Christmas campaign 2024

Started by fsn, 26 December 2024, 02:34:56 PM

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fsn

I've decided to move the batreps over to this section.

I'm also going to continue with the format for the preliminary rounds, then revamp the table numbering, to reduce the liklihood of red forces being trapped in the top corner.

I'm also (mainly because I CBA) going to whip through the preliminaries, and then be more detailed in the quarter finals.

Russia vs Austria.
The Russians had two infantry and two cavalry brigades, plus a whop-off artillery reserve. They deployed mostly around Ghost Farm. The Austrians 3 infantry and 2 cavalry brigades, also with some reserve artillery. The Austrians deployed mostly around the Church of Saint Davide of the Sweaty Spine - except one light cavalry brigade which wandered on at the top of the table on move 6.

Sadly for the Russians, on turn 1 their 1st infantry brigade threw a 6 so immediately hared off to attack the Austrians, unsupported. the next Russian unit, the light cavalry appeared on turn 3, and thought it a good idea to just watch what was going on. The Austrians were able to break the infantry  brigade before move 6 when the remaining Russians appeared.

Understandably Constantine was quite vexed by the light cavalry's inaction, and send an ADC off to berate it's commander and suggest he get off his backside. By this time, the Austrians had formed a line between the Convent and the Church and with weight of numbers (the Russians were down to 4 infantry battalions against the Austrian's 8 much larger units.

The unfortunate Russian light cavalry was much discomforted by the Grenzers in the woods, and the Austrians advanced against the depleted Russian line. Constantine decided there was little to be gained, so withdrew his remaining infantry behind a screen of his heavy cavalry.

The Russian light cavalry brigade was presented with a bottle of vodka and a loaded pistol on his return to HQ.

Austrian Victory.


Recap 
Preliminary 1: France 1813 vs Denmark: Denmark win
Preliminary 2: Prussian vs Brunswick: Brunswick win
Preliminary 3: Russia vs Austria: Austria win.
Preliminary 4: Ottoman vs Poland: To be played.   

Quarter finals are going to be:
Quarter Final 1: Denmark vs Sweden
Quarter Final 2: Austria vs Brunswick
Quarter Final 3: (Ottoman or Poland) vs Britain
Quarter Final 4: Bavaria vs Wurttemberg
Lord Oik of Runcorn (You may refer to me as Milord Oik)

Oik of the Year 2013, 2014; Prize for originality and 'having a go, bless him', 2015
3 votes in the 2016 Painting Competition!; 2017-2019 The Wilderness years
Oik of the Year 2020; 7 votes in the 2021 Painting Competition
11 votes in the 2022 Painting Competition (Double figures!)
2023 - the year of Gerald:
2024 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!

d_Guy

What are the current odds on Denmark taking it all?
Encumbered by Idjits, we pressed on

fsn

None of the forces that came if from the left have won yet. The Swedes are going to be tough. I think the Austrians will take the Brunswickers, simply by being twice the size, so that sets up a Denmark-Austria quarter final.

Austria are tough, and I wouldn't like to second guess that one. The dice will decide!

Lord Oik of Runcorn (You may refer to me as Milord Oik)

Oik of the Year 2013, 2014; Prize for originality and 'having a go, bless him', 2015
3 votes in the 2016 Painting Competition!; 2017-2019 The Wilderness years
Oik of the Year 2020; 7 votes in the 2021 Painting Competition
11 votes in the 2022 Painting Competition (Double figures!)
2023 - the year of Gerald:
2024 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!

fsn

Today, the last of the preliminary battles, the Ottoman Empire vs the Poles.

The Ottomans (Ottomen?) fielded two infantry brigades, and two cavalry brigades, plus one very heavy artillery battery. The Poles opposed them with 3 infantry brigades and 2 cavalry.

Move 1: the Ottoman light cavalry entered on the southernmost road on the left hand side of the table. They came on looking for blood, determined to attach the first Pole they saw. Seeing none, they moved up towards the Convent, doubtless looking for booty.

Move 2: A Polish infantry brigade appears on the Northern side of the road the Ottoman cavalry are on. A light cavalry brigade appears on the road by the Church. The Ottoman very heavy artillery enters the table bottom left by Ghost Farm.

Move 3 The Ottoman light cavalry clap spurs to their horses and move down the road towards the Polish Infantry, who continue their advance. More Polish infantry appear behind the light cavalry, along with the commander Poniatowski.

Move 4 The disciplined Polish infantry form square to meet the oncoming Ottoman cavalry. The Polish light cavalry move to take the Ottoman brigade in the flank or rear.

The Ottoman heavy cavalry come on behind the extra heavy artillery at Ghost Farm, whilst the first of the infantry appear on the middle of the table behind the light cavalry.

Move 5 The Ottoman light cavalry crash into the Polish squares, and are taken in the rear by the Polish lancers. 

Poniatowski and the 2nd Infantry brigade continue to move towards the cross roads to interpose between the oncoming Ottoman infantry and the upcoming slaughter of the light cavalry.

The third Polish infantry brigade appears on the North edge of the table. They come on at the charge and head immediately for the nearest Ottoman unit - bayonets fixed and patriotic songs being sung lustily. it is unlikely they will be able to make a difference to the result, but the thought was there. Bless 'em.

The second Polish cavalry brigade (a 1/2 regiment of cuirassiers and a regiment of lancers) comes on near the woods at the bottom right. Seeing the Ottoman heavy cavalry they stop.

The second Ottoman infantry brigade, with their commander, appears behind the first.

Move 6 The Ottoman light cavalry is basically broken by the Polish infantry in front and cavalry behind. Poniatowski deploys his 2nd brigade in line, and brings his artillery to bear on the oncoming Ortas. He also sends an ADC towards the 2nd cavalry brigade.

I wasn't sure what the Ottoman heavy cavalry would do. They could either move to the main body of the army, attack the Polish 2nd cavalry brigade or stand still. Lady Die decided they should attack the Polish cavalry.

Move 7 The victorious Polish light cavalry and 1st Infantry brigades reformed prior to moving to support Poniatowski and the 1st Brigade. Polish skirmishers engage the oncoming Ottoman infantry.

The Ottoman heavy cavalry hurtle down on the standing Polish cavalry. The Poles were on a stand fast mode, but  wondered if they would counter charge. Lady Die decided that they would, so a the Poles counter charged.

Move 8 The advancing Ottoman infantry continued their plodding advance, forcing the Polish skirmishers to retire to the main body. The Ottoman steamroller comprised two lines, each with 3 Orta, each of 90 figures. Against them, the Polish brigade fielded 4 battalions of 72 figures each. The Poles were badly outnumbered.

Help was at hand. The Polish light cavalry brigade moved up to the Convent, hoping to charge the Ottoman infantry in the flank.

The heavy cavalry battle in the south rattled on. Despite being outnumbered the Poles were holding their own.

Move 9 The Ottoman were moving in a mass, sort of a column but more so. This would give them some protection from cavalry. However, the Polish lancers launched themselves at the body of the enemy. The Polish 2nd Brigade took the opportunity to retire, and the 1st Brigade came up on their right.

The third brigade had stopped singing, 'cos they were a bit winded but continued their march from the North.

After three rounds of melee the heavy cavalry came down to morale, and despite being battered and outnumbered, Lady Die favoured them, and it was the Ottoman cavalry who drew off.

Move 10 The Polish light cavalry basically bounced off the Ottoman infantry masses. However, they did cause the Orta to pause. The Polish infantry was joined by the artillery pouring fire into the advancing foe.

in the South, the heavy cavalry brigades glared at each other. The Polish ADC reached the Polish cuirassiers with orders to support on the Polish left flank and attack the infantry.

By the way, remember the Ottoman heavy artillery? One of their vehicles had broken an axle, and stalled on the slopes north of Ghost Farm. The gunners peered nervously as their heavy cavalry withdrew near them.

Move 11 The crunch. The Poles kept up their fire, concentrating on the middle orta. The light cavalry charged the northernmost orta of the front line, delaying its advance. The second line of Ottoman infantry was stuck behind the first. 

If Poniatowski had not retired last move, his 2nd brigade would have been in melee with the opposing line. However, the 2nd Brigade was now joined by the 1st and the 3rd was still making its way south.

The middle Ottoman unit, battered by shot and more shot took sufficient casualties to require a morale check, which they failed - badly. Unable to retire, as they were hemmed in by the second line, the rear ranks broke and the whole unit dissolved.

The unit attacked by the Polish light cavalry had to test their morale too, and failed just as badly. Seeing their supporting unit disappear like my Uncle Barry when it's time to pay for a round the poor Ottoman infantry also broke. The remaining unit of the first line also made a morale check, and failed, but held their ground. The second line of Ottoman troops, confronted by their fleeing brethren also took a morale check and one of the three failed. The line stalled.

The Ottoman Commander, a disgraced ex-vicar from Halifax called Brian, reviewed the situation. His first line was broken. His second hampered and nervy. His light cavalry had disappeared and his heavy cavalry was somewhere to his right. His heavy artillery? he had no idea.

Poniatowski was in a better state. His light cavalry brigade was battered, and his 2nd cavalry brigade was also battered, even if he was unaware of the fact. His infantry was largely intact, with two brigades in line and the third on its way.

At this point Brian decided enough was enough and called off the attack.

The victory was one of line over column. The Polish light cavalry brigade was significant beyond its numbers, which seemed appropriate.


Next up: the first Quarter Final - The Scandinavian Grudge Match - Denmark vs Sweden.
 
   

   


   




   
Lord Oik of Runcorn (You may refer to me as Milord Oik)

Oik of the Year 2013, 2014; Prize for originality and 'having a go, bless him', 2015
3 votes in the 2016 Painting Competition!; 2017-2019 The Wilderness years
Oik of the Year 2020; 7 votes in the 2021 Painting Competition
11 votes in the 2022 Painting Competition (Double figures!)
2023 - the year of Gerald:
2024 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!

fsn

Quarter Final 1:  Denmark vs Sweden

Move 1
Nothing happened

Move 2
The first Swedish infantry brigade (4 line infantry battalions and the jaeger battalion) appar on the road by the church.

Move 3
The Swedish 1st Brigade makes for the cross roads as  2nd Brigade (6 line battalions) comes in behind them along with the Swedish commander Stedingk.

Opposite them the 1st Danish brigade (4 infantry battalions and a regiment of Hussars) start making their way onto the table.

2nd Danish Brigade entering, led by the light dragoons. Beyond the trees, the Swedes appear.

Move 4
The last remaining Swedish infantry (a mere 2 battalions) march on south of the church, and somewhat cut off from the rest of the force by the church and the hamlet. 

The second Danish brigade (5 infantry battalions, and a half regiment of Hussars) starts to appear opposite them by Ghost Farm. This brigade will take a few moves to fully deploy.

3rd Swedish brigade meanders on to the table. An ADC from Stedingk arrives with orders. 
The 2nd Danish brigade is hampered by the terrain.

Move 5
The 2nd Swedish brigade moves to the right of the 1st, which begins to form in line.
Swedish infantry deploying into line.

The first two Danish brigades continue to deploy. The 3rd Brigade (4 infantry battalions, one cavalry regiment plus the general - Hessen Homburg) enter on the top corner, so is going to have problems getting over that darned bridge. The 1st brigade's Jutland cavalry makes a break to cover the bridge to allow the 3rd brigade uncontested passage. Hessen Homburg sends his cavalry - the Holstein regiment to take the bridge and move over it to cover the rest of his brigade.

3rd Danish brigade arrives - and has to get over that bridge.

Seeing the threatening cavalry, the Swedish 2nd brigade partially adopts a square. The 1st brigade deploys in live, and the attached artillery battery begins to take the Danish cavalry under fire.   

Move 6
The Swedish cavalry arrive behind the 2nd Brigade. An ADC dashes out to present the brigade with orders to skirt the 2nd brigade and attack the Danish cavalry as it debouches over the bridge.

The Danes desperately throwing cavalry to mask the bridge for the 3rd brigade to deploy.

Hessen Homburg has sent orders to the 1st Brigade, but has no contact with the 2nd brigade 


The gap between the Danish 1st and 2nd brigades. With no orders, the 2nd Danish Brigade is fixated on the small Swedish brigade between the green and pick trees. The Swedish 1st Brigade with artillery support is deployed in 2 lines between the two sets of green trees. The the left of the picture, the Danish 1st brigade straggles on.   

Move 7
 
The Swedish army. 3rd brigade in foreground, with the 1st brigade beyond the church. In the background the 2nd brigade holds as the cavalry passes.

The Jutland cavalry has been shot at by one battery, and when the battery attached to the 2nd Swedish battery joins in, the Jutland regiment retires. This upsets the Holstein cavalry who are half way across the bridge.

The Danish 2nd Brigade continues its ponderous deployment into column of attack to sweep away the 3rd Swedish brigade. The Danish artillery beings at Ghost Farm.




Move 8

The leading Swedish cavalry regiment charges the unformed Holstein cavalry, which still hasn't made it over the bridge.


The second Swedish cavalry regiment passes this melee and charges to shaky Jutland cavalry. The nearest Danish infantry battalion to this fracas, the 2nd Funen, forms square.

Move 9

Assailed by a superior number of Swedish cavalry, the Holstein regiment breaks and tries to make it's way back over the bridge. The Jutland cavalry cannot withstand the charge of the Swedish Lifeguard Cuirassiers and breaks. The third Swedish cavalry regiment, the Smaland Dragoons follows behind the cuirassiers.

The Swedish horse artillery, joining in the fun, unlimbers and begins to bombard the Danish 3rd brigade over the river. Hessen Homburg, finding himself in the line of fire, moves to a slightly safer position.
     
Move 10
The Swedish 1st and 2nd infantry brigades advance towards the Danish 1st Infantry.


The Swedish Cuirassiers ignore Danish square and fall upon the 1st Funen, who are still in column of march.  The Swedish Hussars continue the massacre of the Holstein regiment. The Swedish Dragoons prepare to charge in support of the Cuirassiers.

Can we say Albuera?

The Danish 2nd Brigade is really very near being able to attack those pesky Swedish 3rd brigade. Just waiting for the artillery to deploy. 

Victory to the Swedes.

Summary
The Danes were undone by the bridge. If Hessen Homburg had arrived with the 1st brigade, he could have pulled the 2nd brigade away from ponderously setting up an attack on a brigade 1/4 its size. However, since Hessen Homburg was on the wrong side of the bridge and unable to issue commands. 

Having said that, the Swedish infantry could not really have contested the bridge and were fortunate that their cavalry turned up when and where it did.
 
Next up: Quarter final 2 -Austria vs Brunswick




Lord Oik of Runcorn (You may refer to me as Milord Oik)

Oik of the Year 2013, 2014; Prize for originality and 'having a go, bless him', 2015
3 votes in the 2016 Painting Competition!; 2017-2019 The Wilderness years
Oik of the Year 2020; 7 votes in the 2021 Painting Competition
11 votes in the 2022 Painting Competition (Double figures!)
2023 - the year of Gerald:
2024 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!

fred.

Another good game - I do like the size of your armies!

I might have missed it, but do the brigades roll for their initial orders, and have to follow these unless the commander changes them?
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fsn

Quote from: fred. on 29 December 2024, 07:54:27 PMAnother good game - I do like the size of your armies!
Thank you. I like a big army. These two are just under 1000 figures each.

Quote from: fred. on 29 December 2024, 07:54:27 PMI might have missed it, but do the brigades roll for their initial orders, and have to follow these unless the commander changes them?
Yes. I throw one die. 1 - stay where you are. 6 - attack, attack, attack. 2-5 do something reasonably sensible, which is usually attack the first enemy unit you see. This continues until countermanded by a superior officer.

Some armies (e.g. the British) have divisional commanders too. They can order their own units.


Lord Oik of Runcorn (You may refer to me as Milord Oik)

Oik of the Year 2013, 2014; Prize for originality and 'having a go, bless him', 2015
3 votes in the 2016 Painting Competition!; 2017-2019 The Wilderness years
Oik of the Year 2020; 7 votes in the 2021 Painting Competition
11 votes in the 2022 Painting Competition (Double figures!)
2023 - the year of Gerald:
2024 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!

d_Guy

You are recreating the same engagement I felt when I first discovered Young & Lawford and Charles Grant with their presentations of such battles as Blasthoff Bridge and Mollwitz.

You have a similar look and the same enjoyment of play. Your rule "do something reasonably sensible" is a delight.  :-bd

My congratulations.

I still like the Danes (probably because of the movie, "1864").
Encumbered by Idjits, we pressed on

paulr

:-bd  =D>  :-bd  =D>

I love the ponderous deployment of the big units, really gives a sense of the time taken to ready for action :-SS
Lord Lensman of Wellington
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DecemDave

QuoteI love the ponderous deployment of the big units, really gives a sense of the time taken to ready for action :-SS

seconded.  And the importance of forcing (well trying to) the bridge reflects many historical engagements. Thanks for posting the batrep detail.
 :-bd

Duke Speedy of Leighton

You may refer to me as: Your Grace, Duke Speedy of Leighton.
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fsn

Austrians vs Brunswick

Preliminary
This should be a walk over for the Austrians. They have 624 infantry and 200 cavalry, plus 5 artillery batteries, against the Brunswickers 512 infantry, 92  cavalry and 2 batteries. However, Lady Die is interfering. The Brunswickers will all be on the table by move 3, and all come on the right had side, north of the chuuch. The Austrians start move 1 with their artillery reserve coming on  opposite the Brunswick cavalry, and then nothing until move 3 when the 2 Grenzer battalions appear by the convent.

They then have nothing until move 6 when two infantry and two cavalry brigades (and their command element) come on. Regrettably for the Austrians this will in the narrow space between the convent and the road to the south – except for the Cuirassiers whose landing point is to the north of the bridge which has caused much consternation. 

Move 1: The Brunswick cavalry entered mid table and headed for the crossroads. Other side of the table, the heavy Austrian artillery reserve ambled on.

Move 2: The Brunswick cavalry, seeing the Austrian artillery picked up their pace. The Austrian artillery seeing a horde of black clad riders advancing at them with malice in their hearts, promptly about turned and removed themselves from the table.

The Brunswick infantry start deploying.
The Brunswick Corps - cavalry in the front, light infantry on the road and line infantry beyond. Out of shot is the Advance Guard Battalion on the right of the picture.

Move 3: The Brunswick infantry continue to advance. The Advance Guard Battalion heading for the woods, and the Light Brigade moving to take the bridge. The centre is held by the Line Brigade.

Meanwhile the two Austrian Grenzer battalions enter by the Convent. Fortunately for their health, they get neither a "mad charge" nor a  "rest up" attitude, and deploy one battalion in the Convent.

Teh Grenzer arrive

Move 4 & 5: The Brunswickers continue to deploy.

Move 6: The Grenzer commander can now breathe a sigh of relief. To his right, his Divisional Commander comes on board with the light dragoons. They are 2 big regiments (60 figure each) so impede the following infantry.

At the same time, the Cuirassier brigade arrives on the wrong side of the river. (Although they they for "do something sensible", I wasn't sure what that meant. So I decided to throw one die per move that the opposite side of the bridge was not in possession of friendly forces - 1 to 3 hold, 4-6 Charge!!!)



The Brunswick cavalry is masking the convent and the bridge as the light infantry prepares its attack on the Convent. The Brunswick artillery starts to bombard the deploying Austrian cavalry.   

Move 7 The Austrian Light cavalry deploys, and in response the Brunswick line Brigade goes into square. The Cavalry takes from the Brunswick artillery.

Behind the cavalry, the Austrian Grenadiers from the Reserve arrive. Behind them still off table are the line infantry awaiting their turn.



At the end of move 7, the Austrian Cuirassiers and the Brunswick cavalry hold each other in check. The light battalions of each army begin to fight over possession of the convent, and the Brunswick Line brigade is held in place by the threat of the Austrian light cavalry, whilst the Austrian infantry begin to arrive.

To be continued. 
Lord Oik of Runcorn (You may refer to me as Milord Oik)

Oik of the Year 2013, 2014; Prize for originality and 'having a go, bless him', 2015
3 votes in the 2016 Painting Competition!; 2017-2019 The Wilderness years
Oik of the Year 2020; 7 votes in the 2021 Painting Competition
11 votes in the 2022 Painting Competition (Double figures!)
2023 - the year of Gerald:
2024 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!

paulr

Lord Lensman of Wellington
2018 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!
2022 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!
2023 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!

Duke Speedy of Leighton

You may refer to me as: Your Grace, Duke Speedy of Leighton.
2016 Pendraken Painting Competion Participation Prize  (Lucky Dip Catagory) Winner

fred.

This one is playing out very interestingly
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2012 Painting Competition - 2 x Runner-Up
2016 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!
2017 Paint-Off - 3 x Winner!

My wife's creations: Jewellery and decorations with sparkle and shine at http://www.Etsy.com/uk/shop/ISCHIOCrafts