Saturday, November 7, 2009

2nd 1809 Scenario for French vs Austrian

Gebenbach April 11, 1809

The Austrians were trying to find Davout's location north of the Danube and had pushed back the French cavalry from Hirschau earlier in the day. This "what if" suggests that the Austrians have continued down the road in pursuit of the retreating French cavalry.

French Order of Battle

1st Chassuers
33e Ligne 1st Battalion
111e Ligne 1st Battalion
2 x 4lb guns

Austrian Order of Battle

Advanced Guard of the II Corps

Oberst Steffanini- commander of 7th Jager
7th Jager Battalion (800 men)
Mervelt Uhlans 2 squadrons (260 men)


Commetary and Map to follow.....

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Scenario for 1809 French vs. Austrians

"The Bridge at Reisensburg"
Northeast of Gunzburg
October 9th, 1805

Scenario would appear to start at 730 p.m. 2 hours of game time before night stops the fighting. This seems to make little sense as October nights typically are "dark enough" to stop the fighting at about 7:30. Needless to say the actual game duration is 2 hours

French Order of Battle
GdB Mathieu deLabassee
Col. Lacuee

59th Ligne 1st Battalion (647 men)
2nd Battalion (647 men) see below

The typical composition of these battalions was altered after the divisional general removed the Grenadiers company, which were then made apart of an ad hoc command that had been sent Southwest of Gunzburg. Consider playing the 59th Ligne Regiment without grenadiers represented on the table.
The troops were Veteran and the officers are above average.

Guns available: 2 guns of 4lbs
4 guns of 8lbs
1 gun of 12 lb
1 gun of 6inch howitzer

Four guns are helping the Ganzburg assault elsewhere. Leaving 4 guns to support the crossing at Gunzburg. As my sources do not help identify the composition of each battery, I would play with 2 x 4lbs and 2 x 8lbs as the battery supporting this assault.
I would make the guns either average or veteran

Austrian Order of Battle
FML Gyulai
IR 20 Kaunitz-Reitberg 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions (ave strength 800)
Chevaulegers-Regiment Rosenberg #6 was represented with 2 squadrons (150)
Ulanen-Regiment Schwarzenberg #2 was represented with 2 squadrons (150)

The infantry's elan and motivation has been questioned. I suppose below average/militia grade might be appropriate. The leader was also below average rating.
Austrian cavalry attacks were vigorous but ineffective; I would make them average to above average troop rating. They would certainly be considered light cavalry.


The battlefield is immediately adjacent to the Danube river. The best representation of the battlefield would be to have the French ("top") edge a "cannons width" of dry land. (Allowing the supporting French guns to be deployed.) The Danube river would then be represented by a river roughly 150 yards wide with a bridge through the center of the river. A main road leaves the bridge and heads straight overland to the opposite edge with a slight diagonal. I believe the whole of the table will be 1000 yards in each direction. On the Austrian right is a smooth contoured hill. No significant woods exist. The Danube is not fordable but is crossable at the bridge. Off the Austrian edge ("bottom") is the town of Gunzburg.
Point A is the road leading toward Gunzburg and is the ultimate objective of the French.
Point B is where the Austrian Cavalry will arrive 1 hour into the battle.



Historically, the Austrians had literally just repaired the bridge so that Mack could extricate himself from Ulm, when the 59th Ligne arrived on the north bank. Seeing their tactical advantage, the French infantry charged across the bridge promptly. This charge was carried across the bridge and into the Austrian battalions which were placed in battalion lines, one stacked after the other. As the first line broke, the rest were interpenetrated by the fleeing front lines, and soon the whole group fled. The Austrian cavalry then tried to charge the French units, but were held off by the French squares. The French were quick to send reinforcements and were able to hold the bridgehead.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Ebay frustrations

Just an obvious word of warning. I just purchased an item from Ebay, and had the figures sent off to the contracted painter directly. Weeks later, the painter examined the supposed "dragoons" and found them to be cuirassiers and carabineirs. I really wish that people would take the time to either take good pictures or actually know what they are selling. I know that everyone makes mistakes, I just hate wasting time now deciding if I want to pay to have "unwanted" figures painted into troops I may never use. Its quite a big expense to pursue this endeavor. I hate the idea that I am paying FURTHER for these figures.
Obviously, this is just good sense to look carefully at the picture when you buy off of ebay. Be rewarned since I am sure you have been warned before.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Final turns before calling it quits

On Turn 5 Kellerman had moved his cavalry regiments to the south side of the battlefield, towards the more open areas and to oppose the larger Russian Hussar Regiments. His horse artillery began firing at the formed Hussars comprising the Russian left flank, but no significant result was achieved. About the same time, Soult's lead division set up to assault the jagers behind the wall. An effective artillery bombardment began and a quite destructive charge would end up taking the position as the Russians could not get enough artillery in place to support the defense of the salient stonewall.

The Russians continued to deploy along the road leading south out of the village. One of the Hussars looked to swing around further south to flank the French advance.

Then the game took an ugly turn. The French artillery scored a 12 on a die roll which not only scored a catastrophic amount of casualties on the Jagers, but also killed the officer commanding the Brigade. The French Battalions crashed into the reeling Russians and routed the command, taking another Jager Battalion with it. Suddenly there was no Russian center. Yes, Russian Batteries were attempting to deploy to each side of the gap, but a quite detailed and well orchastrated French cavalry charge simultaneously struck the deploying Russian Battery that was located to the south. The ultimate effect was the Battery was overrun and the supporting Russian cavalry turned tail, effectively destroying the Russian Left. The game was called at that time. Ultimately a bunch of maneuvaring for what seemed to be only 6 to 8 die rolls that took over the game.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

A couple hours of fighting......




The beginning of the game finds the French command with Kellerman's 2 light cavalry regiments and horse artillery battery section arrive in front of the Russian lines. Russian requests for 2 batteries have hastened the arrival of Bagration's artillery arm. A southern column has arrived with the cavalry and artillery of Bagration's remaining troops. These look to occupy the road leading to the south of the village. So far the Jager battalion is happy to stay behind the wall. The French are not acting too concerned yet. More troops are expected apparently.





At the end of turn 4, its obvious that the French will look to punch thru the Russian line as far from the village as they can get. The Russians have the numbers advantage, so perhaps the French attack will be delayed until more manpower arrives. No firing has occured yet, just French cavalry scouting in front of the Russian lines and active Russian troop deployment and extension of their line south of the village towards the church. 3 French regiments of Soult's Division as well as 2 batteries have entered. A French feint seems to be brewing just outside of the village towards the west.

From the Russian perspective, the line should be nice and strong, with combined arms and nice terrain features. Perhaps a bit more depth could be acheived, but more troops are expected.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Republic to Empire


This picture comes from the League of Augsburg's website, link provided: http://www.leagueofaugsburg.com/fightingtalk/viewtopic.php?t=1918

The bit of information posted about the game seems to be right in line with how I like to play. I will look to pick this up ASAP.

The basing on these guys are awesome. I love the "mini-diorama" look. Don't get me wrong, the painting is fabulous. No doubt these are great games to look at and hopefully play. The League of Augsburg site is very entertaining. Drop by!

Saturday, October 3, 2009


This is the initial deployment of troops for the game. The Russians are delaying the pursuing French Division. The French will come to grips with the Russians quickly.

More to come after the fight.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Interesting article I found at Napoleonic Wargame Club's newletter

I was looking for information about artillery and stumbled across this at the following link. The website for Napoleonic Wargames Club has not been updated in years, however their forum remains active. www.wargame.ch/wc/nwc/NWCNewsNov.html

PROF. CLAUSEWITZ HAS VALUABLE LESSONS FOR BG GAMERS (editor: perhaps all gamers)


By Capt. Francisco Palomo, Publisher: Pierre Desruisseaux, Secretary of State
Editor : Chris Wattie, 1st KGL Hussars, British Army


The full text of Clausewitz’s "Principles Governing the Use of Troops" is appended. I trust the membership will find it instructive:

Principles Governing the Use of Troops

1. If we cannot dispense with firearms (and if we could, why should we bring them along?), we must use them to open combat. Cavalry must not be used before the enemy has suffered considerably from our infantry and artillery. From this it follows:

(a) That we must place the cavalry behind the infantry. That we must not be easily led to use it in opening combat. Only when the enemy's disorder or his rapid retreat offer the hope of success, should we use our cavalry for an audacious attack.

2. Artillery fire is much more effective than that of infantry. A battery of eight six-pounders takes up less than one-third of the front taken up by an infantry battalion; it has less than one-eighth the men of a battalion, and yet its fire is two to three times as effective. On the other hand, artillery has the disadvantage of being less mobile than infantry. This is true, on the whole, even of the lightest horse artillery, for it cannot, like infantry, be used in any kind of terrain. It is necessary, therefore, to direct the artillery from the start against the most important points, since it cannot, like infantry, concentrate against these points as the battle progresses. A large battery of 20 to 30 pieces usually decides the battle for that section where it is placed.

3. From these and other apparent characteristics the following rules can be drawn for the use of the different arms:

(a) We should begin combat with the larger part of our artillery. Only when we have large masses of troops at our disposal should we keep horse and foot-artillery in reserve. We should use artillery in great batteries massed against one point. Twenty to thirty pieces combined into one battery defend the chief part of our line, or shell that part of the enemy position which we plan to attack.

(b) After this we use light infantry – either marksmen, riflemen, or fusiliers – being careful not to put too many forces into play at the beginning. We try first to discover what lies ahead of us (for we can seldom see that clearly in advance), and which way the battle is turning, etc. If this firing line is sufficient to counteract the enemy's troops, and if there is no need to hurry, we should do wrong to hasten the use of our remaining forces. We must try to exhaust the enemy as much as possible with this preliminary skirmish.

(c) If the enemy should lead so many troops into combat that our firing line is about to fall back, or if for some other reason we should no longer hesitate, we must draw up a full line of infantry. This will deploy between 100 and 200 paces from the enemy and will fire or charge, as matters may be.

(d) This is the main purpose of the infantry. If, at the same time, the battle-array is deep enough, leaving us another line of infantry (arranged in columns) as reserve, we shall be sufficiently master of the situation at this sector. This second line of infantry should, if possible, be used only in columns to bring about a decision.

(e) The cavalry should be as close behind the fighting troops during battle as is possible without great loss; that is, it should be out of the enemy's grapeshot or musket fire. On the other hand, it should be close enough to take quick advantage of any favourable turn of battle.

4. In obeying these rules more or less closely, we should never lose sight of the following principle, which I cannot stress enough: Never bring all our forces into play haphazardly and at one time, thereby losing all means of directing the battle; but fatigue the opponent, if possible, with few forces and conserve a decisive mass for the critical moment. Once this decisive mass has been thrown in, it must be used with the greatest audacity.

5. We should establish one battle-order (the arrangement of troops before and during combat) for the whole campaign or the whole war. This order will serve in all cases when there is no time for a special disposition of troops. It should, therefore, be calculated primarily for the defensive. This battle-array will introduce a certain uniformity into the fighting method of the army, which will be useful and advantageous. For it is inevitable that a large part of the lower generals and other officers at the head of small contingents have no special knowledge of tactics and perhaps no outstanding aptitude for the conduct of war.
Thus there arises a certain methodism in warfare to take the place of art, wherever the latter is absent. In my opinion this is to the highest degree the case in the French armies.

7. The army consists of several such independent corps, which have their own general and staff. They are drawn up in line and behind each other, as described in the general rules for combat. It should be observed at this point that, unless we are very weak in cavalry, we should create a special cavalry reserve, which, of course, is kept in the rear. Its purpose is as follows:

(a) To fall upon the enemy when he is retreating from the field of battle and to attack the cavalry which he uses to cover up his retreat. Should we defeat the enemy's cavalry at this moment, great successes are inevitable, unless the enemy's infantry would perform miracles of bravery . Small detachments of cavalry would not accomplish this purpose.

(b) To pursue the enemy more rapidly, if he should be retreating unbeaten or if he should continue to retreat the day after a lost battle. Cavalry moves faster than infantry and has a more demoralizing effect on the retreating troops. Next to victory, the act of pursuit is most important in war.

(c) To execute a great (strategic) turning move, should we need, because of the detour, a branch of the army which moves more rapidly than the infantry.

In order to make this corps more independent, we should attach a considerable mass of horse artillery; for a combination of several types of arms can only give greater strength.

8. The battle-order of troops described thus far was intended for combat; it was the formation of troops for battle. The order of march is essentially as follows:

(a) Each independent corps (whether brigade or division) has its own advanced- and rear-guard and forms its own column. That, however, does not prevent several corps from marching one behind the other on the same road, and thus, as it were, forming a single column. The corps march according to their position in the general formation of battle. They march beside or behind each other, just as they would stand on the battlefield. In the corps themselves the following order is invariably observed: the light infantry, with the addition of one regiment of cavalry, forming the advanced and rear-guard, then the infantry, the artillery, and last the remaining cavalry. This order stands, whether we are moving against the enemy – in which case it is the natural order – or parallel with him. In the latter case we should assume that those troops which in the battle formation were behind each other should march side by side. But when we have to draw up the troops for battle, there will always be sufficient time to move the cavalry and the second line of infantry either to the right or left.

4. Principles For The Use Of Terrain

1. The terrain (the ground or country) offers two advantages in warfare. The first is that it presents obstacles to the enemy's approach. These either make his advance impossible at a given point, or force him to march more slowly and to maintain his formation in columns, etc. The second advantage is that obstacles in the terrain enable us to place our troops under cover.
Although both advantages are very important, I think the second more important than the first. In any event, it is certain that we profit from it more frequently, since in most cases even the simplest terrain permits us to place ourselves more or less under cover. Formerly only the first of these advantages was known and the second was rarely used. But today the greater mobility of all armies has led us to use the former less frequently, and therefore the latter more frequently. The first of these two advantages is useful for defence alone, the second for both offence and defence.

2. The terrain as an obstacle to approach serves chiefly to support our flank, and to strengthen our front.

3. To support our flank it must be absolutely impassable, such as a large river, a lake, an impenetrable morass. These obstacles, however, are very rare, and a complete protection of our flank is, therefore, hard to find. It is rarer today than ever before, since we do not stay in one position very long, but move about a great deal. Consequently we need more positions in the theatre of war.
An obstacle to approach which is not wholly impassable is really no point d'appui for our flank, but only a reinforcement. In that case troops must be drawn up behind it, and for them in turn it becomes an obstacle to approach.
Yet it is always advantageous to secure our flank in this way, for then we shall need fewer troops at this point. But we must beware of two things: first, of relying so completely on this protection that we do not keep a strong reserve in the rear; second, of surrounding ourselves on both flanks with such obstacles, for, since they do not protect us completely, they do not always prevent fighting on our flanks. They are, therefore, highly detrimental to our defence, for they do not permit us to engage easily in active defence on either wing. We shall be reduced to defence under the most disadvantageous conditions, with both flanks thrown back.

4. The observations just made furnish new arguments for the formation in depth. The less we can find secure support for our flanks, the more corps we must have in he rear to envelop those troops of the enemy which are surrounding us.

5. All kinds of terrain, which cannot be passed by troops marching in line, all villages, all enclosures surrounded by hedges or ditches, marshy meadows, finally all mountains which are crossed only with difficulty, constitute obstacles of this kind. We can pass them, but only slowly and with effort. They increase, therefore, the power of resistance of troops drawn up behind them. Forests are to be included only if they are thickly wooded and marshy. An ordinary timber-forest can be assed as easily as a plain. But we must not overlook the fact that a forest may hide the enemy. If we conceal ourselves in it, this disadvantage affects both sides. But t is very dangerous, and thus a grave mistake, to leave forests on our front or flank unoccupied, unless the forest can be traversed only by a few paths. Barricades built as obstacles are of little help, since they can easily be removed.

6. From all this it follows that we should use such obstacles on one flank to put up a relatively strong resistance with few troops, while executing our planned ffensive on the other flank. It is very advantageous to combine the use of entrenchments with such natural obstacles, because then, if the enemy should pass the obstacle, the fire from these entrenchments will protect our weak troops against too great superiority and sudden rout.

7. When we are defending ourselves, any obstacle on our front is of great value. Mountains are occupied only for this reason. For an elevated position seldom has any important influence, often none at all, on the effectiveness of arms. But if we stand on a height, the enemy, in order to approach us, must climb laboriously. He will advance but slowly, become separated, and arrive with his forces exhausted.
Given equal bravery and strength, these advantages may be decisive. On no account should we overlook the moral effect of a rapid, running assault. It hardens the advancing soldier against danger, while the stationary soldier loses his presence of mind. It is, therefore, always very advantageous to put our first line of infantry and artillery upon a mountain.
Often the grade of the mountain is so steep, or its slope so undulating and uneven, that it cannot be effectively swept by gunfire. In that case we should not place our first line, but at the most only our sharp-shooters, at the edge of the mountain. Our full line we should place in such a way that the enemy is subject to its most effective fire the moment he reaches the top and reassembles his forces.
All other obstacles to approach, such as small rivers, brooks, ravines, etc., serve to break the enemy's front. He will have to re-form his lines after passing them and thus will be delayed. These obstacles must, therefore, be placed under our most effective fire, which is grape-shot (400 to 600 paces), if we have a great deal of artillery or musket-shot (150 to 200 paces), if we have little artillery at this point.

8. It is, therefore, a basic law to place all obstacles to approach, which are to strengthen our front, under our most effective fire. But it is important to notice that we must never completely limit our resistance to this fire but must hold ready for a bayonet-charge an important part of our troops (1/3 to 1/2) organized into columns.
Should we be very weak, therefore, we must place only our firing line, composed of riflemen and artillery, close enough to keep the obstacle under fire. The rest of our troops, organized into columns, we should keep 600 to 800 paces back, if possible under cover.

9. Another method of using these obstacles to protect our front is to leave them a short distance ahead. They are thus within the effective range of our cannon (1000 to 2000 paces) and we can attack the enemy's columns from all sides, as they emerge.

10. Thus far we have considered the obstacles of the ground and country primarily as connected lines related to extended positions. It is still necessary to say something about isolated points.

On the whole we can defend single, isolated points only by entrenchments or strong obstacles of terrain. We shall not discuss the first here. The only obstacles of terrain which can be held by themselves are:

(a) Isolated, steep heights.

Here entrenchments are likewise indispensable; for the enemy can always move against the defender with a more or less extended front. And the latter will always end up by being taken from the rear, since one is rarely strong enough to make front towards all sides.

(b) Defiles. By this term we mean any narrow path, through which the enemy can advance only against one point. Bridges, dams, and steep ravines belong here.

We should observe that these obstacles fall into two categories: either the aggressor can in no way avoid them, as for example bridges across large rivers, in which case the defender can boldly draw up his whole force so as to fire upon the point of crossing as effectively as possible. Or we are not absolutely sure that the enemy cannot turn the obstacle, as with bridges across small streams and most mountain defiles. In that case it is necessary to reserve a considerable part of our troops 1/3 to 1/2 for an attack in close order.

(c) Localities, villages, small towns, etc. With very brave troops, who fight enthusiastically, houses offer a unique defence for few against many. But, if we are not sure of the individual soldier, it is preferable to occupy the houses, gardens, etc., only with sharp-shooters and the entrances to the village with cannons. The greater part of our troops (1/2 to 3/4) we should keep in close columns and hidden in the locality or behind it, so as to fall upon the enemy while he is invading.

11. These isolated posts serve in large operations partly as outposts, in which case they serve not as absolute defence but only as a delay to the enemy, and partly to hold points which are important for the combinations we have planned for our army. Also it is often necessary to hold on to a remote point in order to gain time for the development of active measures of defence which we may have planned. But, if a point is remote, it is ipso facto isolated.

12. Two more observations about isolated obstacles are necessary. The first is that we must keep troops ready behind them to receive detachments that have been thrown back. The second is that whoever includes such isolated obstacles in his defensive combinations should never count on them too much, no matter how strong the obstacle may be. On the other hand, the military leader to whom the defence of the obstacle has been entrusted must always try to hold out, even under the most adverse circumstances. For this there is needed a spirit of determination and self-sacrifice, which finds its source only in ambition and enthusiasm. We must, therefore, choose men for this mission who are not lacking in these noble qualities.

13. Using terrain to cover the disposition and advance of troops needs no detailed exposition. We should not occupy the crest of the mountain which we intend to defend (as has been done so frequently in the past) but draw up behind it. We should not take our position in front of a forest, but inside or behind it; the latter only if we are able to survey the forest or thicket. We should keep our troops in columns, so as to find cover more easily. We must make use of villages, small thickets, and rolling terrain to hide our troops. For our advance we should choose the most intersected country, etc.
In cultivated country, which can be reconnoitered so easily, there is almost no region that can not hide a large part of the defender's troops if they have made clever use of obstacles. To cover the aggressor's advance is more difficult, since he must follow the roads.
It goes without saying that in using the terrain to hide our troops, we must never lose sight of the goal and combinations we have set for ourselves. Above all things we should not break up our battle order completely, even though we may deviate slightly from it.

14. If we recapitulate what has been said about terrain, the following appears most important for the defender, i.e., for the choice of positions:

(a) Support of one or both flanks.

(b) Open view on front and flanks.

(c) Obstacles to approach on the front.

(d) Masked disposition of troops. And finally

(e) Intersected country in the rear, to render pursuit more difficult in case of defeat. But no defiles too near, since they cause delay and confusion.

15. It would be pedantic to believe that all these advantages could be found in any position we may take up during a war. Not all positions are of equal importance: the most important are those in which we most likely may be attacked. It is here that we should try to have all these advantages, while in others we only need part.

16. The two main points which the aggressor should consider in regard to the choice of terrain are not to select too difficult a terrain for the attack, but on the other hand to advance, if possible, through a terrain in which the enemy can least survey our force.

17. I close these observations with a principle which is of highest significance, and which must be considered the keystone of the whole defensive theory:

NEVER TO DEPEND COMPLETELY ON THE STRENGTH OF THE TERRAIN AND CONSEQUENTLY NEVER TO BE ENTICED INTO PASSIVE

DEFENCE BY A STRONG TERRAIN.

For if the terrain is really so strong that the aggressor cannot possibly expel us, he will turn it, which is always possible, and thus render the strongest terrain useless. We shall be forced into battle under very different circumstances, and in a completely different terrain, and we might as well not have included the first terrain in our plans. But if the terrain is not so strong, and if an attack within its confines is still possible, its advantages can never make up for the disadvantages of passive defence.

All obstacles are useful, therefore, only for partial defence, in order that we may put up a relatively strong resistance with few troops and gain time for the offensive, through which we try to win a real victory elsewhere.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Blog direction

One of the frustrations I have is the "exploitation" of historical battles within scenario books. Someone may be making a pretty penny. I am, on the other hand, not really looking for wargaming to make me my "dime". I have another job with which to do that.
As a result, I think I will look to start making historical scenarios exist for free. I will try to accumulate the raw information and make other information known that will make these scenarios accurate. Then hopefully the information I provide can be used to allow the gamer apply it to his particular system. I really enjoy the "game creation" part of wargaming, much more then say the painting part. To this end, I think I will try to set up linked blogsites. Each of these sites will be dedicated to each battle. I will still try to use this as the master coordination site. This may take alot time, but I will get there.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

The dilemma

Ioannis Mavromichalis has made me aware that he is available to paint some figures for me. I have now a bit of an internal struggle to address. I am prejudiced to believe that no one with the name starting with "Ioa..." can paint!

No really! I am a bit worried his work will be just that 10% better/different than the bulk of what I currently have. I would direct you to his Calpe Saxons at http://www.sdean-forum.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=19770&highlight=calpe , which are just cut from a different cloth from half my army. So the dilemma is...do you have some figs, specifically in my case the Legere battalions just be painted "that darn good", or do you respectfully decline stating....something stupid....I don't know....but I can mutter something, and preserve the integrity of your Grade A-, Grade A armies.

I just worry the style would be that much different. I just can't make a quick decision on that one.

Monday, September 21, 2009

New game- I try to keep it interesting for everyone.


I am looking to host a game October 3rd. Most people will be comfortable playing General de Brigade, so we will probably go with those rules.

I am hopefully going to convince 6+ people to play. With that in mind, I am considering a side battle to see if one commander can hold up the enemy flanking maneuver. This will give some importance to that side piece that may not otherwise be there.

Let me explain. I will set up two game tables, one 6 by 12, the other 6 by 8.
The main 12 by 6 table will be set up so that the fighting will be geared toward the center of the table. I will then have roads that exit off the short edges off each side. The attacker will get a chance to pick a side in which the flanking attack attempts to enter, the defender will state how he defends "his flanks". These flanking elements for both sides will then be set aside, taken out of the order of battle per se.
The defender will set up his troops with blinds. The attacker will then set up some of his command near his side. The defending commands will then be taken to the second board, as well the attackers flanking column.

So using a second 6 by 8 board, the attackers "flanking column" of troops will try to exist the board at the middle, and have the defender/enemy race them (or not)to that point, engage them and try to keep the reinforcements from joining the main battle. These troops will have their own commanders separate from the main battle. This will be a curve ball we have not played before, and give all involved a bit of a headache, as they try to decipher what is going on.

I suspect the key to a good scenario is to make the main boards flanks vulnerable to attack. I believe I will have to make the French the attackers, and have the enemy (probably the Russians) defenses set up within 6 inches (or a foot?) of the middle of the board. This will make them vulnerable to arrival by a flanking element.

Now if I can just get enough people to show up! I will look to give a battle report and pictures of the game if my camera is up to it.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Help for the uneducated

I am looking for help making a more polished map of the Teugn-Hausen area. My map created on paint is posted below. I have tried Battle Chronicler, but don't seem to have a mastery. The yellow grid is for 4 by 6 tables. I wish to put forth a more professional version as soon as I can. All help is appreciated

My Big Game for Hausen

Fair Billing: Here is the Austrian OOB

I have also scoured Gill's Thunder on the Danube book for insight and unit availability for an expanded Teugn-Hausen fight. This also spills over into a fight over Eckmuhl if I believe correctly. The list is taken if not entirely for Gill's work, then nearly entirely. I have added my basing scheme in the paranthesis following the unit strength (I am using a 1:20 figure ratio). Enclosed is the order of battle I am shooting for:

AUSTRIAN ORDER OF BATTLE
III Corps: FML Hohenzollern-Hechingen
Advance Guard: FML von Vukassovich
Brigade:GM Moritz Liechtenstein
1st Erzherzog Karl Legion 1/2 498(4)
Erzherzog Ferdinand Hussars No. 3 4 524(1/1/1/1)
1 x cavalry battery
Brigade: GM Pfanzelter
Peterwardein Grenz Infantry Regiment No. 9 2 2,334(10/9)
Division: FML Lusignan
Brigade: GM von Kayser
Schröder Infantry Regiment No. 7 3 *2861(7/7/5)
Wenzel Colloredo Infantry Regiment No. 43 3 *2944 (7/7/5)
Division: FML St. Julien
Brigade: GM Alois Liechtenstein
Manfredini Infantry Regiment No. 12 3 *2678(7/6/5)
Würzburg Infantry Regiment No. 23 2 1631(7/7)
Brigade: GM von Bieber
Kaunitz Infantry Regiment No. 20 3 *2728(7/6/5)
Württemberg Infantry Regiment No. 38 2 1953(9/9)
Erzherzog Ferdinand Hussars No. 3 4 524(1/1/1/1)
Artillery: (96) 3 x 12-pounder position batteries 4 x 6-pounder brigade batteries 3 x 6-pounder position batteries 2 x 3-pounder brigade batteries 1 x cavalry battery
* Figures gives full strengths, but the third battalions of these regiments only had four companies at the start of the war.

IV Corps: FML von Rosenberg
Advance Guard: GM von Stutterheim
Erzherzog Ludwig Infantry Regiment No. 8 3 2,638(7/7/7)
Stipsicz Hussars No. 10 4 1,176(1/1/1/1)
Deutsch-Banat Grenz Infantry Regiment No.12 2 2,642(11/11)
Division: FML Somariva
Brigade: GM Neustädter
Czartoryski Infantry Regiment No. 9 2 [3,174]§(9/8)
Reuss-Greitz Infantry Regiment No. 55 2 [3,221]§(9/9)
Stipsicz Hussars, No. 10 3 1,024 (2/2/2)
Vincent Chevaulegers, No. 4 8 1,137(1/1/1/1)
Division: FML Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Bartenstein
Brigade: GM von Riese
Koburg Infantry Regiment No. 22 3* [2,803](9/8/5)
Bellegarde Infantry Regiment No. 44 2 [2,583]§(7/7)
Chasteler Infantry Regiment No. 46 2 [3,259]§(9/9)
Artillery: (62) 2 x 12-pounder position batteries 3 x 6-pounder brigade batteries 3 x 6-pounder position batteries 1 x 3-pounder brigade battery 1 x cavalry battery
* III/Koburg infantry only had four companies at the start of the war.
§ Figures gives full strengths, but third battalions were still en route to the army.

Reserve Corps:
Division: FML Hessen-Homburg
Grenadier Brigade: GM Rohan
Mayblümel Grenadier Battalion (8, 22, 60) 1 819(7)
Leiningen Grenadier Battalion (25, 35, 54) 1 824(7)
Hohenlohe Grenadier Battalion (1, 29, 38) 1 824(7)
Hauger Grenadier Battalion (40, 44, 46) 1 791(7)
Cappy Grenadier Battalion (12, 20, 23) 1 822(7)
Peccaduc* Grenadier Battalion (9, 55, 56) 1 794(7)
Weiniawsky Grenadier Battalion (10, 11, 47) 1 827(7)
Nissel Grenadier Battalion (15, 28, 57) 1 842(7)
Stark Grenadier Battalion (7, 18, 21) 1 820(7)
Georgy Grenadier Battalion (17, 36, 42) 1 812(7)
Bissingen Grenadier Battalion (3, 50, 58) 1 808(7)
Hahn Grenadier Battalion (2, 33, 39) 1 789(7)
Artillery 2 x 6-pounder brigade batteries 322
This order of battle was nearly verbatim taken from Vol. 1 of John Gill's Thunder on the Danube.I had such a great pleasure reading Thunder on the Danube. I can only hope that anyone interested gets a chance to read it.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Why Davout?

So I jumped onto Iannick M.'s website http://www.freewebs.com/archiduccharles/ this evening and was posting some of my persistantly useless information, when I recognized that 3 of us at minimum were modeling our French after the 1809 French III Corps led by M. Davout.
Oh it just seems that I innocently decided to mock up the most individually popular French command. I have developed an interest in doing a big version of Teugn-Hausen, and found I needed to make these blokes. Now, I find I am not alone. Oh well.

Below is a minimally modified version of the French OOB found in John Gills' book Thunder on the Danube. I found it an easy read that did a good job of not losing focus during the course of describing the campaign. I have created the OOB for either a ITGM, or GdB type game. Hence the base # descriptions. I have also deleted some of the battalions not present in the extended battle area. I base 6 men per stand, for 120 man stands as both of these are 1: 20 ratio games

FRENCH ORDER OF BATTLE
3rd Corp: Marshal Davout

2nd Division: GD Friant
1st Brigade: GB Gilly
15th Leger 3 battalions 2251 men (7/6/6)
2nd Brigade: GB Grandeau
33th Ligne 3 battalions 2138 men (6/6/6)
48th Ligne 3 battalions 2228 men (6/6/6)
3rd Brigade: GB Gautier
108th Ligne 3 battalions 2189 men (6/6/6)
111th Ligne 3 battalions 2226 men (7/6/6)

3rd Division: GD Gudin
1st Brigade GB Petit
7th Leger 3 battalions 2894 men (8/8/8)
12th Ligne 3 battalions 2085 men (6/6/5)
21th Ligne 3 battalions 2182 men (6/6/6)
2nd Brigade GB Duppelin
25th Ligne 3 battalions 1708 men (5/5/5)
85th Ligne 3 battalions 2202 men (6/6/6)

4th Division: GD St Hilaire
1st Brigade: GB Lorencez
10th Leger 3 battalions 2505 men (7/6/6)
3rd Ligne 3 battalions 2033 men (6/6/5)
57th Ligne 3 battalions 1934 men (5/5/5)
3rd Brigade: GB Destabenrath
72nd Ligne 3 battalions 2224 men (7/6/6)
105th Ligne 3 battalions 2161 men (6/6/6)

Light Cavalry Brigade:
1st Chassaeurs-a-Cheval 3 sqds 553 men (3/3/2)
2nd Chassaeurs-a-Cheval 3 sqds 749 men (4/4/4)
12th Chassaeurs-a-Cheal 3 sqds 773 men (4/4/4)

Light Cavalry Division: GD Montbrun
Brigade GB Pajol
5th Hussars 3 sqds 585 men (4/3/3)
7th Hussars 3 sqds 557 men (4/3/3)
11th Chassaeurs-a-Cheval 3 sqds 693 men (4/4/4)
Brigade GB Pire
8th Hussars 3 sqds 884 men (5/5/4)
16th Chassaeurs-a-Cheval 3 sqds 655 men (4/4/4)

2nd Cuirassier Division: GD St Sulpice
1st Brigade: GB Clement
1st Cuirassiers 4 sqds 793 men (4/4/3/3)
5th Cuirassiers 4 sqds 792 men (4/4/3/3) '
2nd Brigade: GB Guiton
10th Cuirassiers 4 sqds 846 men (4/4/4/4)
11th Cuirassiers 4 sqds 812 men (4/4/3/3)

Guns with the infantry divisions=60. 8 x 12-pounders 24 x 8-pounders 8 x 6-pounders 12 x 4-pounders
Guns with the St. Sulpice =6 4 x 8-pounders , 2 howitzers.

Hope that helps someone trying to start up.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

I want to sing the praises of the people who paint for me. None of which I have contacted for permission to advertise, but once photography begins, I will certainly give credit where credit is due. Barry Lee's British created my big leap. Very pretty figures, but I have never pursued full basing on the whole command. Some of them got into one game and aquitted themselves well. He in turn connected me with Wayne John of England. My is Wayne a pretty painter. His Russians are spot on gorgeous. At the time that I was enjoying the heck out my my pretty English Red lines, I was also attending Historicon. I picked up way too many Austrian and French figs from Sash and Saber and took my uncle's advice (Jay Ashby) and got those stalwarts painted by (mister rapid brush) Leonard Albright from Kentucky. He and friends/family keep a regular booth in the Dealer area. Leonard's style is not a "match" to the blokes from England, but carry's its own gorgeous aesthetic. These guys look down right tough and dirty with their dynamic paint jobs. I think the 2 styles become very complementary. Then along comes Stuart Foley, an active painter whose parade ground French I dearly like. He does a fine crisp paint job that is distinctive in its clean lines. I find his troops bridge the gap between Wayne's and Leonards. He has done a bit of my Austrian jagers and grenz. Stuart also does a great job of painting 36 figure french battalions that he sells on Ebay with startling frequency. He is a great guy to use for consistancy and flash. Great style anf very pretty figs from that man.

I agree with a post elsewhere. The shear volume of lead has its own beauty, but ultimately everyone picks up the figs and drools over them from a foot or 2 away. Each style has a best viewing distance and I try to shepard people to look at the figs best for that distance. I still have a significant pile of lead to acquire so I can complete my goals. These guys will still be getting my work. When I am done, then you can have them. I don't like to wait anymore than the next guy. So who wants to give up my secrets yet.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Mini-Campaigning or "Starting the day before the battle"

This is what I really like to do. Please, let me start the game the "hour/day/week" before the real battle. Give me a hex grid, the troops available, and let me push them toward the enemy. I love the uncertainty this creates. Certainly it is fun to start a battle with all troops placed out, but I believe it is more of a blast when player controlled reinforcements, flank marches, cut supply/communications all effect the table top. A high point of my wargaming career was when my lancers broke thru a French cavalry screen a day before a battle, and arrived behind the enemies line of battle just as we engaged. The pandamonium that ensued was just priceless.
On the flip side, I enjoy the Game-master part of these campaigns. I am looking forward to trying to get this revived again in my growing circle of gaming buddies. Certainly email would let me run games for nearly anybody.
Paul E. has created a yahoo group http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Campaigns_Napoleon/ that is generating a bit of collected knowledge, but seems to be evolving to a strategic campaign discussion board. It is helpful, but the discussion has gone in directions that I don't follow as much. Others love it- stop by, I am sure you will learn more than you expect.
In the meantime, I will be collecting K. Zucker games and any other stray maps I can. These should give me lots of inspiration

First!

Let me start with the disclaimer that I don't paint. I have before, but no longer. Instead, I keep the talented among us with a steady stream of income. Some of my 15mm ACW is "home-grown", but none of my 28mm Napoleonics are so lucky as to have been painted by their current owner.
My templates for collection of my armies are large and glorified "what-ifs". I have collected a large Confederate and Union force that is patterned after a 1862: "What if Jackson had headed east toward Manassas to threaten Washington, instead of starting the Valley Campaign?" . These armies are based toward gaming with Fire and Fury, but I have also flirted with a few regimental games in the beta testing of RF&F.
My Napoleonic army is largely Sash and Saber with a significant supplement of Foundry. I have a few Perry commands, and perhaps some stray Front Rank figures as well. These 25mm Napoleonic era beauty's are fantastic to observe when on the table. I have purchased a few Dutch, British and other German Minor States, but the 800 lb gorilla in the room is the Russians. I am not so secretly waiting to game some 1812 and later years so that the Russian full army can be on display. My "what if" here involves the Teugn-Hausen battle. I have put together the skeleton of a game in which the Austrians arrive a bit earlier and strike at the French a bit further north while Gudin is alone and marching east to west toward and through Teugn. 2 Austrian Corps against 3 Divisions of Davout's III Corps.
For these troops, I am playing "General de Brigade" or "In the Grand Manner". I suspect like so many others, we will just end up making a ton of house rules and calling it a day. Once I get some pictures, you will get to enjoy the spectacle. I have not tried to be a stickler about uniforms. Lots of incorrect for the period figures are present (i.e 1812 Russians used for an 1805 OOB), and lots of uniform choices are on thin ice. Nothing is intentionally flagrant, I just don't sweat the differences in strap colors sometimes, especially when someone else is painting for my enjoyment.