing? TD19 Charlie Foxtrot Models was busy.GB01 Ice Slaughter – Lake Priepus by Like a Stone Wall Wargames Group I think.GB17 Edge on Flat Figures don’t seem that tempting.However – face on I think they are more than impressive. And these are 10mm – much smaller than the original sets. So en masse they look good.My only purchase! Pendraken TD10 to the rescue………
Hammerhead offers an excellent variety of gaming opportunities. When you add in the trader range it is definitely a show to consider.
For me there was the added social aspect – it is a welcoming show.
Compared to VAP 2023, Hammerhead was clearly well organised on the day. It benefits from being on one level although it perhaps lacks facilities to be much bigger – the second hall only really works on fine days I guess!
The emphasis on participation brings a greater variety of games, it seems to me.
In that sense the two shows being close together on the calendar are complimentary.
York is a good place to visit as a Wargamer especially if you like History. Aside from all the sites concerning the Roman, Viking and Later Medieval periods, there are still real shops where you can buy things for your hobby.
Bookshops have still been dissappearing at a fair rate, yet Amnesty International reopened their York book store which involved moving across the river to a new revamped premises.
On the model front you can still get a good range of stock,
Warhammer in Lendal – does what it is says on the tin – well packaging!
P&S Hobbies sell large scale models – boats, trains and planes but also a lot of kits including 1/72. Their miniature figure stocks have been shrinking though.
Monkbar Models sell large railway related ranges alongside extensive military model kit ranges and collectible ready built aircaft and vehicles. Their stock figure ranges – notably 1/72 have also been shrinking. No.2 Goodramgate.
Boyes General Store does a a good range of hobby tools and paints and many Warhammer boxed sets. They no longer carry Airfix or Perrys post lockdown.
Down whip-ma-whop-ma gate is the OG gaming store which is ideal for your RPG needs
And by Ousegate Bridge is a board game cafe – Geek Retreat
Travelling Man offers a massive range of Board Games along with selected RPG lines.
The Alma Cafe on Coppergate sells some Irregular Minatures – 40mm figures
Board Game Cafe – next to Ouse Bridge, 3 Low Ousegate.RPG gaming store 1.5! Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate – what a streetBoyes everyday shopping plus warhammer and loads of paints and hobby tools – 35 GoodramgateDon’t be fooled by the for sale sign – thats the upstairs office suite. P&S Hobbies are a large scale specialist covering boats, planes, trains and military interests. Good source of scratch build parts including balsa wood – 4 WalmgateAmnesty International reopened a bookshop in York in 2022 which has more space and is less cramped. 19 Micklegate.No question – if its board games – then this is the destination. 74 GoodramgateNeed a break then head to Alma Cafe. 6 Coppergate.In the gifts area you can inspect and of course buy some 40mm Irregular FiguresOf course if you pick Viking Festival weekend then you get some live vikings strolling round town.
So if your visiting York check out these traders and give them some valuable support. And remember February is the Month for Vapnartak Wargames Show and the Viking Festival.
Of course the centre piece of Medieval York is the Minster which on a sharp winters day looks fantastic.
Or you could visit the many other churches in the city and take in the glazed windows.
Boyes everyday shopping plus warhammer and loads of paints and hobby tools – 35 Goodramgate
The Wargaming Erratic 