(Volley and Bayonet Scenario Book by Frank Chadwick, Old Glory and The Emperor's Press)

This 80-page publication was designed to provide information for gaming four battles of the Franco-Austrian war of 1809. Not just Aspern-Essling and Wagram are covered, but also the interesting fights of Prince Eugene at Sacile, Piave and Raab. What follows is what I feel are some of the works highlights and weaknesses.

The booklet opens with a brief overview of the campaign and then plunges into the heart of the matter-- how to recreate the battles in miniature. Each battle is described chronologically with its immediate background. Following this is a terrain map showing initial troop deployments and order of battle. It is in the orders of battle that this book excels. Mr. Chadwick has troubled himself to provide us with two kinds for each battle.

The first is the detailed one, naming each regiment and brigade commander, with approximate troop strengths and numbers of battalions. (This would be very useful to gamers who do not use the V&B system). The second O.B. is provided for V&B players. It gives the morale, strength points, and other information needed to play the game in the form of a handy roster sheet.

This book also further refines the information from the basic rule book,and gives Napoleonic specific rules and information, such as additional capabilities or limitations like: PT= Poorly Trained, NG = No Grenadiers, and Lnc.= Lancers, etc. These modifications were added to "..capture the unique aspects of the 1809 Campaign and some general refinements to the Volley and Bayonet system itself." These modest and sound additions should not hamper the games flow and ease of play I should think.

Other useful aspects are a point system given for brigades and corps for use in a campaign game, a history/organization of the armies, and a painting guide for the troops involved. French, Austrian, Bavarian, Saxon, Wurtemburg, Westphalian, Netherlands, Hesse-Darmstadt, and Baden are all covered! Only the Italian uniforms are missing. For those without Napoleonic uniform references this last feature is truly unique, and very useful.

Other than the lack of Italian uniform information, (easily remedied by purchasing, "Osprey: Italian Troops of the Napoleonic Wars"), the only other weakness would be spelling. This book is plagued by numerous spelling errors. Though they do not impair the narrative nor the information, they are a blemish on an otherwise extremely good product! Overall: Highly recommended!

Reviews

Peter Pig USS Tyler 1/600 scale ACW Resin Ship review
Austria Stands Alone The 1809 Campaign review