Having made two previous attempts to fight the battle we eventually managed it this weekend. I already had my own thoughts on the action, especially the numbers involved on both sides, I have never subscribed to Henry's tiny army being beaten by Richard's huge army. Anyway, I got Foard's book and came to the conclusion that Bosworth from a wargaming point of view was a pretty poor subject for a battle, despite its historical significance. We really still know nothing about it apart from Oxford fought Norfolk, Richard and Henry probably also fought and Richard was killed.
So after several headaches, I used the flat terrain of the actual battlefield, ignored the deployment which has Richard facing north west and went with the one where he is to the north of Fenn Lane facing roughly south west, I also ignored the possible 'fen' in the middle of his deployment area and went with the traditional one on the flank.
I married my own thoughts with an old Lance and Longbow scenario which included Northumberland and the Stanley's, albeit I only allowed for one Stanley, who might or might not turn up on Richard's right, as would Percy if he deigned to turn up.
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In the picture Norfolk (to the right) and Oxford approach each other, to Oxford's left the Scots and French mercenaries are advancing, if a tad late, and to their left Henry and his cavalry sit tight. To Norfolk's right more Yorkist infantry and a bombard sit and await the mercenaries (I didn't want to give them too much to do as their commitment to the cause was not too strong). Next to them Richard has had to turn his cavalry as Percy turned up and seemed determined to fight for Henry!
Richard bravely managed to personally persuade Percy of his mistake, just as the Stanley's turned up. Around this time Norfolk had almost destroyed Oxford, the mercenaries were just beginning to become engaged and Henry's cavalry were pursuing Richard's horse from the field, albeit it one unit had decided to drag its heels and took no part in the fight. Despite Norfolk's victory it was looking decidedly dodgy for Richard, but as Henry failed to stop his men pursuing he offered his flank to the Royal Household and, like the folk tale, Richard took his chance. Henry's second in command went down, then Henry was badly wounded and captured but………….. Richard was seen to take a heavy blow ……….. he lifts his helmet, he is alive! I was never so glad to roll a one.
An excellent game, it was fought using Poleaxed 2, my own army lists with elements from the L&L scenario. I was actually going to leave out Stanley and Percy, but what the hell, it's a game after all.
receives a gift from his wife…