A second Dorking battle report; Effingham Junction

OSHIROblog
Apr 21
3 min read

Following on from the disastrous defeat of the Brits last game I present game two of our little campaign; 'Effingham Junction'.

After the victory at Little Snoring the Prussian high command, surprised the British did not put up much of a fight, decide to press the attack and move immediately to seize the signal box and train track at Effingham Junction.

The British anticipating this attach have sent a company of regular troops from the 31st Regiment of foot to hold the position until relieved along with the remnants of the Guildford Cricketers and the Second Royal Surrey Regiment of Volunteers. The Dorking Volunteer artillery have managed to secure another light gun, this time a 4pdr to replace the one they lost at Little Snoring...

The Second Royal Surrey Volunteers and the 31st Regiment of foot guard the train line with a command unit adjacent and the Guildford Cricketers guarding the signal box.

Fortunately, regular trains services have been cancelled because of the invasion, otherwise it could end up being a bit of a mess.

The Prussians waste no time in moving forward, the Jaegers take up a position behind a low stone wall and open fire on the British barricades, whilst in the distance the 3rd Brandenberg (Zieten) Hussars ride out on the flank.

The Jaegers lay down suppressing fire in order for the regulars to advance.

Being a dashing Hussar in a splendid red uniform does have its advantages, Miss Iona Trimbush, the vicars daughter stops to say hello not realising these red coats are the enemy...!

Fortunately the huzzahs are far to busy hunting British troops to worry Miss Trimbush and so she wanders off to find another hapless 'victim'

The 31st regiment of foot open fire on the Prussians. This is the first time they have received disciplined volley fire from enemies who are their equal and the British regulars are equipped with better rifles having a longer range!

Nevertheless the Prussians begin the frontal assault confident in their martial prowess!

Both Prussian companies face withering volley after volley from the British, so the second Company seeks shelter in the church yard.

Indigenous livestock don't seem to be worried by all the action happening around them. They must be a hardy breed indeed!

Meanwhile the Hussars ride around the church and attempt to cross the walls and hedges to attack from the right flank.

Finding themselves on a railway they use it to their advantage and advance at a rapid pace towards the British lines.

The battle continues, the Prussian infantry now down to one company of infantry and one Jaeger unit dig in behind solid stone walls and begin a protracted firefight with the British regulars who are gradually being worn down.

The 3rd Brandenberg Hussars launch a glorious charge along the railway line and hit the Guildford Cricketers who are defending the signal box.

Surprisingly the Cricketers put up a spirited defence, never has a white picket fence looked so daunting and the hussars are thrown back. But the Hussars weren't giving up,

having won the next initiative they charged again. This time the Cricketers were overwhelmed and were declared all out.

Now the balance shifts back in favour of the Prussians, the British command terribly exposed, standing in the open, having just seen the gentleman cricketers put to the sword, lose the initiative again and are charged by the Hussars!

The remains of the 31st Regiment of foot and the 2nd Royal Surrey Volunteers turn to their flank to meet the threat posed by the Hussars:

But to their horror they witness their command cut down by expert sabre wielding horseman:

At this point the thin red line collapses and the remaining infantry retire leaving the field to the Prussians....

And so ends part two of our little campaign. As with the first one, rules used were Rebel and Patriots and figures are Perrys and the old Helion & Co 1866 now sold by Northstar.