Action dans la vallée de Plattville

South West France in 1814 the British and French are locked in combat. With each side manoeuvring for an opening the important of the pass through the Valley at Plattville is realised by both high commands.

Both sides despatch forces to take control of the valley and the small bridge across the River Belle Lona.  Each side has 5 bttns of foot, 2 companies of skirmishes, 2 guns and a cavalry brigade consisting of 1 light and 1 heavy Cavalry  regiment.

The French Leger advance whilst the light companys prepare to cross the Belle Lona and ascend La Colline de la Taupiniere. 

General Du Pont leads the Leger across the Belle Lona. Flags flying and drums beating. A cry of Vive La France can be heard across the valley.

Marshall Ney leads forward a Brigade of infantry in attack column. They splash across the Belle Lona and also ascend the Taupiniere.

The British are not slow to react with Picton leading forward the Fusilier Brigade supported by a battery of artillery.

The village of Plattville is occupied by the 9th Prussian Reserve Infantry.

Whilst the British Lifeguards begin a long flanking march around Plattville.

On the British right the 95th cross the Wheatfield to threaten the bridge.

Murat arrives and leads the French cavalry Brigade over the Bridge.

Without pausing to dress ranks they charge straight ahead against the lighter Brunswick Hussars. The melee is short and the heavy Carabiniers send their lighter opponents back pell mell towards their base line. Things look to be going well on the French left.

In the centre and left however the British are poised to strike. Their first artillery shot hits and with a 6 rolled for effect the French lose a battery. Not a good opening.

The British are able to concentrate whilst the French Columns struggle forward on the Taupiniere.

The Lifeguards force a French Battalion into square before advancing past them to form up in the French rear.

The French launch their cavalry at the Nassauers who are hit in the flank. Although a victory for the French cavalry they are too far away from the critical action on the Taupiniere.

The French Columns form line and advance to close range in the hope they can beat the British Infantry before the Lifeguards can reform and attack them in the rear.

The Chasseur Flanker are routed after only losing one stand. (Yup I threw a 1)

The French now trade musketry with the British. This should be deadly at close range. But not when you throw dice like this!

The last hope for the French is to rally the Chasseur Flankers. They have only lost one stand and this is the first rally attempt. A 3 or more is needed. You guessed it - another 1.

The Lifeguards hit the French rear whilst the British Infantry pour close range musket into the front of the French infantry. The game is up. Another victory for my son Max.