Sahagun 1808 refight

My friend Francesc and I refought the small batlle of Sahagun. We used Sharp Practice with 3 three groups of Elite British Hussars (the 15th) against two groups of average french dragoons (8th dragoons) and one group of poor chasseurs a cheval (the auxiliary chasseurs).

We supposed appaling weather conditions which basically allowed the british to get really close to the french.
The affaire was really close to the historical battle with the chasseurs fliing after the first charge and the halted dragoons shoting his carbines before receiving the charge.
At the end, a british victory (congratulations Francesc) but hard fought by the 8th dragoons.

NOTE: After watching frozen, my daughters put a troll in a balcony...lovelly ladies.

Failed rescue attempt

Encampment of the A company, XXXI Pennsylvania Volonteers.

Dear Lis,

I write you this letter just after our last skirmish to let you know that, thanks God, I’m still alive. I say so because I’m beginning to believe that our Captain is a complete fool. Aftera our last terrible encounter with the rebs, where we had two prisoners, he decided it was time to go and rescue them. The problem was that the tennesseans were waiting us with heavy artillery and thanks to their pickets completely aware of us. Half of our company which was commanded by our Captain got entangled in the woods and arrived late to the fighting (quiet strange) the other half company, under my command, supported the heavy fusillade and artillery of the rebels for nearly an hour suffering heavy loses. The southeners were capable to scape with our prisoners and almost unharmed.

Thanks the almighty I’m completely safe and ready for another encounter. I pray for you and our daughters

Joseph O. Waterwell.

French gendarmes 1808-1814

A "must have" unit for any peninsular wargamer should be the french gendarmes. Giving the huge amount of guerrilla actions that took part in that period, it's almost sure that those chaps would see a lot of action.
Scorting comboys, guarding prisoners, or defending outpost and communication lines are examples of scenarios where can be involved.

In Catalonia, there was de 6eme Légion de la Gendarmerie with several foot companies an squadrons.

When I saw the gendarmes designed by Paul Hicks and sold by Brigade Games I decided I needed them. The six figures (now 10 as they also sell command) are full of action and are a nice addition to my miniature collection. A unit of 6 is a decent number for a Sharp Practice unit and in addition can act as a tiny unit or a skirmish unit for blackpowder or general de brigade. The pictures don't really make them justice but are great miniatures.