Battle of Blasthof Heath Using MicroBattle

An Interesting Discovery

Recently, I was perusing my computer drive and stumbled across this scenario. I had downloaded it because I had an idea to play out some of the scenarios from classic wargaming books. This scenario originated with Brig P Young and Lt Col J P Lawford's CHARGE! or How to Play Wargames.

Converting the Scenario to MicroBattle

The order of battle is rather simple, with 1 infantry unit, 1 cavalry unit, and 2 guns per side. This OOB is fine for the single-figure casualty system used by CHARGE!, but it is a bit simplistic for MicroBattle.

I noted, however, that the units tend to have multiple officers. I decided to give each infantry and cavalry officer his own unit. Each gun also became its own unit. Incidentally, each army ended up with 6 units, the standard for my MicroBattle games.

Battle Set-Up

I have repurposed the battle as part of the continuing war between Bluderia and Redgrave. Redgrave will take on the role of the Empire while Bluderia serves as the Electoral army.

Here are the 2 armies:

• Redgrave - 2 infantry, 2 cavalry, 2 artillery
• Bluderia - 3 infantry, 1 cavalry, 2 artillery

The forces are set up on opposite sides of the river. I randomly determined each army's deployment.

After Action Report

After his latest defeat, Hogwaffe is on the retreat. His army has crossed the River Blast. He seeks to prevent the Redgravians from pursuing. He has tasked his rear guard, under the command of General Schleppend, with either destroying the bridge or holding it until nightfall.

While Schleppend dithered, General Rasch led the Redgravian vanguard on a quick march that seized the bridge. Light cavalry holding the far side finds itself attacked by dragoons (heavy cavalry).

Rasch sends his heavy cavalry (on the right of the Redgravian line) across a ford

Which gets repulsed.

Unable to retreat, the light cavalry held their end of the bridge valiantly. Ultimately, though, they get cut down.

Schleppend leads his infantry forward. They manage to clear the enemy from the far end of the bridge. But now they are exposed to a withering fire from infantry and artillery. Meanwhile, the Redgravian heavy cavalry manages to cross the ford. It makes a bee line for Bluderian artillery.

But gets attacked from the flank by Bluderia's heavy cavalry. Simultaneously, Schleppend's infantry manages to rout Rasch's left flank infantry. Rasch himself barely escapes.

This loss unnerves Rasch's remaining forces. They begin to withdraw despite the general's protestations.

Aftermath

This victory evens things for Bluderia. Each side now has two victories.

Hogwaffe feels that one more confrontation should resolve the conflict, one way or the other. The next battle will be the finale, with the victor winning the war. 

Final Thoughts

There you have it, a classic wargame battle, MicroBattle style.

It started rather frustratingly. Bluderia had some really awful activation rolls early on. Then I forgot that the river could be forded, which caused a traffic jam around the bridge. Meanwhile, the light cavalry on the far side prevented Redgrave's infantry and artillery from firing, although they did buy time.

This battle was supposed to have a time limit, but I neglected to keep track of turns at first. It probably took 5 or 6 turns before the battle reached the point where I started to narrate. After that, it was another 7 turns until the end. So it seems that Bluderia's victory is legit.

Of course, the highlight of the battle for the victors was Schleppend's charge across the bridge. He has now made a name for himself at the Bluderian court.