Napoleon Across the Border - 1815

Scenarios developed using the Road to Glory scenario system feature heavily in our regular Friday evening games. Some, such as this scenario, involve a turning movement which potentially place one army under significant pressure. Reinforcements eventually arrive but even the slightest delay can mean catastrophe. This engagement, set in 1815, found Napoleon determined to engage a dispersed Anglo-Allied army, supported by Prussians, late on the afternoon of June 15th.

For the French much of the 15th was spent moving troops forward, until finally sufficient forces were concentrated against Wellington. Around 3pm the Emperor joined Marshall Ney on the left where I Corps under d’Erlon and II Corps under Reilly deployed some distance from an Anglo-Allied force, itself far from concentrated. Further, Napoleon has ordered additional forces, from those deployed opposite the growing Prussian army to the east, to move against Wellington. This force comprised Kellerman’s III Cavalry Corps, reinforced by Friant’s Guard Division.

Above, French cavalry move forward around 3pm. Below, a view of Kellerman’s III Cavalry Corps containing two heavy cavalry divisions, supported by Friant’s Grenadiers.

Not expecting a move against his left flank so early Wellington was, for a time, thrown off guard as the reinforced French III Cavalry Corps advanced. Hastily the Allies attempt to realign to this threat. The initial stages of this hasty realignment was only completed as the first French attacks, led by cavalry of l’Heritier’s Division, occurred. In the improvised attack  French dragoons charged home against Allied cavalry before being repulsed.

Below, the cavalry of l’Heritier’s 11th Heavy Cavalry Division attack. The Dragoons engaged in the distance are a converged brigade comprising the 2nd & 7th Dragoons. The Cuirassiers, also visible, comprise the 8th & 11th Cuirassiers. The cavalry to the left are Pire’s 2nd Cavalry Division.

Meanwhile the French I & II Corps begin to press the Allied centre & right. Napoleon ordered the deployment of a grand battery and soon some 72 guns are deployed facing the allies drawn up on or near the high ground that formed the Allied centre. The guns soon began to belch destruction at the exposed allied infantry.

Below, the situation showing the French right with the French centre visible in the left rear. The Allied cavalry attack on the exposed French horse artillery battery was thrown back.

Back on the French right the attacks by Kellerman’s III Corps continued. Yet Allied reinforcements are now to arriving in force, despite the Allied line of communication being effectively cut. These eclectic mix of reinforcements include British veterans, Hanoverians, Dutch and even Prussian troops, the last being dispatched by Blucher to bolster his hard pressed ally.

As the Allied reinforcements are deployed the attacks by the French begin to stall as casualties mount. Some additional weight is added to the French right when Pire’s Cavalry Division, comprising Chasseurs and Lancers, deploys. This division is, almost immediately, thrown into the fighting. Kellerman however is determined to maintain the initiative.

With the Allied centre having by now suffered heavy casualties Napoleon orders a series of attacks against the Allied centre & right. The attack by the French against the Allied right forces Wellington to reinforce this flank. In addition Allied reinforcements are thrown in to the Allied centre which is beginning to crumble. 

Below, a view of the attack by the French left against the Allied right.

Here, the Allied line in the centre has disintegrated to be replaced by reserves that form on the rear slopes of the ridge.

Below, the French centre and left continue to apply pressure.

Success for the French seems assured in the centre and left. Yet the French right is now all but overwhelmed, due to the unceasing stream of Allied reinforcements. Below, the deteriorating situation on the French right.

Kellerman contemplates withdrawal, but with light fading he orders a final push by the four divisions under his command. Cuirassiers, Carabiners, Lancers and Chasseurs charge home, while the Guard infantry press their own attacks. 

Below, a final effort on the French right. The Carabiners of d’Hurbal’s 12th Cavalry Division are visible charge, they now two Prussian cavalry brigades.

However, almost all these attacks, though all delivered with great elan, fail.

Despite horrific Allied casualties, well in excess of French casualties, the Allied line has held. Well at least sufficiently to allow a coordinated retreat under cover of darkness.

The scenario was developed using the Road to Glory scenario system with both armies comprising 4000 points. It comprised six players. All the miniatures are from Heroics & Ros and based for half scale. The French are from my collection, the Allies from Jon’s.