Unfortunately, not long after the game was held, I
suffered a computer crash and many of the photographs I had uploaded to
the computer were lost. Some were still on the original flash card and
have been recovered. Some of those lost were of Eugene's action on the
allied right.
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This
gives a view of the whole table from the Danube end of the battle field.
The table was 36' long including the 3' end piece we used for cards, rulers,
rules sets etc. There were about 30 players at the game who were split
fairly
evenly between the two sides.
In the foreground left you can see an additional
table behind Blindheim. This was the starting point for the French infantry
reserve, and it was removed as the reserve entered the main table area.
There was a similar table at the far end
for the town of Lutzingen, which was to be added should the allies push
the Bavarians back that far. |
The
villages were to be the scene of some intense engagement as they were in
the actual battle.
Here is a view of Oberglauheim in the center
surrounded by the stubble of the recently harvested grain fields. The brigade
on the small rise behind and right of Oberglauheim is headed by the Irish
Brigade.
Just across the Nabel brook can be seen
the head of the allied brigade under Holstein-Beck, preparing to cross. |
On
the allied extreme left, the 20 battalion strong assault column under Lord
Cutts prepares to advance on Blindheim village, while sappers prepare causeways
across the marshy ground of the brook which has split into two streams
at this point.
In the far ground, behind prepared defenses,
the regiments of Greder Allemand and Navarre prepare to receive their assault.
In the very background to the right of
the village, the French reserve can be seen |
This
is the allied center between Unterglau and Weilheil farm.
Stretched across the front is the allied
infantry screening two lines of allied horse. The rear is brought up by
another line of infatnry.
The individul stands near the table edge
show the markers that we use to mark certain events that effect units,
such as casualties, states of disorder etc.
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The
action begins. As in history, the allies begin an advance across their
entire front, with the assault of Cutts' column against the village of
Blindheim (Blenheim) being the focus of attention on the allied left.
This assault comprises four lines of five
battalions each, supported by a preparatory bombardments from the allied
artillery train to their right.
The defending French battalions are spread
across the front of the villlage behind hastily prepareed defenses. |
The
gap between the Danube and the village is filled by a wall of turned over
wagons which provides cover for two lines of dismounted dragoons, used
as infantry as their horses have succumbed to disease.
In this image, the first battalion of the
regiment Navarre can be seen on the right of the French first line, within
the village. |
Despite
fire from the French 8 pounders deployed in front of the village, Cutts'
column brings its assault home and the French artillery withdraws into
the village.
For several hours, this assault hit the
village over and again to be checked each time. The French reinforced the
village with their third line, but they did not bring in their main reserve
as was done in history. In this game, the main reserve was brought out
to the center to support the desperate struggle there. |
A
similar story was played out in the center.
Here Holstein-Beck's brigade threw themselves
againts the village of Oberglauheim. This brigade took many casualties
and was eventual beaten back. |
In
the center, the allied cavalry crossed and managed to eventual push back
or defeat most of the French cavalry, but the fight was so hard fought,
the allied cavalry were in little position to exploit their success.
The arrival of the French reserve in the
center brought the allied assault to a standstill. |
Meanwhile,
on the allied right, a similar story of deadlock across the front was played
out. The Prussians and allied cavalry heavily engaged the French and Bavarians
and slowly pushed them back but did not break them.
Here the Danish infantry on the extreme
right push back the French in the woods.
Many of my photos of the right flank actions
were lost but I am looking for copies from others. |
The
entire front is engaged. Across the entire 4 mile battle field, nearly
every brigade is engaged with the enemy during this pause in the game.
This view gives some idea of the wonderful
spectacle of some 3,600 figures used in the game.
Many thanks to the many people and wonderful
gamers who made this all possible.
Blenheim_2004 |
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