Waterloo re fight { update 14th May 2015}
I have added some more pictures to the post as well as an explanation of what went on. I hope that it makes the project a little clearer. Next up, Ligny.
Went the day well?
All initial unit dispositions were as at the original battle in the pursuit of accuracy. Ground scale was 1mm equalled 1metre. Similarly a strict timescale was observed with an 11.30AM start.
Proceedings started off like the original event with an assault on the Hougoumont woods in order to clear out the Nassau riflemen. Once successfully achieved this allowed a flanking movement along the ' covered way' enabling Reilles's corps to get to grips with the Allied right. This movement was supported by Pire's chasseurs and lancers.
Unlike the original, there was no sustained assault on the buildings, merely a containment.
Heavy fighting eventually resulted in the French outflanking Hougoumont on both sides, clearing all the woods. This allowed an advance on the Allied main line which, heavily supported by Third cavalry Corps and the Guard Light and Heavy divisions pushed back the Allied defence on the ridge. Horse artillery took a toll on any Allied squares and Reille skilfully brought his foot artillery as soon as possible to support his troops although movement was slow due to the conditions. No units were allowed charge moves and all movement up the ridge line was penalised by 25%.
The result of this slogging match was the attrition of the Allied line and some of it's best units. The assault eventually stalled with many Allied units pinned by French cavalry but they were unable to destroy them due to lack of infantry support
First Corps assault again like the original was preceded by an artillery bombardment from the Grand Battery. Again, firing blind, this was ineffectual. A Rule modification gave a causality hit by this fire a slightly better chance of survival as they were deemed to be lying down in this period.
I was with initial disbelief that the advance guard of Bulows Corps was observed by the French at 1.15 PM. However, Lobau's Nineteenth Infantry division and the Young guard were ordered to Plancenoit. The Third and Fifth Cavalry Divisions accompanied them as support.
The actual infantry assault was conducted by all four divisions in the
battle formation originally used at Waterloo. This allowed a good frontage of muskets against the defence with only a small reduction in movement as opposed to a column formation. Nevertheless all movement was penalised by 25%. Further deductions were imposed on crossing the hedge line and all units had to stop for one move after crossing them to reform the ranks. These divisions were supported by Twentieth Infantry division from Lobau's Corps whose task it was to storm La Haye Sainte.
Traver's Cuirassiers like their original unit flanked La Haie Sainte in support.
On Durrette's left flank Jacquinot's lancers were in support. Cuirassiers from the Fourteenth Cavalry Division moved in support of the Corps attack as a reserve. No cavalry operated around Papelotte as this was effectively 'bocage' country.
Lobau's troops cleared the woods at La Haie Sainte but at a heavy cost. Thirteenth Legere from the Second Infantry division were diverted to assist . Travers cuirassiers had a profitable time sabring skirmishers who failed to withdraw quickly enough, until engaged by the British Guard cavalry. These Guard units were, predictably careless in rallying and were subsequently routed by French reserves.
The corps assault was characterised by heavy casualties but the Allied line was pushed back by weight of numbers. After catching the 42nd Line in flank Jacquinot's lancers were engaged by the Royal Scots Greys. The result was a draw, with both units pulling back to regroup.
The rest of the Union Brigade were after some initial success met by Cuirassiers who eventually routed the English cavalry.
The time was judged to be right for the commitment of the Guard. This massive attack co incided with the capture of La Haie Sainte. The fall of this key to the Allied line allowed artillery to be brought into close support.
The Allied units were subjected to continuous fire just as they were in the original battle. Despite Allied attempts to reinforce the centre the Guard attack destroyed it leaving a rearguard on the Allied right and also at Papelotte.
However the Prussians had arrived on Napoleons right flank and all efforts to hold them had resulted in a slow withdrawal . Despite inflicting massive casualties on Bulows forces, the build up of Prussians was relentless.
Time was getting on with darkness approaching. Fighting at night would have meant chaos.
The result was a decision to withdraw and link up with Grouchy. In the original encounter Napoleon gambled his army and lost. I chose the inherent military probability approach. However since the whole campaign was based on the gamble to destroy the Allied armies in Belgium and then see what deal could be reached, the end result would probably have been the same.
BRAVO! 
Moderator
