The Allied Advance From Varna (Part Two).

The Russian response to the appearance of the British cavalry was to move the Hussars up towards the bridge and send the Cossacks across the river to flank them.

The Russian Infantry appeared on the road very promptly - I was dicing for when reinforcement came onto the table , the Russians got lucky !.

The Russian Horse Artillery opens fire ! .

But being at extreme range it does no damage to the British cavalry , Paget is aware that he is unsupported and starts glancing down the road wishing for the infantry to appear.

The Russian infantry move up rather slowly and deploy into attack columns.

There was a sigh of relief from the British high command when the infantry Brigade finally moved up the road and their battery deploy on the ridge overlooking the bridge .

The Russian Cossacks prepare to attack the British cavalry thence pinning them in position for their Hussars to charge - but ! - they roll a double '6' ! - a blunder ! and have to move to their left one move - taking them off the table edge ! .

This blunder allows the British to form a defensive line with the R.A. battery opening fire supported by the Rifle Brigade deployed as skirmishers .

The effect was devastating on the leading Russian Hussar unit , suffering heavy casualties and being disordered as their officers were picked off by the British Riflemen.

Sensing the battle was slipping from his grasp the Russian general ordered the second wing of Hussars up and had them charged over the bridge (the moment I did this I realised it was a bad move !).

The Russian infantry brigade is ordered forward to support the cavalry but is rather tardy in it's movement .

The 93rd Highlanders deploy into a 'thin red streak' and their volley combined with the artillery changing to case shot and the Riflemen drive the Russians back (told you it was a bad move !).

The Russian Cossacks having returned to the table top are charged by the Light Dragoons supported by the Lancers , they counter charge but are forced to retreat . Paget does not pursue them, aware of General Raglan's orders not to lose cavalry lives unnecessarily   The British seem to be winning the battle so far .

However the Russian columns are on the move and their attack is supported by the fire of a Rifle company and the H.A. which throw the British battery into confusion ! . At this point I will retire to play more of  the game and report back soon .........