**STOP PRESS** British blitz the French away from Hill of Arinez - GdA 15mm

 A scenario game, based on part of the Battle of Vitoria, Peninsula War 1813.

The French army were deployed and set-up to to defend the village and hill of Arinez, complete with cavalry reinforcements should they be needed.

French were Adrian, Steve K, and Bob, British were Robin, Norman and Guy.

The British moved forward quickly with infantry on the two flanks, and an artillery battery in the centre.

The British strategy was to advance quickly with the heavier force up the British right, push back the French, and then turn into the village and capture it, before moving on to the actual hill of Arinez.

Norman's infantry stormed forwards and quickly made contact with Bob's French left, using skirmishers, artillery and volley fire to force the French back, including a number of well-timed charges. This eventually meant the French lost two brigades.

Robin's smaller artillery and infantry centre, backed-up with some reserve cavalry, had slightly less initial success, but eventually forced Ade's French brigade to leave the table, and as the sun started to set, occupied the village after a short battle with the French occupiers.

Robin also saw-off the French cavalry.

On the British left, Guy's two brigades of veteran light battalions and 95th advanced through trees to the edge of the Hill of Arinez, and then up the rough slope to commence skirmisher and volley fire against Steve and Ade's defending infantry and artillery. Accurate and concentrated fire meant the British destroyed the French artillery batteries and all their skirmishers, and were preparing for the final infantry assault as the game ended.

The British won the game, having achieved three 'sauve qui peut' results and occupied the village of Arinez.

Thanks to Robin and Ade for organising the game, Steve K for his baking, and the rest of us for bringing along food. Lots of laughs and a great fun game.

Robin's battalion takes the village of Arinez

The British veteran light battalions inflict damage on the French skirmishers and artillery on the Hill of Arinez

Normans infantry brigades rush the Bob's French in the distance, while Robin's brigades prepare to face a French cavalry charge in the centre.

Steve's central brigade defends the village of Arinez

Norman's brigades get stuck into Bob's French.

Adrian and Steve's defenders on the Hill of Arinez await the British advance

The British light veteran battalions climbing the rough slope of the Hill of Arinez

The village of Arinez early in the game when all was quiet

Norman's forced march approaches Bob's French defenders

Yet another shot of Norman's battalions