6th Prussian Line

Today a question came up on TMP that made me want to reference my Prussian line muskeeter figures, but I realized that I dont really have any good shots of either the 6th or 7th Line on my blog yet.

As I use this blog as an archive for reference at times I dug out the 6th Line for a quick photo shoot. As always, all figures are Calpe Miniatures with GMB flags.  My desk lamp appear to be making the figures look more gloss than they are in person.

This also gives me a chance to show off my latest Ebay purchase, set of 6 trees with a rough ground terrain piece.  The maker cleverly put magnets in the forest floor piece and the  trees are all on one inch round washers.  They stand on their own, but are even more sturdy with magnet in play.

I/6th Line

II/6th Line in foreground

Quick close up shot of the gear... because so often I see an amazing paint job and want to copy it and they never take pictures of all baggage that Napoleonic figures tend to be modeled with.

1st Westphalian Landwehr (Again)

The 1st Westphalian Landwehr was the very first unit I painted.

And now they are getting demoted, to the 2nd Westphalian LDW for generally being warlord plastics and insufficiently pretty. 

Calpe Miniatures were of course obtained as replacements. 

 1st Battalion is already completed and ready for the basing pit.

In the background left you can the West Prussian Dragoons are camping out on the heights.

I love the enthusiastic figure.  

He cant seem to decide if hes going club someone or stab them.

Next battalion up is in firing line and already well on its way.

Ye Shall No Take My Hill

Somewhere, Somewhen upon a line of hills

the Reichadler again was flying over the ranks of the Whitecoats

the audacious Imperial General gave no order and only this to say:

These Prussians Dogs Shall No Take This Hill Upon This Day.

The Austrians drew up their forces along a line of hills.  The French allied column arrived later in the day and took up position along a creek facing the open fields to the north.   Coordination between the forces was limited.  The Austrian general was already well on his way to drunk and lacked a plan other than to hold his lines.

Pretty Austrians.  These battalions would be greatly reduced by the end of the day.

Austrian center and the French to the north.

The Prussian steamroller of General von W. advances.  It appears he is screening the rest of the field and concentrating everything on turning the Austrian southern flank.

The might of Prussia about to smash some hapless Austrians.

Prussian meets Austrian all along the southern flank. The Austrian artillery positioned in the center was out of position and unable to even importune the Prussian advance. 

The only defense must be Austrian Lead and Steel.

The Imperial General, flask in hand and apparently of Scottish extraction, encourages his troops from the front with cries of "Ye Shall No Take My Hill!" 

And yet the Prussians take the hill... 

but the Prussian thrust on the village church was thrown back

and now the breakthrough has left its flank hanging in the air

A second brigade of Prussians is brought up to try to rescue the advance.  The lone Austrian battalion remaining in the center sees the Prussian Bayreuth Dragoons advance and prepares for the inevitable-forgoing the firepower of line and just hoping to survive.

The French.... continue to provide moral support.

Don't worry, the skirmish line fighting with the Prussians are actually Austrian Grenzers

The Bayreuth Dragoons ultimately break the square, are charged in the flank, rout the flank attack, killing the commander of the Hussar brigade and proceed to nearly break the remaining Hussars to their front.

On the far left the death knell of the Prussian attack.  Three of the four battalions routed and the fourth grenadier battalion surrounded and captured, 

The hill retaken!

The Prussians fail to take the hills and the French are now advancing to brush aside the Prussian screens and roll up the northern flank. Gen. von W. conducts an orderly withdrawal.   It is later discovered von W. had sent a flanking attack, which ended up getting lost along the way (2% chance to fail!)

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The above was played out with Flint&Steel back in March 2015. The terrain was in fact, randomly rolled and the scenario decided per the rules was a set piece battle (defender sets up and then attacker).

 Gen. von W. was very crafty and tried to send a flanking force which very unfortunately got lost.  Had it gone to plan I would have had 8 battalions of Prussians, not 4 smashing turning my flank and smashing into my poor whitecoats.  I also remembered with consternation the initial setup, as I knew von W. was going to concentrate and overload one of the flanks if I defended the whole table, it was just a question of where.  Only a very very very poor roll by von W. for orders saved the Austrians.  Even as it was, the Austrians were sorely pressed and nearly broke in the center from the Bayreuth Dragoons charge.

This game was meant to be a break from the "serious" Napoleonic gaming and it was for me.  I played up the hapless Austrian, able to barely cling to my defensive terrain and boasted of the invincibility of my hapless Austrians.  In our SYWs games it rarely goes well for the Austrians... but von R's collection is too beautiful not play with! 

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General von W.

Tragically, our group suffered the grievous loss of a True and Honest Prussian.

This was the last game I had the Pleasure of playing with Gen. Wayne ("von") Wendt who has been mentioned many times on this blog.  He was the heart of the group and graciously hosted many of our games over the years.  He was a Great and Thoughtful Friend who found enormous enjoyment in history and this Hobby.  His influence on getting me into this hobby will long be remember and his presence is sorely missed.  

Combat at Milkel Carnage&GloryII Scenario: Part 7 De Tolly's Disaster

The Eichberg Series: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six

De Tolly's Disaster: Milkel
This scenario is the second counter-factual scenario for the "mini-campaign" of Barclay de Tolly just prior to Bautzen. Due to the central location of Milkel and its position along several highways it will be the setting for two scenarios.  This second scenario essentially assumes the Russo-Prussian forces act as historically and the French forces, through superior initiative/luck and out maneuver the advancing Russo-Prussian forces.

I cannot take full credit for the inspiration behind this scenario, Petre more or less spells it out in his criticisms of De Tolly and Bertrand/Napoleon.

History and Counter-factual Assumptions:
For the background see Part One.  For purposes of this scenario we assume that the Russo-Prussians act historically, e,g.  De Tolly's steps off at 1 a.m. in three columns of advance.  We further assume that Peyri's 15th Division and Lauriston's V Corps act historically... therefore the Combats at Konigswartha and Weissig/Eichberg are also assumed.

(Note: one could argue for having 15th Div. march with IV Corps instead of marching to communicate with V Corps per historical orders from Berthier. This seems a rationale arguement, but it should be remembered that such an change means the Russo-Prussians may have several hours of local superiority over V Corps and good field position to concentrate their forces and envelope V Corps.)

The great counter-factual assumption is Bertrand acts on the reports of his sentries and uses his initiative to assail the flank of the advancing Russo-Prussian forces.  I assume that as the most advanced unit observing Bautzen, Bertrand would not leave without permission from Imperial HQ. It is just over seven miles from IV Corps posts at Kleinwelka to Milkel.  The final timing, and arrival is up to the the gamemaster as discussed below, needless to say Bertrand could have covered the seven miles if he stepped off between 8-10a.m. and arrived in Milkel before the completion of the Allied contests at Konigswartha and Weissig, with daylight left to spare.

De Tolly likely left behind a garrison for Milkel, but I assume said garrison successfully skirmished briefly with the French and retreated back to the west towards the main force and warned De Tolly of the imminent danger.

The end result of this Bertrand's initiative and vigor, being the near encirclement of De Tolly's expedition.  (Note: the Allies are not actually encircled, but the three routes back to Allied lines are cut by Bertrand at Milkel; to the W/SW there are no immediate French troops, but any advance in this direction would just further envelop De Tolly's forces.) 

Orders of Battle:

Unit Ratings are based upon Bowden's Empire V, translated roughly to C&GII.  Units have been amalgamated to fit our groups basing.  The French are based on Bowden and Nafziger.  The Allies Nafziger, supplemented by Hofschorer.  Note for the allies neither source gives actual numbers for some of the Russian divisions, and were therefore estimated. Estimate Russian Regiments were assumed to have 1 battalion of 480 men.

C&GII generally recommends a ratio of 1 officer per 3 tactical units total.   The Russians are clearly over-officered, but I wanted to show the general structure of the OOB for potential use in other rulesets and have in fact combined a few brigades already. The Prussians Brigade commanders are labeled as Divisions in the OOB. The "brigade" commanders in the OOB are actually regimental commanders, which per the Prussian system of standard deployment were put in charge of one of the "lines" of troops.

As this is a counter-factual scenario, the OOBs are vague, especially the Allies.  Von Yorck is unavailable and his holding off V Corps at Weissig/Hermsdorf.  Von Yorck received reinforcements from one if not both of the Reserve Grenadier Divisions. Tschaplitz/Lageron are regrouping from route 15th Division at Konigswartha.  Of these options, the only clear wrong choice is Von Yorck.  Everything else is up for grabs to various degrees for what Barclay would throw at Bertrand to break out of this encirclement. The OOBS for the Allies have been given in full in

Allies:

Note: Yorck's Corps had a half battery of 3lbers, which I have chosen to distribute as regimental guns.  If regimental guns brings back bad memories of 1806, can always run them as a battery.  This is the entire Allied force. 

French:

Note: Morand's 12th Division is under-officered for C&G standard 3:1 ratio.  It is reasonable to consider giving Bertrand a staff officer to assist with rallying. Nafziger includes battalion guns for the 13th and 23rd Ligne which I have assigned to the I Battalion.

Terrain:

 Milkel is part of the "Oberlausitzer Heide- und Teichlandschaft"/Upper Lusatian Moorland which is to say there are a lot of water (ponds, streams) and wooded areas.  The German Wikipedia page for the town of Milkel indicates the population in 1890 was 358. The Schloss and church in the town were present in 1813.  The Klein Spree runs just north of the village and the village is the intersection of the roads from Wartha/Steinitz, Konigswartha, Klix, Bautzen, and Uhyst.

The Red Boxs are 12.5ft x 6ft table at 1"=25paces (28mm)

Counter-Factual Historical Scenarios:
As described above in the history section the Russo-Prussian movements and the movements of French V Corps and 15th Divisions have been held historical. Bertrand by acting on his sentries reports from the pre-dawn hours mobilizes IV Corps to flank the Russo-Prussians under De Tolly. The timing is fairly fluid, in my mind its reasonable for Bertrand to steps off between 8-10 a.m. after communications with Imperial HQ and reserves are found (likely the Imperial Guard, as rest of the infantry corps are still arriving) to observe Bautzen. Bertrand covers the 7.2 miles and arrives Milkel around 2-5 p.m.

The main scenario simply has Bertrand's 12th and 38th Divisions deployed around Milkel and prepared to hold the position until further French assets arrive (V Corps or later III Corps).

As discussed above the Russo-Prussian forces are complete speculation, other than not the Prussians. For my money, it would have been one of the Reserve Grenadier Divisions, supported by Langeron's regulars (these being the freshest troops) that would have led the breakout attempt.

Depending on start time, the Russians must breakout within approximately 5 hours (military dark).  It is assumed the Prussians can hold out that long as they did historically, but no longer.

De Tolly likely left some form of garrison, be it cavalry patrol, infantry company or even infantry battalion/brigade.

Reinforcements:
French have none.  As discussed above its up to the GM for the Russians, anything is in play except the Prussians.

Fatigue:
As noted in the Eichberg scenario this can be customized to suit your goals for the game (more fatigue=slower game).  The Russians have been marching for most of the day and Langeron/Tschaplitz were engaged from 1pm to 4pm overrunning and routing 15th Division.  Even with rest periods 60% fatigue is arguably generous.  For Bertrand his troops have only covered seven miles and would have had time to rest in occupying Milkel, I would start them at 80%.

Start and End Times:
Start between 2:00 and 5:00 representing IV Corps march of 7.2 miles from their historical position at Kleinwelka. Sunsets at 8:15 and "military dark" is at 9:30 (per Empire Campaign System for Saxony region).

Terrain:
The Klein Spree is fordable, but is disruptive terrain. The woods are medium woods.  The ponds are impassable.  Lippitsch and Milkel are wooden structures.  I suggest placing additional light/medium cover lineal obstacles (fences, orchards, outbuildings) to represent the rest of Milkel and Teicha.

Table can be played either direction as seen in Part Six

Variations:

15th Division Marches with IV Corps
15th Division marches with IV Corps on Milkel.  This actually creates two different scenarios.  One, here at Milkel where a larger French force of nearly 23,000 (same size as De Tolly!) has cut the line of retreat for De Tolly.  The second, is a Weissig variation where Tschaplitz/Langeron envelope the left flank of V Corps between Wartha and Weissig while Von Yorck holds Weissig. Russo-Prussians have 2-3 hours to achieve a complete victory (this second scenario at Weissig is probably only feasible in 15mm).

Meeting Engagement
De Tolly left one of Reserve Grenadier Divisions between Oppitz and Milkel to be able to support either the Prussians or Russians.  Cossacks make contact with IV Corps with sufficient time for the Russian Grenadiers to garrison Milkel and attempt to hold out until the De Tolly arrives.  Create a random system for reinforcing both sides, would suggest each French Division arrives ~45-1hr after the previous.

Conclusion:
The possibilities and variations are numerous and for my two cents the counter-factual assumptions needed to bring them about are not terribly unreasonable or out of the realm of possibility and are more or less implied by Petre in Last Campaign in Germany as what Bertrand should have done. Bertrand's flank march would have likely turned May 19th into a disaster and potentially destroyed 25% of the Russo-Prussian army, imperiling the allied position at Bautzen.

Special thanks to Ravenfeeder for giving one of my scenarios a try and posting about it!  Gave me the nudge to get this final scenario posted.  Still have a couple of battle reports to put up on my backlog of posts.

Combat at Milkel Carnage&GloryII Scenario: Part 6 De Tolly's Gambit

The Eichberg Series: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five

De Tolly's Gambit: Milkel
This scenario is one of a series of counter-factual scenarios for the "mini-campaign" of Barclay de Tolly just prior to Bautzen. Due to the central location of Milkel and its position along several highways it will be the setting for two scenarios.  This first scenario essentially assumes the French forces act as historically and the Russo-Prussian forces, through superior reconnaissance/luck, concentrate their forces instead of more or less blundering into the 15th Division and V Corps.  The next post will detail the reverse, a historical Russo-Prussian force with a more active French force.

History and Counter-factual Assumptions:
For the background see Part One.  For purposes of this scenario we assume that the French act historically, e,g Bertrand's IV Corps remains at Bautzen, except for 15th Division which marches to Konigswartha; Lauriston's V Corps continues its march on Klix via Steinitz and Milkel.

For the Russo-Prussian forces we assume either 1) Better Reconnaissance/More Cossack were allocated to expedition which was able to locate V Corps before blundering in to it, OR; 2) Barclay de Tolly choose to step off at 3 a.m. instead of 1 a.m. (or delayed the Russian columns until 3 a.m.).

Whether because of superior intelligence or because Barclay wanted two more hours of rest.  Lageron has just arrived at Milkel, Raiewski's Grenadiers are coming up in reserve.  The Prussians are on their longer march and are expected to arrive from the north.

The French 18th Division, vanguard of Lauriston's V Corps, marched through Weissig uneventfully at approximately 2 p.m.  It is 4 miles from Weissig to Milkel. At around 4 p.m. the leading elements of 18th Division encounter Russian forces at Milkel.

Orders of Battle:

Unit Ratings are based upon Bowden's Empire V, translated roughly to C&GII.  Units have been amalgamated to fit our groups basing.  The French are based on Bowden and Nafziger.  The Allies Nafziger, supplemented by Hofschorer.  Note for the allies neither source gives actual numbers for some of the Russian divisions, and were therefore estimated. Estimate Russian Regiments were assumed to have 1 battalion of 480 men.

C&GII generally recommends a ratio of 1 officer per 3 tactical units total.   The Russians are clearly over-officered, but I wanted to show the general structure of the OOB for potential use in other rulesets and have in fact combined a few brigades already. The Prussians Brigade commanders are labeled as Divisions in the OOB. The "brigade" commanders in the OOB are actually regimental commanders, which per the Prussian system of standard deployment were put in charge of one of the "lines" of troops.

France:
Note that most of V Corps consists of Regiments 135-155 which were formed from the "Cohorts", or men called up as a reserve when Napoleon started his Russian expedition in 1812.  Bowden goes into some detail about the formation of the cohorts and their training (or lack thereof).  It should be noted he indicates they do not have elite companies, only center companies and in Empire V terms are only allowed to enter into "semi-skirmish" formation.  To translate this into C&G, I did tick the box for skirmish capable, but these units should not be allowed to skirmish offensively.  This allows for the use of open order, which is somewhat analogous to "semi-skirmish" and needed given the amount of disruptive terrain on the table.

Allies:

Note: Yorck's Corps had a half battery of 3lbers, which I have chosen to distribute as regimental guns.  If regimental guns brings back bad memories of 1806, can always run them as a battery.  This is the entire Allied force.  As is discussed below how not all of these troops may need to be engaged.

Terrain:

 Milkel is part of the "Oberlausitzer Heide- und Teichlandschaft"/Upper Lusatian Moorland which is to say there are a lot of water (ponds, streams) and wooded areas.  The German Wikipedia page for the town of Milkel indicates the population in 1890 was 358. The Schloss and church in the town were present in 1813.  The Klein Spree runs just north of the village and the village is the intersection of the roads from Wartha/Steinitz, Konigswartha, Klix, Bautzen, and Uhyst.

The Red Boxs are 12.5ft x 6ft table at 1"=25paces (28mm)

Counter-Factual Historical Scenarios:
As described above in the history section the French movements have been held historical.  Through either delay, luck, or better intel, the Allies have achieved their goal of catching V Corps separated from supporting formations while concentrating the forces of the Allied expedition.  Both of the variations below can be scaled to fit your table, troops, and number of players.  As noted you could bring the whole allied expedition and all of V Corps if you have the time and space to play it out.

Reinforcements:
The first allied troops to arrive in either variation is likely Langeron's Russian Infantry Divisions. They have the direct march to Milkel and historically the three allied columns all stepped off at the same time.  Next would be Tschaplitz's Vanguard, followed by von Yorck's Prussians who have the longest route.  Personally, I would omit Tschaplitz to keep the scenario manageable, and to model any of the following counter-factuals: (a) the dispersion of the vanguard troops (cavalry especially) to achieve the superior intel (coupled with stepping off at 1 a.m. per history), or (b) screening force to the southwest of Milkel observing a possible advance by Bertrand's IV Corps, or (c) Tschaplitz scouts forward toward Konigswartha (and his historical orders), and meets his date with destiny and the foragers of the Italian 15th Division (casualties inflicted may not be as high without the reinforcements from the main Russian column, but Tschaplitz could likely over run the foraging parties just the same.)

For the French its fairly straightforward, the divisions come up in the assumed historical order 18th, 16th, 19th (based on the historical casualty returns).  The only potential variation to this is Peyri's 15th Division marching to the sound of the guns (assuming they went unmolested by Tschaplitz).  III Corps is unlikely to play a role; its vanguard only reaching Wartha around 5 p.m. which is just under eight miles from Milkel.

Fatigue:
As noted in the Eichberg scenario this can be customized to suit your goals for the game (more fatigue=slower game).  All forces have been marching for most of the day.  Even with rest periods 50% fatigue is arguably generous.  The Prussians and V Corps have had the longest marches. Langeron/Raevsky have had the shortest.  At a minimum I would set everyone to "acceptable" (80%) or "tiring" (60%).

Start and End Times:
Start between 3:30 and 4:30 representing V Corps march of 4 miles from their historical position at Weissig around 2:30-3:00 p.m.

Sunsets at 8:15 and "military dark" is at 9:30 (per Empire Campaign System for Saxony region).

Terrain:
The Klein Spree is fordable, but is disruptive terrain. The woods are medium woods.  The ponds are impassable.  Lippitsch and Milkel are wooden structures.  I suggest placing additional light/medium cover lineal obstacles (fences, orchards, outbuildings) to represent the rest of Milkel and Teicha.

Variation One "Set Piece" Combat:
Langeron starts deployed in Milkel/Teicha.  V Corps enters along the Oppitz/Konigswartha road. Randomize the arrival of Ravesky and von Yorck (and Tschaplitz if his command is not used elsewhere).  I would delay von Yorck at least an hour, if not more.  Prussians can enter on road to Lippitsch or Uhyst.  Raevesky should arrive in road column. Bring the flanking allied forces in battle formation, unless there are French forces within 24 inches of the table edge.  For French I would suggest making sure the second division arrives within the first hour in order.

Or ignore the above, setup Langeron and Raevesky on table and all of V Corps and play this as a set piece slug-fest, with de Tolly playing for time for von Yorck to deliver the decisive blow.

Variation Two "Envelopment":

By playing the table on the other axis we have the potential for a meeting engagement.  This is all counter-factual so there is no "right" answer.  Place the two forces equidistant from the town and start things off with a fierce struggle.  Or the Russians can let the French have Milkel (purposely or other wise), and set the pieces in motion for a single or double envelopment or a deft French tactical withdrawal in the face of certain defeat. 

Conclusion:
The possibilities and variations are numerous and for my two cents the counter-factual assumptions needed to bring them about are not terribly unreasonable or out of the realm of possibility.  de Tolly essentially needs to draw out V Corps, by letting them continue their march.  The Allies stepping off an hour or two later potentially sets all such requirements in motion.

Next Up: Counter-factual Scenario Two: Milkel-Allied Disaster! and the first Milkel Playtest AAR.

Bremen Volunteers, Part 3

6th Uhlans and New Basing!

Part One and Part Two

From L to R, Lutzow's Hussars, Lutzow's Uhlans, Lutzow's Cavalry Command Stand and Bremen Volunteers

Majority of the conversion work visible in this shot on the Uhlan figures

Close Up of the Bremen Volunteers

(I've since brushed the static grass off the right hand horse)

Good view of the new basing from von R.

Combat at Eichberg Carnage&GloryII Scenario: Part 5 Eichberg Playtest

Over New Years von W. and I played a pair of games.  My research on Eichberg was at that time not complete, but this playtest largely tracks the scenario presented earlier. I took Lauriston's V Corps and von W. led von Yorck's redoubtable Prussians. This was a fun game played out over 14 turns between the two of us.  

As I was randomizing the reinforcement arrival times (and would see them in advance as GM), I laid out the French strategy in my mind prior initiating the reinforcement rolls.  My plan was the lead French Division commander, upon making contact with an equal or superior force in good defensive terrain was to wait for the next division up the road to arrive in the next hour.  My lead division would bombard Weissig, and generally soften up the Prussians with skirmishing/musketry.  Once the second division arrived, they would take the woods and area to the left of Weissig, while the first division pinned the Prussian defenders in Weissig and to the right.... that was the plan anyway.  

The initial deployment.  The time is approximately ~2:30 p.m, May 19, 1813.  A little over an hour ago significant cannon fire could be heard to the southwest in the direction of Konigswartha.  V Corps is on a strategic flank march, which will ultimately turn the Allied position at Bautzen on the 21st. Von Yorck is part of a spoiling attack lead by Barclay de Tolly to isolate and destroy V Corps.  The two sides have blundered into each other near the village of Weissig.  The French are in foreground, Weissig and the Prussians middleground, and Hermsdorf  in the distance.

(Avid readers will recognize the Bossu wood, Gemioncourt, and the Materne Stream taking the field again after Quatre Bras; the unsung hero of our C&GII games, my laptop, appears to also have made it into the shot)

Closer view of the Prussian deployment.

Von Yorck siezes the initiative and the Prussian cavalry boldly advances to keep the pesky French chasseurs from delaying the Prussian advance on the strong defensive terrain at Weissig.  The French 2nd&3rd Chasseurs face off against the combined Silesian Hussars and get the worst of it.  Casualties are light on both sides.  The 1st Chasseur's (heroes once again) charge against the flank of the Silesians.  The Lithuanian Dragoons (represented by Uhlans today), fail to make their support charge as their horses are too fatigued from the 17 hour march. 

The Silesian Hussars are in turn run off.

The Infantry begin to arrive, and the horse batteries unlimber.  The light cavalry on both sides withdraws, determining that discretion is the better part of valor, and dying to round shot and canister is the province of the infantry.

The objectives of both cavalry commanders were achieved and the contesting infantry advances were covered.  The Prussian infantry got their defensive terrain and the French infantry didnt have to mess around with squares/closed columns.  The total casualties for this series of swirling light cavalry combats was 20-45 total (both sides). Morale of units was momentarily shaken, but reserves allowed retreats to be covered and everyone was rallied within 30 minutes.  I was very pleased by the whole cavalry skirmish, it felt "right" to me and my interpretation of the role of supporting light cavalry (when not serving a reconnaissance function).

At approximately 3:15 pm, the second Prussian brigade entered from Hermsdorf.  Seeing this additional body of men arriving to reinforce the Prussians, Lauriston looked to the north wondering where the hell Maison's 16th Division was. 

The French have been bombarding the Prussian positions.  The Prussian artillery is concentrated on the French right, as is the cavalry reserves of both sides.  Lauriston pulls back his covering forces to reduce casualties, leaving the cavalry and one infantry battalion in position to counter any advance to the west of Weissig.

On the left, the French artillery fire has started to slacken, and the Musketeers of the 1st and 2nd Silesian Infantry regiments charge the battery.  The II/153rd Ligne successfully react and counter-charge the 2nd Silesians.

(looking at the number tags in the photos, pretty sure I had von W. deploy von Horn's brigade first instead of von Steinmetz's brigade... oops.)

Fortune favors the sons of France and the II/153rd sends the 2nd Silesians recoiling 300 paces.  The 1st Silesians are staggered by the canister fire and fail to close.  General von Horn, at the head of the 2nd Silesians suffered a minor arm wound, but was expected to return to the field.  Gen. Lagrange and Lauriston are relieved as currently they have only two battalions in reserve.  Should the front line have faltered a tactical withdrawal would have been required to stablize the situation.... where is General Maison!  In the distance the Lieb Regiment advances to take the place of the Silesians. 

Von Yorck receives an order from de Tolly to withdraw to Johnsdorf, but responds that he would not withdraw in the face of the large enemy force before him.

The Lieb advances, but the French guns are practically silent.  Von Yorck does not delay a moment, and places himself at the head of the Lieb regiment and encourages the men to the attack.

(WARNING: Soundcloud Seems to Play this Back Very Loudly)

  

Fortune departs the French, and the exhausted french gunners fire a volley, but the II/Lieb IR closed ranks and took the gun line.  The French battery takes significant casualties, but manages to take off 5 of their 8 guns before the Prussians take the position.  Similarly von Yorck and the I/Lieb throw the II/153rd Ligne back, and the French infantry are forced to retire 300 paces.  

The Prussian success was not however complete.  Lauriston threw the I/153rd Ligne at the beleaguered Prussians in the outskirts of Weissig who had been suffering over and hour under constant bombardment.  After a limited volley, the Prussians evacuated the outskirts of Weissig in disorder.  (I did not know the location of the Eichberg at the time so added extra defenses at Weissig). 

To great relief of Lauriston, at approximately 4:15, Gen. de Div. Maison finally arrived with 16th Division.  

Gen. Lagrange committed his reserves and charged the I/Lieb, which was forced to retire before the fresh French troops.  French howitzers caused a significant fire to erupt in Weissig and the remaining Prussians were unable to contain it and began to evacuate.  However, the II/Lieb with von Yorck continued their assault against the disordered II/153rd Ligne, routing the French before them.  

This would be the highwater mark of the II/Lieb.  Maison's division arrived and began to envelop the overextended Prussians.  However, von Yorck and the Prussian Lieb IR would not be so easily defeated.

The leading battalions of Maison's division repeatedly charged against the II/Lieb, but von Yorck skillfully extracted them.  Each time the Lieb infantry delivered a volley at close range, and retired in good order facing the enemy.  Whenever there was a momentary loss of order, von Yorck was there to retrieve the situation.  The II/Lieb refused to be caught and destroyed.

At approximately 6:00 p.m. with the Prussian center and left broken, a tactical withdrawal was ordered to Hermsdorf, where a division of Raiewski's Russian Grenadiers had arrived and deployed in a new defense line.  The retreat was covered successfully by the Prussian cavalry except for one of the Prussian batteries which lost 3 guns. 

The Results:

Ignore, the other two cannon lost by the Prussians.  They were 3-pounders assigned to the Sileisan IRs and of no real consequence. 

Results after reinforcements and walking wounded assessed with a French territorial victory modifier.

This playtest was before I had found the local historical information that identified the Eichberg.  The second Prussian brigade probably should have started on table and my scenario reflects that adjustment. I randomized both the reinforcement of the Prussian 2nd brigade and the 2nd French division based on an arrival for turn 4, and got a result of turn 3 for the Prussians and turn 7 for the French.  

Overall I think the scenario gives the historical impression of the battle as a meeting engagement, between two relatively equal forces in relatively constrained defensive terrain with plenty of room for variation.  The forces engaged can be manageable for two players, or scale up depending on how you set the reinforcements and the table.

Up Next the First Counter-factual Scenario and Playtest.

Quicklinks to Part 1; Part 2; Part 3, and Part 4