Battle on the 17th of May

The Prussian and Austrian front line.

Yesterday Thomas and I fought a Napoleonic battle on a tabletop at school. It was between an Austro-Prussian army and the Imperial French army. I will be brief in the details but it was the first battle my Austrians have won so far!

The Prussian cavalry decimated their French counterparts with extremely few losses, while the French infantry column was halted by Austrian musketry. The other column, stalled by the advance of the Prussian cavalry, formed square and played little part in the battle.

After this, the French army was defeated, so a solid victory for me!

Stay tuned everyone!

-Jakob

Progress on my Prussians

I have completed the first of my new Prussians! Specifically six soldiers from the Landwehr of 1815.

Current state of my new Prussians!

 

As can be seen here, my Prussians are coming along nicely, I hope to have them finished very soon.

Then Prussian Cavalry may be my next project...

First battle with my Austrians and a slight painting change

 Yesterday afternoon, Thomas and I had a small wargame to test my new Austrian infantry. The battle was fought on a featureless desk at school. Each side had close to 50 troops.

The Austrian position at the start of the battle.

The battle started when the Austrian force formed a line, with Grenadiers on the right flank and Light Infantry on the left.  The French made an attack column, and moved slowly towards the Austrians. 

The Austrians were the first to fire. Several volleys tore into the first French Infantry, killing much of the front rank. My grenadiers and light infantry advanced to flank the column, targeting the middle of the formation.

Thomas countered this by moving his Grenadiers and Voltigeurs out of the column to melee their Austrian counterparts. They were successful, killing my flanking troops. 

The attack column shifted into a line, and advanced to meet my own line. While I had an initial numbers advantage, the French infantry ravaged my formation, and after many casualties, my men broke and ran, being fired apon as they did so.

 

The surviving Austrians flee the battlefield.

In conclusion, this battle was a decisive French victory. While my Austrians performed excellently in the first half of the battle, most notably the Grenadiers and Light infantry, they did not fare well when they encountered the main body of the French troops.

The battlefield littered with casualties.

Overall, my Austrians had a decent first battle, and looked excellent when amassed on a tabletop.

However, my Grenadiers look extremely similar to the standard infantry of the line, and do not stand out when put alongside them. As a result, I decided to paint them in the colours of the Hungarian Grenadiers attached to the main Austrian army, and I am pleased to say they are now very eye-catching and look very vibrant.

Note the bright blue pants and yellow facings.

Stay tuned everyone! More posts are on the way including plans for a refight of Austerlitz...

I may have ordered more Prussian Infantry...

 In an extremely boring statistics lesson last week I found myself ordering another set of 1:72 scale Italeri Prussian Infantry. I did this for several reasons. The first being that I need more Prussians to build up my army, which is currently composed of the old Airfix set and the Italeri Prussians. While the Airfix set is good, it does not match the aesthetic of the Italeri figures, so in the interest of standardisation I have acquired another set of the Italeri figures. My third and final reason, which is the main one, is that I wished to re-experience the feelings I had when painting my first infantry five years ago. So essentially I've bought another set of Prussian Infantry for sentimental reasons.

Opening my parcel!

I am greatly looking forward to completing these infantry, and have already started painting them. I shall keep you updated on their progress.

Got a favourite pose? Let me know in the comments!

Have a good day all, and stay tuned for more content on Miniature Wars!

My Finished Austrians

 As promised, here are the photos of my completed Austrian Infantry (1798-1805).

The army all together.

Those of you with keen eyes may have noticed the lack of flag-bearers. Rest assured, they are on their way, the standards take a long time to paint with any detail. So they will receive a separate post when done.

Austrian Light Infantry (left) in their distinctive 'Roman' helmets. 

I'll give a quick review of this kit, before I conclude this post.

They were very simple to paint, requiring only a few colours for the bulk of the infantry. They are well sculpted and the details are very crisp. The plastic is nice and firm with minimal bend (so the paint stays on them unlike squishy Airfix figures!).

The Grenadiers with their bearskin headgear.

Only a couple of flaws I can see, and that is the size of the figures. Each is about 26mm tall. This equates to 1.87m in real life, which is well above the average height of the time. However, this is excusable for the Grenadiers (who were generally tall men) and as they compare well with other Italeri figures of the same scale.

An angle seldom seen during the Napoleonic Wars - Unless you were a cannonball!

In conclusion, these were a joy to paint and I am looking forward to seeing them in their first battle!

AUSTRIAN INFANTRY ARE FINISHED

 I am pleased to announce that I have (finally) completed my Austrian Infantry from the 1798-1805 period. I have some minor details to add and then they shall be completely ready for battle, as well as a few pictures on this blog.

Finished French Hussars!

 Here they are at last! 

I’m also working on some Austrian infantry of the same period, so they will also get a post when done.

French Hussars Finished At Last!

 Pictures shall be put up soon!

Massive Napoleonic Campaign on the way

WE'RE STILL HERE!

Sorry about the recent lack of posts, we're still around, but exams are making posting difficult.

Fortunately, we are planning a new campaign, that will cove the whole 1800-15 period. 

Each person plays a country and we have over a dozen players so far!

Please stay tuned, we're still here, and will update you as soon as anything happens.

-Jakob

Muzzle-loading Artillery Rules

In the rules we play an artillery battery is made up of 2 guns. Each gun costs 10 points.

Captured French guns being put to good use at the Battle of Hamerten.

MOVEMENT:
Limbered artillery - 15cm
Manhandled heavy artillery - 5cm
Manhandled light/medium artillery - 10cm

FIRING RANGE:
Heavy artillery - 16" (40cm)
Light/medium artillery - 12" (30cm)
Mortars/howitzers - 10"-14" (25-35cm)
Rockets - 12" (30cm)
The range of all artillery increases by 10cm if on a hill higher than 15cm.

HOW TO FIRE:

1. Select a target.
2. Roll 1 or more dice (No. of dice determined by the calibre of the gun, larger guns having more dice to fire with).
3. Add 5 to the number you rolled, this is how far the shot flies (Inches).

Remove all troops within 2cm of the shot if the cannon is using standard solid shot. If using grapeshot roll 1 or 2 dice (Depending on the gun's calibre) to see how many troops are killed. Explosive shells kill all soldiers within 10cm of the shot.
A gun may not turn more than 90° per turn when aiming at a target.

If attacked, artillerymen can only fight in melee combat unless they are equipped with firearms. A captured gun may be used by the army that captured it as long as there are trained gunners to operate it.
Infantry can use a captured gun, but must roll dice after firing. Anything lower than a 3 will kill a crewman.

HOW TO FIRE ROCKETS:

1. Aim the rocket at the target, making sure it's in range.
2. Roll a dice to see if the rocket fires successfully, it fails on a 1 or 2.
3. Roll again to see if it hits it's target, it will only hit on a 5 or 6.
4. If it hits, remove all troops within 15cm of the shot.
5. Each rocket has 5 rockets, and must be resupplied once they've all been fired.

A rocket may not turn more than 90° per turn when aiming at a target.

If attacked, artillerymen can only fight in melee combat unless they are equipped with firearms. A captured rocket may be used by the army that captured it as long as there are trained gunners to operate it. 

RULE-BOOK ON THE WAY

The cover of the rule-book currently being worked on. It most likely will be ready by the end of 2020

THE BATTLE OF HAMERTEN

Hello everyone!
So sorry about the recent absence of posts - We have been rather busy with schoolwork!

Here is a quick summary on the Battle of Hamerten:
Each army had 10 cavalry, 2 cannons and 50 infantrymen.

The Prussians assemble to attack the French square.

The French army started on the northern side of the field, with the infantry and cavalry in the town and the artillery on the far side of the river, with no infantry guarding the guns.
I was set up on the southern side, with the fields and bridge. My troops were dispersed fairly evenly.
The battle started with the thunder of a French cavalry charge - All 10 lancers charged the Prussians. Fortunately,  volleys from the Landwehr and a counter-charge saw off the threat, killing 9/10 lancers for minimal losses. As a result, the French infantry formed a square.
On the far bank of the river however, the Prussians were the attacking force. The French artillery, lacking the protection of infantry, and with no way to be reinforced were overwhelmed and swiftly killed or captured.
The 12-pounders were also captured, and opened fire on their former users on the far bank, killing several.

The captured guns decimate the French army.

After a few cautious shots, the Prussian infantry slowly moved the artillery upriver to the main bulk of the army.
Suddenly the French began their attack, hoping to crush the Prussians before reinforcements arrived. The Frenchies marched at the Prussians, firing and being fired at. It quickly became clear that the French troops were superior to those used by the Prussians as Prussian casualties mounted.
Soon the Prussian heavy cavalry, reinforcing the line with their carbines were all dead. The only thing preventing defeat was the brilliant gunnery of the Prussian artillery, French officers were targeted with lethal effect, denting French morale and creating confusion.
But even it wasn't enough.
With a massive push, the Prussian centre broke, and the army split into 2 pockets of resistance, each surrounding a cannon. The larger of these with Mr. M and maybe a dozen infantry fighting by the bridge, and the smaller one with fewer infantry separated from the rest by the French.
The small pocket held it's ground, it was effectively as small fortress fighting the waves of French. But it couldn't hold forever. The cannon fired it's last shot, beheading the French commander, the infantry almost routed.
Then, in the confusion, the few remaining Prussians abandoned the gun and rejoined the main body of the army. Things still looked dire, and the French were killing Prussians rapidly.
At that moment, the report of a second gun was heard. The captured guns had reached the bridge and were ready to fire apon the French army.
This was too much for the French, they fell back out of range and waited for an attack. But the Prussians were in no state to attack, and also waited for an attack that never came.
The battle finished in a bloody stalemate.

I hope you enjoyed this first post of 2020! Stay tuned! Thomas and I are in the midst of planning our largest battle yet, even larger than Waterloo...

-Jakob Xavier Morris

Top 4 Napoleonic battle formations of 2017

When we (Thomas, Ciaran and I),  started wargaming in 2017 we tried and tested our own Napoleonic formations. These, paired with our old rules were surprisingly effective.
However, with the creation of our new rules 3 of these formations became obsolete and dangerous to use in battle.
If you wish to try some of these yourself, I recommend playing our old rules, for this is where these formations truly shine.

1. THE FORWARD-FACING V

Prussian infantry displaying the Forward-Facing V

Extensively used by my Prussian army in early and small-scale battles in 2017. Had no benefits over a line but it did look cooler. This formation was also used by Ciaran's Russians but on a smaller scale.

2. THE REAR-FACING V

French infantry displaying the Rear-Facing V

Designed and used by Thomas in the later months of 2017, The Rear-Facing V could counter the Vs employed by my Prussian and occasionally Ciaran's Russian army. It was designed to withstand an attack in it's center while it's flanks, or horns, pounded the enemy from the side. I remember them as being quite tough to crack. I remember a large 20-man one once the Ciaran and I could barely deal with.
However, when we introduced the new rules, this powerful formation became obsolete. Mainly because it's shape makes it easier to outflank and it not immune to cavalry with the new rules.
I have not seen one of these in combat since December 2017.

3. THE FORWARD-FACING V WITH SCOUTS

The Prussian army demonstrating the V with scouts.

The most common defensive formation of my Prussian army in 2017. I think I was the only person out of us who made use of this. I designed it to deal with the frequent problem of flanking attacks quite early on in 2017. In fact, I remember using this for the first time in my second wargame ever.
Sadly, it was made outdated with our new rules, particularly against cavalry and was last used mid 2018.

4. THE SEMI-SQUARE

Still a valid formation today, here we see the French deployed in a Semi-Square

The semi square was an evolution of the V formation. First introduced by Thomas' French, the Semi-Square appeared later in 2017 as a result of trying to form a square but not having enough troops! Though not immune to cavalry, it was fairly effective against infantry.
With our new rules, it isn't as potent as it used to be but it's definitely not obsolete yet!

Please feel free to try these yourself, but use our old rules for the best results! Thanks for your patience!

-Jakob Morris
Co-Founder of Miniature wars

BATTLE OF HAMERTEN

Once again, I find myself typing up another apology, so here I go...
Hamerten was fought little over a month ago, but we've been busy with schoolwork and so haven't had time to make a post.
However, I do promise you that when I have the time I will put Hamerten on the blog.

My most sincere apologies,
Jakob Morris

(P.S. Currently planning a Battle of Kadesh - Stay tuned!)

Photo mentioned earlier

Several of my Prussians and my prototypical AFV - The PAIV*
*Prussian Anti-Infantry Vehicle

The Field Marshal's Day of Victories

Recently I found two old pictures of my Prussians, they were from 2017. I can remember taking these photos too, as on that day I defeated the French and British armies in two seperate battles.
I'll start with the English: The British army under Ciaran fielded 25(ish) men and 1 commander. My Prussian army was of equal strength. Now for the battle.
The British forces split into two main groups - 15 men to attack my force and 10 to protect the commander. I used my tactic of forming my front ranks into a "V formation" and sending out pairs of "Scouts" to guard my flanks (This won me many battles back then but with our new rules these are obsolete and outdated now).
I then allowed the Brits to attack me and wear themselves out. I swiftly counterattacked and the British were all destroyed.
An hour(ish) later, my army of 30 was facing a French force of equal strength. The battle was a bloody one, as we both continued to pull up reinforcements and hurl them into battle, fighting over a small broken structure in the middle of the battlefield.
It went on like this for a while before I repulsed the last French infantry and Thomas retreated his commander - I had won.
I consider this to be one of my best days in my wargaming career and marks the time were I finally surpassed Ciaran and matched Thomas in a lage (At that time anyway) Napoleonic battle.
I will put the photos mentioned earlier on the blog when I have time!
A heads-up about upcoming posts:
- Our latest battle - Vauchamps
- Artillery rules
- Our battle of Hamerten
- And more recollections from 2017!

One of my most Brilliant Generals

This post will be somewhat different from the other posts on this blog. As in this one, I am focussing on the exploits and successes of one man.
It started in early 2018, while I was having a wargame against my younger brother and his British army. The general I was using was my last non-veteran commander.
After about 20-30 minutes, the table was scattered with plastic soldiers and a victorious Prussian army.
6 battles later, using the same general I had won all but one of them.
After this, the commander was packed away, not to be used for anoter six months.
Until one day last year, tired of countless defeats, I brought out my "Lucky General" and sent my Prussians to battle.
25 minutes later, the battle was won and the French commander captured.
The next day, he went to battle against Thomas' second-in-command - Lieutenant-Colonel Timothy. Half an hour later, the Lieutenant-Colonel and three soldiers were prisoners of the Prussian army.
But things weren't over yet, and things were looking desperate for Thomas as two out of his three commanders had been captured.
His last commander was brought to the front - General Timas, a man who seemed to have just as much if not more battlefield success.
The French force of 15 infantry and 8 cavalry attacked my force of 20.
The Prussians formed square and were surrounded. Seeing no alternative, my general relingquished his captured commanders and was granted a safe retreat.
This General has not seen combat since then and it is uncertain if his luck will improve by the next time he battles.
Despite his defeat, I hold him high regard and am saving him untill he is needed for a truly important battle.

Plans for The Battle of Hamerten

Recently we decided that Miniature wars needed another major battle to liven things up a bit.

This is the planned battlefield, the village of Hamerten, Germany and the River Elbe.

I chose Hamerten for, well no particular reason except that it's compatible with my Prussian army and the terrain looked to make an interesting battlefield scenario.
However the overall purpose of this battle is to test our new points system. Each of us will start with one hundred points and will use these to construct an army using rules mentioned earlier on this blog.
This will mean that the old system of equal numbers on each side will not apply in this battle and the numbers and types of troops used will affect the army's fighting capability and style.

A quick run-through of our points system:
Infantry - 1 point
Cavalry - 3 points
Light/medium artillery - 10 points
Heavy artillery - 15 points
Howitzers/mortars - 12-18 points

A simplified map of Hamerten (Drawn by me)

Possible combinations for an army could be:

• 90 infantrymen and 1 gun
• 10 cavalry, 10 infantrymen and 6 guns
• 30 cavalry and 10 infantrymen

And many more...
The time for this battle is yet to be confirmed but I will get back to you when it's settled.
Keep reading! And if you have a question please leave a comment!

P.S. More posts on the way!

New Posts on the way!

I would like to apologise for our lack of new posts. Recently we have been quite busy. However, I am in the process of creating some new posts that focus on our points system along with more detailed rules for artillery.
Hopefully these should be posted by the end of this month.
Keep watching this blog for updates!
-Jakob