15mm GdA France vs Prussia Napoleonic

Equally matched French and Prussian forces met to dispute a shallow wide valley, with a chateau on one side-edge, and some hillocks in the centre. 

Both sides (France was Adrian and Norman, Prussia was Steve A and Guy) appeared to be setting up for a long defensive artillery duel, until the Prussians charged forward with all of their five brigades.

The French right wing had taken control of the chateau and grounds, plus a small nearby farm, but didn't occupy the central hillocks, and in fact had a gap in their line in this area....but not for long.

The Prussian right wing, mainly recruits and line infantry, marched into long-range artillery fire which hurt them somewhat, but they reached the central line before halting to set up their twin 12pdr artillery batteries and returning fire.

On the Prussian left wing, a much more experienced brigade of veteran light infantry attacked the chateau and pushed the defending French battalions back, occupying half of the grounds.

In the centre a large regiment of Prussian Uhlans rode into the shadows of the hillocks, complete with cossack supports, and approached the French centre.

The French brought on their cavalry reserve of three regiments to fill their centre gap, and to face the Prussian Uhlans.

The Prussians had a similarly sized brigade of Dragoons with supports, which also moved  forward, although taking artillery casualties as it did.

The Prussian dragoons attempted to charge the centre-right French artillery and infantry, and were shot into retiring.

However, this allowed the Prussian Uhlans, over three moves, to charge into the French cavalry brigade repeatedly and force it backwards to the point where it routed off the table. The cossack supports helped to absorb local French infantry fire so the Uhlan charge became irresistible.

Time ran out, and although the Prussians had probably taken slightly more casualties, the French retired from the field and a Prussian victory was declared. Some more awful dice-throwing though.

The Prussian right wing advances into French long-range artillery fire:

The Prussian veterans prepare to attack the chateau on the French right wing:

The Prussian Uhlans with their Cossack supports ready to charge the French cavalry brigade in the centre:

The Prussian Dragoons (cobalt-blue uniforms near Ade's hand) are shot to a standstill and retire to their own lines:

The Prussian Uhlans with Cossack supports in melee with the three French cavalry regiments:

The French cavalry are forced back to their base edge over three rounds before routing off the board, in what turned out to be the decisive manoeuvre of the battle:

Thanks to Ade, Norm and Steve A for a fun game.