Frozen....or Christening A Wargames Room!!

Another holiday game, this time to celebrate the opening of Andy's wargames room. Since it was cold and frosty outside I took the opportunity to run a game loosely based on Kollowrath's attack at Hohenlinden, a battle fought on a snowy December in 1800.

Using a modified version of Neil Thomas's Napoleonic rules to take into account my basing and a couple of other factors (ranges and movement and unit frontages all brought into line with one another) we took a wee while to warm up and get everyone used to the rules.

4 austrian infantry units, supported by some artillery advanced from the tree line to attack 3 french units and a battery of guns defending the approaches to the village of Hohenlinden.  The french, rather than sitting back, took the fight to the enemy and did quite well until they were flanked by fresh units of austrian grenadiers. 

The french themselves were then reinforced, by cavalry and infantry. These however failed to make an impression and before much longer, Grouchy's men were forced to acknowledge defeat in what was a close fought battle. 

We had enough time for a second game - a quick across table thrash!

This time the austrians advanced quickly but snow held them up on the right and the French guns managed a surprisingly effective barrage on the centre. 

As the austrian right began to collapse, the central attack lost momentum as it came under canister shot. On the left however they began to drive in the French. It was becoming a tight game again. 

However the snow flurries held up the austrians and prevented them from pressing any advantage and french musketry and cannon fire swept their ranks. This time the dice and the weather were with the French!

Two great games - thanks guys !