"Another Try at Chalons" Topic

Gentlemen,

Here is Part 2 of my Chalons "project." This scenario used the GRAND TRIUMPH! Rules.

link

Thanks in advance for your time and comments and for your understanding that even with careful editing and review, a typo, grammatical gaffe, or a few "misspelings" sometimes get through.

Cheers,
Chris

Hi JPChris!

A wonderful write-up. What I am interested in, is that I wrote my PhD dissertation partially on the battle of Chalons, and I came to the conclusion that is was largely a meeting engagement, not a set-piece battle. We actually had an extended discussion on this back in 2001 on this site (http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=556187) where it was called the battle to the Catalaunian Fields. Anyway, loved the write-up and great game!

That should have been 2021, not 201. Michael

Greetings Michael (aka "Thatblodgettkid"),

Thanks for taking the time to read and to comment. Much appreciated.

PhD dissertation? What was the other part of your "book" about? Meeting engagement? From what I have read and understand, it seemed more like a rear-guard action what with Attila trying to withdraw, etc.

The Society of Ancients did Chalons as their Battle Day in 2013. It got some coverage in the main hobby press (i.e. Wargames Illustrated).

Thanks again for the compliment and taking the time to read.

Cheers,
Chris

Good morning Chris,

My dissertation was on the relations between Attila and the Roman Empire. So Attila's Gallic campaign featured prominently. I argued that, from an operational perspective, Aetius' plan was to lure Attila deep into Gaul then trap him against the city of Orleans with the combined Roman-Visigothic army. Attila escaped this trap, but was desperately trying to get out of Gaul with the combined forces of the Visigoths, Romans and Alans in hot pursuit. That set the stage for the battle of Chalons. Multiple contingents, moving east as fast as possible, running into each other at what appears to be a river ford, with both sides trying to secure the ford. This would explain the confused nature of the battle as well as the relatively late arrival of the Roman contingent on the battlefield.

FWIW. I never did publish the dissertation, and went on to work as an historian for the Air Force, which I have found extremely satisfying.

Michael

Michael,

Thanks for the additional information re your advanced studies.

Glad to see that you are one of the lucky ones who has found gainful and rewarding work. Quite the contrast though, at least from my limited perspective . . . a dissertation on Chalons and related matters and then US Air Force historian? Hun horse archers and heavy cavalry vs F-15s and similar . . .

Cheers,
Chris