The Battle of Notenoy (Pt 2: Conclusion)

 While the Germans and Emigres were tackling the redoubts, the British infantry enveloped two sides of the central village while leaving a clear line of fire for the Royal Artillery.

The fight for the town was bloody and sustained while the opposing cavalry units eyed each other. If either had charged and won, the victorious horsemen could turn the tide in their side's favour but if they lost, all might be lost. So it was that neither General ordered them in and the opposing cavalry stared at each other, ready for pursuit if their infantry triumphed, or to cover their army's retreat if needed.  

A balloon's eye view of the battlefield, 1/2 way through the day.

With the redoubts cleared, the General ordered his left wing to detach a battalion to join in the attack on the village. He also ordered the redcoats to side step to give the artillery a clean line of fire to the stone house. The Black Watch, having suffered heavy casualties was ordered to fall back and guard the flank of the infantry in case the French cavalry charged. Slowly, the allied infantry fought their way into 1/2 the houses in the town. 

On the far left, the German battalions stormed the town and, despite heavy casualties, they drove the French out with the points of their bayonets.  The Republicans themselves had taken even heavier casualties and there was no chance that they could attempt to take the town back.  The Republic still held two of the objectives and the sun was sinking low. Was it time to gamble with the cavalry?

There was no need. The allied infantry manged to take most of the town and after very heavy losses, the remaining Republican infantry broke and ran. The Republican cavalry covered their retreat and the Duke decided not to risk his cavalry in pursuit when there were so many of these French Republicans to fill the ranks of their infantry. (ps this was the 3rd last turn.)
  

Up next?   hmmm....

The Battle of Notenoy (Pt1)

The 1st Coalition armies were getting restless in the fall of 1793. The campaign seemed to have stalled but eventually the Duke of Belmont had received orders to advance with an allied force of British, Emigre and Brunswick units and seize the strategical town of Notenoy where the road splits, and either the town on the North road or the redoubt blocking the South road.

Cavalry scouts reported that the Republicans had occupied the town and both exits but with a smaller force. After a quick council of war, a plan was decided on. The British infantry would seize the central town and road junction while the Emigre and German brigade would storm the enemy redoubts and seize the smaller town. The cavalry would guard the flank of the infantry while the light troops would work their way through the forest and try to silence the enemy artillery which was holding the third objective.  

The British infantry headed straight forward to the main objective, supported by all of the artillery and were quickly engaged.

On the left, the French musket and canon fire was causing serious casualties. The Emigres were first to reach their target but they were blown back by cannister fire.

The veteran Brunswickers also took heavy casualties but they cheered and swarmed over the redoubt, capturing the French guns and raising the morale of their experienced supports.

"Advance The Guns!" came the order. The bombardment against the redoubt had done little damage so they were ordered to advance to a more effective range. Supported by infantry musketry, the artillery did its work.  

On the Southern flank, the German Jagers slowly forced the French skirmishers back towards the redoubt beyond the woods. In the clearing between the woods and the town, the opposing cavalry sat and faced each other. If either side charged and drove off their enemy, they could wreak havoc on the already engaged enemy infantry or exposed artillery, but it was a dangerous gamble, one to only be used if absolutely necessary.   

After a brief bombardment by the British artillery, the Royalists charged again and captured the second redoubt. Now it was time to move on the crucial goals but the day was half spent and not one objective had been taken. Could it still be done?

...............To Be Continued 

At Last This Hurley Burly Is Done!

 Battle Report to follow.....

....probably tomorrow.