Friday 17th January saw us all at Mike N's venue to take sides in Steve's 6mm game that saw Danes and their German mercenaries face off against an inexperienced and quickly gathered together Swedish force.
This was the first in 2 or 3 linked Games in his Gotland Campaign.
| The Danish Main Battle deployed on the field |
Commanding the Danes where Mat, Mike W and Phil, whilst the Swedes were lead by Dave, Mark, Rupert and Mike N.
The Danes opted to attack using their Vanguard and Main Battles, whilst Phil lead the Rearguard to explore, looking for an alternative crossing point. This would lead to their ultimate downfall.
The Vanguard attacked to the right of the destroyed bridge, the Main Battle took the left. After much manoeuvring the Vangard crossed the river ravine and routed a Swedish unit. They were re-enforced by a second unit across the ravine and then by units of the Main Bartle crossing the ravine one via the wrecked bride and road.
| The Danish Vanguard, deployed and ready to go! |
The following is taken from Steve's official Battle Report.
"As soon as the Danes reached the steep river banks this was when their problems started. They soon found that the banks were slick under foot with many a Dane falling on his back whilst trying to make his way down to the river.
Waist deep in the freezing water the river made movement even more difficult and the cold soon froze many a goodly bollock dagger. The opposite bank was even worst with the Danes slipping back towards the river whilst trying to get a foothold in order to climb up the muddy slopes. Those that made it to the top were soon met by the ferocious charges of the Gotland farmers many of who turned out to be well armed local Leidang militia, albeit wearing outdated and aged armour.
| The Danish Van & Main Battles approach the defended river ravine. |
On the opposing river banks a goodly exchange of fire was maintained by the German, Danish and Swedish crossbowmen with the Swedes coming off slightly worst. After a long days fight it became obvious to King Valdermar that the attack was untenable and would cost far too many lives considering the limited resources that he had brought with him even though those troops that had made contact with the enemy had bested them in hand to hand combat which eventually saw the expulsion of a unit of Swedes who fled for home.
| Fighting between the Danish Main Battle and the Swedish defenders across the river ravine |
So sounding the retreat Valdermar’s troops turned their backs on the enemy and made their way back toward the river. Even then the trauma was not over for the Danes. Whilst trying to get back to their own lines they found that the river bank that they had just slid down was also as difficult to get back up. With crossbow bolts whizzing past their ears and sometimes passing through their sallets the Danes desperately tried to reach the top of the bank and it wasn’t until the Swedes became bored with their prey that the Danes finally got some respite.
| Fighting by both Vanguard and Main Battles across the ravine |
Even though the Swedes couldn’t be bothered to shoot any more they still hurled insults at the Danes and continually Jibed and guffawed especially at those who repeatedly slid back into the mud until the last of the now humiliated mercenaries eventually reached the top.
The day was over and as the sun began to set both sides licked their wounds and bivouacked on their respective sides of the river. The Swedes had held tthefirldand the Danes retired to lick their wounds".....
| The Vanguard beats a retreat back up and out of the ravine whlist being pelted with Swedish missle fire! |