1870 - What to do next?

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Thanks Edward, that would be wonderful. 

[kustenjaeger]

Greetings

The German General Staff history vol 1 (GGSH) notes (p37) that the 1868 Bavarian reorganisation decreased the number of companies from six to four and increased their strength.  The cavalry regiments were reduced to 10 with 5 squadrons with 125 horses per squadron.  Batteries were formed of 6 guns with 14 new batteries giving a planned total of 4 regiments each of 8 field, 4 garrison and 1 park battery.

The field army (p43) had 50 bns infantry inc Jagers totalling in round numbers 50,000, 40 squadrons totalling 5,500 cavalry (not as strong as Prussian) and 192 guns.

The Landwehr battalions in garrison were calculated as 650 but later increased to 819.

Looking at the relevant OB appendices (p142-147) the odd allocations of battalions are because the brigades are 6 battalions each but the jäger battalions are spread across the divisions.  The effect is that the excess line battalions are reallocated, mainly to 8th Brigade in 4th Divison (3/1st, 3/5th, 1/7th, 3/11th, 3/14th).   The appendix gives battery designations, commanders etc if useful.

I'll have a hunt around for more in due course.

Regards

Edward

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Brilliant, thanks.

[Hertsblue]

Looking at the OoB, it would appear that each Bavarian brigade originally comprised seven battalions - 2 x 3 battalion line regiments and a battalion of jagers. In order to conform to the Prussian organiseation of six battalion brigades the junior line regiments in each formation lost a battalion, which was used to make up brigades elsewhere.

As for crap troops - every general needs a proportion of scum to prove his generalship. The wargamers' aptitude for cherry-picking only the best troops never happened in real life. 

[kustenjaeger]

Looking at the OoB, it would appear that each Bavarian brigade originally comprised seven battalions - 2 x 3 battalion line regiments and a battalion of jagers. In order to conform to the Prussian organiseation of six battalion brigades the junior line regiments in each formation lost a battalion, which was used to make up brigades elsewhere.

...

I'd agree but from a quick glance the 1866 order of battle (ie before the reorganisation) appears also to have been six battalion brigades with some line regiments at two and some at three battalions.

Regards

Edward

[nikharwood]

As for crap troops - every general needs a proportion of scum to prove his generalship. The wargamers' aptitude for cherry-picking only the best troops never happened in real life. 

Well said, Ray