(Big Game) Ramillies "The Sternest French Infantry of the Day" [Game 14] Post #16

Yet again this fierce brigade of French Line Infantry fought off the savage charge of Allied cavalry, despite being in a state of disorder. These men were the firm stanchion that fixed the point of concern in the French lines (see below, a clash of arms of savage fury, yet more horse than soldiers fell - the cavalry learning respect for the socket bayonet): 

Yet Ramillies itself was coming under severe pressure with a considerable force of Allied infantry steadfastly advancing. The French brigades inside had already suffered fearfully  (see below, the ruins give it some protective cover but not the fortress walls afforded at the start of the battle):

The Allied cavalry on their Right Wing had scattered back, forming a concave depression. The French however were in no mood to risk a counter-attack, preferring a slow death instead (see below, the moment of danger had seemingly passed here):

The flickering firefight was continuing along the whole length of the line of the river. The French seemed to be getting a "defensive upper hand" but did not have the necessary mass to exploit anything (see below, the British Line Infantry brigades seemed perfectly happy to trade blows at a disadvantage to the French defenders, dying in some cases to a man instead of retreating/routing):

The blood and thunder back on the cavalry wing was going the French way. Having not broken the infantry in the first charge the Allied cavalry suffered 50% casualties but bravely fought on, passing a morale test (see below, this dreaded infantry formation had broken two Allied cavalry - a good return on investment): 

In desperation an addition stand of mounted Allied Dragoons reinforced the melee - another rule we had not experimented with (see below, the plan was to bleed the infantry with yet another round of melee):

The regular cavalry was routed away. The French line although disordered was still intact (see below, the next round of combat was going to go very badly for the Dragoons): 

The Dragoons too rout, but at least a base is taken of the French infantry brigade (see below, this has been a costly business particularly as the Bavarian Cavalry Reserve is reforming behind them):

For the first time there is notable concern within the Allied Cavalry Wing. The infantry's flank must be protected in their assault on Ramillies (see below, any more piecemeal commitment of Allied cavalry could have disastrous consequences):

I had painted this French Infantry well, perhaps too well. How I secretly regretted painting that extra base of French Grenadiers (see below, at this rate it was ploughing through the Allied Cavalry Reserve at a game winning rate of knots):

Something decisive was sorely needed from the Allied side or the game could be seen to be slipping away from them.