Game Reports

AAR Talavera Afternoon Attack, 28th July, 1809

Posted by Bill Slavin on 31 Aug 2023, 17:09

Hi all,

We played the last of Jonathan Jones’ three scenarios from his book O’er the Hills Early Peninsular War that cover the main attack at Talavera on July 28, 1809. Previously the British had narrowly held on to the right flank against Victor’s dawn attack, turning the tide when the French twice failed to form square and were swept away by the British cavalry on both flanks. The attempt to take the Pajar-Vergara Redoubt was more of a slog for Laval’s German Division, as the combined British/Spanish forces easily held the enemy at bay as the German/Dutch forces bravely but fruitlessly broke themselves in frontal attacks on the battery.

Determined to carry the day, Victor once more masses his army for a final push on the British centre. The flanks were to be pinned by attacks by Ruffin and Villatte’s weary troops on the French right, and Laval’s Germans on the French left (and we know how that turned out!)

The attack is preceded by three rounds of cannon fire, mostly directed at the enemy batteries. Then to the sounds of drums, the French advance.

Here is the full battle report with lots of photos…
https://tinywarsplayedindoors.blogspot.com/2023/08/aar-talavera-afternoon-attack-28th-july.html

And here are a few photos of the action.

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Bill Slavin  Canada

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Posted by k.b. on 31 Aug 2023, 19:16

Absolutely riveting stuff Bill. I honestly don’t know what I like the most….. your battle reports or your games table with your beautiful landscapes and even more beautifully painted and arranged troops getting to grips with each other.
Only yesterday I was thinking to myself that you had been very quiet of late and suspected you had something special up your sleeve that would be revealed in the nearish future. I was right. Only that near future was immediate. Thanks for sharing…..
Ps/ and was delighted to see my compatriots did a great job of routing the enemy, once again!
k.b.  Brazil
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Posted by Bessiere on 01 Sep 2023, 04:31

Always impressive Bill. Looks like absolute carnage for the poor Frenchies on this field. Alas, they died well-dressed.
Cheers,
Bessiere
Bessiere  United States of America
 
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Posted by C M Dodson on 01 Sep 2023, 06:12

Excellent stuff as always with your trademark Spanish lighting .

I have read JJ ‘s accounts and these actions are inspirational.

Best wishes,

Chris
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Posted by Konrad on 01 Sep 2023, 08:37

Everything has already been said.
It only remains for me to say that I am again deeply impressed.
The figs,the atmosphere,the photos.
Great!
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Konrad  Germany
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Posted by PhilC on 01 Sep 2023, 11:44

Hum, "Talavera" means Bill... Won!! Everything is said already, but... what a large wargaming table, I am so envious :mrgreen:
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PhilC  Europe

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Posted by Bill Slavin on 01 Sep 2023, 21:22

Thanks, all. Yes, k.b., I have been quiet lately - a combination of summer busy-ness and realizing with three weeks to go that I was 108 French line infantry figures short of an army! :shock:
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Bill Slavin  Canada

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Posted by PatrickJ71 on 02 Sep 2023, 08:33

Once again wonderful pictures of beautiful painted figures on a fantastic battlefield.
They are always a joy to look at.
Thanks for sharing, Bill.
Patrick
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Posted by Rich W on 03 Sep 2023, 02:04

Great again Bill! I think you really do have the monopoly on Peninsular War gaming!
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Posted by Ochoin on 03 Sep 2023, 07:37

Museum display quality.
I'll add my congratulations, Bill.

donald
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Ochoin  Scotland
 
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Posted by Minuteman on 03 Sep 2023, 10:51

Splendid images Bill. I am in awe of the realism of your Peninsular War forces, both in terms of attention to detail and skilful painting, and also in terms of the numbers you deploy on your wargames table. All very much in the 'grand manner', and all very inspiring!
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Posted by Peter on 06 Sep 2023, 15:09

Impressive again! :yeah:
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