Sunday 22 September 2013

A Great Way to spend a Sunday.

Several months ago, I bumped into Charlie Wesencraft at the York Show and I invited him to my home for a SYW game.As things usually pan out, the months dragged on, and things got put back. Anyway, I was finally able to get Charlie over for a game.
 I was also able to get Paul Stevenson along at the same time, I suppose it was the nearest thing to North East war gaming  glitterati one could get. So with John there as well, you are talking of a right group of veteran wargamers.  I wont steal Paul's fire as I know he is writing an article for the Minature Wargames magazine, by describing the battle.
 But it was Charlie's first try of Blackpowder, which proved interesting, and the end result was even more interesting. Instead, I will just publish some of the photographs, with a few dodgy comments.
 Just for the record, John and Paul were in charge of a Hanoverian, Hessian command, while Charlie and I were in charge of the French.

              John looking askance as his entire command failed subsequent command rolls.
A view from the French side, notice the well ordered ranks.



A view from the Hessian side, as one can see, the Hessians had taken a bit of a thumping. 




Charlie, advances the French Gendarmerie and dragoons.


Paul, taking photographs for his article.


Not one of my better ideas, sending unsupported hussars up a road in the face of Hanoverian grenadiers.


Paul opted for a sledgehammer type of move, with little room for maneuver, no doubt he will write something different in his account.


My heavy cavalry command, the photograph actually is deceptive, I never charged the infantry.


Arqubusiers de Grassin, attempting to help my attack, by taking the village.


Charlie, pondering whether it was a good idea to come. At the edge of the table are the French reserve, looking resplendent.


John did actually get his commands to move, and get amongst it.


A view from the Royal Italians.

 Another view from the Royal Italians, perhaps not their best.


Never wargame against an ex Royal Artillaryman.



A staged photograph of Charlie's successful cavalry command.


 A regular sight for my command, retiring from the table in disorder.
I must admit this was a really enjoyable game. Fighting with wargamers who really know their stuff. 
It was a pleasure to chat with Charlie about wargaming, especially when we got him to talk about his first meeting with Donald Featherstone and Charles Grant. The stuff of legends.
Charlie has very kindly agreed to do a sort of interview with Paul and me about his story and also his views on wargaming.



12 comments:

  1. Looks like a very enjoyable day, always knew you enjoyed mingling with glitterati!
    What you need is a unit of my new Royal Ecossais in bonnets!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Graham,
      I have already seen the figures, and I thought I just need them. Luckily I then saw my big pile of Foundry gendarmes and stopped.
      They are rather good though.
      Thanks Robbie.

      Delete
  2. Robbie- Charlie has been known to nip round my gaff for a few toys and of course we've had Royal Eccosais in bonnets for years....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andy,
      Talking to Charlie yesterday makes me realise what an amateur I am compared to his wargaming pedigree. Worse is the fact he's as sharp as a whip.
      Thanks Robbie.

      Delete
  3. Hob-knobbing with one of the grandees of wargaming, you lucky bugger !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Evening Joe,
      I'm pleased you've posted. I wanted to speak to you in person, so drop me a line or something.
      Thanks Robbie.

      Delete
    2. my email :
      joehcc@hotmail.co.uk

      Delete
  4. :( @ Rob, just sell a few Foundry and get these.
    @Andy indeed you have but these are mine, all mine my precious and they are so nice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have noted that all those years of doing acclaimed demo games and articles in Duncan's Mag obviously hasn't qualified me to be a glitterati yet! Oh well will just go kick my heels and think of something else to do on a Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Graham- all that glitters .....In my time I've met most of the so called Glitterati- some are nice blokes- Charlie , Stuart Asquith , Don Featherstone, Peter Gilder Todd Fisher Frank Chadwick and quite a few others.
      Nevertheless for every one I'd happily (or have happily hoisted) hoist a beer with (which includes Duncan Macfarlane) there are a good few others who I wouldn't give the time of day .
      So be not so anxious to Glitter young paduwan... (snigger)

      Delete
  6. Just being called young by you is more than enough :) .
    Although I do know exactly what you mean as whilst my list isn't as long as yours I've had my fair share of socialising with some notables and of course some who think they are above sharing the same air as us mere mortals and those who are just damn decent blokes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To be honest I 'm not that keen on "socialising" after "a day at the office". Ater all I'm not a 24-7 wargamer. IMHO the nice blokes in this game are nice blokes because they are not because they are wargamers.
      Many years ago when I was doing over 20 shows a year I'd find out which Hotel the majority of wargmaers were staying at - then find another. After all when you've had it all day the last thing you want is more in your down time.
      After all I'm sure you and Robbie didn't spend ALL your time pursueing miscreants- otherwise you wouldn't have the collections you do....

      Delete

My 6mm Napoleonic set up.

My 6mm Napoleonic set up.
Austria 1809.

Austrian Hussars

Austrian Hussars
Hinchliffe figures

Austrian Grenzer

Austrian Grenzer
Austrian Grenzer

Smoggycon 2013

Smoggycon 2013
Smoggycon 2013

Smoggycon 2012

Smoggycon 2012
Smoggycon 2012

Smoogycon 2009

Smoogycon 2009
My French getting another beating