January/February "Big Battle" in Seventeenth Century ... somewhere inthe 'LowCountries' (Part 8) The End

A dispatch has made if in front the battle recounting its last hours ...

The final position: While the French consolidated their gains the arrival of the Dutch guard and the spirited defence of the Prussians (pounded by musket and shot and harassed by the guard cavalry) meant that the allies were able to hold on.

The stalwart allied defence of their right (see below): 

The Dutch guard come up to support the wavering English defenders (see below): 

The Prussians (an 'all musket formation' the shape of things to come) hold off all attacks despite suffering 50% casualties (see below, one base missing and a lot of casualty rings on one of ones remaining): 

The French hold the two towns on their right (see below, a fortified tavern the scene of murderous hand-to-hand fighting): 

The left most strong point has fallen but the French are in no position to contest the bridge without a deadly firefight they are unlikely to win (see below): 

The battle progressed a few more moves but the French decided that they were running out of infantry to press the attack home. Therefore we stopped it last night. The idea is to have a look at the campaign board game next week so we can learn it ready for the campaign.

So in the end the Allies have successfully defended and gained the "battle honours" of the day (an unhistorical result) for simply "still being there" at close of play. As indicated it is the best of wargame results as it allows both sides to return to the map to plot a "what-if" and possible follow up battle/mini-campaign.

Great fun was had by all. I just wish work and family commitments could have let me play some more, maybe the next one!

:)