A mix of wargaming activities

My original plans this past weekend was to get close to completing the wooden block sci-fi terrain, but this had to be deferred due to continuous rain. As an alternative I began by painting up a few more Necromunda figures and prepared for the next WW2 Western Desert campaign game.

A few Warhammer figures are adapted for a Necromunda game.

In the last campaign game the attacking 21st Panzer division was repulsed by the South African infantry division in defensive positions. Axis forces have a mobile reserve waiting for a breakthrough and now are having to make an attack using one of their Italian infantry divisions. This game will be played later this week once I have finished gaming with my War of the Spanish Succession paper armies, which currently occupy the tabletop.

WW2 Western Desert campaign map

When Sunday continued to be a wash out weather wise. I opted have a War of the Spanish Succession game and give some simple rules I had written a few weeks back another go. For the game I thought I would tryout the Battle of Wynendael, September 1708, from the book "Battle Notes for Wargames" by Donald Featherstone. 

A game prepared guided by Battle Notes for Wargamers

The battle took place during Marlborough's campaigns in the Low Countries. The action was between an allied force protecting a convoy of supplies required for the Siege of Lille and intercepting French forces. 

Allied forces under command of General-Major Webb were 6,000 infantry and 1,500 cavalry. French forces commanded by Count de la Mothe consisted of a mixed force of 24,000 men. Webb was aware of the French and chose a defensive position flanked on both sides by woods.

Plans of the battle

The battle notes suggest French morale should be viewed as poor and their commander considered below average. As the rules being used don't dice for morale, I opted to reduce the effectiveness of French shooting in the game. In addition the French cavalry would not attack unless attacked or any forces came within each of a charge move to represent the below average commander.

Allied forces take up position between the woods with small detachments in the woods on either side. They are bombarded by artillery for two moves before the infantry advanced.

French forces come under fire from infantry detachments positioned in the woods as they advance.

Allied cavalry remain ready in reserve while their infantry lines are engaging in musket fire.

The hits are mounting up on French first line of attack.

The first line of attack is starting to falter and the next line prepares to fill the gaps in the line.

All French and Allied infantry are now committed.

Hits are mounting on Allied infantry and cavalry move up ready to provide support.

The French attack finally ends. The Allied infantry were close to exhausted and required the support of their cavalry to help hold their position. No advance was made on towards the French cavalry.

The game followed the account of the battle. This was mainly due to the reduction in the effectiveness of French musketry. Without this adjustment it would have been a definite French victory. Historically this was an important action which allowed the convoy of supplies to get through to the siege of Lille by Marlborough.