Even more Sharp Practice

Given the Portuguese tendency for failing you'd think they'd give up. But no, they've come back for more and have tried a final attempt to get the wayward Lady Fackham back.

Spanish guerillas had mentioned to Portuguese high command that Lady Fakham was being transported from the convent to a secret location but that the convoy would be taking the main road to the coast...

The French column was going past a small settlement that the Portuguese had decided to use as cover to spring an ambush.

The French column consisted of a couple of units of cavalry; one of which were dragoons and a detachment of grenadiers that were surrounding the coach that Lady Fakham was occupying.

The French started to probe the Portuguese position by sending a detachment of hussars to the right flank of the village but the Portuguese were ready for them and saw them off in quick fashion.

The hussars quickly retreated to the relative safety of the coach and grenadiers, deciding that an orderly retreat was the best option.

The Portuguese were quick to respond to the approach of the dragoons and started firing even before they were able to dismount. Forming up in the centre of the square, the Portuguese regulars were ably supported by a small detachment of militia and both saw off the dragoons in quick fashion.

Unbeknownst to the dragoons, a strong element of

cacadores had arrived and secured the Portuguese left flank. Letting fly at the enemy and almost wiping them out to a man, the cacadores felt somewhat avenged for their last performance against the dragoons.

With the left flank secured, the cacadores started to advance towards the road in order to cut the coach off and take back the wayward Lady Fakham.

Meanwhile, the action was hotting up in the village. With the Portuguese now deployed, the grenadiers had arrived at the edge of the square but weren't really prepared for the fusillades that the Portuguese poured onto them.

The grenadiers weren't so easily suppressed though and to begin with, gave as good as they got. Unfortunately for them, the Portuguese blood was up after several humiliating defeats and the grenadiers started to give ground as well as casualties.

Slowly advancing through the village, the Portuguese line and militia had the best of the engagement, showing the French grenadiers that the 'Fighting Cocks' could more than give as good as they got.

Seeing the coach crawling along the main road only increased their fervour. Cheering whilst firing (much to the chagrin of their officers) the Portuguese finally saw the Grenadiers off the field.

Unfortunately for the Portuguese, the cacadores had become mired in some very rough terrain and weren't able to catch the coach before it made it off, taking Lady Fakham with it.

With the Portuguese in control of the field however, a serious pursuit of the coach could now be attempted as the Portuguese commander knew that the terrain wasn't favourable towards the coast. The chase was on...

A far better outing for the Portuguese this time but will their luck hold. Watch this space for the next thrilling instalment :-)

Figures are Front Rank for the French and a mix of Perry, Warlord and Front Rank for the Portuguese. Buildings this time are all OSHIRO (see link below). Terrain boards were made by me (OSHIRO). Trees from various manufacturers. Sabot trays from the catalogue.

Peninsular buildings

cheers

James

OSHIROmodels

info@oshiromodelterrain.co.uk