The Valley of Death

 

  On the Fife & Drum miniature forum Chase suggested I try out this game from Warlords.  Its a scenario loosely based on the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War.  I guess its a starter pack that company sells.  You get a Russian battery, two Infantry regiments, some fortifications and the British Light Cavalry Brigade. Its a quick and fast game to be played using the Black Powder rules.  Game is to last six turns.

   I have addapted it to my set of rules for the period, "Charge of the Light Brigade." Because of the small size if the British cavalry units I field both the Heavy and Light cavalry as two units.  Batteries are three stands of a gun and two crew each.  Infantry are twenty four figures plus a Colonel each.   I will be setting up two Russian batteries with two supporting infantry battalion.  Although I put the fortification on the board I will not count it towards close combat.  The Russian has too much of an advantage as is!  I will leave them on the table to breakup a otherwise bland table.   To give the British some chance I will give them both the Heavy and Light cavalry brigades.   Table will be six feet by four feet.  There will be ridges/hills on both long sides which neither side can cross.  The Russians set up in one side and the British the other.  Now, off you go...

  The game starts with the British cavalry division advancing towards the Russians.( In the rules each unit gets a certain bunch of bonus command points. These can be used to do Extra things.  You can move twice, or fire twice.  But each activity costs a point and when they are gone they are gine.  Plus for each point you use the enemy gets to react.  Usually by firing back!  )

 The Cavalry are met with long range artillery fire.   But they shrug it off and continue.   The British continue  their advance and once again are hit by artillery fire.  This time light casualties. 

By the third turn the cavalry have reached the artillery line.  They play a command point and continue into close combat.  In the fight the cavalry over run the guns and continue the charge!

The Light Brigade turns the flank of the enemy infantry and rides them down.  The Russian government infantry retires to regroup.

The Heavy Brigade just plowed ahead.  Poor due rolling by the Russians cause no casualties and in the do we fighting the infantry are also beaten and retire!

At this point I am not sure I wish to continue the game.  The British cavalry have done incredibly well.  Poems will be written and their praises sung.  But the Russian infantry regrouped and are returning to the fight.  Time for the cavalry to turn about and return home I think!

A fast game and very entertaining.  Not much tactical thnking.  Perhaps perfect for the Crimean!  Played solo it was a great chance to get some figures out and play a quick game based on a historical incident that might not be a exciting club night type game for four or six players.

For those who are interested in the rules I used here are the rules and a explanation.

https://bravefusiliers.blogspot.com/2019/11/rules-i-use-for-wargaming-crimean-war.html

I think I hear the 93rd Highlanders asking to have a crack at the Russian cavalry.  Perhaps the next game?