S.O.D.S. - (SELLY OAK & DISTRICT SOCIETY}
PRESENT
THE BATTLE OF St PIERRE
10TH DECEMBER 1813.

1813 - Following their defeat by the allies at Vittoria, the French have been steadily pushed back into the Pyrenees & France itself. Marshall Sou It, attempting to hold Bayonne for as long as possible, launched some local counter attacks upon the Allies. Lord Hill with the Allied 2nd Division & an attached Portugese Division was spread out covering 3 ridges separated by rivers & extensive areas of boggy ground. Their only routes of communication were via their rear. Pringle's & Byng's British Brigades were occupying Hills Left & Right, leaving Ashworth's Portugese Brigade holding the Centre, supported in the rear by Barne's British Brigade He had also retained in the rear of his Centre his 'reserve' of Le Cor's (ex Hamilton's) Portugese Division of Da Costa's & Buchan's Brigades. 

Unknown to Soult was the fact that the rising rivers had temporarily affected the pontoon bridges used for communications. A replacement was under construction but it would be many hours troops could arrive via the rear. Soult was constricted by a single road out of Bayonne but on the morning of 10th December under cover of a small cavalry screen, a battery of 22 guns was set up within 800 yards of the Portugese position. This was followed by Abbes Division who was to assault the centre ridge. The Divisions of Daricau and Darmagnac (part), following, splitting off to the right & left to engage Pringle & Byng respectively. Darmagnac's second brigade supported Abbe. Maransin's & Taupin's Divisions followed later as reserves.

The French attacked several times, pushing the Portugese back up the ridge. Hill fed in Barne's Brigade as required by Battalions, keeping the French at Bay. Eventually, as the French were massing for one last push, Le Cor's Division was brought onto the ridge skyline and the French decided to that further attacks were futile.

This game is played using the late Peter Gilders 25mm Napoleonic Rules - "In the Grand Manner". The terrain is homemade - chipboard & polystyrene with The Last Valley scenics & commercial sold buildings. Figures are Connoisseur/Hinchcliffe/Elite in the main.

Should you have any questions/queries please do not hesitate to ask any of the SODS present. The SODS have the benefit of permanent premises in Cotteridge, South Birmingham, and 'play a variety of scales/periods. We have the capability to leave games 'in situ' on one of our 12' x 6' tables, so we do not have pack everything up before going home at night. We are always looking for new members, so if you fancy popping along sometime, give Brian or John a call on 0121-382-1634 or 07768-322138.

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