The Attack On Fort Blucher ( Part 1)

Spurred on by my resent re-postings of my O.S. Franco- Prussian War collection I've decided to play a game using them . I'm also trying out an experiment using cards to activate units - more of this as the game progresses . In the centre of the table is a Prussian fort mounting a heavy Krupp's Howitzer which they are using to bombard the French positions , it is guarded by a unit of infantry who's tented camp can be seen by the road . The French task is to launch a surprise attack to knock out the gun and ammunition store.

A contemporary photo of 'Fort Blucher' taken from a French balloon .

An old French lady is found wandering near the fort ans is brusquely ordered away by the guards .

Little do the Prussians know ! - she is a French spy sent by the local  Franc-Tireurs and she reports her findings back to them . A plan is hatched ! and a small French force is sent to aid the Franc-Tireurs in a daring dawn attack.

The French force comprising of Zouaves and Turco's move into position behind a wooded hill .

As dawn breaks they move forward , but are spotted by a Prussian sentry ! ( I diced to see if the French were spotted and the Prussians got VERY lucky !!!!) .

The camp is awakened and they rush from their tents to defend the fort !.

The Prussians form up to defend against the French attacks . On the left the Franc-Tireurs can be seen sneaking up the road by the barn being used as an ammo dump , the other side of the barn the French Chasseur D' Afrique move forward and take a casualty from the Prussians firing line . Too be continued.......