Bergen 1799; Anglo-Russian Invasion of Batavia (part II)

"Take it to the Bridge"

Wicked plans brew inside the Batavian/French commanders skull (Peter). Two separate sections of the Anglo-Russian army nearer the village from both the North and the South-West (see part I of this posting on how it got this far). 

In the far northern side (12 o'clock in the picture) we see the distracting actions by the moderate Anglo-Russian light sectioIn the far northern side (12 o'clock in the picture) we see the distracting actions by the moderate Anglo-Russian light section. Keeping considerable Batavian/French from the main action at the village. Two Scottish units keep save bay from a cavalry detachment and several unscratched infantry battalions. A Russian rabble unit (mixed opolchenie) acting as a lure, ready to disappear into sure cover any moment (the bushy/hilly road leading directly behind the enemy lines). 
n. Keeping considerable Batavian/French from the main action at the village. Two Scottish units keep save bay from a cavalry detachment and several unscratched infantry battalions. A Russian rabble unit (mixed opolchenie) acting as a lure, ready to disappear into sure cover any moment (the bushy/hilly road leading directly behind the enemy lines). 

Above picture: Russian Pavlov grenadiers 'sandwiched' in between Batavian cavalry in the front and Batavian back-stabbing line infantry (right lower corner). Contemporary colored print of the battle. 

Not surprisingly the heat of battle hangs around the village Bergen. The bridge we planted in our scenario was not historically there. This element mimics the real troubles the invasion force had circumventing the numerous canals, streams and marshland , very unpleasant for an 18th century army.
Batavian deployment practically blocking any approach on the bridge from the enemy direction by two artillery pieces. Infantry effectively blowing away any attempt to reach the waterside with ideas to cross it. Wreaking havoc on the Anglo-Russians for several subsequent turns.

Bringing the commander of the severely damaged  wing of the invaders into a state of despair. Bringing up his ordnance on the hill and give appropriate return fire, lies within the dice-hand who seems to fail him. Meanwhile the Northern attack binds a considerable amount of troops of the Batavian/French, including the cavalry division but can not make the badly needed progress towards the village centre. Battle results hang in a balance at this time.

A tempting option for an advance on the village centre lies within the crossable water stream (difficult terrain) but the bridge remains the favorite choice for the young general. Pouring in more souls to reach the other side. The answer stays obvious: "French, prime your guns!"

Several units are thrown into the cauldron around the crossing.

Most in vain. Taking heavy losses and morale leakage. 

In the year 2011, a Dutch forester Van der Vliet,
 found the archeological remains of a Coldstream Guardsman.
He is expected to have died during the fighting around Bergen/Castricum 1799.
 (Source: Algemeen Dagblad, Octobre 12, 2011)
I can identify parts of multiple muskets here. There are 2 trigger guards! And 3 stock plates.

The sum of both tabletops: a minor victory for the Batavian/French defenders. Russian- and British forces found themselves in separation and disarray, losing significant parts of their fighting force. The gunning of the bridge was punishing. Failing to take out this battery proved the turning point. Congratulations to commander Daendels (played by Peter).

Peter (Batavian Cmd. Daendels)

An important visitor arriving by coach for an inspection of a deployed battery. Cantinière with her off duty 'customers' in the backdrop.

View at the coastline from behind 'Huize Bergen' castle.

The well defended pivotal structure deciding on the invaders fate.