Calpe and Perry French! Oooh La La!

BELOW: CALPE (L) and PERRY (R).

Hi Team
I just received my order of CALPE 28mm French.
I've taken some photos of them side by side some Perry Miniatures 28mm French so you can make a comparrison of these two outstanding manufactureres of fine 28mm miniatures.
BELOW: CALPE (L) and PERRY (R).

 BELOW: DRUMMERS! CALPE (L) and PERRY (R).

 BELOW: SAPPERS, CALPE (L) and PERRY (R).

 BELOW: FUSILIERS. PERRY (L) and the CALPE offering (R)

 BELOW: CALPE (L) and PERRY (R)

 BELOW: CALPE (L) and PERRY (R)

I'll do a detailed review of the CALPE miniatures soon, with VICTRIX and EUREKA miniatures side by side.
I also purchased some CALPE Saxons, and an entire Division of CALPE PRUSSIANS.
Cheers

The Battle Of St Arnaud. 1814.

ABOVE: The French line as seen from the French left flank. The enclosed field on the French left flank were hottly contested. The OBJECTIVE was the high ground with the windmill on it.

I had three mates over for a large LASALLE game today.

I wanted to do something different to the usual "My Division with one support option V your Division with one support option", so came up with the following Scenario.
France 1814.
An Infantry Division is tasked with holding the high ground near the village of St Arnaud. The French Divisional Commander (Arnaud), has been informed that a Young Guard division is hurrying to his aid. Behind them he can expect an additional cavalry Brigade (BDE), but of what composition he knows not. he also has a Divisional Battery of 4 guns and a horse artillery Battery that has been sent ahead to help.

Just as well he has the support coming up because before him is arrayed two enemy Divisions! One is a Russian Guard division and the other is a Prussian Division. Obviously someone in the Allied high command has also twigged as to the significant importance this high ground has, and an additional enemy BDE is approaching. Looks like Prussian Cavalry.

Lil' Scott Commanded the Russian Guard. 6 Battalions of Russians Guards Valiant, Exp Sk 0 plus 2 Bavarian converged Grenadier Battalions also Valiant Exp Sk 0, (ok, so I was short two more Russian battalions, so we pressed into service two Bavarian battalions.). he also had two heavy Batteries. One of 5 guns and one of 4 guns.

Stan as usual commanded his Prussians, 2 regular Battalions, 3 Reserve Battalions and 3 Landwehr battalions plus Landwehr Cavalry and a Foot battery of 4 guns.

I won't go into a lot of detail but essentially the battle opened with general advance along the entire front by both the Russian Guard and the Prussians. The French were spread rather thin, but had anchored both of their flanks. The left flank anchored on some stone walled farm land, whilst the right flank was rather solid with a small village garrisoned and a battalion behind that in square just in case the menacing Prussian cavalry attempted a sweep around.

BELOW: The Battlefield as seen from the French left. Note "The Hook". That's the bend in the road.





BELOW: Veteran infantry in reserve.

BELOW: The Brave General de Brigade, General Mort. His tactical bonus helped repel the first assault by the Russian Guard, but it cost him his life!

BELOW: French Conscripts on the left flank defending the enclosed fields. They did very well holing the Russian Guards back for a considerable time.

BELOW: Opening Shots! First rounds for the day belch from French Guns. Nearest to the viewer are the four guns of the divisional artillery. Top right is the Horse artillery that was send ahead from the cavalry BDE.

BELOW: The Tin Blue Line facing the Prussian Black and Russian Green allies!

The Allies soon received their reinforcements which consisted of a Prussian Cavalry BDE. Fortunately the French the Young Guard division arrived at the same time. Now it's two divisions V two divisions and a Cavalry BDE.

BELOW: The arrival of the French Young Guard Division was greeted by huge cheers from the French Infantry Division. The YG GD DIV consisted of three French Yg Battalions on three Italian Royal Guard Battalions.

BELOW: Russian Guards attacking the French left flank. The French defenders made good use of the numerous walls and fence lines to make life very difficult for the attackers.

BELOW: Bavarians and Wurtemburgers closes to the camera. These lads doubled as Prussian Reserve Battalions for todays battle. They were roughly handelled by the Verteran French Leger battalion they attempted to drived back.

BELOW: Russians advance through "The Hook", (the distictive bend in the road running across the battlefield)

BELOW: Russian Guards advance into the teeth of French Artillery! Brave Chaps!!!

BELOW: Allied infantry pour into the center of the French line. In the top right of the photo you can see the Village with the garrison within.

The Prussian Cavalry Bde arrived behind the Prussian Division, and proceeded to attempt to turn the French right by swinging around the garrisoned village. they were inspired by the sole Landwehr lancer regiment that had scooted around and ran down the hastily redeployed French Horse Artillery.

I think we all expected the Allies to blow right through the French division holding the line, but they held on quite well.

Just as the Prussians were celebrating the success of the daring Landwehr Cavalry the French Cavalry BDE arrived. A collective groan came up from the allied command when it was revealed it was OLD GUARD, (Lancers and Grenadiers a Cheval).

The Old Guard Cavalry soon restored the situation on the French right flank. The Lancers slaughtered the 'raiding' Landwehr cavalry while the Mounted Grenadiers put paid to half of the Prussian Cavalry Bde attenpting to turn the French Right. 

BELOW: French Young Guard moving across to the threatened center.

BELOW: Corporal LeLeve defends his cow!

BELOW: Russian Guards drive back French conscripts (L) and Italian Royal Guard(R) as the try to clear out the farmland on the French left flank.

Eventually the Prussians and Russians over-ran the French Infantry Division, and even managed to rout the OLD GUARD Grenadiers a Cheval but the Russian Guard Division was spent in the process. As the French first line finally broke, so did the Russian Guard. The battle ended with the Prussians settling down to eat their evening bratwurst in front of the high ground as the Russians and Bavarians streamed to the rear. The French Guards, (both Young, Old and Italian) happy to hold onto the high ground).

What would have been a draw actually saw the victory going to the French, as the Loss of a Russian Guard Division was seen as a bigger blow to allied plans than the destruction of a Brigade of French conscripts.

BELOW: French Young Guard attack and rout Russian Guard on the left while the Italian Royal Guard do battle with more Rusian Guards 

BELOW: The French make a last ditch stand on the slopes of the contested high ground.

BELOW: OLD GUARD LANCERS! Not to be messed with,..

It was a very enjoyable game. I wanted something different and I think the fellas found the scenario entertaining.

Most figures were AB Miniatures, with some FANTASSIN Russians and Bavarians, and OLD GLORY Russians.

Please feel free to leave a comment. Cheers.

FOR SALE!

As some people have asked about them I'll share some information on the French 1808-1815 figures I have for sale just in case you (or someone you know) might be interested:

6 Battalions of 32 figs. A mix of OLD GLORY and AB Miniatures.

They are predominantly OG, but there are some AB 'Enthusiastic', Officers and Musicians, rank and file and casualties on the bases to add a bit of flavour.

A note on the basing:

Each battalion has 8 'half size' bases with 4 figs 2 x 2. Two bases combined make a single 'LASALLE' base of 8 figs in two ranks. This creates a basing suitable for Lasalle or Napoleon at War or AGE OF EAGLES. Will probably work for the vast majority of rule systems.
So you end up with either 6 LASALLE Battalions of 8 bases each
OR
8 Napoleon at War (NaW) Battalions of 6 bases each

Professionally painted and based to 'MUSEUM STANDARD' by REINFORCEMENTS BY POST. VERY NICE.

Asking for $75.00 per battalion; (seriously a BARGAIN).

Also have a Battery of 4 guns and a battery of 3 guns (Horse Artillery) and Command, (Napoleon and ADC plus two Brigade Commanders (not pictured).

Essentially it's an Infantry Division.

I'll sell all 6 Battalions and Artillery and Command figures, (Mounted Napoleon with 2 mounted ADC, and Two Brigade Commanders) for $500.00 (Or Nearest Offer) postage free.

I'll also include some spare Battalion Command bases for making extra NAPOLEON AT WAR Battalions.

Also available are some cavalry, Chasseurs a Cheval and Carabineers.
I also have some Penensular War British. 2 LARGE Dragoon Regts, 2 Light Dragoon Regts and 3 Batery's of 3 guns each. Also available is two British Command Bases.
Send an email to:
trailape@hotmail.com if you want to make an offer.
I'm only selling these as they are surplus to needs.
Cheers

UPDATE! FRENCH SOLD.
Only Brits left.

THE FINAL INSPECTION

THE FINAL INSPECTION


The soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

... Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier,

How shall I deal with you ?

Have you always turned the other cheek ?

To My Church have you been true?'


The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

'No, Lord, I guess I ain't

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.


I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.


But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.


And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.


I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.


If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.


There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.


'Step forward now, you soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell.'


Author Unknown~

Attack of the Young Guard!

ABOVE: The battlefield and a Prussian Line battalion on  'The Baguette'
Hi All

Another LASALLE AAR! After two victories in a row, Stan's 'Liberation' period Prussians appear unstopable! It's time to commit the Young Guard!

The last time these two armies met, my Young Guard with a Light Cavalry Brigade had the better of it, but today I wanted to try something different. Enter the Westphalian Cuirassiers, (well, at least the Guard du Korps and a large French Cuirassier Regt, the 7th)!

Again young Scott (Scott Jnr) joined us, and so I gave him a Brigade (BDE) of Young Guard infantry and a Divisional Battery. I hoped he'd retained some of the hard learnt lessons from when he last played and had a Bavarin Brigade crushed under Prussian hooves,...

Being a bit light on the appropriate Young Guard miniatures we've pressed into service Italian Royal Guard and (shock and Horror), French OLD GUARD, (even MORE shock and horror!!!)!

Well today I'll call them the 3rd and 4th Regts of the Guard and just accept that they won't get the 'GUARD' bonus in combat.
DISCLAIMER: Throughout this Battle Report I'll refer to the French units as OLD GUARD, Italian Royal Guard etc, but for the game they all fought with YOUNG GUARD characteristics.

BELOW: The Advance of the French begins

The Battlefield from the French perspective was as follows, (looking north). On the extream left was the Verde Forest.  Scanning east we could see the town of La Briknmotur with a road running from it to the north-west and west, dividing either side of the Verde Forest. The road also extended east from the town. As the road ran east in passed in front of a feature called 'The Baguette'. This large hill had a Prussian Battery deployed on it, flanked either side by Regular Prussian Line Battalions. further to the right were numerous fields with crops ready for harvest. Within these fields lay the Massed Prussian Cavalry. Directly in front of the town was a large hill called Mont St Michael. The Town was garrisoned by Prussian troops for sure, but were they a Reserve Battalion or Landwehr? East of the town was a Prussian Horse Battery.

We had already sorted who would be the defender. At an ATTACK roll of 3+ for the Young Guard Division I was confident that we would be attacking, and was proven right. After a roll to see who was attacking and who was defending the objective was placed by me at the base of the hill in the center. Stan quickly moved it in behind the town.

The Battlefield was an opportunity for me to trot out some of my latest purchases. Mostly from Germany, but also some Miniature World Maker latex stuff and Miniature Building Authority erm,... buildings.

The Plan from our perspective was rather simple, (as simple plans in the world of military endeavour are often the best) was to use Scott Jnr's Young Guard BDE, (depicted using some Italian Royal Guard and French Middle and Young Guard miniatures) to assault the town directly in front of the objective at the rear. My BDE, (depicted using French Imperial OLD GUARD Grenadier and Chasseur miniatures and some Italian Royal Guard) would advance in support, threatening the hill and covering the right flank of the assault on the town. The Westfalian Cuirassier BDE would cover our extreme right flank. I knew the Prussians were extremely weary of the Cuirassiers and hoped their presence would be enough to keep a large portion of the Prussian left flank rooted to the ground.

BELOW: The Westfalian Guard du Korps (on the left, and the French 7th Cuirassiers on the right). In front of then the Westfalian Horse Artillery deployed.

With Drums beating the French and Italians advanced. The Cuirassiers moved up just out of canister range and unlimbered their horse artillery. The Westfalian Gunners commenced a brisk bombardment, but having only 3 pieces, failed to do much more than create a lot of smoke and noise.

BELOW: With the Drum Corps beating Marshal Ney urges the Guard forward.

The Westfalian Guard du Korps was soon taking round shot in their ranks, and soon had 2 Disruption on them. Being a large unit however this wasn't too much of a concern.

Scott Jnr's BDE advanced at a moderate pace towards the Town of LaBriknmotur in Attack columns. My Bde by contrast in March column was soon over the feature Mont St Michael, with my Divisional battery dashing forward in true 'Gunner' style; and then unlimbering to commence a devastating bombardment of the Regular Prussian Line Infantry Battalion on The Baguette.

BELOW: Advancing behind prolonged Artillery, the Guard battalions and their Drum Corps!

BELOW: The battlefield as seen from the Prussian left flank. Massed Prussian Cavalry await the French advance, hopeful of an opportunity to crash into an open flank.

Marshal Ney could be heard urging his Guardsmen forward, "Onward the Guard"!

"Ah ha,.. just like Friedland"! Marshal Ney observed as my Battery advanced by prolong pausing to pour more shot into the hapless Prussians on 'The Baguette'. Right behind the Battery marched my Battalions in their newly formed attack columns.

Soon Scott Jnr's Battery joined in the bombardment and the Regular Prussian Battalion was soon broken and streaming to the real. They were replaced in the line by a battalion of Landwehr.

Scott Jnr's next move was to launch an assault on LaBriknmotur. With the Brigade General McCorley (of Scotish decent) leading them forward (Plus 1 Vigor and a Bonus to Tactics) smashed the Prussian defenders and drove them headlong from the town.

BELOW: The Young Guard charge into the town! 

BELOW: The Prussian Battery on 'The Bagettue'

ABOVE: The Objective, (A busted old gun).

Stan fed another battalion forward to stem the French advance, only to see it routed. All the while my battery continued to advance by prolong and pour fire into the Prussians to their front.

BELOW: The Prussian gunners blaze away at the advancing French. One turn later they wheel their guns and destroy my battery 'sob'

Finally a turn of luck for Stan saw his battery on 'The Baguette' pump enough canister into my battery to see it reduced to a only a handfull of gunners and all their equipment destroyed. But my Gunners had done their job, and now my fresh Battalions surged forward over the wreckage of my battery and charge up 'The Baguette'.

BELOW: The destroyed Divisional Battery with French and Italian battalions preparing to charge over the wreckage a reap some revenge.

Whilst this was happening the Prussian cavalry sent more then half their number behind 'The Baguette' to help stem Brigade General McCorley's advancing Battalions.

ABOVE: Every army needs a Drum Corps!

BELOW: Prussian Dragoons

ABOVE: The French 7th Cuirassiers

BELOW: As Scott Jnr's BDE surges through the town and my BDE assault 'The Baguette', Prussian Cavalry move behind 'The Baguette' to attack the lead Young Guard battalion.

BELOW: My Old Guard and Italian Royal Guard battalions charge on to 'The Baguette'.

BELOW: The town now captured, Scott Jnr's Battalions advance north.

ABOVE: The Cuirassiers prepare to deliver a final blow to the Prussians

Prussian Cavalry after moving around behind 'The Baguette' launched themselves in a despreate attempt to contest the objective, but the Young Guard that had smashed it's way through two Prussian battalions whilst clearing the town wasn't about to be rolled by these Prussian Landwehr on horseback. Forming square they beat off two charges.

BELOW: Attacked by two Landwehr Lancer regiments, the 'Heros' of La Briknmotur form Square and fend them off!

The final charges of these Prussian horsemen were the last gasps of a defeated enemy. The Prussian run of victories was over.

All in all a cracking good and fun game.

The more I play LASALLE the more i come to appreciate what an excellent rule set it is.

That's all for now.

As usual, Comments Welcomed