Thursday 5 August 2010

The Battle of Trimini (part 1)

"...and gentlemen in Trimini, now abed, will think themselves accursed they were not here." muttered a French pikeman to his comrade - who just gave a customary Gallic shrug.

Before dawn broke the reports of enemy activity were becoming more alarming by the minute. So many reports were coming in that both the Swiss and French pike squares, which had been stood-to, began a shambolic approach towards the picket lines. Minutes later the boom of French cannon in the forward lines signalled to all that something was afoot.

The plan of the Imperialists and their Venetian allies was plain to see: A massed infantry attack in the centre would be supported by a double envelopment by cavalry. The Allied army came on with great speed and within the hour the French pickets were falling back before the onrush of Landsknecht and Romagnol pikemen as the outer earthworks were overrun. Only a charge by the French pike square checked the Landsknechts who advancing on open ground. The fighting was fierce and the French put up a most gallant resistance, even under the devastating fire of supporting organ guns, before finally giving way and taking to their heals. Elsewhere the allied pike were pressing forward against light resistance, but were slowed whilst extricating themselves out of the earthworks. The Swiss plugged the gap.

The Venetians meanwhile were advancing around Trimini and an assault was looking imminent. In the main French camp all was chaos. Before the first hour was out only the Swiss managed to show some discipline, form up, and move out of camp (removed 2 locks) towards the sounds of the fighting. On the allied left the Venetian stradiots and mounted arqubusier met with no resistance and, as the Landsknechts crossed the earthworks, were at the outskirts of the French camp even as the Swiss were leaving it.

On the right, the presence of the French stradiots (who had quickly taken position there) and mounted crossbowmen slowed down the advancing allied cavalry wing with desultory skirmishing, advances and evades.

Next week we shall continue the action.

6 comments:

Stuart said...

Very nice photographs as usual James. I notice you use a mixture of figures to represent the French infantry, do you think that the forthcoming Perry WOTR mercenaries boxed set could fit in to this period?

I'm thinking of starting a French army myself but haven't been sure which figures to use for the gascon pike & crossbowmen

Christopher(aka Axebreaker) said...

Every time I visit this blog I turn absolutely green with envy over the large amount of nicely painted mini's and wonderful hobby room!

Cheers
Christopher

Chris Cornwell said...

great looking game, and cracking figures..are the buildings a scratch-build?

JAMES ROACH said...

Hi Stuart M,

I used Front Rank WoR figures for my French crossbows but gave them a bit of an Italian look by adding some 'turbans' around their helmets. I'm using Foundry Swiss for the French pike until I can find something more suitable - they were described as wearing helmet and breastplate only.

Hi christot,

Yes the buildings are home made. Mostly, believe it or not, out of artists mounting board (cardboard) and old greetings cards (for the tiles). Thatch roofs are teddybear fur soaked in PVA glue and combed. They cost about £0.50 each in materials.

Eboracum said...

Lovely, lovely stuff a real treat, puts a smile on my face very time cheers
Paul

michael said...

Enough of this diversion! Back to Roman and the Punic Wars!

Scipio