24 August 1813 – Northern Germany – Day 6
The Prussians attack Hildesheim
1st Prussian army – occupy Alfeld
2nd Prussian army – attack Hildesheim
3rd Prussian army – regroup Harsum
The French retreat
1st French army – defend Hildesheim
2nd French army – regroup at Springe
3rd French army – retreat to the west
Battle of Hildesheim – End of Move 2
The city of Hildesheim is the administrative centre of Hildesheim military district.
It is also the main supply depot for the French army.
2nd Prussian army, commanded by General Bulow, attack Hildesheim
They have12 infantry brigades, 3 cavalry brigade, 3 corps artillery
They start the battle with 4 infantry casualties (1600 men)
1st French army, commanded by Emperor Napoleon, defend Hildesheim
They have 12 infantry brigades, 3 cavalry brigade, 3 corps artillery
They start the battle with 6 infantry, 2 cavalry and 2 artillery casualties (2800 men)
On the right the Imperial Garde hold the hill and area to the left. As the Prussians approach the artillery move forward to delay their deployment. The Prussian infantry are forced to advance through the fortified farm, causing considerable delay. The Prussian artillery deploy at short range on the flank of the Garde gunners, causing them to withdraw. This allows the Prussian infantry to attack the hill. After an initial success the Garde counter attack and rout the Prussian infantry
In the centre the Prussian reserve cavalry charge the French cavalry. They lose and are routed, allowing the French cavalry to threaten 5th corps and force them to form square. The Prussian cavalry rally, again charge the French cavalry and this time win the melee.
Only then can 5th Prussian corps advance and attack the woods. They quickly take the woods, and supported by the reserve cavalry break the French centre
On the left 6th corps infantry advance on the hill, causing considerable delay. Their cavalry and artillery pin the French to the left of the farm. The Prussian infantry take the farm, but are drawn into the melee for the centre. This allows the French to counter attack and retake the farm.
At nightfall the French hold two of the three game objectives and despite suffering much heavier casualties they win the game.
The French have lost 15 infantry, 4 cavalry and 2 artillery casualties (6600 men)
The Prussians have lost 11 infantry and 1 cavalry casualties (4500 men)
There are 7 French brigades in rout
The Prussians have 4 brigades in rout
Comments
The French started the game with more casualties than the Prussians. This prompted the latter to launch a very aggressive attack. Both CinC had created a cavalry reserve of two brigades. This often results in a stalemate, with both sides reluctant to risk a melee. However in this game the Prussian cavalry advanced early in the game and charged the weaker French. Much to my surprise (as Prussian player) the French won, and routed both Prussian brigades.
The French cavalry then charged the nearby Prussian artillery, forcing the gunners to abandon their guns and seek shelter in a nearby square. This left the French cavalry in possession of the centre, and forced 5th Prussian corps to form square. Fortunately the routed Prussian cavalry rallied, returned and again charged the French cavalry. This time they won and turned the tables on the French. It was now the Prussian cavalry which dominated the centre.
For most of the game it looked like the Prussians would win. In fact at the end of move 10 they occupied all three objectives. However the French counter attacked and retook two of the three objectives.
Despite suffering many more casualties the French were clear winners at the end of the maximum 12 moves. They had lost 2nd corps in the centre, but firmly held both the farm on the left and the hill on the right.
A fast moving and very enjoyable wargame. The rules are working really well, and allow for unexpected reverses – such as the late French counter attacks. This is the main advantage of using our simple, but effective, combat and morale tests with just one D6.
Thistlebarrow,
ReplyDeleteI've been catching up with the events of this campaign, and I must admit that it seems to have been a bit of a classic, with the French making are dramatic recovery in this latest battle. To win a battle after suffering such heavy casualties and losing three - and recapturing two - objectives would indicate that you've got a cracking set of rules!
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob
ReplyDeleteNice to hear from you again. Glad to hear that you had such a good time at COW and in particular the garden game. It sounded like it was great fun.
I am very pleased with the current games, they are fast moving but also allow for recovery and counter attacks. Apart from the rules, I think our 12 move games work well. I selected that length to allow for one move equals one hour in the campaign. I find that it forces the attacking player to avoid unnecessary delay. The size of table in comparison with the movement distances means that the attacker has four moves to enter the table and deploy out of artillery range. Another four to attempt to weaken the defending army with his cavalry and artillery. Then just enough time to reach the defending line and decide the battle with musket and melee. If he is unable to weaken the enemy during moves 5-8, he must decide how best to attack during the remaining four moves.
As always, it would not suit everyone. But the advantage of having a regular wargame opponent they rules only have to suit us both. And we are always prepared to accept a change in rules mid game if we come accross something which is clearly wrong. But we ALWAYS accept the luck of the dice.
regards
Paul