Battle of Borny Colombey BBB Franco Prussian 14th August 1870
Setup after German move turn 1
The terrain map was designed on Inkarnate and printed on a vinyl fabric as 6’ x 6’ prototype, the actual battle terrain is 6’x 4’. This was one of the earlier experimental maps using the yearly subscription Inkarnate and the Fantasy battle map terrain. Terrain map basic layout courtesy of Chris Pringles’ BBB Franco Prussian scenario book, and initial rules.
I find with 10mm figures the 2D maps are the easiest to manoeuvre bases and Chris’ maps and positions of terrain make all the difference in the battle. So cheap, easy to store. This map was taken out of its packaging and carefully ironed before used. It is important to take the time to carefully iron out the creases from the back with a cool / steam iron and using a dish cloth to protect the vinyl. On the 6’ x 6’ map on photo print you get the 1” white box around the map. It does not affect the scaling and only loses a tiny piece of detail around the edges.
The specific Scenario details can be found in the BBB book. In a quick synopsis the French setup first and require to get the Imperial Guard controlled by Gen Bourbaki off the table in 8 turns with several other infantry and cavalry units, while requiring to leave a unit in good order on Colombey hill by end of game. The Germans come in stages on turn 1, 3, and 5 and are trying to attack the retreating French rear guard. The superior small arms fire of the French will be devastating to the Germans if they do not use cover and their BLA’s.
After seeing this scenario played and attempting the Froeschwiller scenario I knew the German’s had a tough test. My strategy was to use cover – the woods and village (with the steep hills blocking enemy LOS) for the initial units on the table. Ensuring new arrivals are out with French 12” small arms fire, and in the long range 18-24” for artillery. The French were being controlled by Howard who is relatively new to BBB. A slight modification to make things slightly more challenging was to say that the French player has to remove the Imperial Guard before any other units (another mod would be once the Imperial Guard infantry and cavalry removed their artillery go off table as well).
Another tough battle for the German’s in this scenario. The initial movements were cautious, but the French were successful in pinning the right flank with the artillery. The fact that the French started forward in a line gave them the best defensive fire power. The French player forgot about the German reinforcements in the South, but reacted well. The French position could have been stronger by falling back and having the artillery pieces in close support. Even so they still won.
As the German player it was satisfying to see that most of the French were spent that remained on the table. But very frustrating in the final few turns when I hoped to use superior numbers to melee and exploit too many units failed to move!
In a previous attempt at this scenario the French deployed aggressively forward on Colombey hill (in neither game did anyone use the ability to send a single unit forward). They also slowly pulled back and covered the flanks. The rolls to shoot were for the French typically 9s or 10s – decimating the German units. But the French rolls to get the Imperial guard off the table were very poor. But they did manage the required number by turn 6. The German player went aggressively into the fray and by turn 4 had units shot to pieces – practically all spent.
On to Mars La Tour next. | 
