Monday, January 18, 2010

ASPERN-ESSLING

Following the dawning of 2010 we decided to continue with the 1809 bicentenary celebrations and refight Aspern-Essling!
This was also a good opportunity to test may of the proposed Deluxe General de Brigade Rules
The refight did not disappoint and distinctly followed in the footsteps of its historical precedent!



There was a most desperate struggle for the village of Aspern, especially around the Church, which eventually fell to the Austrians. While the village of Essling proved an even more difficult conquest for the Austrians battalions. Three times they stormed Essling, only to be driven out in turn, by first Boudets garrison, then the Young Guard and then finally the Old Guard! However the Granary, manned by a gallant French elite battalion held out, at times in complete isolation, despite repeated Austrian attempts to storm the stronghold.

In the end Austrian numbers told, and with more and more white coated columns deploying onto the field, the French were forced to throw in their heavy cavalry reserves in order to gain time for an ordered retreat over the Danube! The Austrians countered with their numerous cavalry reserves (which included a splendid charge by Hessen-Hombergs kurassiers in riding down an entire French infantry brigade) and so forced the French army to retire! (Again!)