Rolica Game 3.1 the Convent of Saint Flagella of the Martyred Virgins.

Some background:

I solicited the members of the Marshal Petain Gentlemans's Club to supply the orders that effectively programmed my solo wargaming for the Rolica games.  The mini campaign format, where I fight a series of three battles is one of the real success stories of my solo wargaming, (I know that I generally move on after three games) but in the case of Rolica  it became obvious that four battles were needed. (skirmish games in this case)  This was as welcome as  it was unexpected.  I set the game in motion and it generated a life of its own. as well as creating a really promising Peninsular campaign.  It`s good to know that I have friends who are as crazy as me, and in one case waaaay more out there... although has some debate on exactly who among us needs the use of a straight jacket first.   This is the stuff that brings a solo game to life for me!

Since I am still painting my 28mm forces, (and I have a mad plan to collect a Company of Oeels Jager that will play a major part in my campaign) I am using my Adler Miniatures 6mm figures to game these scenarios.  Fortunately I had already based 50 voltiguers on 1cm washers, as well as 40 Rifles and 40 Redcoat Flank Company.  With my Timecast 6mm buildings then  look good, but my intention is to make the 28mm my mainstay. 

Game 3.1 The Convent of St Flagella of the Martyred Virgins
 
Having successfully defeated the French in Scenarios 1 and 2 the 4th foot and the Rifles have now advanced to the convent itself, scene of game 3.  The Rifles are an hour ahead of the 4th Foot, having marched on a more direct route.

 
The British close in on the convent they have been ordered to seize.  Sir Arthur believes this will protect his flank as he attacks General Delaborde`s position in the hills above Rolica.  He has ordered the Portuguese Brigade under Colonel Trant to attack on this flank, but it is important that the convent is held and Trant not delayed.

The Order of Nuns in the Convent are dedicated to Saint Flagella of the Martyred Virgins.

Rolica Game 3.1, Nun of that!

Sir Arthur has a quick chat..

"Ah Qwinthy,
I`m fwighting at Wolica twoday,
twake youw're chaps down to Po immediwatley and seize that Cwonvent, thweres a good Gwerman fwellow,
Cwarry on."

Your Scout has looked over the convent, in a valley heading south.   Map attached.  He also reports that Captain Quilp and a Company of Light Infantry from the 4th Foot are on the road passing Columbiera, and will be able to assist you, but that they are at least an hour behind you. 

Just before we come within sight of the farm Sergeant Feuct and I will take two 8's and a 6 and move surreptitiously into the scrub between the farm and the vine terraces. We will then slip into the olive groves behind the farm.

Meanwhile Lieutenant Binky and Sergeant Lime will take an 8 and a 6 and take the barn on the road before the farm. Having cleared it they will, if the farm is occupied as it appears to be, take good cover and commence sniping at the farm's occupants.

When I am in position and presuming that no krapauds have appeared from the convent, the bugler shall sound and we will make a simultaneous assault on the farm.

Now Lieutenant, you must wait for the bugler to sound before you attack the farm. What tune will he play? Why the tune he always plays. William, sound To The Colour would you. Yes, lieutenant the one that sounds like the song your Uncle Percy used to hum while he was shooting rabbits, that one.

(sotto voce) Sergeant Lime, you heard all that did you? Keep him right there's a good fellow.

 The British orders

2 x 6 Skirmishers
3 x 8 Rifles in close order


Additional Support Points Chosen

Physic – 1pt        aka Dr Gordon Ottershaw, dentist, freemason and ferret wrangler
Musician – 1pt   aka young William Elliot, bugler and company dancer
Level 1 officer – 3pts       aka Sergeant Harold Lime, procurer of sundries and rarities.
Scout – 3pts        aka The Masked Shadow. 

 

The rifles plan

French Orders
Capitan Claude Douche 27th du Ligne.  I will have the remains of my Voltiguers loot this farm.  There is a very acceptable Oporto wine in casks here.  The farmer calls it the "Nun`s Special Reserve."  Douche has two wagons loaded with wine casks.  His men 2 x 6, 2 x 8 have stacked arms to loot.  Lieutenant Capone has looted himself a carriage, and has just left the farm, heading for the convent as the rifles arrive. 
The barn has six skirmishers under Sous Lieuteant Casse-Toi Bâtard, who has just finished killing all of the chickens. No reason for it, he just enjoys it.

The game.

The French are surprised

Von Weissmehr sounds the attack, and fires his skirmishers into the looting French Voltiguers.  These are rallied by Capitan Douche with "To arms, to arms."
The Rifles however fix swords and charge.

Binky takes a ball in the codpiece

Lt Binky attacks the barn, but here the French are ready, Sous Lieuteant Bâtard is a very different proposition to his Commanding office, and readies his customised duelling pistols.  Binky closes in using his group of 8covered by the 6, but Binky is wounded and the attack falters.  The barn has been loop holed, and is strongly built.

Even Bâtard and his skirmishers flee

In the farm buildings Douche has already decided to save his own skin, and climbs out of a rear window, telling his Sergeant that he is going for help!  The French Sergeant is unable to defeat von Weissmehr's charge and his men run away. 
This starts a general rout as morale fails among the French.
Even the Sous Lieuteant decides to retreat towards the convent, and the barn is abandoned

The 6mm Captain von Weissmehr

Losses for the French, one Sergeant, ten men.
Losses for the British, two men, one Officer wounded.(all Bâtard's work)
Dr Gordon Ottershaw, dentist, freemason and ferret wrangler, treats Binky`s wounds.  It transpires that Binky was struck in the fundamentals, having been stripped of his sweetbreads by a cruel pistol shot.  Dr Ottershaw merely commented that Binky would never miss what he never used anyway.

As the Light Company of the 4th Foot finally arrive Captain Quitte von Weissmehr sits astride a cask of Oporto wine (Special Nun`s Reserve) having hs goblet serviced by the farmer's daughter.