Battle at the River Glein

The Saxon Aesc has colonised an area of land in the east of Britannia circa AD 500. The border is the River Glein. The British Dux Bellorum Arthur (aka Arthwys or Artorius) is flush from a number of victories elsewhere and decides to attack the Saxons with the aim of destroying their army and enslaving their people. According to Nennius this is the first of Arthur’s twelve battles.

This is a test for a game designed by Ernie Fosker which he will stage using Comitatus rules at the Society of Ancients Convention (16-18 October 2026). The game is played with Ernie’s 15mm figures.

Cunnedda’s pedytes (foot soldiers) advance towards the ford over the River Glein. As they do the  Saxon Aelfnoth challenges Cunnedda to personal combat. Cunnedda sends forth his champion who wounds Aelfnoth with a lucky javelin throw. When they close into hand to hand combat Aelfnoth is again wounded and then killed.

Aelfnoth’s comitatus surges forward to avenge the death of their lord. When they cross the ford and crash into the British shieldwall they defy the odds and push their opponents back.

Another Saxon unit crosses the river to support them but they are routed, leaving Aelfnoth’s comitatus isolated.

On the British right Bleiddudd leads his cavalry across the river. Their formation is disrupted by the crossing. Some of the Saxons from the centre turn to protect the flank but the British cavalry ride on past them.

The Saxon warlord Aesc has kept his best men in reserve.

This proves to be a good move as Arthur is leading his cavalry across the river on the Saxon right. Incurring significant disruption from the river crossing, Arthur halts his advance to redress his ranks.

Aesc leads his Saxon warriors forward to engage Arthur’s cavalry. Arthur’s men charge to meet them.

Aesc’s men become unformed by being charged by cavalry while charging themselves. This places them at a severe disadvantage. One Saxon unit is broken but Aesc’s comitatus is able to hold their own against Arthur’s.

0n the other wing Bleiddudd’s cavalry charge the Saxons who have turned to face them. One Saxon unit becomes shaken but the cavalry fail to break them so retire to reform for a second charge. The other Saxon unit is driven back.

At this point it becomes clear that the Britons have a clear advantage. Two Saxon units have been routed. Their wings are collapsing and, despite the success of Aelfnoth’s comitatus in the centre, they too are now shaken and isolated. Arthur has won the day.