The Napoleonic mood was still present and it was unclear what to do about it. The best way to handle it was to play a game, and it would be even better if it was a large game. Last Sunday, we played Black Powder in 28mm with my Duchy of Warsaw against Michael's Austrians. We each had 1585 points, and the objective was for the Poles to defend the pass. The game took place on a 16'x6' table.
SCENARIO: Michael Schneider, Bartek Zynda
UMPIRING: Michael Schneider, Bartek Zynda
SCENERY: Bartek Zynda, SESWC
FIGURES & MODELS: Michael Schneider, Bartek Zynda
1. Forces.
DUCHY OF WARSAW
(Bartek)
Prince Poniatowski
1 x Chasseur Regiment
2 x Heavy Gun
INFANTRY DIVISION
General of Division
1st Infantry Brigade
1 x Voltigeur Detachment
4 x Infantry Battalion
1 x Regimental Gun
3 x Field Gun
1 x Howitzer
2nd Infantry Brigade
1 x Voltigeur Detachment
4 x Infantry Battalion
1 x Regimental Gun
3 x Field Gun
1 x Howitzer
CAVALRY DIVISION
General of Division
1st Cavalry Brigade
2 x Uhlan Regiment
1 x Chasseur Regiment
2 x Horse Gun
2nd Cavalry Brigade
2 x Uhlan Regiment
1 x Chasseur Regiment
2 x Horse Gun
AUSTRIA
(Michael)
CinC
1 x Heavy Gun
Advance Brigade
2 x Jaegers
1 x Horse Gun
1st Infantry Brigade
2 x Infantry Battalion (Large)
1 x Field Gun
2nd Infantry Brigade
2 x Infantry Battalion (Large)
1 x Field Gun
3rd Infantry Brigade
2 x Infantry Battalion (Large)
1 x Field Gun
4th Infantry Brigade
2 x Infantry Battalion (Large, Elite)
1 x Field Gun
5th Infantry Brigade
2 x Infantry Battalion (Large, Elite)
1 x Field Gun
1st Cavalry Brigade
4 x Chevauleger Abtailungen
2 x Hussar (Large)
1 x Horse Gun
2nd Cavalry Brigade
4 x Dragoon Abtailungen
2 x Dragoon (Large)
1 x Horse Gun
2. The game.
The Poles initiated the game, with both of their Infantry brigades positioning themselves on hills and placing guns in the centres of their respective brigades. Voltigeurs acted as a screen. The cavalry brigades took their positions on the flanks and prepared for possible charges. The Austrians were successful in capturing all three villages and were getting ready for a massive assault.
I had a lot of guns, more than what was necessary for my army's size. Unfortunately, they were not very accurate when the Austrians attacked. It's a good thing they didn't use the Pike and Shotte tactic, otherwise I would have lost most of my guns. I couldn't believe how many times I rolled a 1 during that turn. On my flanks, the Uhlans charged but were unsuccessful in repelling the Austrian cavalry. They had to retreat to regroup and recover.
At last, the Austrians arrived at my position, and the melee began with my Polish troops standing their ground. Although there were some issues, they managed to hold their position. Unfortunately, one of the battalions had to retreat and they lost a regimental gun. Soon after, more Austrian infantry arrived, only to be met with a barrage of fire from my guns. The Austrians suffered heavy casualties and I was able to break three of their battalions.
In the meantime, we both fought for control over the village located at the center of the table. Half of the village was occupied by Austrian forces and the other half was under Polish control. Eventually, the Poles received heavy artillery support which proved to be a significant advantage. Meanwhile, my cavalry was performing poorly and was continuously pushed back. Despite this, I managed to inflict significant losses on the Austrian infantry, leading to a Polish victory. Overall, it was an exciting and engaging game!
3. Links.
MICHAEL:
https://meneken.blogspot.com/2024/02/1813-donnergrollen-on-krawallpass.html
FLICKR:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720314819599