Battle of Waterloo Pt. II

The fury of the previous hours of combat was unmatched by that which followed.  Although both British divisions who had to make determination tests passed, the Dutch-Belgian division easily routed away.  Baron Chasse's Dutch-Belgian division took position to cover the gap.

Pressuring Chasse's division.  Anxious to get to grips the French
end up bunched together.



Kellerman's cavalry is eager to get their sabres on the enemy.

The remaining Guards battalion square up in the face of the cavalry,
having little faith in the Dutch-Belgian carabiniers.

On the French right steady pressure finally opens a hill in Picton's line.

A broad view showing the fresh French units moving up.

Meanwhile, on the French right-rear the Prussian cavalry is
beginning to apply pressure.

Earlier than 200 years ago, the French Guard moves up the
 middle.  Strike quickly and hard!

On the right Exelmann's corps begins to charge with mixed results.

About this time in the battle the allies scored a real victory when Marechal Ney was struck down.  Carried from the field seriously wounded he would expire in the evening.  Yet I believe it is the death he would have chosen, fighting for France in the face of her enemies.  Certainly better than the actual outcome at the hands of the vengeful Bourbons.

d'Erlons 3rd division, with the attached 12 pdrs. engages and
unlimbers in front of the Guard squares.

Paul (Blucher) deploys his forces on new tables, large enough to
accommodate his army.  Multiple brigades engage the French.

Chasse's division is hammered on all sides but holds for now.

Still more Prussians arrive, while Lobau is reinforced by a Young
Guard division.

Oh, and the grand battery, which has relocated from the center.

Picton's division is split in two and French troops reach the back
table.  But retribution is coming in the form of British cavalry.

On the French left it is over.  d'Erlon's mangled 1st division leads
3rd over the fallen Guards, who died in square.

Regrettably I do not have pictures of the British cavalry running rampant over the depleted French infantry and cavalry.  Even 50-50 encounters seemed to go the British way.  However, with three allied divisions destroyed or routed away and two more facing a very difficult determination test we ended things.  The French Guard was badly mangled and some battalions had routed away.  Elite, grenadier and guard rated battalions had exacted a horrible toll on the attackers.  The Prussians were appearing in ever greater numbers but there were still uncommitted French formations and in general held a large quality advantage over the Prussian infantry.

Left to right: Aaron, Andrew, Paul (Blucher), Todd, Dan (Wellington), Bob,
Eric S., Tom, myself (Ney) and Chuck (Napoleon).  Not present for the
picture are Adam, Clayton, Eric D. and Ian.
"We few, we happy few.  We band of brothers."

And so another legendary refight of a legendary battle ended.  So many people contributed to the game and its success.  Painting figures, sculpting terrain and buildings, preparing cards with vital stats and the all-important clock.  Before we started we toasted with wine the men; brave and terrified, hero and coward, present that fateful day that shaped the future of Europe.  With good spirits and friendly competition we attempted to honor and commemorate them.  Salute.