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.

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

Combat at Eichberg Carnage&GloryII Scenario: Part 4 More (Local) Research

While trying to locate the Eichberg Denkmal on Google I stumbled upon some photographs, which eventually led me to the Konigswarthaer Geschichtsverein (Historical Society) and the work of Hans-Joachim Gawor, who I assume is a fellow hobby historian. Mr. Gawor's summary of the combat at Eichberg can be found here(in German).  There are two excellent photo galleries here and here, some of which are reproduced below.  The map below also gives an idea of the location of the Eichberg.

My German is grade school level on a good day, so this can be taken with a grain of salt.  My understanding of the gist of the tells a slightly different version of events from the accounts of Petre, Bowden, and Hofschorer:

The Prussians arrive at Hermsdorf approximately when they hear the cannon fire from Konigswartha (between 1 and 2 pm). Von Yorck's men stop for a rest and were very hungry and tired and the villagers of Hermsdorf fled before the men looking for food.  Although, the Italians are said not to have pushed scouts out beyond the forest between Konigswartha and Neudorf, there is no mention of the Italians caught dispersed and foraging. The Neapolitan Cavalry in Bowden/Nafziger is also Wurtemburger in this account. De Tolly at this time summoning  Yorck from Hermsdorf to wartha .  There was a desperate street fight in Konigswartha, and the Italians fell back with great loss to Caminau where they setup a new defensive line and were supported by portions of III corps.

Yorck on receiving the order, sent some hussars with a local guide along the Konigswartha-Hermsdorf road, when they encounted a French cavalry patrol that was driven off.  An officer saw the Eichberg hill to the north, and from their saw French column in the distance at Steinitz around 2:30. (The Eichberg is approximately 20 meters higher the surrounding country.) Yorck rushed the East Prussian Infantry and artillery onto the Eichberg.

The villagers of Weissig fled as the Prussians occupied the town and searched for food.  Fighting developed in the forest along the old Bautzen road to the West of the Eichberg.  Around 4:00 p.m. Yorck receives an order to fall back on Johnsdorf to as a reserve to the Russians at Konigsberg.  Yorck complies, but with objections.  After Yorck had evacuated Weissig towards Johnsdorf, he received the countermanding orders to hold on at Eichberg. The Prussians turn around and a "murderous" close action ensued, with the Prussians taking and losing the Eichberg on three occasions.  The fighting ceased around 9-10 p.m., at which point the Prussians withdrew.  There is no mention of any Russian reinforcements. From the map and text, I think the later fights were potentially in the woods and open area south of Eichberg.

To incorporate some of this information in a future scenario variation, I would suggest orienting your map more north and south along the old bautzen road (still visible on google maps, but not marked as a road for all its length).  I would also say there appears to be more open space south of Weissig and between Eichberg and Hermsdorf than in the areas current state.  The 1913 Eichberg photo shows a much less forested Eichberg. 

Combat at Eichberg Carnage&GloryII Scenario: Part 3 Gaming Eichberg

As we saw from the Historical Research in Part One de Tolly's spoiling attack resulted in two combats at Konigswartha and Eichberg.  Unlike Konigswartha, Eichberg was a relative slugfest between two advancing forces.   Similar to Konigswartha, the historical details are a bit sketchy, which from a scenario design perspective allows variation and, (relatively) you can't do it wrong!

Eichberg Monument (constructed 1913)

Photos courtesy of Lohsa Town Website

View from the Eichberg

History and Assumptions:
Eichberg begins likely between 2 and 3 p.m., with the Prussians taking up a strong defensive position near Weissig on the Eichberg. From Lauriston's detailed casualties list in his dispatch to Berthier (summarized by Bowden), it appears 16th, 18th, and 19th Divisions were engaged at Eichberg.  (Puthod's 17th Div. is a days march behind V Corps and does not arrive until the second day of Bautzen.)  Approximately 67 percent of the 1,550 casualties and prisoners reported by Lauriston fell on Lagrange's 18th Division; 20 percent fell on Maison's 16th Division.  Based on the casualties I assume that 18th Division was Lauriston's lead division and the first engaged.

At 3 p.m. von Yorck recieved an order from de Tolly to march on Johnsdorf to form a reserve for the Russians engaged at Konigswartha. Yorck responded with perhaps too much alacrity, and retreated from his position on the "heights" near Wessig.  Hofschorer indicates it was Steinmetz's brigade (the East Prussians and Lieb Infantry Regiments) which had held this strong position.  Once von Yorck had withdrawn to Hermsdorf, just under a mile away, a second dispatch arrived countermanding the previous order and directing von Yorck to hold on at Weissig.  With this second dispatch, de Tolly realized the Russians were not in contact with V Corps, but rather the 15th Italian Division from IV Corps.

De Tolly dispatched Raiewski's two Grenadier Divisions to reinforce von Yorck.  Hofschorer states that one division was sent to Hermsdorf and the other to Steinitz.  The second destination, suggests that Raiewski that at least one of the divisions was marching via Konigswartha and not Oppitz. Should the Grenadier division marching on Steinitz have completed this march it would have arrived approximately 1 mile to the rear of the French engaged at Weissig/Hermsdorf.

The fighting continues at Eichberg/Hermsdorf until nightfall and when de Tolly orders a night march and withdrawal via Klix.  The Coalition forces are back across the Spree on the 20th.

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.

Terrain:

 Eichberg/Steinitz/Wessig/Hermsdorf is part of the "Oberlausitzer Heide- und Teichlandschaft"/Upper Lusatian Moorland which is to say there a lot of water (ponds, streams) and wooded areas.  The German Wikipedia page for the town of Weissig indicates the population in 1825 was 128. The Schloss/hunting lodge in the town was present.  Hermsdorf in 1825 had a population 195.

The Red Box is a 12.5ft x 6ft table at 1"=25paces (28mm); the Yellow Box is 1"=50paces (15mm)

The hash marks are every 30 inches (which is the width of a standard folding table in the U.S).

The woods should be medium cover.  The pond impassable.  Weissig should be a single wooden structure.  Hermsdorf and Steinitz the same, but with some light or medium lineal cover outbuildings areas.  The Eichberg is unknown, I'd suggest a gentle slope so no bonuses or as a moderate slope (cavalry cannot charge down slope; infantry charging down slope lose 1/2 movement , infantry and cavalry charging up slope lose 1/3 movement.)

You could also compress try to squeeze in the Kleine Spree, but I would consider it marshy/broken ground in 1813, rather than the channeled backs on the google maps.

Historical Scenario:

I ran this figuring a start time of 2p.m.  

Prussians deploy first with the cavalry in formation of choice, near Weissig; the horse guns limbered on the road south of Weissig.  Von Steimetz's Brigade in march column on the road approximately 900 paces south of Wessig/Eichberg.  Von Horn's Brigade at Hermsdorf in march column.  

For the French, Guyon's light cavalry began in formation of choice one move.  French can deploy between 900-1100 paces from Weissig (thus choosing to be in or out of charge range) of the Prussian cavalry.  The 18th (Lagrange) Division begins just south of Steinitz in march column.  

The first turns can be a swirling light cavalry melee or standoff, and the Prussians deploy into Weissig/Eichberg. The 18th Division should be in engagement range by 2:30-2:45.  You could also skip the precursor movements, deploy the sides as suggested by 2:30/2:45 and begin the slugfest directly.

The French Objective is to destroy the coalition forces to its front and continue its advance towards Klix.  The Prussia/Russian objective is to destroy the French if possible, and after ~3:30 p.m. becomes hold/delay the French until darkness. 

Reinforcements:

How and when the reinforcements come into play is unclear, especially for the Russian Grenadiers as detailed above. For the French 16th Division I would set them to come in around 3:45/4:00 and hit randomize, and add in the 19th Division similarly at approximately 4:45/5:00.   I would assume the Russians do not start marching until 3:30 at the earliest (dispatch to Yorck arrives at 3:00, and must travel back to Johnsdorf/Konigswartha before Raiewski steps off).  Arrival at Hermsdorf randomized from 4:15/4:30 should work. How you treat the other division (arriving in French rear at Steinitz or just reinforcing at Weissig or Hermsdorf), allows for further variation.   

Fatigue:

All forces on table have been marching a significant portion of the day.  The Prussians/Russians since approximately 1 a.m.  For a slower game, I would start all sides at "tiring" or even "tired", as fatigue management will become a significant issue in the opening phases of the game. For a more quick paced gamed I would set everyone to "acceptable".  Given the route the Prussians had to take it is certainly justifiable to start them one level below the French ("Tiring" to a French "acceptable".)

Variations:

Russian Reinforcements: Where the second grenadier division arrives at is unknown from what I can tell.  A game with the second division arriving on the road to the west of Weissig or even at Steinitz would certainly change things, though in the later case the division would be dangerously close to being cut-off by 5 p.m.  Roll a d10, on a 1-5 the second division arrives via Hermsdorf; 6-8 road west of Weissig; 9-10 Steinitz.  To model a flank march on Steinitz, I would suggest the limiting any reinforcement by 19th Division to Lacrois' Brigade and 1 battery.  The rest of the 19th Division is containing or investigating the potential presenece of coalition troops to the French rear.

De Tolly's Withdrawal Order:  How you deal with this, is up to you.  One option is to make the Prussians evacuate Weissig and Eichdorf.  In our play through, I  communicated de Tolly's order and my von Yorck responded in a colorful fashion, (not becoming an obedient a Prussian officer) that he would not disengage and withdraw in the face of the enemy to his front.  On the other hand, von Yorck managed to get cashiered for disobedience earlier in his military career, so not entirely out of character!

Playtest:

See This Post

Combat at Konigswartha Carnage&GloryII Scenario: Part 2 Gaming Konigswartha

As we saw from the Historical Research in Part One de Tolly's spoiling attack resulted in two combats at Konigswartha and Eichberg.  Königswartha is a run away success for the coalition forces and also therefore less apt for wargaming.  Both Petre and Bowden comment on the lack of information on details of how Peyri's 15th Italian Division was surprised and overrun.   This is great from a scenario design perspective as it allows variation and, (relatively) you can't do it wrong!

History and Assumptions:
For the most part we know that Peyri's Italians had arrived in Konigswartha before 1 p.m., likely around noon, and a portion of the division was allowed to disperse into foraging parties.  Bowden's comments on the acute supply failures of the French in 1813 really illustrate how desperate for food the troops were.  Bertrand's IV Corps had not received any bread or food since May 16. Konigswartha is not on the main highway from Dresden or along the direct line of advance/retreat from Lutzen and may therefore have offered ample and tempting sources of forage.  Regardless, Peyri's outposts and pickets were clearly not sufficient.  Tschaplitz's Advanced Guard was able to reconnoiter the Italian's and their dispersal in foraging parties and request additional reinforcements.  By 1 p.m. de Tolly had arrived with additional cavalry resources and the attack was launched and the Italians were overrun.  From here it gets a bit hazy.  I assume Peyri didn't go into too much detail on his failings in his after action report to Bertrand. By 5 p.m. Peyri's 15th Division had fallen back to Wartha and the rout/pursuit was halted by the advanced guard of lost III Corps.  Konigswartha had cost the Italians ~2800 casualties, half of which were prisoners.

The challenge here is to make a game that might be worth playing on the table top.  No one really wants to game a lopsided disaster.  My assumptions are that 70% of 15th Division's losses occurred during the initial surprise attack on foraging troops and that 15th Division fell back on Konigswartha and once some order was re-established, withdrew slowly (likely in squares/closed columns) to Wartha, ~4 miles away over the next 4 hours.

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.

Concerning Grekov's Cossacks, the OOB shows them rated as C- and I don't really know why.  I input them as Irregular, Trained, Avg. Melee, Poor Fire.  I also haven't had the opportunity to use many irregular units in C&GII to know how they handle.  Rate as you will!

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.

Two Final Points:
1) The "Reserve" under MG Sass is not included as part of Lageron's Corps.  I was crunching the numbers for the total expedition of 24,000 and his division was excluded as there is evidence supporting Tschaplitz, von Yorck, and both of Raiewski's Grenadier divisions.

2) Potentially all or only a portion of Lageron's Corps was engaged.  Likely at least one of Lageron's cavalry brigades was brought up in support.  Raiewski's Grenadiers march in support of von Yorck at around 3 p.m. at Hermsdorf (~4 miles away), which doesn't outright preclude their presence at Konigswartha, but most likely I suspect they were in reserve at Johnsdorf or Oppitz.

Allies:

France:

Terrain:

Konigswartha is relatively more open compared to Eichberg and the surrounding area.  The 3d Austrian Military Survey map shows a stream and two large ponds to the north of the town.  The German Wikipedia page for the town indicates the population in the 1800s was likely 1,100 or less. The Schloss in the town was present and I assume likely the main church.

THIS IS ALSO KNOWN AS WHY I WISH CALPE MADE PRUSSIANS IN 15/18MM

The Red Box is a 12.5ft x 6ft table at 1"=25paces (28mm); the Yellow Box is 1"=50paces (15mm)

Since the real ground scales is somewhat limited.... here is what I suggest fudging the 28mm table to:

The hash marks are every 30 inches (which is the width of a standard folding table in the U.S).

The woods should be medium cover. The steam probably a minor lineal obstacle.  The pond impassable.  Konigswartha should have at least one wooden building and surrounding light cover lineal obstacles to represent the outbuildings and outskirts of town.  Eutrich, Caminau and Neudorf should probably be treated as only light lineal obstacle outbuildings.  The table is generally more open, than likely historical.  You can increase the woods or add an additional large pond along the road to your taste.  I am usually a stronger proponent of actual ground scale, and for this scenario a more closely accurate ground scale would work, the only important factor I think for the historical scenario is that Konigswartha is relatively near one edge of the table, and the French exit point on the other.  

Historical Scenario:

Overall this focuses on the retreat in the face of a disaster for Peyri's 15th Division. 

Step One: The Surprise Attack  

Model this one of two ways:

1) Remove 3 Battalions from the French OOB.  Start the Russian cavalry as tiring or tired. Have all remaining French units take two interpenetration tests in the end turn phase (you could also randomly determine some minor morale loss and set this manually per unit) to represent the shock of the attack, and their comrades fleeing back to Konigswartha.

2) Prior to starting, GM can play the first turns, and charge do the charges against the French in march column, one round of Fire Combat/Close Combat should break the units and disperse them, with their line of retreat cut off modifier. Have all remaining French units take two interpenetration tests in the end turn phase (you could also randomly determine some minor morale loss and set this manually per unit) to represent the shock of the attack, and their comrades fleeing back to Konigswartha.

Step Two: Fatigue

Set French to Acceptable

Set Tschaplitz to Acceptable (Except Grekov and Kovslosky who should be Tiring/Tired after all that sabering!)

Set Lageron to Tiring

Step Three:  Deployment

French should be in March Column for the infantry.  As Italians were bivouacked the units should probably be somewhat dispersed around Konigswartha such that the French need to maneuver to concentrate their force.  (Variation: A brigade could be placed in either Neudorf or Eutrich [each is less than a mile from the center of Konigswartha].)  Tschaplitz and Cavalry are deployed in woods or just outside woods to the south/southeast of Konigswartha.  Lageron's infantry will enter via Neudorf. 

Step Four: Reinforcements

How much/how quickly you elect to bring up the remainder of Lageron's Corps is up to you.  There is always the randomizer under the reserve forces tab. No one knows how much of this force was or was not engaged, so you can't do it wrong.  A slower reinforcement pace will make for a tighter game. 

Objectives:

Russians: Destroy the French (Italians) by 5:00 p.m.

French: Make it off the north end of the table before the Cossacks get you!

Alternate Scenario:

We have two relatively equal forces and a historical location, time to push lead!.  The Italians were not completely asleep at the wheel.  Place Moroni at Konigswartha; Martel at Eutrich; St. Andrea/Briche halfway from Neudorf to Konigswartha. Tschalpitz begins in the woods south of Konigswartha; Lageron deploys along the table edge by Neudorf.  Everyone is in battle formations, artillery is limbered. Set Fatigue for All Sides to "Acceptable" (and maybe Lageron's corps to Tiring). Peyri's position in Konigswartha is essentially turned and his line of communications (south) are cut, so I suggest similar objectives:  Defeat the Russians or withdraw to north. Begin Slugfest.

Next Up: Combat at Eichberg Scenario