Wargamer’s Guide to the Peninsular War 1808 - 1814 - Softcover

Canwell, Diane; Sutherland, Jon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1844159477 ISBN 13: 9781844159475

Publisher: Pen and Sword Military, 2014

Synopsis

The enjoyment of wargaming is greatly enhanced if the battles (games) are played within well thought-out scenarios. Instead of simply lining up evenly-matched armies and fighting to the death, the players can have realistic objectives (such as the capture of a vital piece of terrain or delaying a superior enemy to cover a retreat) and be confronted with more challenging tactical decisions. Devising such scenarios can take a lot of effort, and more critically, time, which is always in short supply. This book is designed to take the time and effort out of organizing fascinating and challenging wargames set in the Peninsular War.

In addition to 20 carefully devised scenarios of varying size and complexity, this book contains a concise introduction to the theater of operations and an integrated chronology of battles and campaigns, showing where the scenarios fit into the wider events. The scenarios and orders of battle are intended for use with Pen & Sword's own Napoleonic wargame rules, Grand Battery, but they are easily adaptable for use with other leading systems.

Contents :

· Concise introduction to the Peninsular War with chronology to place the scenarios in context.
· 20 carefully devised scenarios of varying size and complexity.
· A wargamer-friendly map, showing players where to place terrain, buildings and other features that had an impact on the battlefield. It will also show initial dispositions (historical) and mark the point of entrance (or exit) of units during the battle.
· Briefing notes on the context of the battle and the dilemmas and objectives facing each commander.
· Orders of battle for each side and any other information required to set up.
· Clear win/lose/draw conditions.

About this title

About the Author:

Diane Canwell has written widely on historical subjects, in particular on military and aviation history, and has long been fascinated by the history of Norfolk and its military heritage. Among her many books are The RAF Air Sea Rescue Service 1918-1986, The Battle of Jutland and Air War Malta.

Jonathan Sutherland has written widely on historical subjects, in particular on military and aviation history, and has long been fascinated by the history of Norfolk and its military heritage. Among his many books are The RAF Air Sea Rescue Service 1918-1986, The Battle of Jutland and Air War Malta.

Review:

"Many of the most famous British and French regiments saw action in the Peninsular War, which claimed more than a million lives before it ended in defeat for Napoleon. A number of wargamers have been attracted to this theater of warfare due to the “Sharpe” novels by Bernard Cornwell and the ensuing television series. In “Wargame Scenarios: The Peninsular War 1808-1814,” coauthors John Sutherland and Diane Canwell show it can be refought in any scale and at any level, from a skirmish to a massive pitched battle....Informative black and white maps, diagrams, and tables are peppered throughout...very good book" (Toy Solder & Model Figure)

About this edition

• Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1844159477
• ISBN 13: 9781844159475
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192