The Coa saves Black Bob

Steve (Norseygamer) and I were able to get a second game in on Monday. We decided to push on with our efforts to get our head round Black Powder rules. The idea behind the game was for "Black Bob" Crauford to withdraw the Light Divison beyond the Coa River in the face of Marshal Massena's army. It was not clear how fast the French vanguard would arrive. Here are the French skirmishers arriving on the hills above the Coa 

 Crauford orders the Light Division to be ready for the French

 British troops crowd their way over one of the two bridges

 Others ready themselves to prepare to defend the approach to the bridges

 British forces can be seen arriving on the right, crossing a ford and heading for the bridges.

 Some French Light Cavalry arrive and get ready to charge the British Cavalry outpost

 The two sides clash

 The French are forced to retreat disorganised  in the face of determined Brunswick defence.

 More British Hussars splash their way across the ford.

 The Brunswick Hussars charge again! And destroy the French. No picture, too embarrassing to photograph!

 The French Infantry have begun to arrive and get ready to attck

 The British prepare themselves

 The Royal Horse Artillery race to help them

 French lancers arrive

 More British Infantry escape across the Coa

 British Foot Artillery ready themselves to inflict devastation on the French

 British Infantry who have crossed the Coa line its banks to help those still on the French side.

 The British Artillery open fire

 The French are hit hard

 The Infantry fire into the advancing French

 Think of England boys!

 French and British troops slog it out

Swiss troops move into line

 The Brunswick Hussars return to the fight

 Last of the British troops begin to cross the river

The Brunswick Hussars have a message for the French! In the end there were not enough French to overwhelm the Light Division. Those who arrived did not perform at their best! Figures from Steve Dix's excellent collection. We also had a good lunch at the Coach and Horses which is becoming our "club house" in Billericay.  Many thanks Steve great game. We are getting there with Black Powder.