Saturday 15^th July saw the latest of the clubs open days. Robin put on one of his space games while the younger members played a large Warhammer 40k game. I was involve in a game of Shako which worked on the basic of if you came along with some troops you rolled to see where they would come on.

It started with Henry in command of the French and me in command of the British and a Brigade of Austrians. Henry was soon joined by Colin, who, eager as every, was soon giving Henry the benefit of his tactical knowledge. After we had deployed our armies Russall arrived to take command of the Austrians.

Modern Art? No the Allied master plan

Straight from the first turn it was clear that the French Dragons, who for some reason were behind a large wood, were on the wrong flank. So started a long march from the right of the French army to the left of the French army, (and this was not to be the longest command arrow drawn on the map either.)

Just as my Anglo Portuguese Division had secured the wood on the French left Karl came through the door with more French, The old Guard to be exact, who promptly arrive on the French left just in time to contest the wood. Things were beginning to look a little hairy for the allies as they were out numbered by the advancing French columns, (or Corp de mix in Colin’s case.) Anxious glances were cast out the window wondering if the next car would herald the arrival of Walter and his Prussians. Then in the nick of time Ian arrived with the Russians, the first of which appeared on the French right enabling the Austrians to hang on a little longer.

French Plan of attack. Colourful isn't it?

The first French columns were repulse from the allied held ridge but the pressure on the Austrians on the allied left flank was to much and they broke, British reserves where sent to plug the gap as more French appeared on that flank. The Anglo Portuguese Division in the wood on the right was hanging on by the skin of their teeth when reinforcements arrived in the shape of Russian Grenadiers and Cossacks.

Yet more French arrived way way over on the French right, so far away in fact it took an Aide de Camp about six or seven turns to reach them. At this point certain members on the allied side started making noises abut ringing Walter up to see where he and his Prussians were. But despite being pushed off the ridge the allies managed to hold on to make it a draw.

The important thing was everyone had a very enjoyable day gaming and we found a way of involving Walter even when he doesn't’t turn up. And by the way the reason for the absence of the Prussians was Bluchers sister made him do the gardening instead.