Saturday 28 December 2013

The Donald Featherstone Memorial Game 2013 (Part 1)

 
It was decided about a month ago to do a memorial game in the style of and to commemorate Donald Featherstone and his rules. 'S' set me a challenge to get my Franco Prussian War figures all painted ready for the game - which I manage to do - just !. We decided to dress formally as people in Don's early photos appear - 'S' sporting his fathers cravat and smoking jacket and myself a collar and tie . Here we are toasting Don's memory . I said to my wife "I don't like this photo it makes me look fat !"- she replied "but you are !, Hmm ! 'Et to Bruti' !
 
 
'S' steps back into 1960's mode . I've tried several different types of 'messing about' with photos techniques in this report to try and capture the period - some work better than others.
 
 
We played the scenario from Don's first book but with Franco Prussian figures instead of ACW  ones. The Terrain was set up as close as I could manage to the Platteville Valley . I took the Prussians and 'S' the French (he's a bit of a Francophile). Here is the situation at the end of the second move , my Bavarians and Wurttembergers  move towards the river as 'S's troops move down the road towards the bridge.
 
 
On move Three the rest of the units came onto their respective board edges, my Hussars came onto the table near the bridge and dashed across it much to 'S's consternation ! - my 'Coup D' Elite' !
 
 
On the other flank the main force of my infantry marched on .
 
 
The situation at the end of the Third move .
 
 
'S's troops way is blocked by the miniature bottle of Port.
 
 
'S's left flank with the French Lancers in reserve.
 
 
My Hussars cross the bridge and deploy and in the centre my infantry move over the river .
 
 
My Hussars charge the French line and block the line of sight of my deployed Artillery ! Rats!.
 
 
They take casualties but in a close fought melee they hold the French advance up !.
 
 
The French Mitrailleuse is knocked out by the Prussian gun .
 
 
The much depleated Hussars retire their mission completed - but at a cost !. So far Don's rules had stood the test of time ! . Too be continued ........
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5 comments:

  1. Magnificent looking game. A nice tribute to the Don. Looking forward to part 2. Particulary liked the photo transformed into a sketch.

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  2. A fitting tribute indeed.I can't wait to see part two...

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  3. A great tribute and photos (I like the grainy effect on one) . The Port looks eminently drinkable too.

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  4. Thank you for that, I, too, like the 'artists rendition'. Something I've tried but never successfully. Was it done in the camera, or afterwards?

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    1. The different effects are got using Picasa 3 program on the computer

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