Waterloo Bloody Big Bash Day North - 27th June 2026 - the AAR

 Two weeks ago a group of like minded folk gathered in Sheffield for Bash Day North, which was held at Crookes Social Club

Bash Days feature a number of games using the BBB ruleset, usually using 6mm figures, with a spread of historical periods.

A number of luminaries from the Oxford Club supported the event - Chris - who wrote the rules in collaboration with Dave W, Crispin, Bruce, Mark J and Mark Smith, who wrote the Waterloo scenario that we were using.

I have posted about previous Waterloo games before here, here and finally here.  

Set-up - Mike and I set up the terrain and waited for interested parties to turn up and take charge:

For the French we had Russ and Chris, for the Allies Matt and Mark J, later Emily joined this team.  North is to the left of this picture, I umpired for the Western side of the table and Mike B (the other Ilkley Irregular) umpired for the Eastern half.

Turn 2

The French went for a left hook and besieged the chateau of Hougoumont.  In the centre they formed a gun line and pushed into the British left.  The mass of troops to the middle right of the picture is the French Guard, who move on turn 3.

Turn 4

By turn 4 the French were putting pressure on the Allied right and centre, whilst sending the Guard to deal with the Prussians arriving from the East.

Turn 6

By turn 6 the French had taken Hougoumont but the tempo of the left hook was slowing.  at the far side of the table the Prussians were shaking out into line as the Guard deployed to stop them.

Turn 8

After a ding dong battle in the French centre and left, France had taken La Haye Sainte & Hougoumont.  The Allies still held the ridge and retook Papelotte, whilst hooking up with the Prussians.  At the start of turn 9, either side could still win.

Turn 9

The battle closed with the French centre and left wings, as well as the Allied right, able to defend well but unable to make further headway.  On the Allied left the Prussians made headway against the French defenders, but were unable to breakthrough.  The game ended in a draw.

Afterthoughts

Firstly, a big thank you to my fellow umpire Mike and our worthy contestants.  Win or lose, it looked like they were enjoying themselves.

BBB once again delivered an exciting re-run of a historical event, close enough to actual history but with opportunities to do better on the day.  

Because the BBB rules are fairly simple, Generals spent more time making decisions and reacting to the game than micro-managing their armies in detail, there was definite ebb and flow as the battle progressed.

It was still all to play for till the last turn - the French left nearly launched a cavalry strike to get Mont St Jean, in the British rear, the Prussians nearly got behind the French lines.

I hope that this inspires you to have a go!

Allied & Prussian troops from Mike's collection, I provided the French.