The battle of Froeschwiller, 1870 continued.

For the first part of this unbiased tale of French heroism combating the German hoards (and I did say hoards!) see here

With the French right wing hastily attempting to re-deploy the Prussian Juggernaut rolls forward in the centre.

With Scotty (the umpire) snickering inanely behind Chris looks at his French left wing wondering if his French can hold.

Who's that bloke on the left!

Divisional General Raoult directs the defence as a French regiment attempts to fight off the Prussian 94th regiment. As you can see both units have been through the mill.

Meanwhile the Saxon corps continues to put heavy pressure on Chris and his French left wing even though reinforcements are being continuously fed in.

The moments that probably saved the French army, the corps cavalry arrived and took up a position behind the now crumbling French centre, at that time the only usable reserve they had. As took place during a couple of battles during the war the cavalry was going to have to be sacrificed in order to buy time.

The first French light cavalry brigade launches itself into the attack, destroying a Prussian regimental column which it took in the flank but now finds itself exposed to fire from all sides. The second and third brigades do the same thereby sacrificing the whole reserve cavalry but forcing the Prussians in the centre to fall back to regroup.

Though the cavalry had done their job (at great damage to themselves) the German forces were still in a very strong position. After examining the overall situation everyone agreed that with a Bavarian corps and Wurttenburg division arriving on the field that the French were under pressure to maintain their hold on the ridge.
The first Prussian attack had been held but after awaiting their reserves and with the ability to now bring their massed artillery into closer range they would renew their attack next morning.
The French on the other hand had suffered greatly but had held their ground on the first day. Prudence demanded that they withdraw overnight (particularly as the Imperial Guard had failed to arrive) so a halt was called at this point.

The Wurttenburgers arriving on the German left.
It was - just a French victory, but I messed up with the deployment by trying to cover the whole front and leaving too few reserves. Instead of deploying each French rgt in double (supported) line, I should have deployed in a single line covering the same frontage using the Chasspourt's superior fire power to inflict casualties on the Prussian column and hit them with the reserves  when they threatened to break through.
Chris held the left well though under severe pressure from Mick's Saxons who performed exceptionally well. I buggered about on the French right trying to re-deploy while Neal put pressure on the centre of the line.
The Prussians (sneaky bastards) deployed mainly on the right and centre, sacrificing their artillery fire to long range only. As it was still pretty effective and it's a good job they couldn't get it any nearer due to their inability to get it across the stream.
It was a cracking game with good company.
Thanks to the lads, particularly Chris who's photographs these are and Scotty who umpired the whole thing, no easy task I can assure you.
Hope everyone enjoyed this write up.
Dave.