Time for the reports by the various players whop were inclined (or could be strong-armed!) into providing an account of the Campaign from their individual perspectives.
French
IV Corps - General Bertrand (later Drouet)
General Bertrand and the IV Corp began their March at Erfurt with the Imperial Guard Cavalry as a vanguard up the main road out of the Wurttemberg. Emperor Napoleon joined the March as the army made its way toward Leipzig. Minimal Cossack activity was seen until the combined forces arrived at Lutzen. The scouts of the imperial guard cavalry made directly for Leipzig only to report back a large Prussian force was well entrenched at the city, making direct assault a folly. Napoleon directed the IV Corp to redirect north towards Magdeburg, hoping to link up with the forces there and pose a stronger threat to Leipzig.
Arriving at Mersburg and Halle, the IV Corp found Prince Eugene already engaged with an allied force in Halle. Seeing the larger French host arriving to the battlefield, the allied forces retreated, leaving behind a small garrison in the town. The French batteries made short work of the remaining garrison as the IV Corp made its way to Leipzig. During this March, the garrison at Lutzen reported Cossack sightings from the direction of Leipzig. The Imperial Guard cavalry returned to Lutzen with haste to meet any potential Allied force, only to find the Cossacks had retreated. The Guard cavalry then reported back that their pursuit had led them back to Leipzig via Lutzen and discovered only a small Jager force garrisoning the town. With haste, Bertrand made way to Leipzig. Upon arrival, a Prussian Corp [von Bulow] had arrived to relieve the garrison from the north. However, Bertrand’s arrival caught them by surprise and on their flank. The Prussians barely had time to assemble battle lines as the IV Corp attacked. General Bertrand himself led the 1st Provisional Croatian Regiment directly into the fray, upon which he was promptly decapitated by cannon fire. Fear not, the French promptly rallied around General de Division Jean-Baptiste Drouet, as well as Emperor Napoleon himself, and continued to engage the Prussians. By that time, the Imperial Guard Horse Artillery had routed the Leipzig garrison and turned their attention to the Prussian host from the north.
The garrison of Wurttembergers that had been left at Lutzen was called up and occupied Leipzig to prevent the Prussians from dashing to the town. With the help of the Imperial Cavalry as well as General Reille with some new Saxon allies arriving from the East, the Prussians were routed and forced to retreat north.
This victory was all too timely as a Russian force [Milleradsovitsch]arrived from the south late in the day. Napoleon himself rallied the tired and leaderless IV Corp as they pivoted to meet this new enemy. With the cover of the town and the Guard cavalry on their flank, the French were able to hold until nightfall when the Russians were forced to withdraw, thus taking the day.
-General Jean-Baptiste Drouet, Comte d' Erlon
Snappy Nappy 2024 after action – Steve Tarro [aka Prince Eugene/Marshal MacDonald]
Another year, another Snappy Nappy event hosted at the Portal in Manchester CT. I believe this is my fourth consecutive event attended and I must say without embellishment that it has been a better experience every time! This year the organizers, game masters, and everyone who had a hand involved in making the game happen put in significant effort and it was all to be appreciated. The inclusion of central cross roads as retaining pools made for a clearer traversal of the map and a simpler system of managing time penalties. I was very pleased to see the inclusion of a travel ledger and clock at the cross roads.
My action did not begin until after lunch time but that was neither a surprise or detractor from my enjoyment, Snappy Nappy is a game of long term maneuvering and simple but brutal combat. This year delivered on that premise!
XI Corp entered Wittenburg close to the rear of the Prussian II Corp [von Yorck, Russ Lockwood]. Upon arrival the situation appeared to be that a large French Militia Force [Lauriston's Corps - Sean Seiber - with a LOT of conscript units!]was about to be engaged by the II Corp and Russian Hussars (correct if this is wrong, I forgot to actually note the forces [von Berg's small Russian Corps - Kevin Roller]).
This was dumb luck but perfect timing on my part as the Prussian corp had to immediately turn 180° to face me. I messed up the initial picture but I P1 shows our lines after the first bloody round of combat. Both my opponent and I have some experience with Snappy Nappy, my opponent possibly more so [I should say so... he write the rules, LOL!]. Our lines held a tight formation for support, our cavalry both broke off to my right, leaving near equal infantry and guns to do the dirty work.
With little room between us I ordered charges which were repelled, to my luck this did not shatter my men. Denied the unlikely swift melee I opted for the next grisliest action, move my cannons into grape shot range.
Over the delightfully fast paced turns that followed our lines shredded each other. This event was Snappy Nappy at its best, multiple tables full of cheers and energy, the shouts of joy and groans of agony emanating from my own table and those around me. Truly this is what wargaming is about, and a privilege to be a part of. My ally at the other end of my field, locked in his own desperate fight with the Russian cavalry, exchanged words of encouragement and calls of concern as our combats continued. The fight was either sides at any time, each roll for initiative tensely watched by four players. Round after round small chips were made at each other’s units, building up to the inevitable break.
The climatic moment was beyond any commander’s anticipation; finding a clear shot across the sectors, the militia heavy guns fired once into the Prussians and destroyed a battery with a single salvo. Now that my guns outnumbered the Prussians my opponent knew that he had to break off the combat and create distance between us or else be picked apart. One of the final actions before the game was concluded saw Prince Eugene, an independent unit, caught by the Prussian cavalry and wounded moments before time was called.
Was it a personal victory? I don’t think so, it was a group effort that saw the Prussian lines break, a single cannon salvo from the rear changed the fight entirely. Had the militia not held so defiantly against the Russian cavalry the combat may have gone differently. Regardless, all the forces on the table were bloodied to near combat ineffectiveness, our contributions to the battle at large would certainly not have extended beyond our field.
This was a great event, again I want to thank the organizers, game masters, and all participants for taking the time to travel and play a day long event. It’s my hope and anticipation that Snappy Nappy will return again!
Steve Tarro
I started the campaign at Madgeburg, along with Prince Eugene and his bodyguard, Marshall McDonald and his XI Corp and with General de Division Latour-Maubourg's I Calvary Corp. After conferring with the Marshal we agreed to move south towards Bernburg as a group.
After moving through Bernburg, my Corps developed a slight traffic jam due to its size, 12 units. My Corps headed towards Dessau to secure the supply route. Travelling there I noticed a curious path across the river Elbe. Informing Eugene, he assigned the bridging team to me. Building the bridge took several attempts, costing precious time. While bridge building, I Calvary Corp was bounced back to the table. Upon seeing them I mustered the majority of my army to form a line facing the deployment zone facing southwest. I Calvary Corps formed my right flank. While waiting for any enemy that did not appear the bridge was completed. Scouting forces from Eugene also revealed that enemy forces had been sited in Halle. Seeing this I Calvary Corp and I travelled back through the zone from which they were bounced. The sapper at the edge of their command radius decided to brave the wilderness and explore the deployment zone across the Elbe. An uneventful journey through Bad Duben brought us to Wittenburg. Table empty. The Sappers arrived at the same time through the fields, a neat pathway. Early reports indicated an open path to Berlin. Our troops advanced onward quickly. I Calvary I instructed to take the path south and I would go north to reach Berlin due to my advantage of Cannon and Infantry. I Calvary Corp was the first to leave the table. I informed the Emperor that the capture of Berlin was imminent... perhaps somewhat prematurely.
Lauriston Panics:
Your Majesty, I report that before I left for Berlin, the city which we so greatly desired, a Russian Corps under Generallieutenant von Berg appeared from whence I came, namely Wittenburg. My conscript garrison left to monitor the Town and Bridge was confused by the mass of troops arriving at Wittenberg, and were quickly overwhelmed by cannon shots.
Despite the loss of our brave men, the time that the sacrifice of the garrison provided was greatly appreciated. In this time I sent 2 infantry brigades and some artillery to attempt to reach Berlin. Reports from the distance of dust clouds indicated a second and even third unknown Corp approaching. Upon learning of this I informed Calvary Corp and the Emperor himself of this intelligence hastily before the whole situation could be assessed.
My Cannon and Infantry sent ahead of the force arrived in Gross Beeren to sight only Prussian reserves holding the road to Berlin. We attempted to march with great haste towards them but our lack of an officer, growing danger of running out of supply, and the arrival of enemy forces caused a hasty return to my V Corps to the Wittenburg battlefield, and thus the abandonment of the assault on Berlin.
With all of my forces united on the battlefield, the time for action was now. By now I had retreated my long column through the woods in between the hills to form up on the town nearest to the Berlin exit. There was debate whether to leave the table and head to Berlin in force, but the fear of supply loss determined my decision to stay. The secret path from which my Sappers came, was all that saved me and my Corps from starvation, the main bridge over the Elbe at Wittenburg being in enemy hands. By now the Generallieutenant von Yorck and his large Prussian Corps had arrived.
Forming a line behind the wood-line, it became apparent the allies were not expecting me to be there. The Russians advanced on my left. The Prussian force sent an infantry to occupy the woods and Calvary to fill the gaps with horse artillery support. My reserves filled my left flank to face the Russians. More could have been committed but confused and panicked officers sent more troops to face the woods. This would result in a slow response. However, the bulk of Von Yorck's forces faced Wittenburg. Another force arrived... it was not more allies, but Eugene and Marshal Macdonald! Lines formed in front of Wittenburg. I advanced my conscripts towards the woods. My left flank skirmished with Cossacks and Russian infantry forcing them back in a panic. The conscripts made a grand assault into the woods led by Lauriston himself, while Eugene engaged Von Yorck in a back-and-forth battle. The Prussians in the wood make a miraculous defense, routing another conscript brigade. My remaining troops formed line and engaged in musketry. On the left flank, Berg began a sustained cannon barrage through gaps in the tree line. A combined calvary charge was repulsed as well. A steady advance and combined musketry and cannon kept Berg's Infantry and remaining Calvary well occupied. On the Von Yorck’s side, cracks began showing. My forces began pressing the advance to exploit his weak rear. In addition, a 12lb cannon shot hit the powder of Yorck's horse artillery, scattering them beyond recall. Prince Eugene by this time had routed almost all of von Yorcks force, with only a little more than a quarter remaining. The Prussian infantry in the woods were near to being surrounded. Berg's forces other than his cannon and remaining infantry, were close to breaking. Before a great victory could be achieved, night ( game time end) came.
Respectfully
General Marquis de Lauriston
An account of the Affairs and Actions Marechal Bessieres and the French Guard Cavalry during the recent Spring1813 Campaign.
We started on the road from Gotha to Erfurt. We were leading the way for General of the Division Bertrand’s IV Corp and the Emperors entourage. The people of Erfurt cheered as we rode through their town, probably happy to see us leave. As we were clearing the next town, Cossacks appeared and I could see many of my light troopers drawing their swords, only waiting for a
chance to even the score from the ordeal of the last year; this time on
more favorable terms. But very quickly they withdrew.
We followed them all the way to Lutzen, whereupon they rode out of
sight. Not wanting to get too far out ahead of IV Corp, we ensured that the heavy cavalry kept up to our Chasseurs a’ Cheval. This would allow the infantry to support the cavalry and my cavalry to pave the way for the infantry’s movement toward Leipzig and a linkup with Prince Eugene’s soldiers in Magdeburg and the IV Corp soldiers as well.
However, as I did a reconnaissance in force leading to Leipzig, it was there I discovered two full Corps of Prussians and Russians, all waiting and focused on that particular road. The Emperor in his brilliance
had ordered me to scout that route out but gave me freedom of action to alter my route if it was untenable. I remember him saying, “You must think quickly on your feet (although, I am sure on horseback would be an acceptable alternative.)
So I returned with my status report and because of this the column (minus some IV Corp units left to secure the supply line at Lutzen)was diverted to Halle. Now IV Corp led the way and my cavalry
followed. Halle had a number of roads leading to it and to the north were (I believe) Prussian cavalry.
Initially, we only had a few units. But quickly, and somewhat to my surprise, we had more troops arrive. Within a short period of time there was a link up of IV Corp, the Guard Cavalry as well as at least two other Corps coming into Halle from the opposite direction, having come from Madgeburg. Seeing this, Russ, having a very good feel for the rules [hint: he wrote them] decided to do what I did on the Leipzig table and withdrew, giving up the Conscript unit in Halle.
But it was obvious (at least to me) that the road network would not support 3 full Corps+ of units and with one of our two primary missions already fulfilled (the link up of the Magdeburg Corp with Napoleon) I went back to see about Leipzig.
When I went back to Leipzig I found only one Prussian unit in the city. I was able to deploy artillery on the outskirts and shell that unit. I could not take control of Leipzig before additional Prussian units attempted to relieve the city. It would become apparent to me that those relieving units would total a
full Corp and have a full complement of artillery. The Guard Cavalry is strong - but not that strong and I planned to demonstrate in front of Leipzig; and then bolt (as I had previously done).
[Note to Readers: Unfortunately, the sketch artist assigned to the Corp did not get a sketch of this portion of the action. His (lame) excuse was that there was too much going on at the time (he was
with the Guard Chasseurs a’ Cheval) and they rode around Leipzig after destroying the Pontoon Bridging Unit of the Prussians.]
As mentioned earlier - I was planning to withdraw my troops. But that was not to be. I do not know why (or how), but the French IV Corp entered to my left (east of Leipzig). A little later, I believe it was
Rich who showed up with VII Corp (and later some Saxons), which entered from the west. The Prussians were caught in a vice. By this time my artillery had eliminated any Allied units in Leipzig and the garrison troops of Lutzen arrived as well - eventually taking the city.
Sorry, no picture of Rich, who was stalwart with his VII Corp and the Saxons. A lot going on and the sketch artist said there was too much artillery smoke to get a good likeness of him from a distance.
The Prussian commander wanted to retreat but couldn't as there was another French Corp (Prince Eugene’s, I believe) trying to hit his rear. He was stuck and only the arrival of reinforcements could save him. My belief is that, given the situation, the Prussian Commander was in an untenable position. Literally surrounded by overwhelming forces, and with no friendly forces in the vicinity and likely to help them.
Historically they would either try to break out or surrender as they were not defending a town, village, or city. Brandon fought on and did well but the odds were certainly against him! In truth, the French infantry took a lot of casualties, mainly from the Prussian artillery. Some of those, however, were rallied back as Napoleon was with us.
The Prussians had two light cavalry units. Both were charged by the Guard Cavalry (heavy cavalry) with me leading them. Both charges were successful with the lights taking 4 Casualties each. With both
virtually destroyed, the Chasseurs a’ Cheval dispatched one unit of Prussian riders that were straggling; shortly thereafter the Heavy Cavalry eliminated the other.
destroyed.
As IV Corp recovered its strength and shifted to support the units in Leipzig and face the new threat of the Russians, the Guard Cavalry went to aid the Saxons. Time was of the essence as there was no
other French cavalry to face the two units of Russian cavalry. I once again charged the flank of the Prussian infantry. Yet again they formed square (and those I believe were Conscript troops)! Once
again it didn't matter as they were crushed. The Prussians were left with only one unit in their Corp & some artillery. I would've thought they would've surrendered. They did not. The artillery was destroyed
by the Saxons & IV Corp. The last Prussian infantry unit again formed square but my cavalry was able to break it in a charge.
The Allies sent a Russian Corp to help save the Prussian Corp but, they were too late. Still, it was possible the Russians might retake Leipzig. However, right at that time I got word that a number of Russians were falling out of formation (perhaps due to supply problems). [About half the Russians lost a man from their formations]. Honestly, I thought General Miloradovitch did a remarkable job saving half of those formations as many had very high save numbers (lots of 8, 9 & 10s!]
The Prussians still had some infantry remnants left and the Chasseurs a’ Cheval then charged three infantry squares in succession. Each square was destroyed without my cavalry taking a casualty. It was time to turn and face the Russians. The Guard Artillery was already adjacent to Leipzig when Cossacks moved close to the city (probably scouting as to which French units were behind the barricades). But they came too close and my artillery opened up on them; almost decimating them and they were done for the day.
The Russian General, Rolando (Milleradsovitsch), like Brandon before was (kinda) left in a
lurch as he arrived with no one supporting him. The Russians had a heavy cavalry unit - the last cavalry unit of that Russian Corp. I (Bessieres) led the Guard Cavalry into a charge and virtually destroyed the Russian unit (4 casualties).
This is my account as best as I can recall.
Sincerely,
Marshal Bessieres (Mitch Abrams)
Some things of Note:
1. I witnessed one Marshall and one Commander lose their heads (literally) as a cannonball decapitated them. Marshal Bessieres was in at least 6 cavalry melees and was not decapitated in this battle . . . unlike in real life.
2. There are not many units of the Guard Cavalry, but what few there are, are powerful. Total amount of dice rolls in this campaign by me was less than 20, two of which were morale checks. Both of those were passed. They are a fun unit to play but if placed in the wrong situation or just played incorrectly, you could be sitting out the game by noontime.
3. There should be a rule as to when a unit will surrender. Not all units take on the characteristics of a Messina in Genoa. Most, depending on the capabilities of the general (if there is even one
there) the quality of the troops and the forces arrayed against them as well as whether there a viable retreat path or not will surrender. Without this is a consequence players will fight on to the last
man - not particularly realistic or true to the times.
Report of General de Division Latour-Maubourg 1st Cavalry Division
I started at Madgeburg along with Prine Eugene and his bodyguard, Marshal McDonald and his XI Corp and with General de Division Lauriston and his V Corp. After conferring with them I moved south towards Bernburg followed by V Corp and then XI Corp.
After moving thru Bernburg I headed SSW towards Bad Duben and I got bounced back because of Yorcks Prussian Corp. I waited a short time and tried again. I arrived at Wittenburg Followed by V Corp. No enemy sited and I then proceeded to Zahna. I conferred with General de Division Lauriston; He would move towards Berlin to siege it and I would scout towards Luckau.
I Captured Lackau no enemy around. I then moved towards Lubben. I scouted towards Frankfurt and then moved south.
Moving south I came upon Bautzen and encountered Russian Inf garrisoning the town. I proceeded to unlimber my artillery and pounded the inf till it routed. I took took Bautzen. I proceeded to Gorlitz and found more inf garrisoning the town. I unlimbered my artillery and pounded the garrison till they routed. I captured the town and cut the Russian supply line. I was not able to siege Breslau I had no inf. While holding Gorlitz one inf regiment and one Cossack regiment arrived. I chased off the Cossacks and routed the inf.
I received a message from General de Division Lauriston requesting I come back and support him as he was engaged with a Prussian Corp, But I was nowhere near him. I did send a message to the Emperor for Inf and artillery support to siege Breslau. None came. I held Gorlitz for as long as I thought I could, and then I moved SW. My scouts informed me that a Russian Corps was on its way.
I came to see Neustadt and across the river the city of Dresden. I also saw that Marshal Marmont and his VI Corp was engaged with General of Cavalry Tormasov and his Russian Reserve army. I repositioned to protect Marshal Marmont's flank. Soon as I was repositioning Barclay de Tollly and his Army of the West arrive following me. As he arrived he was able to witness the Russian Reserve army get mostly routed. Then Marshall Marmount took Dresden and my force was the bridgehead across the Elbe River.
Barclay de Tolly had a choice to make. To withdraw, or turn and engage my force then being hit in the flank by VI Corps, or Face VI Corps and have my force hit him in the flank, or engage both our forces. Unfortunately, at that point, the campaign ended.
Respectfully
General de Division Latour-Maubourg
ALLIED REPORTS
Springtime for Napoleon: Snappy Nappy SnapCon X
by Russ Lockwood
The 10th anniversary of the SnapCon Snappy Nappy Campaign-in-a-Day convention proved a closely-fought battle across 1813 Germany. Napoleon and the French, reeling from 1812's catastrophic invasion of Russia, sought to stabilize the line and bring the Russian horde to a halt. Prussia declared for the Allies and marched with the Russians. Meanwhile, Austria declared neutrality and withdrew its armies from the French side and the Saxons seemed on the edge of leaving the French.
A big thanks to The Portal, the game store in Manchester, CT, that allowed us to use the back room and all its tables for all 10 of the SnapCons.
Campaign Wrinkle: Transit Tables
Umpire Mike pulled together the scenario. Besides the usual OOB balancing and terrain research, he decided to add a wrinkle to our usual Campaign-in-a-Day mechanics.
Normally, when you exited one table, the Umpire immediately escorted you and your troops to a linked table. Umpire Mike set up one central "table" that added multiple "traveling" tables to the mix using an ingenious card system.
When you exited a table, the deployment zone (i.e. enter and exit point) had a number. You brought your troops to the central table and flipped over a 3x5 card with that number.
This card told you which transit table (in reality an 8.5x11-inch sheet of paper with historical info on one side and a map on the other) you'd arrive on. It also noted if the transit was immediate or if you had to suffer a 5-minute delay.
And yes, Umpire Mike put a clock on the table and had a sign-up sheet that you would fill in. I'm guessing this would help Umpire Mike reconstruct who went where when.
Fortunately, Assistant Umpires Mark and Peter were there to iron out any confusion -- and I believe I can claim one of the first confusions.
I picked up the appropriate card, placed a marker on the appropriate transit table sheet, and proceeded to exit to the wrong table. Fortunately, Mark caught my error and directed me to the correct table. And I only did it once more, which Mark watched me plop on the wrong transit table sheet and corrected me again. He was certainly within his rights to call me out on it, but he's a tolerant and patient umpire.
Campaign Wrinkle: Diplomacy
Umpire Mike gave a variety of city objectives that would affect the neutrality of Austria and perhaps bring it into play on one side or the other. In addition, Saxony had a chance to join the French or the Allies.
Alas, Poor Yorck, What Will You Know?
Assigned to command von Yorck's corp, my original orders stated I would go to Torgau and defend the river crossing. Alas, Umpire Mike decreed my initial position was in line formation near Wittenburg, which is across the six-foot table from the road that I needed to use.
So, the first turn was just getting onto the road and switching formation. I had the bulk of my Corps on the road, but sent a cavalry unit through Wittenburg onto another table. We all just read how that went...but the scouts continued on. Meanwhile, I received an order to go to Halle via Wittenburg, so I reversed course and headed to Halle. Annnd, we all just read how that trip via the transit tables went...
Now, remember, the first two turns are synchronized across all tables. Then came the third turn. I ended up scouting a table with a lot of French corps...and in bouncing back, I finally figured out how to use the transit card/table system. Mark must have heaved a sigh of relief.
And also remember this all took time for Yorck’s Corps to go this way and that.
I remember thinking I was like Lobau at Waterloo -- ordered one way, then the other, and then back the original way. I wish I had taken better notes about the timing.
Meanwhile, my corps marched to the Halle table from the east.
Order. Counter Order. Disorder? Datorder?
I found Halle to be in French hands, a mere cavalry unit and leader hopping from town to town to disrupt Allied supply lines. Who is this French interloper? None other than Eugene. He sees me and immediately starts to head down the road to exit north towards Bernburg.
North? Bernburg? How did he get to Bernburg?
My guess is probably when I was reversing course to head to Halle.
Well, I'm having none of that. I started to peel units off the march to head Eugene off at the deployment zone to Bernburg.
Next thing I know, Eugene brings an infantry unit onto the table from Bernburg. That's when another French corp showed up on the south side of the table coming from Lutzen.
Hmmm. Two against one, but I have the central position. Not impossible if I can crunch Eugene before this new French Corp can march across the table.
Then Napoleon showed up from Lutzen!
And that likely means the Imperial Guard is following from Lutzen.
Hmmm. Three against one? That would be difficult normally, but when one of the three is the Imperial Guard, meinen goosen is cooken.
And that's when I received an order to turn around and head back to Wittenburg. It was a reversal order I heartily agreed with!
So, half movement to turn the road march column around and I headed back to Wittenburg. A slow rearguard withdrawal took a couple hits from Eugene's cannons that enter before I can exit.
I left one unit as a garrison in Halle. It would take time to winkle it out. They eventually blew it out of the town and pummeled it with artillery fire into oblivion, but it had bought time.
Back I went to the Duben transit table -- apparently my second favorite table in all Germany behind the Wittenburg table.
I also learned that another Prussian Corps was right behind me at the Duben transit table to Wittenburg.
Arriving at Wittenburg, I found a Russian Corp [von Berg] chasing a French Corps [Lauriston] that was on its way to Berlin.
How did a French Corps slip behind? Ah, the mysteries of the multi-table campaign.
Indeed, when I arrived, the French Corps commander was worried about his supply line.
Supply Lines And Consequences
A word about the supply line mechanic. On the hour, Umpire Mike and Assistant Umpires Mark and Peter checked supply lines for each corp. If your supply line is cut, you take one Morale Check (maximum loss of only one Unit Status and NOT the usual MC roll until you pass or the unit routs).
Peter came up with this rule for his Iberian game years ago.
Back To The Action
The French commander knew he had a limited time to reopen the supply line, so he turned his command around and began to form a line.
My Russian ally, who had more cavalry than I did, swung up the road to outflank the French while I headed best I could off the march straight at the French.
Next thing we knew, two French infantry and an artillery showed up, obviously recalled from their Berlin blitz. They swung around to meet the Russians.
With a two on one advantage, we should be able to crush the French Corp. And a Prussian Corps [von Bulow] was behind me to make it a three to one.
So I thought.
Only the next Corp to arrive in Wittenburg was a French Corp, led by my old friend Eugene!
Fluffengankenpollen! That may not be an exact German translation of what I said.
So where was the Prussian Corp?
Eugene shrugged. "Wasn't any when I got to the Duben transit table.”
I can only guess it was diverted. [GM note - von Bulow headed back to counter the threat to Leipzig]
A Word About Wittenburg
Unlike all other urban areas, Wittenburg was located inside the deployment zone. Umpire Mike was quite clear about that. This meant neither side could garrison it. I’m guessing he wanted it to be fought over outside of the urban area. If so, that certainly worked. It also meant I couldn’t garrison it the way I did in Halle and delay the arrival of any French onto the table.
The Wittenburg Sandwich I
If it is intentionally difficult to pull off a rearguard action, getting caught in an enemy sandwich is far worse. Now what?
I considered my options. I had difficult terrain in between me and the original French. I had open fields in between me and the new French under Eugene.
I spun most of my corp around to create a main line as best I could. It was not in a unit sequence I would have preferred, but you fight with what you have in the spot you have it.
I sent one infantry unit into a woods and a cavalry unit to cover an open gap in my rear. I pulled back the horse artillery to my main line.
Meanwhile, my Russian ally [von Berg] worked his forces into a line to match the French line forming against him.
Eugene's line was far better organized by mine. He roared out of the deployment zone as soon as he could. My cannon fired. His cannon fired. Infantry took hits and lost morale levels. The lines became ragged. Some routed away. It was just the sort of pounding firefight you'd expect.
Then Eugene's infantry charged. My troops fired and fired, repulsing the first charge.
The original French Corp [Lauriston] advanced against me, sending a pair of units in column against my one unit in line in the woods. Once again, firefight gave way to charging and in the melee. Once again I prevailed, in part because my seasoned troops were against lower-rated conscripts. One entire conscript brigade routed away as I kept a tenuous hold on the woods.
The Russian commander played for time to deploy. At one point in time, on the hour, he was informed that his supply line was cut. He rolled morale checks for each unit and failed most of them. The Russian units sprouted markers testifying to their lack of supply.
The Wittenburg Sandwich II
My troops and Eugene's troops continued their grim exchange of fire. I concentrated artillery fire on French troops. French cannon concentrated on my cannon. The French had a slight advantage with one artillery unit over mine, but otherwise, this was an even-up fight between veteran troops.
Eugene did have one big advantage: He had a second leader, which helped with unit rallies.
He also snuck a cavalry brigade out the side of Wittenburg and headed around my own cavalry that was pre-occupied with the infantry in front of it. Eugene personally led the French cavalry.
Slowly my cannons succumbed to French fire. Slowly, his infantry succumbed to my cannon fire. But I could see which way the battle was progressing. I needed to do something bold or I would be timidly pounded into a pulp.
I yanked the cavalry brigade out of the gap and sent it after Eugene and his cavalry. It was out of my reach, but it was threatening. Then I swung the cavalry out of my main line and sent it after Eugene as well. It was perfectly positioned for a charge into the rear of Eugene's cavalry brigade -- if us Allies won the initiative.
Alas, the French held onto the initiative and Eugene slipped away enough to turn and face my cavalry.
Russian Charge
Give the Russian commander credit, he charged his cavalry against a line of infantry and cannon. He fared better than expected, but didn't break the French line.
He did swing an artillery unit to cover the now empty gap once held by my cavalry and pounded a Russian [? French] infantry unit.
Cavalry Scrum
With a slight advantage, I charged my cavalry into Eugene's cavalry and luck was with me. I won and forced morale checks. Here, Eugene's luck ran out. The brigade became panicked as it failed morale check after morale check.
More importantly, Eugene rolled not one, not two, but three "1s" for MCs. Not only did that lower the unit's Morale Status, it also forced him to roll three times on the Leader Loss table. His three d10 rolls ended with one no effect and two "9s" -- wounded, remove from game. Eugene slumped off his horse and was lifted to safety by his staff, but his day was over.
In Snappy Nappy terms, loss of a leader means one turn without a leader and then a "0"-rated leader replaces Eugene.
Now, if you don't have a leader, all units must roll a Morale Check in order to move. So, that could have halted his attack in its tracks.
But...Eugene had a second leader with this Corp [Marshal MacDonald]. In effect there was no real effect.
My main line disintegrated further as troops and cannon fled to the rear.
Elsewhere
I don't know. That's the beauty of a multi-player game across multiple tables. I have no idea how any other Allied Corps fared. I know there was a big battle on some table because I saw lots of players and went over there to take a pic, but other than that, no idea.
End Game
Umpire Mike went around to each table and looked at supply status, routed units, and locations. At that time, to my mind, the game was over. It certainly was on our table. I only had four units left out of nine, and except for the cavalry, they were all in a precarious position.
Based on all the tables, here's Umpire Mike's decision: "It was a close call. At 4pm it was a draw...and by 4:30pm the French besieged Berlin to earn a minor victory."
There you have it, another hard-fought Snappy Nappy Campaign-in-a-Day tabletop battle.
Thanks to Umpire Mike for crafting the scenario and umpiring. Thanks to Assistant Umpires Mark and Peter for helping make it go smoothly, a double thanks to Peter for bringing the troops, a double thanks to Mark for buying pizza (oh, and the coffee, too), and a triple thanks to Mark and Peter for creating the terrain and setting up the night before. Add James, Rich, and Sean for helping set up on Friday night, too.
And finally, thanks to all the gamers for a marvelous day of Napoleonic gaming.
Extracts from Gen. Von Hunerbein “ Always Forward -My Career Under Blucher “
as translated by Colonel Sir John Keane ,94th foot.
As the orders had come to break camp and advance to Jena ,after a hearty breakfast( and a final game of Skat ) I stirred from our rough lodgings at Gnandstein castle and bade farewell to our hosts.
With the sun nearly peaking above the horizon my Brigade had started along the road to Jena – as usual the Hussars were prancing about and galloping to and fro. We met briefly with the Russian officers who were in command of the scouting forces and the division protecting our left flank , Gen.Blucher addressed the gathering of officers and said that in front of us was the chance to revenge ourselves and all of Prussia upon the inbred Corsican and his French lackeys .
In mid morning I noticed that their was more than the usual activity from our cavalry, Noticing that the usually laconic Russian Hussars were agitated I started to issue orders that we would be seeing action shortly . They reported seeing a French corps marching towards us along with the imperial guard and miles of artillery.
It was at that time I noticed that his Majesty Frederick William III was on the battlefield and watching us . General Blucher rode up to us and announced that we were to have the honor of being the first to contact the enemy and that the King had sent a Schnaps -Fass for us
As we rushed along the road to confront the French ,I sent our Jaegers to occupy the town on our left and set up our battery of 6#'s with the the brigade of infantry in line as support . The Cavalry and its artillery was further to our right .
When the French arrived in front of us -they pulled up short and sloppily spread out to battle formation We heard their cries of alarm and confusion even over the distance .
After a few artillery shots they hurriedly pulled back ,while a few took the opportunity to throw away their arms and desert to us . We learned from them that the Imperial Guard and attached artillery were behind them and a reinforced Bavarian Division was advancing on our Left. Trusting to our Russian allies to be able to deal with ,I turned my attention back to the French in front of us . Send a messenger to Gen. Blucher informing him of the enemy activity . He personally delivered his response , informing me that he expects the French advance to be delayed while they bring the artillery to the fore and then it will be slow and uninspired ,which will allow us the time to fend off their superior numbers and not allow them to support the Bavarians . All this came to pass – showing F.M. Bluchers masterful grasp of the French military mind and their willingness to let their allies die without help . This would be repeated throughout the coming campaign .
As the numerous French batteries rolled forward and unlimbered , we counted at least 8 batteries , 6 more than we had and most heavier than ours . We were able to glimpse the bearskins of the Imperial guard behind them, using their bayonets to force the French conscripts reluctantly forward .
My initial deployment allowed Blucher to deploy additional troops on the Major hills half a league behind us.
A Russian brigade formed up on our left as did a Russian cavalry brigade much further to their left .
The hub to hub French artillery opened fire and put us under an intensive bombardment . While it did inflict a few casualties -it merely solidified our will to resist.
As more and more Frenchmen appeared on the battle field ,it soon became clear that I needed to start to fall back .
A stout and slow withdrawal by my brigade forced the legions of French to slow down even more from their fear of a possible counter attack .
I received a message that the Russian cavalry to our far left had maneuvered onto the French right flank , as the battle went on this cavalry would prove to be a thorn in the paw of the French that could not be removed .
As we fell back to our positions on the hill – I could see that the Cavalry of the Imperial guard was moving lethargically forward – at this time FM Blucher made his way to our command along with a small brigade of Hussars . With a mighty cheer and the shouted command of VORWARTS!!! the Hussars leapt forward towards the enemy cavalry . FM Blucher started forward with them and had to be physically restrained from continuing.
With Pride in our hearts we watched the small brigade of cavalry head towards the hardened battle veterans of the Guard . Hoping for the best ,but expecting to not see any of the Hussars again .
We watched as they crashed into the enemy lines and actually pushed them back . The enemy reformed and counter attacked and the result was the same – The Hussars had repulsed the Guard . A cheer went up and carried across the battlefield . Back and forth the cavalry melee went – companies failing back and reforming then rejoining the swirling cavalry melee and then it was over . Our Hussars had forced the French cavalry to retreat . With the oncoming French infantry advancing to support it was prudent for the hussars to withdraw to our lines .
The sun had started to begin its inevitable descent and the French to our front seemed determined to force my brigade of true German heroes off the hill. I saw the Imperial Guard infantry form up and advance towards us , But even at a distance I could see that there was hesitation in their movement, it was as if they could sense our determination and they could feel their doom as they approached . It was a magnificent display as they advanced across the fields in a line over a mile wide . Flags flying, their drums and trumpets playing- It might very well have affected men of a lesser resolve than my fine German infantry .
As we waited for the impact of the first line of infantry – the enemy became more and more uncoordinated ,partly by the plowed fields they had to cross , the hill they had to ascend and by their own hesitancy to cross bayonets.
Instead of a solid line of infantry coming to blows along my brigades whole line – it was a series of attacks
Our battery poured round after round into the units in front of them – until those enemy broke and ran,
The French hit our right flank with 2 brigades -1 of whom never reached our lines due to being checked by musket fire , The other crashed into the front of the Brandenburg infantry regiment and was speedily repulsed by the good Prussian steel resolve and iron bayonets.
On my left the French attack was lead by the Baden Guard -who unlike most of the French were willing to face us in mortal combat . While I do admire their bravery ,they too fell back in rout after testing our mettle .
As I was re-establishing our front line preparing for another attack , I received a message from FM Blucher that he and the Russian division on our left flank had completely destroyed the Bavarian and their French masters, routing them off the field and taking many prisoners and trophies including 2 batteries and numerous flags .
As the sun was going down the French to my front seemed to have had enough and were content to let the day of fighting end . The officers we captured were happy to let us know that while they had failed
to drive us from the field as the Emperor insisted upon , the other Allies had failed to do their duty and numerous cities and depots had fallen to the French .
Unfortunately this meant that we were forced to fall back to another location – we , and our Russian compatriots were directed to Leipzig.
We did our duty in front of Our King and under the direction of the FM Blucher himself . I have no doubt that it was solely due to him and his brilliant battle plan that we were triumphant against the ocean of enemies who outnumbered us by at least 2 to 1 in all arms. I can say with an open heart and clear mind that our Russian allies on this battlefield acquitted themselves excellently and if all of the other Russians were commanded like that we would not be retreating.
I could feel it in my heart that we would soon exact revenge upon the nefarious invaders.
Some interesting accounts, including a few insights as to how well the new rules such as the in transit tables worked.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy the player accounts, and it makes you realize how uncertain the details of historical accounts probably are!
DeleteCertainly a bust day. Lots of rules bolted on.
ReplyDeleteA very busy day indeed. I think most of the special rules worked out well.
DeleteA very interesting read, nice to see the players take on the campaign and rules.
ReplyDeleteAs a player, in many cases, your focus can be quite narrow!
DeleteThe personal accounts add something to the whole 'historiography' of this campaign. Sterling stuff!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Ion
Absolutely; they are one of my favorite parts!
Delete