Today the Tring Club held a 'Open Day' – basically an almost quarterly all dayer.
There were two games going on. A 15mm RF&F, and Sunjester and I fighting The Battle of Vimbuch, 23rd April 1703.
SJ, who provided the scenario said that historically what happened was the French turned up, looked at the Imperial position, with a marsh and a town on one side, woods on the other, and a stream with steep banks running between, and decided it wasn't an ideal field to attack over.
Today the French attacked.
We started with some experimental marching on/ deployment rules. Once the French had taken position with some confusion, the opposing commanders met at the picnic table, and had some crackers with Ardennes pate, with some Rev James from SA brewery, as obviously the local river may be polluted.
The French and Allies advanced. The cavalry moved round the outside of the woods, while the Austrians next to the wood guarding the bridge were engaged, possibly by Bavarians.
After a period of fighting the commanders lunched together. Pork pie, boiled eggs, fresh baked rolls and salad were eaten. Unfortunately I forgot I also had some cold chicken. The Imperial general returned the compliment of the beer by sharing his Italian wine with his opposing counterpart. There was English mustard for the pie.
The Prussians in the centre repulsed the Irish brigade.
Finally the cheese course was shared: a Danish blue, again with the crackers, which are multigrain baked crackers, topped with sesame seed. There was also fruit, and the wine was finished.
The Imperial flank held, and Swabian re-enforcements made it untenable for the French and Swiss in the centre to advance. The French commander therefore presented his compliments to the Imperial general, and stated that to avoid any more unnecessary bloodshed he would retire from the field. The Imperial forces allowed him to do so bearing colours and arms.
The ACW players fully got into the character of their Colonial avatars and acted noisily, and not at all like gentlemen.