A quick preview of the Peninsular Campaign 1809-1814 The Spanish Ulcer Napoleon turned to attack Britain where ‘the nation of shop keepers’ would feel it the most – trade. He believed an invasion would be possible once economic isolation had drained the blood from the ‘vampire of the north’ and caused economic collapse. Napoleon issued…
Born in 1764 into an aristocratic family, Craufurd had a privileged upbringing and education. He entered the British Army in 1779 as an Ensign in the 25th King’s Own Borderers Regiment of Foot. He quickly rose through the ranks, seeing action in India, with the Austrians in Europe, at New Ross in 1798 and serving on…
La Haye Sainte The cavalry had failed and the combined arms attack had come too late, but the Allies had also suffered terribly, units being decimated. Napoleon understood what must be done, La Haye Sainte had to be taken and taken at all costs, if it were then the French would have a secure station…
Cavalry Charge and Counter-Charge Lord Uxbridge, sensing the danger, unleashed the Household and Union heavy cavalry brigades commanded by Major General Edward Somerset and Major General William Ponsonby. The finest mounted cavalry in Europe pounced on the unsuspecting formations of the French. The Household Brigade led by Lord Uxbridge negotiated the sunken lane and moved…
Opening Moves Napoleon wanted the battle to start at 9am, but that was a pipe dream. The ground was sodden and his troops, especially the cannon, were struggling to get into position. The fields and farm tracks were in a poor state due to the rain-sodden conditions and the battle’s start time had to be…
The Field The battlefield of Waterloo was small by the standards of the day, being three miles long and a mile deep. Wellington had occupied an excellent position, the main feature being the ridge of Mont St. Jean that ran from east to west. The ridge’s front was fairly steep, but could be traversed by…
The Final Assault The fight for Plancenoit had taken the French attention away from Wellington’s army and bought him valuable time, during which he could reinforce his battered centre. Brunswickers, Belgians, Dutchmen and British plugged the gaps. However, the French artillery kept up their constant bombardment. Napoleon had steadied his right wing with the recapture…
One of our most popular Bolt Action sets is the German Pioniers plastic and metal boxed set, crammed as it is with goodies! Let’s have a good look at what is included and how they can help you on the field of battle. First In Last out Pioniers would often be in advance of the…
Exciting news for Bolt Action players everywhere – our epic online summer campaign is the Invasion of Britain! Inspired by the new Operation Sea Lion book, but expanded to let all Bolt Action armies get involved, you’ll be able to defend the White Cliffs of Dover, invade the docklands of Newcastle and battle over the…
With the To Kill a King supplement on the horizon, here’s part 2 of our history covering the second and third English civil wars! The Second English Civil War 1648 King Charles was imprisoned on the Isle of Wight, although he was extended the courtesy of living a comfortable life. In fact, he was handled so leniently that he…
Graham Davey