Sharpe's Blood and Steel

 Another Blood and Steel game, but this time out of period - although not by much.

This week we tried the rules for the Peninsular War, pitting a force of French Dragoons against one of Spanish Guerrillas.

The Spanish, led by the notorious Guerrilla leader El Toppo (the hat), consisted of 5 groups of 6 Guerrillas, supported by a group of 6 British riflemen (Sharpe and the Chosen Men).

 For the French, Lt. Plume de ma Tante led 3 groups of 6 Dragoons, supported by 2 groups of 6 Voltigeurs.

The French drew the 'Forage' mission, whilst the Spanish drew an 'Escort' mission. The latter was a modification of the 'Vanguard' mission and required that a British spy (El Mirador) be escorted across the table.

Somewhere in Spain

Another cracking game. How best to sum it up? The Spanish shooting was hot, the French shooting was not, seems to fit the bill. Needless to say, I was the French!

Spanish Guerrillas move up, making the best use of the available cover. 

Voltigeurs oppose the Spanish advance, from the cover of the vineyard. 

French Dragoons gallop towards the right flank objective marker.

Dragoons reach the objective marker and begin foraging. This is going to be easy....

But, on the far flank, El Mirador's escort is creeping forward.

Covered by some crack shooting from the Chosen Men.

Dragoons return to their baseline with the captured cattle - 2 Attrition Points to the Spanish!

 

Dragoons redeploy to deal with the advancing Spanish........

.......only to be shot to bits. El Mirador is half-way there - 2 Attrition points to the French
(including 1 for casualties)

El Mirador is one move away from freedom - but it's the last turn.

However, the French are on 3 Attrition points, through casualties, and must roll a morale test. They fail the roll and the game goes to the Spanish.

The sole Spanish casualty!

The French Butcher's Bill!!

Another great game of 'Blood and Steel' and a severe drubbing for the French Dragoons first on table appearance.