Rule 8.15 deals with the capturing of enemy flags or fanions. However, the mere appearance of certain flags could change the moral or combat ability of troops. For example, the following is taken from "THOMAS MORRIS, THE NAPOLEONIC WARS," edited by John Selby, page 21;
"As we began to ascend, the enemy fires one volley, which being ill-directed, passed over us harmless, or nearly so; and then they abandoned their position,and retreated on perceiving the English colours, which our officers had just unfurled; previously, they were rolled up in oilskin cases.
In order to account for this apparent cowardice on the part of the French, their general, himself, informed us afterwards when taken prisoner, that when he was attacked by the Hanoverians, the whole being in British uniforms, he had a difficulty in persuading his men that they were not English; and when our regiment began to ascend the hill, they, of course, took us to be part of the Hanoverians; but when the British colours were exhibited, the French troops, fancied that not only we, but the majority of the red coats were English, and this circumstance caused such a panic among his men, that he could no longer keep them to their duty."
Now, a great many of the units that we use at Jean's are either lacking a command stand or have command stands that are incomplete. History is full of references of units defending their flags inspite of all that was thrown against them. The honor of the regimental standard was always to be protected. Maybe we should consider a rule for a unit with a standards for a rallying point, to counter the morale effect of a unit losing their standard as the result of a terrible melee action. Comments?
Rule 8.10 BUILDING OF PROTECTED FIRING POSITIONS
How long does it take to build firing positions? Note the following.
"Our regiment was engaged, in the face of the enemy, in constructing a sand-bag mortar battery, which is formed as follows: such a number of men, as may be deemed sufficient, are provided each with a canvas bag, which is to be filled with sand and secured at the south by a string. These are then deposited in rows, under the superintendence of the artillery-men, and in an hour or two a battery may be so formed, which will bear a great deal of battering."
"THOMAS MORRIS, THE NAPOLEONIC WARS" Edited by John Selby, Archon Books, 1968, page 36. Wargaming Rules Comments on the Proposed Rule for Outflanking Moves by Jean A. Lochet
It is always necessary to speak about existing rules when some new idea is to be introduced so we can always appreciate the consequences before hand etc.
Rule 1.22 MOVEMENTS, TROOPS MOVING ONTO THE BOARD
(1) Troops moving onto the board cannot charge onto the board.
(2) A stand will prevent enemy troops from entering the board within 12 inches of that unit. QUESTION. What should we do with that rule? Think over carefully about the possible consequences if we eliminate that rule.
COMMENTS ON YARDS METERS, INCHES ETC.
Vic in the last Newsletter has suggested to use yards instead of inches in our Napoleonic games. I think it is an interesting approach. I can say one thing as a first comment, it's going to make us realize how much we have to compromise with dimensions in order to play wargames? How significant? Many of you are familiar with CLS rules and one of the most significant examples can be given in the grossly distorted depth of a French battalion of infantry. Per CLS rules it is 60 yards deep with a frontage of only 40 yards. According to Chandler The Campaigns of Napoleon it was only 15 yards deep with a frontage of 75 yards. About that for realism! The range an 8 poured is only 36 inches or 360 yards. Do not take my word for it, please check yourself.
ON CAMPAIGNS
There is a great push to play a campaign game. My point of view is that we are not ready yet for a campaign. Too many variables are to be taken in consideration. We have too many people unfamiliar with the very basics of the rules. I also think that we should have more practice in tactical matters and in the handling of troops etc. I would like also before we do that change or more exactly modify a few rules. One of them is our LIGHT INFANTRY rules, and that is a kind of a complicated business. However, I will do what the majority decides.
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© Copyright 1999 by Jean Lochet
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