Waterloo 2021, Pt. 2

With the British right flank bent back, Hougomont taken by the French, Picton’s division holding the center, La Haye Saint and Frischermont still occupied by the allies, and the leading Prussian elements on the field, it was time for a dramatic measure. 

The Attack of the Old and Middle Guard

The British in the center had repulsed D’Erlon’s attack, but were fatigued and weakened. Lobau’s VI Corps had succeeded in attacking in conjunction with D’Erlon. The British position in the center was becoming precarious. Napoleon (played brilliantly by Jackson) then made the decision to commit a division of the Old/Middle Guard and the Guard heavy cavalry to puncture the center. The remainder of the guard would mobilize to the French right to help counter the Prussians. 

The Grenadiers a Cheval and the Empress Dragoons struck first, sending the allied infantry backwards. The artillery of the Imperial Guard also opened up as the bearskin-clad guardsmen marched up the ridge. Uxbridge, seeing the center buckle, began to siphon cavalry to help bolster the position around La Haye Saint. The fighting was fierce, but the French guards prevailed and Picton was forced to retreat and La Haye Saint was taken by the French as well. 

 

Allied troops brace for the impact

British cavalry counterattacked but the commitment of the Guard prevailed. The center was pierced and the right flank was reeling backwards. Only Cole’s small command remained unmolested at Frischermont.

The Prussians Advance

Meanwhile, Blucher’s leading elements had emerged from the Bossu du Paris and were engaging Kellermann’s heavy cavalry. French infantry from D’Erlon’s Corps and Lobau’s command were reforming against the Prussians while the French Cuirassiers and Carabiniers fought to buy time. Brilliantly, the Prussian cavalry overwhelmed the French with the loss of only one formation. Fierce fighting punctuated the Prussian advance. As the infantry began to deploy out of the woods to face the fatigued French, the game was called as Wellington ordered a full allied retreat. 

The Prussians were making substantial progress by this point, but had 2 lines of French infantry to fight through before reaching Plancenoit. Coupled with the arrival of the rest of the Old/Middle Guard infantry, it was determined that, no matter the outcome in this sector it would be a long fight. With Wellington’s troops out of the action, it was meaningless to continue the fight against Plancenoit. 

The climactic battle was over. After calculating Victory Points, it was determined that the French had over a 25% advantage, therefore the game was considered a Major French Victory. 

Thanks to all of the Tidewater Warriors, Doug Kline of Battlefield Terrain Concepts for donating a portion of the terrain, Bradley Elliott for his extraordinary painting skills (many hours ), and Mark Bruce’s donation of British heavy cavalry and Highlanders. 

We really put Et Sans Resultat through the ringer and the system was up to the task. We look forward to using these fantastic rules in the future.