For this game we are playing another battle from the  One Hour Wargames Scenario’s Flank Attack, using Crimean war British and Russians. Instead of the six units defined in the scenario each side has six commands and the object of the British attackers is to get their commands off table within 18 inches of the road.

The British start the game with their blinds deployed on the road and the Russians have two infantry commands (seven battalions of infantry and two heavy artillery batteries) either side of the road. Their remaining commands are deployed on the left hand board edge.

In the first bound the British move forwards and deploy their blinds, allowing then to form up two Brigades (six battalions and two artillery batteries) in front of the Russian defenders with an additional brigade (two battalions) on either flank to swing round to attack the defenders in the flank. The British cavalry and supporting horse artillery move to their right flank to delay the attacking Russians (thirteen infantry battalions, two batteries of light artillery, four light cavalry regiments and a horse artillery battery).

Over the next few moves the British infantry get into a fire fight with the Russians only able to reply with their two heavy artillery batteries, the dense Russian infantry units having to suffer fire without being able to reply and their officers constantly rallying them when they become shaken. On the British left their outflanking movement is slowed by a rocky hill forcing them to take the longer route around. On their right, Buller’s Brigade are forced to turn to face the Russian reinforcements.

The Heavy Brigade are forced back by the advancing Russian Infantry and flanking light cavalry. The Heavy Brigade’s initial attack is halted when the shaken Russian cavalry manage to cause a casualty with their carbines. The Russian lancers charge, forcing the heavy cavalry back only for them to rally and then force the Russians back, routing one regiment of Russian horse.

Eventually the British cavalry gain the upper hand and break the Russian cavalry in the last move, pursuing into some disordered Russian infantry. However, this is all too late as several battalions of Russian infantry make it through to the remaining defenders just as they are starting to break and are forced back.

So a win to the Russians.