El número dos llega

The second game this week was played out last night, Jon commanded the Christino forces while I took the Carlist forces. The Carlists had occupied the town of Rawnsla with two freshly raised battalions of volunteers their stamina would be unknown until they saw action so they were supported by a battalion of veteran Navarre guides and a squadron of the Ontario hussars. A further Brigade was on its away, but it was to be intercepted by two brigades of the Christino army, one Spanish Brigade and a brigade of the British Legion. Both forces deployed outside the town, the Christino forces advanced while the Carlist deployed to receive them, Jon ordered a British Legion to “follow me” and charge a battalion outside town. Result a blunder and they duly charged the volunteers in town, despite only turning out to have a stamina value of one the volunteers held and next turn sent the attackers off in rout, meanwhile the British Legion lancers charged the other volunteers advancing in support, their stamina turned out to be a 4! They duly formed square/oblong😀 and beat off the attack, Jon followed up on the left flank with another blunder and the line cavalry disappeared off the table, things were looking good for the Carlist cause, but then the British Marine rocket battery actually hit something and sent a Carlist battalion off in rout. Not to be deterred Jon ordered another charge by the British Legion, this ended with them being routed, a Carlist victory you may feel, so did I, but it was not be, the pressure on the one Carlist battalion was too much and they also routed, soon followed by another, the Navarre guides were sent to bolster the left flank but it was too late, another battalion was forced to retire shaken which saw them leave the table, the brigade was broken. A Christino battalion, emboldened by beating of the Carlist Navarre lancers earlier in the game supported by the now returned cavalry advanced towards them compelling them to retire this also saw them retire from the table. The Navarre guides were now on their own, with the volunteers being held in the town by the threat of the British lancers they would be unable to lend support so the field was conceded. A most enjoyable game of Black Powder, although things can look to be going your way it is surprising how one thing can turn the tide the other way. Some photo shots of the action in no particular order follow, next week I shall be away, we are off to Dorset, somehow I have managed to miss the Tank Fest and Battlegroup South at Bovington, being away in between both, I will also be away for Barrage on Sunday, very poor planning on my part there.