Waterloo 2021, Part 1

During the weekend of June 18-20, our local gaming group simulated the legendary Battle Of Waterloo. We used the grand-tactical rules, Et Sans Resultat (ESR), at the 75 yard per inch scale. Our gaming table was 12.5’ by 6’ and we featured every unit down to the battalion level. After 14 hours of action over a two-day period (not counting deployment time on Friday evening), we got a result. The ESR system worked well; two practice games prior to the big battle enabled almost everyone to learn the rules well. 

 

Most of the gang at the conclusion of battle

 

The gaming table

The battle itself was scored using a combination of geographic objectives and retreating/ broken formations making up the available victory points. Hougomont, La Haye Saint, La Belle Alliance, Plancenoit, and Frischermont made up the geographic prizes.

The British deployed with Picton holding the center, supported by Uxbridge’s cavalry Corps. The Prince of Orange held the right flank, while Hill anchored the left flank at Frischermont. 

The French deployed Reille’s Corps against Hougomont and the British right flank. In addition, Milhaud’s cavalry Corps, the Young Guard, and the light cavalry of the Imperial Guard were added here to add power to the main attack against the Dutch-Belgians. D’Erlon’s I Corps held the center and the French right flank. The Imperial Guard, Lobau’s VI Corps and Kellermann’s cavalry Corps were held in reserve in the center. 

Elements of D’Erlon’s Corps at Plancenoit

Reille, Milhaud, and Ney commanding the Young Guard gear up for the main thrust

The Old and Middle Guard in reserve

The crew in action

Action commenced on the 1120 turn as the French attack on the British right began in full earnest. A well-placed grand battery on the ridge between Hougomont and La Haye Saint repulsed two French divisions of Reille’s Corps with bloody losses. Seeing this strong British position, Ney held up the advance of the Young Guard. Shortly afterward, the Young Guard was redirected  to continue the attack on the British right. The Dutch-Belgians, along with Cooke and Alten’s British troops, began to give ground and the Dutch-Belgian cavalry had to committed. D’Erlon advanced, but only to pin the British center and left flank in place. Bombardment from both sides in this sector yielded minor casualties. 

 

The action in full earnest

 

The French attack on the Dutch-Belgians

 

Allied cavalry attempt to save the right flank

 

Milhaud’s Cuirassiers attack !

 

The battle was intense at this point

As the British right flank was giving ground, Wellington made the decision to shift Uxbridge’s cavalry to that sector. The French, in turn, launched Milhaud’s heavy cavalry and the Guard Chasseurs a Cheval against the Dutch-Belgians. Hougomont was attacked and changed hands multiple times. 

Seeing the British cavalry shift to the flank, D’Erlon then launched his Corps against the center. The Brunswick division and Clinton’s command melted away as the the French took Papelotte. Picton held his ground though, then counterattacked, and repulsed D’Erlon’s attack. The Highlanders especially covered themselves with glory! D’Erlon fell back in good order to reform.

The action at Hougomont saw the Young Guard take the chateaux, but were then forced out by British Foot Guards. 

 

French Cuirassiers in action

The Imperial Guard begins to stir

 

Dutch-Belgians giving ground

 

Reille’s Corps regroups

Action on the British right saw the Guard Chasseurs a Cheval burn through the flank, but eventually countered by the Scot Greys. Milhaud’s Cuirassiers launched multiple attacks as well. The damage was done, as the British right was beginning to buckle. Hougomont was in French hands. The British held onto the center ridge and La Haye Saint, while the French occupied Papelotte. Hill still clung onto Frischermont and anchored the British left flank. 

By this time, the Prussians were approaching the battlefield. It was time for something dramatic ! 

Next: The attack of the Old and Middle Guard. The Prussians arrive !