Quatre Bras - June 1815

The following is a "what if encounter" to mark the 210th anniversary of the series of battles fought between the 16th and 19th of June 1815. Our game was fought over the Quatre Bras battlefield, the hypothesis being that Wellington had concentrated his Anglo-Allied army at Quatre Bras on the 16th of June while Napoleon had made his reinforced his attack against Wellington. The game was played in a regular Friday evening gaming slot and involved five players.

Having been advised the French had crossed the border Wellington began to concentrate his army. The location selected was the crossroads of Quatre Bras. The village offered limited defensive features in itself, but the roads that converged upon the few buildings were of strategic importance. For here the Nivelles to Namur Road intersected the Charleroi to Brussels Road and in so doing allowed the various contingents of the Anglo-Allied army to converge. The morning of the 16th had started well for the Duke. A fine breakfast was enjoyed before confirmation that the bulk of the troops would arrive be be deployed noon. Riding south from his headquarters at Genappe an inspection of the troops was made. While the army was arrayed in strength it was apparent that a significant proportion of the cavalry had not yet arrived. Despite assurances they would arrive by 2pm he ordered dispatch riders sent to ensure no further delays. They were without doubt critical.

The Duke's Anglo-Allied army was diverse. It ranged from well drilled veterans of the Peninsular to recently raised militia of doubtful skill. Taking the offensive with such a force would be challenging. Fortunately, the position around Quatre Bras offered some benefits to defence. Of particular note was the ground directly south of Quatre Bras which was undulating and broken by areas of cornfields which even in mid June had reached a height that disrupted visibility. To what would be the Allied right, a large wood provided a degree of protection. Stretching east was a small stream. The area nearest Quatre Bras were steep sided while those further to the east tended to be of a marshy disposition, despite the recent warmer weather. South of Quatre Bras several farms of notable defensible qualities were located. These included those of Wagnelee, Pierpont and Piermont. All would have benefitted from a garrison but the Prince of Orange had failed to secure them on the evening of the 15th. 

Over this ground the Duke deployed his forces, some three corps in strength. Hill's I Corps held the centre and comprised three divisions, these being the 2nd and 3rd Allied Divisions as well as the Brunswick Division. To the left of Hill was the Prince of Orange who commanded I Corps, which also comprised another three divisions. These were the 1st Allied and 3rd Netherlands Divisions, both of infantry. These were supplemented by three cavalry brigades under Vivian. Finally, deployed on the right, was Picton's II Corps. Smaller than the previous two corps Picton had under command just two infantry divisions. These were the 5th Allied Division and the 2nd Netherlands Division. The 2nd Netherlands Division was deployed forward of Quatre Bras astride the Charleroi to Brussels Road. It was here on the right that two allied cavalry divisions were to anchor the Allied position, their late arrival highlighted an immediate weakness of the Allied deployment.

A general view at 2.30pm with the Allies on the left their right flank in the left foreground.

Opposite, Napoleon had completed his own deployments and finally by 2pm the well drilled ranks of the French were advancing on the Allied positions. Stretching east from the Woods of Bossu was d'Erlorn's I Corps. It comprised four infantry divisions and one cavalry division. Extending the French line further to the east were two infantry divisions of by Lobau's VI Corps, the third had not yet arrived. These were reinforced by a converged cavalry brigade. It was however on the French left that the bulk of the French cavalry were placed. These were Kellerman's heavy cavalry. In particular the 11th and 12th Cavalry Divisions. Well to the rear, and still moving along the Charleroi to Brussels Road, were two infantry divisions of the Imperial Guard. They were the Grenadier and Chasseur Divisions of Friant and Morand respectively. They had been delayed by other troops on the road and, while marching rapidly, were not expected to arrive on the field until 4pm.

The focus of the French attack was in the area north and east of the Wagnelee farm. The farm, surrounded by stout walls had, it will be recalled, not been held by Allied detachments. Instead almost immediately it was secured by the French. Soon a number of French cannon deployed and began to engage the troops of the 2nd Netherlands Division. 

The Allied positions around Quatre Bras with the 2nd Netherlands Division under fire.

The opening salvoes of French artillery fire were concentrated on the Netherlanders including their numerically inferior artillery. Unwilling to take such fire Picton ordered the Netherland Division to retire and reform around Quatre Bras, a task that the Nassau brigades completed with great precision. Forming on elements of the 5th Allied Division the new position was less exposed. Yet, news now arrived that French cavalry were advancing east of the Bossu Woods. From his limited reserve a line covering this threat was formed.

While on the Allied right and centre the Duke of Wellington would play for time, the terrain providing much need strength, the same could not be said for the Allied left. Here the Prince of Orange had both a numeric advantage and cavalry superiority. Almost as soon as fighting had opened near Wagnelee the youthful but energetic prince took the offensive. 

A view of the Allied right as the Prince of Orange applies pressure to the French right.

The drill of the Netherlands infantry on this flank, as well as the terrain, would however slow his advance. Despite this his determination would play dividends and soon a mix of British and Netherlands batteries would cause considerable discomfort to the French brigades of General Lobau opposite.

The situation on the French right around Piermont.

Back at Wagnelee, and pleased with the opening engagement, Napoleon ordered forward more troops. Advancing north and east of the Wagnelee Farm Quiot's 1st Division advanced through the cornfields trampling the crops under foot. The French 1st Division comprised two brigades, the first being Charlet's Brigade and comprised battalions from the 54th and 55th Ligne. Supporting them was Bourgeois' Brigade. This brigade comprised four battalions drawn from the 28th and 105th Ligne. Advancing behind a thick screen of skirmishers the brigades drove back the defenders. 

Around 4.30pm the Allied response was dramatic. Supported by artillery du Plat's 1st Kings German Legion Brigade, some four line battalions, advanced to the attack. Adding their weight to the attack was Olferman's Brunswick Light Brigade. This brigade also comprised four battalions of varying strength some of which were new to the colours. However, in the ensuring attack it was the Brunswickers that caught the French by surprise. Having suffered heavy casualties, many at the hands of the Brunswickers, Quiot's 1st Division was shattered. The survivors streamed to the south-west.

A general view viewed from the west looking east around 4.30pm with the Allies on the left.

Above, the Bossu Woods in the right centre which dominate the western end of the battlefield. Beyond the woods is the Charleroi to Brussels Road running south (right) to north. Of note are the two French cavalry divisions (foreground) that now threaten the Allied right. The road in the left foreground running east is that from Nivelles.

Elsewhere, other Allied brigades delivered determined attacks on other French divisions and lasted over two hours. It should be noted that a number of brigades  involved were closely supervised by the Duke of Wellington, often at great personal risk. However, during these two hours Allied casualties mounted, especially on the 2nd Netherlands Division and the British Pack's 9th British Brigade, with little obvious gain. 

Jacquinot's 1st Cavalry Division west of Wagnelee as fighting rages to the north.

Soon after 4pm reinforcements began arriving. First on the field were those of the French. Having cleared the chaos on the roads to the south came two divisions of Drouot's Imperial Guard. In the lead was Moran's Chasseur Division and behind Friant's Grenadier Division. Veterans all, they would act as Napoleon’s strategic reserve, or if needed, bludgeon the enemy to their front. 

French Chasseurs & Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard arrive on the field.

Soon after the Allied reinforcements arrived. These comprised two cavalry divisions, who had marched via the road from Nivelles. Their arrival was fortuitous as soon after they deployed the road would be cut by Kellerman's cavalry. These much needed cavalry reinforcements were however of mixed quality. The British component were well mounted being on large horses and spoiling for a fight. They were none other than the British Household Brigade and the Union Brigade. These were the reserve that Wellington could counter the enemy heavy cavalry with. In support were the Netherlands cavalry a mix of Hussars, Light Dragoons and Carabineers. As varied as their names so were expectations of their abilities.  

The arrival of both French and Allied reinforcements were of course welcomed by their respective commanders. While Wellington intended to retain his reinforcements in reserve for a time Napoleon clearly did not. The Guard moved forward rapidly, though even this took valuable time. Critically the French attack on the centre left was slowing, simply due to growing French casualties. Indeed by 5pm two French divisions were exhausted and one additional nearing exhaustion.

The Guard, an hour later near Wagnelee, deployed to reinforce the attack.

By 6pm the battle had reached a critical phase. No fewer than three French infantry divisions were exhausted by sustained fighting, with two of these being in the centre where the expansion of the fighting had only produced limited gains between Wagnelee and the village of Quatre Bras. 

A view from the Allied lines around Quatre Bras around 6pm.

Napoleon was determined to regain the initiative and with his guard finally available he ordered a portion into the fighting. The Middle Guard Grenadiers and Chasseurs advanced to the attack and by 6.30pm had gained ground, though at notable cost. 

Now fearing converging attacks by French cavalry and the Guard against the Allied right, and wishing to move Kempt's Brigade to counter the French Guard, the Duke of Wellington finally agreed to Uxbridge's requests to attack. Around 6.30pm Ponsonby's Union Brigade moved to engage Guiton's cavalry brigade, itself one of two brigades of General l'Hertier's 11th Cavalry Division. Guiton's brigade comprised the 8th and 11th Cuirassiers and was drawn up forward of d'Hurbal's 12th Cavalry Division. Ponsonby was supported in the attack by Webber-Smith's Royal Horse Artillery and several guns from the Netherlands horse artillery. The attack presented much opportunity including the possibility of overrunning a number of French horse batteries limbered in reserve. The British cavalry moved forward with order until reaching a gallop and hitting the enemy cavalry. Well supported by artillery success was guaranteed!

The glorious charge by the Union Brigade supported by horse artillery.

Alas, the reality of the attack was far from what was hoped. Despite their large horses and robust morale the Union Brigade was repulsed with heavy casualties. Worse followed as the French counter-attacked. The counterattack was delivered by two brigades of d'Hurbal's 12th Cavalry Division. In the ensuing charges the British heavy cavalry division was shattered. Indeed, as the field cleared of riderless horses the Allied right was now only held by General de Colleart's Netherlands Cavalry Division.

By 7.30pm Wellington, with his centre-right clearly under pressure and his line of communication threatened, was faced with decision. It was true that the Allied left was doing well, where the attacks by the Prince of Orange showed promise. Yet isolated from the main army, success here would take time and risked further isolation from the main Anglo-Allied army. Reluctantly Wellington decided it was time to retire.

Despite this the Allied army was far from defeated. Indeed, while Ponsonby's cavalry had been shattered only the Brunswick Division was exhausted. Though it should be noted that casualties on the 2nd Netherlands Division were rising rapidly. The French, and in particular the French infantry, were in no shape to pursue. The divisions of I Corps had paid a heavy price for the attacks with three of the four infantry divisions exhausted or collapsed. Likewise, Simmer's 19th Division, from VI Corps, was spent having suffered heavy casualties engaging the Prince of Orange. As such Wellington's army began to retire in good order and, fortunately, without pursuit. His destination would of course be to another defensive position further north, but that remains to be explored another day. 

So ended our anniversary battle. Like the actual battle ours started around 2pm. However, unlike the historic battle ours drew to a close around 8pm as our gaming window came to an end. That said the result was clear and a natural pause was occurring. While our game was certainly not the Quatre Bras of history it provided many of the historical threads similar to the 1815. For example, the French attack near Quatre Bras was delivered with great élan and on a narrow front, influenced by the terrain. A more concentrated French army added greatly to this. The Anglo-Allied army being more concentrated allowed a determined defence, though overshadowed somewhat by the threat posed by the French cavalry to the Allied right. The battle against the French right by the Prince of Orange added an interesting dimension and perhaps can be justified by a link to the Prussians at Ligny.

As to the scenario it was developed using the Road to Glory scenario system with any flank arrivals cards being limited to two roads. This was an attempt to model the arrival points of reinforcements and create a link to the historic situation. In our game the Allied flank march arrived on the Nivelles Road and comprised two divisions of cavalry. I think this mechanic worked particularly well and I may use this mechanism in future games. As to the miniatures, they are all in 6mm from the Heroics & Ros ranges and from my collection as is the terrain.