Battle Report: 11th August 1994 Later British ~vs~ Prussian (Robert Avery ~vs~ Nog Norgren)

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Later British Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points . CinC 1 . .. . . 100   2inC 1         50 1st 24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB blr (2 co's LI) . 540 Brigade 78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr (2 co's LI) . 540 . 50th Foot 20 4x5 RegB blr . 260 Support Naval Brigade 24 6x4 RegC blr . 300 Cavalry Lancers 16 4x4 RegA s, blc, p, l . 360 Brigade Dragoon Guards 16 4x4 RegB s, blc, p  . 312 Artillery 1st Battery 3 3x1 RegB medium blrb FA . 390   2nd Battery 1 1x1 RegA hmg . 108 Train Ammo Wagon 1       . 50 . . . . . . . 3002

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Prussian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 Infantry 1st Bttn Foot Guards 48 4x12 RegA blr 704   48th Bttn Line 48 4x12 RegB blr 608   2nd Bttn Jaegers 24 2x12 LightsB blr 352   49th Bttn Line 24 2x12 RegC blr 280  Cavalry 4th Cuirassiers 24 4x6 RegA s, p, blc, armour 504   Lancers 12 2x6 RegB s, l, mlc   212 Artillery 4th Btty Guard Art. 3 3x1 RegA medium blrb FA 405 Train Ammo Wagon 1         50                3003

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. Later British Prussian Foot 2480 2880 Horse 640 480 Guns 8 6

Report The British outscouted the Prussians, so watched as the Prussians set up in the centre of the battlefield, their forces split by the river that divided the terrain. They then placed all their forces on the Prussian right flank, so as to split the Prussian force, hook upwards and drive the Prussians across the field into the river. The artillery on both sides began a duel that lasted for the whole of the battle: with the British losing one gun, then the Prussians two, then the British another. Otherwise the guns played no part. The British began their upward hook, but the Prussians advanced at the double, and zoomed forward at an incredible rate: forcing the British to go to ground at the edge of the field. A fierce firefight looked imminent, but once again the Prussians attempted a surprise move: charging half a Jaeger Battalion and two squadrons of Cuirassiers into the Naval Brigade. Unfortunately, the jolly jack tars were made of strong stuff and, supported by the CinC, blew the Prussians from the field! Now a fierce firefight developed: but the Prussian Guards were slightly outnumbered and not lying prone, unlike their British opponents. Even the Prussian Guards cannot take 80% casualties and survive: they broke and ran. Meanwhile, the 24th Foot and Prussian cross-river forces prepared to face each other: across the river! Unfortunately, before battle could be joined here, with the Guards, half the Jaegers and Cuirrassiers and two guns lost, the Prussian commander ordered a retreat. Casualties The British lost 96 Highlanders; 100 of the 50th Foot; and the gatling gun crew. The Prussians lost 780 Guards (!); 30 Line;  312 Jaegers;  2 guns and 240 Cuirassiers. Results A workmanlike victory for the British. Analysis The Prussian advance was so quick that it prevented any of the British commander’s tactics developing. This meant that the Prussians advanced into a line of British riflemen, supported by artillery, and, as might be expected, lost. It is also well worth remembering that if armed with breechloaders, lying prone is a must. The British took full advantage of their outscouting: and it was that that allowed them to pick their ground and split the Prussian force.