Yesterday Ian Drury hosted the annual wargame and sausage-eating day at his house. This has been going for the last five years, and features a refight of a famous nineteenth century battle with a break for sausages (and other edibles) at lunchtime.
This year the refight was of the Battle of Solferino, and the participants were Ian Drury (the host), Richard Brooks (who wrote the rules and provided many of the toy soldiers), Nigel Drury (Ian’s brother), Peter Grizzell, Alan Buddles, and myself.
The battle was fought using 15mm figures – mainly old Peter Laing and some newer Freikorps miniatures – and used the latest version of Richard’s Minischlacht rules.
This year the refight was of the Battle of Solferino, and the participants were Ian Drury (the host), Richard Brooks (who wrote the rules and provided many of the toy soldiers), Nigel Drury (Ian’s brother), Peter Grizzell, Alan Buddles, and myself.
The battle was fought using 15mm figures – mainly old Peter Laing and some newer Freikorps miniatures – and used the latest version of Richard’s Minischlacht rules.
Some 15mm Peter Laing Austrian infantry advancing across the battlefield.
The fighting around Solferino. The playing cards are used to determine the order in which units and formations are activated during each turn.
Austrian cavalry is thrown back by the combined gunfire of French infantry and artillery.
The moment that the Austrian army lost the battle. The yellow markers distinguish those units that have reached breaking point and are leaving the battlefield.
Nigel Drury (left) and Richard Brooks (right) look out over the battlefield. Both commanded Corps in the winning French army.
Peter Grizzell (left) was the third French Corps commander. Alan Buddles (right) commanded the right wing of the Austrian army and mounted a stout defence of Solferino.
Looked like a great day - I am intrigued by the rules - Minisclacht - I have not come across those and I also noted the offset square grid. I must confess to having a liking for a nice Chorizo or a Kabanos sausage myself!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fine bit of tabletop gaming (Also, that's an almighty big book collection in the background!)
ReplyDeleteC
Ogrefencer,
ReplyDeleteThe rules were published in THE NUGGET some time ago. I have a version that I can send you if you would like a copy?
The offset grid has many of the advantages (and disadvantages) of hexes whilst being easier to make. I prefer a standard grid myself, but have no problem using offset sqaures when the rules demand.
As to the sausages ... well they were proper hand-made traditional ones, including some that were made to an original Essex receipe.
All the best,
Bob
CWT,
ReplyDeleteIt was a great game, and everyone enjoyed themselves no end.
The book collection is much, MUCH bigger than the pictures indicate. Both Ian and his wife work in publishing, and books are their 'stock in trade' so to speak. His area is mainly history whilst her's is SciFi and fantasy.
I am convinced that the books are actually holding up the house as they extend from floor to ceiling in most rooms!
All the best,
Bob
I would appreciate a copy of the rules Bob - many thanks. I read with interest you post on the pros and cons for differing grid styles and have the same thoughts re the offset square version - the 'grain' being the main issue! All the best, Ogre
ReplyDeleteOgrefencer,
ReplyDeleteA copy of the rules will be winging its way to you (electronically, of course!) today.
Read and enjoy,
Bob
Hi Bob
ReplyDeleteIs one able to play this game on a non off set square playing board?
Kind Regards
Bruce,
ReplyDeleteWith a bit of re-writing of the rules (i.e. converting movement and ranges from squares to cms), it should be possible.
Bob