Battle of Prettendorf

Campaign Map

7th Bavarian army, commanded by Marshal Massena, attack Prettendorf
1st Austrian army, commanded by General Schwartzenberg, defend the border

The Bavarians have 12 infantry brigades, 3 cavalry brigades and 3 corps artillery
The Austrians have 12 infantry brigades, 3 cavalry brigades and 3 corps artillery

The first battle of the campaign is north of the river Danube, where 7th Bavarian army are ordered to attack the border town of Prettendorf

1st Austrian corps have one corps on the border as an advance guard. The remaining two corps are in reserve either side of Prettendorf.

Table at start of battle

The three Bavarian corps are deployed at the top of the table
2nd Austrian corps is deployed in the centre either side of the woods
1st Austrian corps is to the right of Prettendorf and 3rd corps to the left
All corps will move at the start of move 1

There are three battle objectives, all in the centre of the table
Hill on the left, woods in the centre, farm on the right
The army which holds at least two at the end of 12 moves will win

Table at end of battle

3rd Austrian corps hold the hill on the left
Three Bavarian brigades attacked the hill, all three were defeated
One Austrian brigade was routed, but rallied and returned
Infantry and artillery to the left of the hill were not engaged

20th Bavarian corps has taken the woods in the centre
Austrian supports either side of the woods were routed
Two Bavarian brigades took the woods after determined fighting

1st Austrian corps hold the farm on the left
Infantry supports to the left of the far m have been routed
The garrison has suffered 20% casualties, but holds firm

Summary

This was a hard fought battle which was decided during the last move

Games are often decided by which side has the luck to move first.
Or by good or bad dice at a critical time in the attack or defence
In this game both sides had equal amounts of good and bad luck
This made for a fast moving, unpredictable and very enjoyable game

The Austrians deserved to win, but it is not a good result for the campaign
The attacking army (Bavarian in this case) need to win two of the first three battles
This will force the defending army to withdraw and allow the game to move forwards
It will allow one of the battles to include the city, which is the campaign objective

If the attackers fail to drive the defenders back, they will have to retreat instead