 |
| Russian Cuirassiers prepare to charge home... |
Scenario/Setup
The game of this Retreat from Moscow action was fought across a 8ft by 6ft table using the Black Powder rules.
A French force initially of 2 infantry brigades rising to a total force of 5 infantry brigades and 2 cavalry brigades had to break through a Russian detachment to join the rest of the retreating Grand Army at Vyazma. The French could try to order 2 additional brigades onto the table each turn from turn 2.
The Russians initially had an infantry brigade and 2 cavalry brigades on the table with a further 3 infantry brigades approaching from the southern flank with a force of 2 Cossack brigades and an infantry brigade approaching from the north. The southern force of Wurtemburg/Ostermann Tolstoy could try to bring a brigade onto the table each turn starting from turn 4 whilst Platov’s Cossacks could bring a unit on each turn from turn 2 but their last brigade could not appear until after the last French unit had appeared on the table.
We used the 66% scale version of Black Powder with the alternate turn sequence proposed in Blenheim Palace.
The game of this Retreat from Moscow action was fought across a 8ft by 6ft table using the Black Powder rules.
A French force initially of 2 infantry brigades rising to a total force of 5 infantry brigades and 2 cavalry brigades had to break through a Russian detachment to join the rest of the retreating Grand Army at Vyazma. The French could try to order 2 additional brigades onto the table each turn from turn 2.
The Russians initially had an infantry brigade and 2 cavalry brigades on the table with a further 3 infantry brigades approaching from the southern flank with a force of 2 Cossack brigades and an infantry brigade approaching from the north. The southern force of Wurtemburg/Ostermann Tolstoy could try to bring a brigade onto the table each turn starting from turn 4 whilst Platov’s Cossacks could bring a unit on each turn from turn 2 but their last brigade could not appear until after the last French unit had appeared on the table.
We used the 66% scale version of Black Powder with the alternate turn sequence proposed in Blenheim Palace.
 |
| Having beaten the Dragoons they sweeping advance into their French counterparts |
How the Game played
The Russians started with their infantry split by the road with 2 battalions deployed to defend a redoubt on their left centre and 2 others committed across the road covering the small hamlet of Seleevo. The Cuirassier brigade was deployed on the Russian left flank with the Hussars deployed to the right of Seleevo.
The French started with 2 infantry brigades on the table. Their largest unit the 4 battalion 1st Brigade they committed against the troops covering Seleevo whilst the 2nd Brigade based on the Irish Legion occupied the hamlet of Podelki and covered the area to towards the road. The French committed their first 2 arriving units the 3rd Brigade and the Heavy Cavalry Brigade on their centre and right. The Heavy Cavalry Brigade had just emerged around Podelki when their dragoons were charged by the Russian cuirassiers who broke them at once. The cuirassiers then exploited this success by charging the French cuirassiers who could not respond to the sweeping advance. The impetuous cuirassiers were forced to retire by the French cuirassiers who became shaken. They were then charged by the other cuiarssier regiment and in subsequent turns by 2 arriving units of Cossacks all of whom they forced to retire. A third Cossack unit were finally successful in forcing the cuirassiers to retire but they had by then done their job by absorbing the attention of 3 Russian cavalry brigades. They were the French heroes of the day!
The Russians started with their infantry split by the road with 2 battalions deployed to defend a redoubt on their left centre and 2 others committed across the road covering the small hamlet of Seleevo. The Cuirassier brigade was deployed on the Russian left flank with the Hussars deployed to the right of Seleevo.
The French started with 2 infantry brigades on the table. Their largest unit the 4 battalion 1st Brigade they committed against the troops covering Seleevo whilst the 2nd Brigade based on the Irish Legion occupied the hamlet of Podelki and covered the area to towards the road. The French committed their first 2 arriving units the 3rd Brigade and the Heavy Cavalry Brigade on their centre and right. The Heavy Cavalry Brigade had just emerged around Podelki when their dragoons were charged by the Russian cuirassiers who broke them at once. The cuirassiers then exploited this success by charging the French cuirassiers who could not respond to the sweeping advance. The impetuous cuirassiers were forced to retire by the French cuirassiers who became shaken. They were then charged by the other cuiarssier regiment and in subsequent turns by 2 arriving units of Cossacks all of whom they forced to retire. A third Cossack unit were finally successful in forcing the cuirassiers to retire but they had by then done their job by absorbing the attention of 3 Russian cavalry brigades. They were the French heroes of the day!
 |
| Rapid advance of 1st French Brigade - note supplies in background! |
On the French left the 1st Brigade advanced rapidly, put their left flank battalion into square to contain the very inactive Russian hussars whilst the other 3 battalions charged the 2 Russian battalions and a gun in front of Seelevo. Their charge fell short - one battalion was broken by close range artillery fire and the other 2 battalions broke in hand to hand combat with the 2 Russian battalions who charged them. In their first 3 break tests the 1st brigade did not throw more than 4 with 2 D6s! The Russians swept on and were forcing back the 4th French Brigade who had advanced in support of the 1st.
In the centre the 2nd French Brigade simply refused to obey orders and advance. The French commanders leapfrogged them with the 3rd and 5th Brigades and advanced on the Russian redoubt. They suffered heavy casualties and were not making much headway when the game ended. In the last 2 turns the Russians had got 2 Brigades onto the table from the south threatening the already seriously weakened French left flank.
In the centre the 2nd French Brigade simply refused to obey orders and advance. The French commanders leapfrogged them with the 3rd and 5th Brigades and advanced on the Russian redoubt. They suffered heavy casualties and were not making much headway when the game ended. In the last 2 turns the Russians had got 2 Brigades onto the table from the south threatening the already seriously weakened French left flank.
 |
| Pretty but cautious the Mariupol Hussars... |
We concluded that the result was a Russian victory. An enjoyable game with 3 visiting players 2 of whom had never played Black Powder.
Below is the full background, briefing and order of battle for the 2 sides.
French Background
The French departed Moscow on 18 October, and after having a southern route to Smolensk denied them as a result of the Battle of Maloyaroslavets 24 October, they were compelled to backtrack and retreat along the same road used in their earlier advance on Moscow. Because the territory alongside this road had been ravaged by earlier campaigning, the retreat imposed on the Grande Armée extreme conditions of privation and attrition. Lack of foodstuffs soon led to demoralization and disorder in the French ranks.
By 2 November the retreating Grande Armée was stretched out in a column 60 miles long. The front of the column, Junot's VIII Corps, was at Dorogobuzh, with Davout's I Corps, serving as the army's rearguard, located east of Vyazma. The French retreat at this point was harassed by Cossack attacks at every juncture, Davout's rearguard in particular being beleaguered by Russian attacks.
A gap had developed between Davout's troops camped to the east at Fedorovskoye, and the troops of Eugene and Poniatowski, located just outside of Vyazma. Recognizing an opportunity to isolate and destroy Davout's corps, the aggressive Russians decided to attack early the next morning.
This game is based on that action starting at 8:00AM.
Below is the full background, briefing and order of battle for the 2 sides.
French Background
The French departed Moscow on 18 October, and after having a southern route to Smolensk denied them as a result of the Battle of Maloyaroslavets 24 October, they were compelled to backtrack and retreat along the same road used in their earlier advance on Moscow. Because the territory alongside this road had been ravaged by earlier campaigning, the retreat imposed on the Grande Armée extreme conditions of privation and attrition. Lack of foodstuffs soon led to demoralization and disorder in the French ranks.
By 2 November the retreating Grande Armée was stretched out in a column 60 miles long. The front of the column, Junot's VIII Corps, was at Dorogobuzh, with Davout's I Corps, serving as the army's rearguard, located east of Vyazma. The French retreat at this point was harassed by Cossack attacks at every juncture, Davout's rearguard in particular being beleaguered by Russian attacks.
A gap had developed between Davout's troops camped to the east at Fedorovskoye, and the troops of Eugene and Poniatowski, located just outside of Vyazma. Recognizing an opportunity to isolate and destroy Davout's corps, the aggressive Russians decided to attack early the next morning.
This game is based on that action starting at 8:00AM.
 |
| Russian column charges with the bayonet....scattering the French.. |
 |
| Wurtemburgs infantry finally arrives..delayed by Vodka stops.. |
French Briefing
The Russian forces have setup a roadblock on the Fedorovskoye to Vyazma road. They also have control of a nearby redoubt that was built to cover the approaches to Vyazma. Your objective is to break thru to join the French troops at Vyazma remembering always that the dangerous Cossacks and other Russian troops are operating to your flanks and rear.
French OB
1ST Corps DAVOUT 7
1ST Inf Brigade MORAND
4 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
1 Ft gun
2ND Inf Brigade FRIANT
3 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
1 Ft gun
3RD Inf Brigade GERARD
3 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
1 Ft gun
4TH Inf Brigade DESAIX
3 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
1 Ft gun
5th Inf Brigade COMPANS
3 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
1 Ft gun
Lt Cav Brigade
Hussar regiment of 12 figures
Chasseur regiment of 12 figures
1 HA gun
Hvy Cav Brigade
Dragoon regiment of 12 figures
Cuirassier Regt of 12 figures
1 HA gun
Russian Background
The French departed Moscow on 18 October, and after having a southern route to Smolensk denied them as a result of the Battle of Maloyaroslavets 24 October, they were compelled to backtrack and retreat along the same road used in their earlier advance on Moscow. Because the territory alongside this road had been ravaged by earlier campaigning, the retreat imposed on the Grande Armée extreme conditions of privation and attrition. Lack of foodstuffs soon led to demoralization and disorder in the French ranks.
By 2 November the retreating Grande Armée was stretched out in a column 60 miles long. The front of the column, Junot's VIII Corps, was at Dorogobuzh, with Davout's I Corps, serving as the army's rearguard, located at Fedorovskoyejust east of Vyazma. The French retreat at this point was harassed by Cossack attacks at every juncture, Davout's rearguard in particular being beleaguered by Russian attacks.
The Russians organized themselves into three groups while pursuing the French. First, following Davout closely were 5,000 Cossacks commanded by Ataman Platov. This group was supported by General Paskevich's 26th Division, with 4,000 troops. Marching slightly to the south was General Miloradovich with the II and IV Infantry Corps, some 14,000 troops in all, and the II and III Cavalry Corps, which amounted to 3,500 soldiers. Miloradovich coordinated the activity of all of these troops, including those of Platov and Paskevich. The main Russian army led by Kutuzov, some 70,000 troops in all, marched further to the south.
On the evening of November 2, while conducting reconnaissance south of the Smolensk-Moscow road, Miloradovich, together with his cavalry commanders General Korff and General Sievers, noticed a gap between Davout's troops, situated to the east at Fedorovskoye, and the troops of Eugene and Poniatowski, located to the west just outside of Vyazma. Recognizing an opportunity to isolate and destroy Davout's corps, the aggressive Miloradovich decided to attack early the next morning.
This game is based on that action starting at 8:00AM.
The Russian forces have setup a roadblock on the Fedorovskoye to Vyazma road. They also have control of a nearby redoubt that was built to cover the approaches to Vyazma. Your objective is to break thru to join the French troops at Vyazma remembering always that the dangerous Cossacks and other Russian troops are operating to your flanks and rear.
French OB
1ST Corps DAVOUT 7
1ST Inf Brigade MORAND
4 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
1 Ft gun
2ND Inf Brigade FRIANT
3 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
1 Ft gun
3RD Inf Brigade GERARD
3 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
1 Ft gun
4TH Inf Brigade DESAIX
3 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
1 Ft gun
5th Inf Brigade COMPANS
3 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
1 Ft gun
Lt Cav Brigade
Hussar regiment of 12 figures
Chasseur regiment of 12 figures
1 HA gun
Hvy Cav Brigade
Dragoon regiment of 12 figures
Cuirassier Regt of 12 figures
1 HA gun
Russian Background
The French departed Moscow on 18 October, and after having a southern route to Smolensk denied them as a result of the Battle of Maloyaroslavets 24 October, they were compelled to backtrack and retreat along the same road used in their earlier advance on Moscow. Because the territory alongside this road had been ravaged by earlier campaigning, the retreat imposed on the Grande Armée extreme conditions of privation and attrition. Lack of foodstuffs soon led to demoralization and disorder in the French ranks.
By 2 November the retreating Grande Armée was stretched out in a column 60 miles long. The front of the column, Junot's VIII Corps, was at Dorogobuzh, with Davout's I Corps, serving as the army's rearguard, located at Fedorovskoyejust east of Vyazma. The French retreat at this point was harassed by Cossack attacks at every juncture, Davout's rearguard in particular being beleaguered by Russian attacks.
The Russians organized themselves into three groups while pursuing the French. First, following Davout closely were 5,000 Cossacks commanded by Ataman Platov. This group was supported by General Paskevich's 26th Division, with 4,000 troops. Marching slightly to the south was General Miloradovich with the II and IV Infantry Corps, some 14,000 troops in all, and the II and III Cavalry Corps, which amounted to 3,500 soldiers. Miloradovich coordinated the activity of all of these troops, including those of Platov and Paskevich. The main Russian army led by Kutuzov, some 70,000 troops in all, marched further to the south.
On the evening of November 2, while conducting reconnaissance south of the Smolensk-Moscow road, Miloradovich, together with his cavalry commanders General Korff and General Sievers, noticed a gap between Davout's troops, situated to the east at Fedorovskoye, and the troops of Eugene and Poniatowski, located to the west just outside of Vyazma. Recognizing an opportunity to isolate and destroy Davout's corps, the aggressive Miloradovich decided to attack early the next morning.
This game is based on that action starting at 8:00AM.
Russian Briefing
The troops of the II and IV Cavalry Corps have setup a roadblock on the Fedorovskoye to Vyazma road. They also have control of a redoubt that was built by the French to cover the approaches to Vyazma.
Only the II and IV Cav Corps are available at 8:am on the field. The Troops of the II and IV Corps are approaching from the south but may not be here until 10:00AM. Platov’s command will cooperate at once and can appear from the North and/or the East.
Your objective is to destroy Davout’s Corp or at the very least prevent them joining with the other French troops in Vyazma.
 |
| The Little Russia grenadiers defend the redoubt... |
Russian OB
CinC MA MILORADOVICH 7
II & IV Cav Corps Korff and Sievers
Hussar Brigade
2 Hussar Regts ea 12 figures
HA gun
Cuirassier Brigade
2 Cuirassier Regts ea 12 figures
HA gun
27th Infantry Brigade
4 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
2 Ft guns
II & IV Corps Wurtemburg/Ostermann Tolstoy
4th Infantry Brigade
4 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
2 Ft guns
11th Infantry Brigade
4 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
2 Ft gun
17th Infantry Brigade
4 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
2 Ft guns
Platov’s Command
1st Cossack brigade
2 Cossack Regts ea 12 figures
2nd Cossack brigade
2 Cossack Regts ea 12 figures
HA gun
23rd Infantry Brigade
4 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
2 Ft guns
CinC MA MILORADOVICH 7
II & IV Cav Corps Korff and Sievers
Hussar Brigade
2 Hussar Regts ea 12 figures
HA gun
Cuirassier Brigade
2 Cuirassier Regts ea 12 figures
HA gun
27th Infantry Brigade
4 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
2 Ft guns
II & IV Corps Wurtemburg/Ostermann Tolstoy
4th Infantry Brigade
4 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
2 Ft guns
11th Infantry Brigade
4 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
2 Ft gun
17th Infantry Brigade
4 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
2 Ft guns
 |
| Sotna of 1st Cossack Brigade charges cuirassiers.... |
1st Cossack brigade
2 Cossack Regts ea 12 figures
2nd Cossack brigade
2 Cossack Regts ea 12 figures
HA gun
23rd Infantry Brigade
4 Infantry Battalions ea 24 figures
2 Ft guns
a map of deployments and the battlefield would be a nice addition.
ReplyDeleteLovely looking game. Hopefully you weren't on the French side! :-P
ReplyDeleteNo given we had 6 players and I knew when the reserves were due to start appearing i only umpired. However I provided morale support to the Russian side...
ReplyDelete