PBEM 1813 Halle Campaign

End of Campaign

2010-02-25T23:56:00.000-08:00

End of Campaign

The French withdrew over the river Saale and left the Russians in possession of the right bank. Despite this setback the French still controlled Halle, which was the objective of the campaign. This would make the French the nominal victors of the campaign

Neither side suffered a dramatic defeat, and both sides would require some time to regroup and reorganize before they could under take any further operations.

Due to the loss of four of the ten players involved it will not be practicable to continue the campaign.

I would like to thank all players who took part in the campaign for their time and effort. I hope that they enjoyed it as much as I did.

Second Battle of Naumburg

2010-02-25T00:19:00.001-08:00

Move 10

1700 to 1800 6 June 1813

Table

Top left - 1 French corps prepare top move out of Naumburg

Centre left – 2 French corps move forward south of Naumburg

Centre - French cavalry in Rout

Centre – Napoleon is with cavalry commander
Bottom left - 3 French corps halt in front of hill

Bottom right – 14 corps in Rout or Shaken

Top right - 3 Russian corps halt because of cavalry melee

Centre right – 1 and 2 Russian corps halt because of cavalry melee

Centre right – Kutuzov with commander 1 corps

Centre right - 4 Russian corps engage Westphalians

Move Sequence

14 Westphalian skirmish with last two infantry brigades

4 Russian skirmish with remaining Westphalian infantry

Kutuzov change 1 corps orders to “Engage”

2 Russian unable to advance due to cavalry melee

1 Russian cossacks charge guard grenadier in flank and destroy them

3 French change orders to “Halt”, rally gunners on ridge and save guns

Napoleon orders “General Retreat”

Infantry Skirmish
The two remaining Westphalian infantry brigades skirmish with 4 Russian corps. Two Russian brigades pin the Westphalians, whilst a third moves against their flank. The Westphalians have already lost two casualties each, and one brigade is Shaken. It is unlikely that they will be able to hold for much longer. One Russian brigade has suffered one casualty and is also shaken

Note on end of game
Napoleon has decided that he can no longer win this battle and orders a General Withdrawal. There is currently a gap between both armies, and it would take more than the remaining two moves until nightfall to close that gap. It was therefore agreed to end the game at this point .

The two Westphalian infantry brigades will be allowed to withdraw.

The French gunners on the hill will be allowed to rejoin their guns and save them.

Second Battle of Naumburg

2010-02-24T01:20:00.000-08:00

Move 9

1600 to 1700 6 June 1813

Table

Top left - 1 French corps prepare to move out of Naumburg

Centre left – 2 French corps move forward south of Naumburg

Centre - French cavalry after melee in centre

Centre – Napoleon is with cavalry commander
Bottom left - 3 French corps advance from hill

Bottom right – half of 14 corps in rout

Top right - 3 Russian corps halt because of cavalry melee

Centre right – 1 and 2 Russian corps halt because of cavalry melee

Centre right – Kutuzov with commander 1 corps

Centre right - 4 Russian corps after enemy rout

Move Sequence

2 French form column of attack

French cavalry fight melee, guard grenadiers win and pursue, lancers lose and rout

3 French artillery fire and miss, infantry move forward

3 Russian infantry form square due to cavalry melee

Napoleon orders 1 corps “Move to farm” and 2 corps “Engage”

1 French prepare to move forward from Naumburg

1 Russian advance halted by cavalry melee

2 Russian advanced halted by cavalry melee

14 Westphalian commander join shaken infantry brigade

4 Russian artillery fire and rout shaken infantry brigade (plus commander)

Supporting French artillery on both sides lose morale and join rout

Kutuzov change 4 corps orders to “Engage”.

Note. At the start of this move the French cavalry appeared certain to break the Russian centre. The melee turned out to be inconclusive with each side losing one brigade. Meanwhile commander 14 Westphalian joined one of his infantry brigades to help them rally from Shaken. One further casualty caused the brigade to rout, taking the commander with it. There was artillery supporting on each flank, and they had to test their morale. Due to a poor dice, the absence of supports and the commander being absent due to the rout they both joined the rout. In one move the advantage had gone dramatically from the French to the Russians.

French cavalry melee

Guard grenadiers charge Russian cossacks, rout them, pursue and cause both 1 and 2 Russian corps to halt their advance and form square. French lancers melee with Russian cuirassiers, lose and rout. The nearby French dragoons have to test morale, and also rout. The Russian cuirassiers do not pursue. The cavalry charge has been indecisive, with both sides winning a melee, but the Russian cavalry are better placed to recover than the French.

Russian confusion

The aftermath of the cavalry melee from the Russian side. The beaten cossacks rout back into the advancing 1 corps (right) and 2 corps (left), pursued by the French guard grenadiers. During their subsequent move 2 corps cossacks have moved onto the flank of the Disordered French cavalry and will attempt to Opportunity Charge them during the next move.

Westphalian Rout

The infantry brigade nearest to the hill started the move Shaken. The Westphalian commander joined them to assist them in making their morale. They failed to do so, but did not rout due to his presence. In a subsequent move the Russian artillery fired on the same shaken infantry brigade, it failed its morale and routed, taking the corps commander with it. There were two units within 4” who then had to test their morale. First the artillery on the ridge. They rolled a 3, had no support, and joined the rout. The infantry brigade on the right tested their morale, rolled a 2 and also joined the rout. This caused the artillery on the right, who were outside test distance of the original rout, but within 4” of the second infantry rout, to test. They rolled a 2 and joined the rout. At the start of this move the Westphalians were well placed to smash the disordered Russian corps opposite them. At the end half of the infantry, plus their artillery plus 3 French corps artillery are all in rout and the French right wing had disintergrated.

Second Battle of Naumburg

2010-02-23T00:43:00.000-08:00

Move 8

1500 to 1600 6 June 1813

Table

Top left - 1 French corps in Naumburg

Top left – 2 French corps deploy south of Naumburg

Centre left - French cavalry reserve advance to engage enemy cavalry
Bottom left - 3 French corps advance from hill

Bottom right – 14 corps move forward to engage enemy

Bottom left – Napoleon is with 1 corps in Naumburg

Top right - 3 Russian corps advance towards Naumburg

Centre right – 2 Russian corps form column of attack

Centre right - 4 Russian corps gunners seek shelter in square

Centre right – Kutuzov is with commander 4 corps

Move Sequence

1 Russian move towards centre

3 Russian move towards Naumburg

Napoleon change cavalry reserve orders to “Attack”

2 French start to deploy in centre

2 Russian infantry form column of attack

French reserve cavalry move forward to charge enemy cavalry

3 French artillery hit square, who are shaken

14 Westphalian artillery also hit square, who remain shaken

4 Russian artillery hit column, who make morale

Poor Card

1 French artillery hit column, who are shaken

Kutuzov change 2 corps orders to “Engage”

Cavalry Melee

French reserve cavalry are now on Attack orders and move within charge distance of enemy cavalry to charge them next move. Supported by 2 corps dragoons they will attempt to break the Russian centre. If successful this would almost certainly result in a French victory.

Second Battle of Naumburg

2010-02-21T03:49:00.000-08:00

Move 7

1400 to 1500 6 June 1813

Table

Top left - 1 French corps in Naumburg

Top left – 2 French corps move south of Naumburg

Centre left - French cavalry reserve
Bottom left - 3 French corps cavalry have routed enemy cavalry

Bottom right – 14 corps deployed to right of hill

Bottom left – Napoleon is with cavalry reserve

Top right - 3 Russian corps advance towards Naumburg

Centre right – 2 Russian corps disrupted by cavalry rout

Centre right - 4 Russian corps artillery shaken by rout

Centre right – Kutuzov is with 4 corps artillery

Move Sequence

Napoleon change 14 Westphalian orders to “Engage”

1 Russian move towards centre

3 Russian move towards farm

Poor Card

Kutuzov move to threatened cuirassiers

2 French move towards centre

14 Westphalian miss move due to Poor Card

French cavalry on Halt orders, no action

1 French artillery fire and miss

4 Rusian Curiassiers lose melee and rout, supports ok but nearby artillery shaken

3 French cavalry charge and rout enemy cuirassiers

Note. When the Poor Card is drawn the next poor commander whose card is drawn may not issue orders. His corps may fight if attacked, but cannot initiate any movement or action. There is one French and two Russian poor commanders in this game. CinC can give his move to a poor commander providing he is in base contact and pays the command points to do so. Kutuzov has joined 4 corps so that he can do so next move if necessary.

Cavalry Melee

French dragoons charge Russian cuirassiers and rout them through supports. Supporting cuirassiers make morale, but nearby artillery fail and are shaken. French cavalry at top of photo are on Halt orders and cannot support unless Napoleon gives them new orders.

Second Battle of Naumburg

2010-02-20T01:04:00.001-08:00

Move 6

1300 to 1400 6 June 1813

Table

Top left - 1 French corps in Naumburg

Top left – 2 French corps march through Naumburg

Centre left - French cavalry reserve
Bottom left - 3 French corps cavalry move within charge move of enemy flank

Bottom right – 14 corps deploy to right of hill

Bottom left – Napoleon is with commander 14 corps

Top right - 3 Russian corps deployed in front of Naumburg

Centre right – 2 Russian corps arrive between 3 and 4 corps

Centre right - 4 Russian corps trying to deploy to face enemy

Centre right – Kutuzov is with commander 4 corps

Move Sequence

14 Westphalian artillery fire and miss, infantry deploy into attack column

1 Russian move through pass towards Naumburg

3 Russian cavalry form line on left flank

Poor Card

Kutuzov change 3 corps orders to “move to farm” and joins 4 corps

French reserve cavalry “Hold” orders, no action

2 French move towards approach centre from Naumburg

1 French “Hold” orders, no action

Napoleon change 3 corps orders to “Engage”, move to 14 Westphalian

3 French cavalry move within charge distance of enemy cavalry flank

4 Russian miss move again, fourth time, due to Poor Card

Traffic jam in Naumburg

2 French corps march through the town on their way to their deployment area to the right of the town. 1 French corps (the Imperial Garde) are deployed in and around the town to hold the road open until 2 corps are in position.

Note
When the Poor Card is drawn the next poor commander whose card is drawn may not issue orders. His corps may fight if attacked, but cannot initiate any movement or action. There is one French and two Russian poor commanders in this game. CinC can give his move to a poor commander providing he is in base contact and pays the command points to do so. Kutuzov has joined 4 corps so that he can do so next move if necessary.

Second Battle of Naumburg

2010-02-19T00:16:00.000-08:00

Move 5

1200 to 1300 6 June 1813

Table
Top left - 1 French corps in Naumburg
Top left – 2 French corps moving through Naumburg
Centre left - French cavalry reserve
Bottom left - 3 French corps deployed on hill
Bottom left – Napoleon is with commander 3 corps
Bottom right – 14 corps arrive right of hill

Top right - 3 Russian corps deployed in front of Naumburg
Top right – Kutuzov is with commander 3 corps
Centre right – 2 Russian corps arrive between 3 and 4 corps
Centre right - 4 Russian corps trying to deploy to face enemy

Move Sequence
2 Russian cavalry in line to cover advance
French cavalry have “Halt” orders, no action
Napoleon change 2 corps orders “Move to the centre”
1 Russian move through pass towards Naumburg
2 French move towards centre
Poor Card
3 French unlimber artillery
4 Russian miss move again, for the third time, due to Poor Card
14 Westphalian artillery fire and miss, infantry move forward
3 Russian move cavalry to left flank
Kutuzov move to 1 corps change orders “Move to centre”

Note. When the Poor Card is drawn the next poor commander whose card is drawn may not issue orders. His corps may fight if attacked, but cannot initiate any movement or action. There is one French and two Russian poor commanders in this game.

Second Battle of Naumburg

2010-02-18T06:34:00.000-08:00

Move 4

1100 to 1200 6 June 1813

Table
Top left - 1 French corps in Naumburg
Top left – 2 French corps arrive in Naumburg
Top left – Napoleon in Naumburg to meet 2 corps
Centre left - French cavalry reserve
Bottom left - 3 French corps deploying on hill
Bottom right – 14 corps arrive

Top right - 3 Russian corps deploy in front of Naumburg
Centre right – 2 Russian corps move towards centre behind pass
Centre right – Kutuzov with commander 2 corps
Centre right - 4 Russian corps deploy to face enemy

Move Sequence
1 French on Hold orders, no action
1 Russian arrive at pass, blocked by 2 corps
Kutuzov at pass, no action
3 Russian unlimber artillery and form column of attack
2 French march into Naumburg
14 Westphalian fire guns and miss, move infantry forward
Napoleon move to Naumburg to join 2 corps
French cavalry change orders to “Halt”
Poor Card
2 Russian move clear of pass
4 Russian miss move, again, due to Poor Card
3 French move artillery to edge of hill

Second Battle of Naumburg

2010-02-17T08:13:00.000-08:00

Move 3

1000 to 1100 6 June 1813

Table
Top left - 1 French corps in Naumburg
Centre left - French cavalry reserve
Bottom left - 3 French corps deploying on hill
Bottom right – 14 corps arrive
Bottom – Napoleon with 14 corps

Top right - 3 Russian corps deploy in front of Naumburg
Top right – 2 Russian corps move towards centre behind pass
Top right – Kutuzov with commander 2 corps
Centre right - 4 Russian corps deploy to face enemy

Move Sequence
Napoleon gives his move to 14 Westphalian to avoid Poor Card
14 Westphalian unlimber artillery and infantry form column of attack
3 French move artillery to right side of hill and infantry form column of attack
1 French Hold orders, no action taken
4 Russian miss move due to Poor Card
2 Russian change orders “Move to Centre”
3 Russian move forward clear of pass and deploy
French cavalry move within charge range of Russian cavalry
Kutuzov move to 3 corps change orders to “Hold”

Second Battle of Naumburg

2010-02-16T01:10:00.000-08:00

Move 2

0900 to 1000 6 June 1813

Table
Top left - 1 French corps in Naumburg
Centre left - French cavalry move forward
Bottom left - 3 French corps occupy hill
Bottom right – 14 Westphalian arrive
Bottom right – Napoleon with 14 Westphalian

Too right - 3 Russian corps moving through pass towards Naumburg
Top right – Kutuzov at right of pass waiting for 2 corps to arrive
Centre right - 4 Russian corps turn to face enemy

Move Sequence
1 French orders on Hold orders, no movement
3 French corps move artillery onto hill and deploy infantry behind hill
French cavalry move towards 4 Russian corps
Poor Card
2 Russian corps again unable to arrive due to 3 corps blocking Zeitz road through pass
Napoleon moves to 14 Westphalian and change orders “Engage 4 Russian corps”
Kutuzov moves to 3 Russian corps change orders to “Hold”
3 Russian corps miss move due to Poor Card
4 Russian corps turn to face threat and deploy artillery
14 Westphalians arrive and march towards 4 Russian corps

Second Battle of Naumburg

2010-02-15T01:56:00.000-08:00

Move 1

0800 to 0900 6 June 1813

Table
Top left - 1 French corps in Naumburg
Centre left - French cavalry reserve
Bottom centre - 3 French corps marching to Naumburg
Bottom centre - Napoleon with 3 corps on hill

Top right - 3 Russian corps moving through pass towards Naumburg
Centre left - 4 Russian corps moving toweards Naumburg
Centre left - Kutuzov with 4 corps

Move Sequence
2 Russian corps fail to arrive because 3 corps are blocking the road through the pass
French cavalry reserve on Hold orders, no movement.
3 French corps move towards town, cavalry to edge of hill and spot 4 Russian corps.
Napoleon moves to cavalry reserve and orders “Move towards 4 Russian corps”.
Napoleon moves to 3 French corps and orders “Move towards 4 Russian corps”.
4 Russian corps sight French cavalry on hill and change orders to “Halt”
1 French corps move cavalry forward to edge of Naumburg and form line
Poor Card
14 Westphalian corps miss move due to Poor Card
Kutuzov move to 4 Russian corps and orders “Hold”

Campaign Move 16

2010-02-13T05:50:00.000-08:00

Second Battle of Naumburg – 6 June 1813

0800 6 June 1813

Campaign Map to Wargames Table

Photo of wargames table at 0800 6 June 1813

Wargames Table

Naumburg is the town at the top left

The road on the left leads to Halle (north) and Gera (south)

The road at the top leads to Zeith (east) and Weimar (west)

Deployment

Napoleon is in Naumburg

1 French corps in and around Naumburg

2 French corps will reach Naumburg on Halle road move 4

3 French corps moving towards Naumburg from the south

14 French corps is marching behind 3 corps

Kutuzov is on hill top right

1 Russian corps will arrive on Zeitz road move 4

2 Russian corps will arrive on Zeitz road move 1

3 Russian corps is marching towards Naumburg on Zeitz road

4 Russian corps is marching towards Naumburg south of Zeitz road

Campaign background

Napoleon has ordered his army to concentrate at Naumburg. 1^st French corps and cavalry reserve hold Naumburg. 2^nd corps is approaching from the north, 3^rd and 14^th corps from the south.

Kutuzov has ordered his army to attack Naumburg at first light. 3^rd and 4^th corps approach from Zeitz. 2^nd corps will reinforce from Zeitz, 1^st corps from Lutzen.

French Army

CinC Emperor Napoleon (G)

1 French Corps General Friant (G)

1 Infantry Brigade CA FB SB

2 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

3 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB 1 casualty

4 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC

1 Cavalry Brigade CA Light

1 Foot Artillery CA 12 pounder

2 French Corps Marshal Victor (A)

5 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

6 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

7 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB

8 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC

2 Corps Artillery CB 12 pounder

3 French Corps General Souham (A)

9 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

10 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

11 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB

12 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC

6 Cavalry Brigade CB Heavy

3 Corps Artillery CB 9 pounder

14 Westphalian Marshal Marmont (P)

5 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

6 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

7 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB

8 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC

4 Corps Artillery CC 9 pounder

Reserve Cavalry General Exelmans (A)

2 Cavalry Brigade CB Medium

14 Cavalry Brigade CC Light

Russian Army

CinC Marshal Kutuzov (A)

1 Corps General Langron (G)
1 Infantry Brigade CA FB SB
2 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB
3 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB
4 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC
1 Cavalry Brigade CC Light 1 casualty
Corps Artillery CB 12 pounder

2 Corps General Sacken (A)
5 Infantry Brigade CA FB SB
6 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB 1 casualty
7 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB
8 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC
2 Cavalry Brigade CB Heavy
Corps Artillery CB 12 pounder

3 Corps General Wittgenstein (P)
9 Infantry Brigade CA FB SB
10 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB
11 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB
12 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC
3 Cavalry Brigade CB Light
Corps Artillery CB 9 pounder

4 Corps General St Priest (P)
13 Infantry Brigade CA FB SB
14 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB
15 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB
16 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC
4 Cavalry Brigade CB Heavy
Corps Artillery CB 9 pounder

Campaign Move 15

2010-02-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary

1600 to 2000 5 June 1813

The French Garde and cavalry reserve have taken up position to hold Naumburg, the remainder of the French army have orders to march to Naumburg.

2nd, 3rd and 4th Russian corps have joined forces at Zietz, and 1st corps is marching south to join them.

At midnight Napoleon issues orders to hold Naumburg.

At midnight Kutuzov issues order to march on Naumburg

Campaign Note

As the player participation part of the campaign has now ended, I can show the positions of all corps as at nightfall on 5 June 1813.

Four of the ten players have failed to let me have their movement orders for this move, which is the reason that I have had to suspend the PBEM campaign. Rather than end the campaign at this point, I have decided to close it with a major battle. I have followed the orders received for Move 15 as closely as possible, and I have moved those corps without orders to provide a final battle in which both sides have a reasonable chance of winning.

The final battle will be fought for Naumburg. 1st French corps and the French cavalry reserve will be on Hold orders, all other corps will start the game with “Move to Naumburg” orders.

Campaign developments

2010-01-29T01:33:00.000-08:00

Over the past three weeks it has become apparent that there has been a loss of interest in the campaign. Two players confirmed that they would no longer be able to continue with the campaign. A further two players failed to send in their movement orders despite at least two reminders. I have not heard from them since Christmas, so I must assume that they also have lost interest in the game.

The delay in the play whilst I waited, in vain, for replies has meant that the campaign has lost its impetus.

The campaign was moving towards a major battle, and I feel it would not be fair to ask the remaining six players to take on the added task of trying to sort out the complicated movements.

The campaign was within two moves of a major battle, and that would have been a good point to draw the campaign to a close.

I do not want to end the campaign on this sad note. A lot of players have put considerable work into it so far, and it would be very unfair on them. So I have decided to convert the PBEM to a solo campaign for the final two or three moves.

The PBEM will end on move 14, the last move for which I received all of the corps commander movement orders. That would be 1600 5 June 1813.

I have received orders for six corps for move 15, and I will issue the two missing orders myself. That will take the campaign up to 2000 5 June 1813.

There will then be a major battle starting on Move 16 0800 6 June 1813. This battle will bring the campaign to an end.

As the PBEM campaign has now ceased, and as hidden movement is no longer an issue, I will include a campaign map with move 15, which will show the locations of all commands at at nightfall on 5 June 1813.

I am sorry that this action has been necessary, particularly for those players who have supported the campaign to this point.

Campaign Move 14

2010-01-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary
1200 to 1600 5 June 1813

4 Russian Corps marching to Zeitz

Napoleon has crossed the river Saale between Naumburg and Gera. However his retreat from Zeitz has left the Imperial Garde and reserve cavalry seriously exposed at Naumburg. He has ordered his army to concentrate there.

Kutuzov has also ordered a concentration at Zeitz. However this will leave the vital supply routes from Lutzen to Leipzig and Rohenburg to Dresden undefended. If he cannot achieve a quick and decisive victory over the French the loss of both supply lines could prove disastrous.

Both armies are widely separated, and the French also have the river Saale to contend with. The Russians are on interior lines, and can expect to concentrate first. However they will then have to move against the French.

It is now a matter of who can concentrate first and seize the initiative.

Campaign Move 13

2010-01-13T11:51:00.001-08:00

Campaign Diary

0800 to 1200 5 June 1813

French on the move

The campaign has entered a critical phase, with both armies moving into close contact. As this campaign involves hidden movement it is difficult for me to explain more without giving away information about the enemy.

The movement following the battle of Zeitz, and other cavalry contact reports at the end of Move 12, has lifted the veil slightly. Some commanders have become aware that they are somewhat exposed, others that they are too far from the centre of operations.

Commanders in Chief received their daily update at the end of Move 12, and have issued new orders to their corps commanders for Move 13.

Campaign Move 12

2009-12-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary
1600 to 2000 14 June 1813

Zeitz at nightfall

General Langeron fails to take the Halle bridge and falls back to Lutzen, leaving 2^nd French corps in control of the town.

Further south general Friant with the Imperial Garde attempts to take Zeitz, which is held by 2^nd Russian corps commanded by general Sacken. The 3^rd Russian corps arrives during the battle, as does the French reserve cavalry division. Friant has hoped to take Zeitz before the reinforcements arrived, however he had to made a detour to his left to avoid 3^rd Russian corps, and this resulted in too much time being lost.

At nightfall the two armies are face to face and both commanders in chief will have to decide whether to continue the battle at daybreak.

Campaign Move 12

2009-12-15T00:37:00.000-08:00

Battle of Zeitz
1600 to 2000 4 June 1813

Wargame Move Five – 1600 hrs

3^rd Russian corps and French cavalry reserve arrive on battlefield

Russian cinc move first

6 command points

Wait for arrival of 3 Russian corps

French left - cavalry reserve arrive

French cavalry reserve move second

Orders – Move to Zeitz

3 command points

Move towards town

Russian left - infantry deploy to meet French approach

2 Russian corps move third

Orders – Hold Zeitz

5 command points

Artillery out of range

Move infantry to west of town and form column of attack

Move general to centre of corps

French left - Garde march towards Zeitz

1 French corps move fourth

Orders – Move to Zeitz

7 command points

Cavalry observe town and 3 Russian corps

Move infantry towards farm through farm

Unlimber artillery

General move to centre of corps

Russian left - cossacks cover 3 corps arrival

3 Russian corps move fifth

Orders – Move to Zeitz

5 command points

Move cavalry, artillery and 3 infantry towards town

Wargame Move Six – 1700 hrs

Russian left - infantry deploy left of Zeitz

2 Russian corps move first

Orders – Hold Zeitz

5 command points

Out of artillery range

Move general to west of town

Deploy infantry west of town

Move general to centre of corps

Russian left - cavalry protect 3 corps flank

3 Russian corps move second

Orders – Move to Zeitz

5 command points

Move corps towards town

French left - Garde arrive at farm

1 French corps move third

Orders – Move to Zeitz

5 command points

Artillery fire on infantry and miss

Manhandle artillery forward

Move infantry forward

Russian cinc move fourth

6 command points

Move to join 3 corps commander

Change 3 corps orders “Move to pass”

Move towards 2 corps

French centre - reserve cavalry move towards pass

French cavalry reserve move fifth

Orders – Move to Zeitz

2 command points

Both brigades move towards pass

Wargame Move Seven – 1800 hrs

French left - Garde halt at farm

1 French move first

Orders – Move to Zeitz

7 command points

Change orders to “Hold Farm”

Artillery fire on infantry and miss

1 brigade occupy farm

Manhandle artillery forward

3 brigade form square

Russian cinc move second

4 command points

No orders issued

French centre - cavalry reserve arrive at pass

French cavalry reserve move third

Orders – Move to Zeitz

2 command points

Move commander into command range

Move dragoon brigade

Russian left - 3 corps start to deploy

3 Russian corps move fourth

Orders – Move to pass

5 command points

Move commander to centre of corps

Deploy cavalry into line

Move artillery and 2 infantry brigades

Russian right - 2 corps come under fire right of Zeitz

2 Russian corps move fifth

Orders – Hold Zeitz

7 command points

Artillery fire at square and 1 hit

Infantry pass morale test

Infantry form line

Wargame Move Eight – 1900 hrs

Russian right - brigade nearest Zeit is shaken

2 Russian corps move first

Orders – Hold Zeitz

5 command points

Fire artillery at square and miss

No other movement

Russian cinc move second

Move to commander 3 corps

Change orders to “Move to Zeitz”

Move to town

French centre - cavalry reserve join garde cavalry

French cavalry reserve move third

Orders – Move to Zeitz

3 command points

Move to high ground on left of pass

French left - Garde deploy to hold farm

1 French corps move fourth

Orders – Hold Farm

6 command points

Artillery fire on infantry and 1 hit

Infantry fail morale test and are Shaken

No further movement

Russian left - 3 corps move towards Zeitz

3 Russian corps move fifth
Orders – Move to Zeitz
4 command points
Move artillery and 3 infantry brigades

End of campaign move 12
At nightfall the battle is far from decided.

The Imperial Garde have failed to achieve their objective of defeating 2nd Russian corps before 3rd Russian corps can arrive. The garde artillery have not been effective, despite their better grade gunners. This has caused general Friant to hold his position rather than launch an all out attack. The garde cavalry have held their position throughout the battle, and this has caused the 2nd Russian corps to hold their position until reinforcements arrive.

The French cavalry reserve have been particularly unlucky in their dice throw, and have taken much longer to arrive in front of Zeitz. Because of this they have failed to delay the approach of 3rd Russian corps.

2nd Russian corps have held their own throughout the day. They have extended their right flank to delay the French garde.

3rd Russian corps have made much better progress than expected, partly due to the late arrival of the French cavalry reserve, but also due to particularly good dice for command points.

Overnight Movement

If the battle continues to a second day both sides will be allowed to consolidate their position during the night, but not to advance. This will be greatly to the advantage of the Russians, as they can deploy ready to attack at daybreak. They now outnumber the French

The French are very close to the Russian positions. The three cavalry brigades outnumber the two Russian brigades. However the Russians have two artillery batteries to one French. They also have 65 infantry to 31 French infantry.

Campaign Move 11

2009-12-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

Battle of Zeitz

1200 to 1600 4 June 1813

Wargame Move One – 1200 hrs

2 Russian corps in and around Zeitz

2 Russian corps move first

Orders – Hold Zeitz

7 command points

No movement, all in position

1 French corps marching towards Zeitz

1 French corps move second

Orders – Move to Zeitz

5 command points

Cavalry observe town

Corps move to the left of the pass to protect their right flank from Russian reinforcements

Russian cinc move third

4 command points

Move to join cavalry brigade

Wargame Move Two – 1300 hrs

1 French corps move to left of pass

1 French corps move first

Orders – Move to Zeitz

Cavalry observe town

4 command points

Corps move towards town

Russians move to counter French flank attack

2 Russian corps move second

Orders – Hold Zeitz

5 command points

Limber and move artillery

Move general to centre of corps

Move reserve infantry brigade to west of town

Russian cinc move third

4 command points

Move to centre of corps

Wargame Move Three – 1400 hrs

French start to deploy

1 French corps move first

Orders – Move to Zeitz

7 command points

Cavalry observe town

Corps move towards town and start to deploy

Russian cinc move second

5 command points

Remain in centre of corps

Russians react to French deployment

2 Russian corps move third

Orders – Hold Zeitz

Unlimber artillery

Move cavalry forward to protect artillery

Move second reserve infantry brigade to the west

Wargame Move Four – 1500 hrs

Russian cinc move first

4 command points

Move south to meet 3 Russian corps on Rohenburg road

French move towards Zeitz

1 French corps move second

Orders – Move to Zeitz

8 command points

Cavalry observe town

Move infantry and artillery forward

Infantry form column of attack

Russians move to left of Zeitz to counter French advance

2 Russian corps move third
Orders – Hold Zeitz
5 command points
Artillery out of range
Manhandle artillery forward
Move infantry square forward to support artillery
Move two infantry brigades to west of town

End of Campaign Move 11

At the end of the move the French Imperial Garde had failed to engage, let alone defeat, 2nd Russian corps. This was largely due to the need to move against the Russian right flank, in order to avoid the French right flank being in danger when 3rd Russian corps arrived.

Although isolated, the French cavalry brigade continued to hold their position on the right hand hill of the pass, which prevented the Russians redeploying more troops to their right flank to counter the Garde advance.

This was the best chance the French had of winning this battle. Form now on the odds would swing in favour of the Russian army as 3rd corps began to arrive along the Borma road. The arrival of the French cavalry reserve from Halle might make a difference, but only if they could arrive in time to delay 3rd corps arrival.

Campaign Move 11

2009-12-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

Battle of Zeitz

1200 to 1600 4 June 1813

Campaign Map to Wargames Table

Photo of wargames table at 1200 4 June 1813

Campaign background

At first light the French guard cavalry attacked the Russian cavalry, overthrew them and chased them back to 2^nd Russian corps at Zeitz. At midday general Friant ordered the Imperial Garde to advance and take Zeitz.

The previous day 2^nd Russian corps had been ordered to break contact at Nurmburg and withdraw to Zeitz. They were now rested and combat ready and had orders to hold Zeitz.

French Order of Battle

1 French corps marching towards Zeitz

1 French Corps General Friant (G)

1 Infantry Brigade CA FB SB

2 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

3 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB

4 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC

1 Cavalry Brigade CA Light

1 Foot Artillery CA 12 pounder

Russian Order of Battle

2 Russian corps in Zeitz

2 Russian Corps General Sacken (A)

5 Infantry Brigade CA FB SB

6 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

7 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB

8 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC

2 Cavalry Brigade CB Heavy

Corps Artillery CB 12 pounder

Wargames Table

Zeitz is the small town on cross roads on the right. The river Saale can be seen top left.

2^nd Russian corps is deployed in and around the town with orders to hold it at all costs.

1^st French corps is marching on the Naumburg road on the left, with their cavalry brigade on the high ground overlooking Zeitz.

The road at the top goes to Lutzen and at the bottom to Rohenburg.

The battlefield includes three farms as well as Zeitz, and a strategically placed pass on the Naumburg road

Reinforcements

At 1600 the 3^rd Russian corps will reach the battlefield along the Rohenburg road, and the French cavalry division just south of the river Saale.

3 Russian Corps General Wittgenstein (P)

9 Infantry Brigade CA FB SB

10 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

11 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB

12 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC

3 Cavalry Brigade CB Light

Corps Artillery CB 9 pounder

Reserve Cavalry General Exelmans (A)

2 Cavalry Brigade CB Medium

14 Cavalry Brigade CC Light

Campaign Move 11

2009-12-10T00:54:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary
1200 to 1600 4 June 1813
Battle of Zeitz

Campaign map at the start of the battle of Zeitz

This move saw the start of two battles. The first was Halle, which has already been published. The second was further south at Zeitz.

On move 8, 3 June 1813, 1st French corps and 2nd Russian corps had fought a minor action at Naumburg. The Russians were ordered to break off the action and retreat to Zeitz. There were no casualties in this combat.

The French cavalry maintained contact with the Russian rear guard during this retreat, and soon determined that the Russians were going to defend Zeitz. The also reported that 3rd Russian corps were marching towards Zeitz from Rohenburg.

General Friant decided to attack Zeitz. He was aware that the cavalry reserve were approaching from Halle, and would use them to delay 3rd Russian corps. He was confident that the Garde could take Zeitz before their reinforcements could arrive.

At first light the Garde Chasseurs drove in the Russian cavalry screen and the Garde advanced on Zeitz.

Campaign Move 11

2009-12-08T04:20:00.000-08:00

Battle of Halle

1200 to 1600 4 June 1813

Wargame Move One – 1200 hrs

Cossacks cross bridge to attack French as they emerge from Halle

Russian corps move first

Orders - Move to Halle

5 command points

Change orders to Engage

Cossacks are disordered crossing the bridge

Leading infantry and artillery move closer to bridge

French artillery unlimber under protection of infantry square

French corps move second

Orders – Move to bridge

5 command points

Cossacks unable to opportunity charge as disordered

Leading infantry brigade move forward and form square

Guns move forward and unlimber

Wargame Move Two – 1300

Very important who moves first as cossacks are within canister range of French artillery

French artillery fire cannister on cossacks

French corps move first

Orders – Move to bridge

4 command points

Change orders to Hold Halle

Artillery fire canister on cossacks – one hit

Cossacks roll for morale (6) fail and are Shaken

Infantry move through Halle

Cossacks lose morale and rout

Russian corps move second

Orders – Engage

5 command points

Move commander within range of cossacks

Orders cossacks back over bridge

Move artillery forward

Move commander to centre of corps

Test cossacks morale (1) fail and Rout

No friendly close enough to have to test morale

Wargame Move Three - 1400

French take up position to cover the Halle bridge

French corps move first

Orders – Hold Halle

7 command points

No enemy in range of artillery

Move infantry and deploy in front of Halle

Manhandle artillery forward

Russian artillery unlimber and corps advance beyond woods

Russian corps move second

Orders – Engage

7 command points

Change orders to Move to bridge

Move artillery and unlimber

Move infantry out of woods

Test morale for cossacks, fail, continue to Rout

Wargame Move Four – 1500

Russians deploy out of artillery range

Russian corps move first

Orders – Move to bridge

7 command points

Commander too far away to fire guns

Move all infantry towards bridge

Move commander to centre of corps

Test cossacks morale, fail, continue to Rout

French deployd to meet any attack over the Halle bridge

French corps move second
Orders Hold Halle
5 command points
Artillery fire on artillery, miss
Manhandle guns forward
Deploy infantry in front of Halle

End of Campaign Move 11

2nd French corps are now in a strong defensive position and their artillery cover the only available bridge over the river Saale. In these circumstances any attack across the bridge must end in disaster for the Russians.

It is clear to general Langeron that he can not longer hope to force a crossing of the river Saale, let alone attack Halle. To remain where he is would only invite further casualties from the French artillery. He orders his corps to retreat towards Lutzen.

Campaign Move 11

2009-12-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Battle of Halle

1200 to 1600 4 June 1813

Campaign Map to Wargames Table

Photo of wargames table at 1200 4 June 1813

Campaign background

2^nd French corps approached Halle at 0800 on 4 June 1813, and spotted a large body of Cossacks approaching the bridge over the river Saale along the Lutzen road. The bridge is to the east of the town, and Marshal Victor immediately ordered his corps to move through the town and secure the bridge

General Langeron had reached Lutzen two days earlier, and his corps was deployed to hold the town. A small body of French cavalry were deployed on the eastern end of the Halle bridge over the river Saale, and Langeron sent his Cossacks forward to observe and contain them.

Just after daybreak on 4 June 1813 Langeron was advised that the French cavalry were withdrawing over the bridge, and with their supports were move south along the western bank of the river Saale. They also reported a French column approaching Halle from the west, but no enemy actually in Halle itself.

Presented with this opportunity to take Halle, he ordered his corps forward with orders to cross the bridge and occupy the town. If they encountered any of the enemy they were to engage them.

French marching through Halle

French Order of Battle

2 French Corps Marshal Victor (A)

5 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

6 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

7 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB

8 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC

2 Corps Artillery CB 12 pounder

Russians approach Saale bridge

Russian Order of Battle

1 Corps General Langron (G)

1 Infantry Brigade CA FB SB

2 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB

3 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB

4 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC

1 Cavalry Brigade CB Light

Corps Artillery CB 12 pounder

Wargames Table

Halle is the town on the left, and the river Saale runs north to south in the centre. The vital bridge is in the centre of the table.

1^st Russian corps is approaching from the right on the Lutzen road. The head of the column is just leaving the woods. The Cossack brigade is at the eastern end of the bridge.

2^nd French corps is passing through Halle on the road leading to the bridge. Their cavalry brigade have been detached, so they are without cavalry support.

The road on the western side of the river is the Naumburg road.

The battlefield is quite crowded, with two farms, a large woods and two hills, one on the Naumburg road and the other to the south of the Lutzen road.

Campaign Move 11

2009-12-04T02:38:00.001-08:00

Campaign Diary
1200 to 1600 4 June 1813
Battle of Halle

Campaign map at start of battle

Having received reports that the French cavalry screen has withdrawn from the bridge over the river Saale, General Langeron has ordered 1st Russian corps to cross the river Saale and attack Halle

As Marshal Victor approaches Halle he is informed of a large body of Cossacks approaching the bridge along the Lutzen road. He orders his corps to march through the town and hold the bridge at all costs.

Campaign Move 10

2009-12-03T05:08:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary
0800 to 1200 4 June 1813

3rd Russian corps on the march

A busy morning as both armies react to reports and contacts with the enemy

In the north French cavalry patrols are withdrawn from the eastern bank of the river Saale and the Cossacks move forward to take the abandoned bridge.

Further south the Russians withdraw east and occupy Zeitz. The French move cautiously eastwards.

But the real confusion is in the south. For no apparent reason the French abandon the town of Gera and move back towards Jena. The Russians in this area are redeploying and do not take advantage of this opportunity.

Campaign Move 9

2009-11-30T23:17:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary
1600 to 2000 3 June 1813

French reinforcements on their way to the river Saale

The Russians broke off contact at Naumburg and withdrew along the road to Zeitz. It wasearly in the battle and there were no casualties on either side. The French are now in possession of Naumburg.

The French have also crossed the river Saale further south and occupied Gera.

Apart from the brief engagement at Naumburg, the Russians have not attempted to stop the French from crossing the river Saale.

At the end of 3 June Napoleon is well pleased with the progress he has made. He has established two bridgeheads over the river Saale and is well placed to continue his advance on Dresden.

Campaign Move 4

2009-11-29T02:01:00.001-08:00

Battle of Naumburg

0800 - 1200 3 June 1813

Imperial Garde cross river Saale and approach Naumburg

Wargame Move One – 1200 hrs

First move – Russian corps

Orders - Move to Naumburg

5 command points

Continue along Zeitz road towards Naumburg behind cavalry screen

Second move – French corps

Orders - Move to Naumburg

6 command points

Cross bridge over river Saale and deploy to attack Naumburg.

Cavalry brigade protect crossing against enemy cuirassiers

Russian and French infantry enter opposite ends of town

Wargame Move Two – 1300 hrs

First move – Kutuzov

6 command points

Moves forward to join cavalry screen and observe enemy

Second move – Russian corps

Orders - Move to Naumburg

5 command points

Leading grenadier brigade enters western section of Naumburg.

Artillery move to the east of the town supported by infantry

Remaining infantry deploy behind cover of the town

Third move – French corps

Orders - Move to Naumburg

7 command points

Artillery moves forward behind cavalry screen and unlimbers

Leading infantry brigade enters western section of town

Remainder of infantry deploy to west of town.

Garde infantry form column of attack

Wargame Move Three – 1400 hrs

First move – French corps

Orders - Move to Naumburg

6 command points

Artillery out of command range cannot fire

Commander moves forward

Artillery man handle forward

Infantry form column of attack

Second move – Russian corps

Orders - Move to Naumburg

5 command points

Move guns forward and unlimber

Cavalry retire behind town away from artillery threat

Third move - Kutuzov

6 command points

Move to corps commander

Change orders to Engage town

The Imperial Garde prepare to attack town

Wargame Move Four – 1500 hrs

First move – Russian corps

Orders - Engage town

5 command points

Cavalry redeploy to protect eastern flank

Infantry deploy behind cover of town

Second move – French corps

Orders - Move to Naumburg

5 command points

Cavalry advance to cover eastern flank

Artillery limber and move closer to town

Infantry deploy in preparation to assault town

Third move – Kutuzov

4 command points

Move to cavalry to observe enemy preparations

End of Campaign Move 8

Marshal Kutuzov orders a retreat back along the Zietz road. Neither corps are in close combat and with the cavalry forming the rear guard the withdrawal is completed in good order.

1 French corps occupy Naumburg and await further orders

There were no casualties on either side during this brief skirmish.

Campaign Move 4

2009-11-27T01:27:00.000-08:00

Battle of Naumburg
0800 - 1200 3 June 1813

Campaign Map to Wargames Table

Campaign background

At first light on the morning of 3 June 1813 general Sacken was approaching Naumburg on the east bank of the river Saale, when he received reports from his cavalry screen that French cavalry had crossed the river and were approaching the town from the west. He ordered his cavalry to contain the enemy and discover what was behind the cavalry screen

The French cavalry was a brigade of chasseurs, the advance guard of the 1st corps, the Imperial Garde. Napoleon was not present, and the decision whether to fight or not rested with general Friant. Without hesitation he ordered his corps to cross the bridge and advance on Naumburg, the cavalry would hold their ground to cover the crossing.

French Order of Battle

1 French Corps General Friant (G)
1 Infantry Brigade CA FB SB
2 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB
3 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB
4 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC
1 Cavalry Brigade CA Light
1 Foot Artillery CA 12 pounder

Russian Order of Battle

2 Corps General Sacken (A)
5 Infantry Brigade CA FB SB
6 Infantry Brigade CB FB SB
7 Infantry Brigade CB FC SB
8 Infantry Brigade CC FC SC
2 Cavalry Brigade CB Heavy
Corps Artillery CB 12 pounder

Wargames Table

The town at the crossroads is Naumberg. The top road leads to Halle and the bottom to Gera. The road on the right is from Zeitz and on the left to Weimar. The river is the Saale. The terrain is open and flat except for one hill to the west of the Gera road.

The Russians are approaching the town from the right along the Zeitz road, their cavalry are south of the town observing the French advance

The French are just starting to cross the river, and their cavalry are deployed to protect the crossing from the enemy cavalry

Campaign Move 8

2009-11-26T04:50:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary

1200 to 1600 3 June 1813

Campaign map at start of battle

1st French corps cross the river Saale and approach Naumburg. Their cavalry immediately clash with cavalry from 2nd Russian corps. Both sides have orders to occupy the town, which results in the first battle of the campaign.

Campaign Move 7

2009-11-24T23:24:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary
0800 to 1200 3 June 1813

French corps approach river Saale

French cavalry cross river Saale and move eastwards. They are soon in contact with Russian cavalry and deploy but await further orders. Napoleon is too far to the rear to take personal command of the situation, and the decision whether to engage is left to the corps commanders on the spot.

Campaign Move 6

2009-11-24T00:05:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary
1600 to 2000 2 June 1813

Napoleon meets with his corps commanders in Erfurt

Napoleon is reported to have arrived in Erfurt. The main road from Fulda is crowded with military supply convoys and large numbers of marching troops all heading east. All post houses and local government buildings have been taken over by the French authorities, and all mail seized.

Campaign Move 5

2009-11-22T02:48:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary
1200 to 1600 2 June 1813

French corps nearing Erfurt

French troops entered Erfurt and imposed a curfew on the civilian population. Despite this there are reports of wide spread looting and abuse of civilians. Throughout the surrounding countryside French patrols are collecting food and material from villages and farms. Despite this the local population are understood to prefer the presence of French to Russian troops.

Rule 5 - Campaign Messages

2009-11-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

There has been some cavalry contact today, and it has highlighted how necessary it is to write your emails with care.

You will all be aware that each day is divided into three sections. Each of those sections is a move in the campaign. You will see if you look at the campaign diary that Move 1 is 0800 1 June 1813

When you write a a report or send an order you should always put on it who it is from, the date and time it is sent and the location it is sent from. You should also put who it is addressed to.

I have sent cavalry contact reports to corps commanders and then been asked what time they receive the message. You can assume that all mail is received within the same move that it is sent. However your reply will be at the start of the next move. For example if you receive a report dated 0800 1 June your reply should be 1200 1 June. In other words it is sent in Move 1 and your reply will be sent in Move 2.

If you receive a report from your cavalry commander the reply should be sent to him, and possibly new orders issued to your corps. These should be sent to me as umpire. If you want to notify your cinc, or an adjacent corps commander, these should also be sent to me, as there may be a time delay imposed. Don't forget that I am your corps chief of staff, so in fact you are giving your chief of staff a message addressed to your cinc or adjacent corps commander.

It is very important that you stick to these rules. There are a lot of email going around, and they are all either addressed to me, or copied to me. It is essential that we all understand who they are from and who they are addressed to, plus the time and place they are sent from.

If you have a general query for me then just send a normal email - no need for all of the above.

Campaign Move 4

2009-11-20T23:59:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary
0800 to 1200 2 June 1813

1 Russian corps enter Leipzig

Large crowds of civilians left Leipzig and headed for Halle as the Russians approached the city. The King of Saxony has declared that he will remain neutral during this campaign, but that has not stopped the Russian Cossacks from creating havoc amongst the civilian population. Nor taking possession of Leipzig There are reports that Leipzig contained large amounts of military stores and equipment, which is now in Russian hands.

Campaign Move 3

2009-11-19T23:46:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary
1600 to 2000 1 June 1813

French army on the march

Both armies made good progress during the first day, but no contact was made between them.

Reports reached Imperial Headquarters of masses of Cossacks spreading alarm and panic amongst the towns and villages to the west of the river Saale. The French ambassador at Dresden confirmed that Kutuzov has left the city with his entire army heading towards Leipzig on the great Dresden to Halle road.

Few reports reached Kutuzov about French intentions or activities, as the Prussian towns people and villagers avoided the Russian’s like the plague. He was confident that if he continued his march west he would eventually meet with the French, and equally confident that when he did he would defeat them.

Campaign Move 2

2009-11-19T00:28:00.001-08:00

Campaign Diary
1200 to 1600 1 June 1813

Kutuzov reviews the Russian army at Dresden

For two months Kutuzov had rested his weary army which had driven Napoleon back from Moscow the previous year. Most were ill and had to be replaced by reinforcements from Russia.

Each of the four corps contained an elite grenadier brigade, and most were well trained. But few had any experience of war.

The recent defeat of Blucher at Magdeburg had forced Kutuzov to move west to the river Saale in order to protect the strategic left flank of the broken Prussians. His men were anxious for an opportunity to finish what their comrades had begun the previous year.

Campaign Move 1

2009-11-18T03:11:00.000-08:00

Campaign Diary
0800 to 1200 1 June 1813

Napoleon reviews First French Army at Fulda

In late May Napoleon arrived at Fulda with the Imperial Garde. He immediately reviewed the First French army, with which he would march east towards the river Saale

The Imperial Garde was not the same as the elite body which Napoleon had led into Russia the previous year. They were mainly veterans from Spain, plus the best of the new conscripts.

The remaining two French corps were also built around cadre’s from Spain and consisted mostly of garrison troops, navy personnel and raw recruits.

The Westphalian corps contained survivors from the Russian campaign, men from the coastal garrisons and yet more conscripts.

On 1 June 1813 they marched east and began the Halle campaign of 1813

Rule 4 - Contact with the enemy

2009-11-14T00:48:00.000-08:00

Contact with the enemy

Line of sight is two squares. The corps cavalry screen is one square in front of the corps.

When two corps come within three squares of each other they will halt to await further orders. The corps commanders will be notified and must confirm what they want to do next.

Campaign Battles

All campaign battles will be fought by Paul and Jan

Map to Table

The wargames table is three squares wide by three squares deep.

A corps on move orders will retreat if an enemy on “engage” approaches them, until the corps commander changes his movement order to “engage”.

Reinforcements

Any corps can be moved to reinforce a battle providing they are close enough. The corps commander orders his corps to “engage” onto one of the squares in the battle.

Rule 3 - Map Movement

2009-11-14T00:45:00.002-08:00

Campaign Map

This is the only map which will be used during the campaign

Each square is the same as a scenic square on the wargames table.

Red roads are main supply routes

Rivers can only be crossed by bridges

Hills, woods and broken ground are all difficult terrain and will impose move penalties if crossed other than along the roads.

Daily Movement

On roads – three squares
Off roads in open terrain – two squares
Off roads in difficult terrain – one square

Campaign movement and movement orders

CinC will issue orders to corps commanders for the next campaign day

Corps commanders will issue a movement order for each movement phase of that day

Each day is divided into three movement phases.

Move 1 – 0800 to 1200
Move 2 – 1200 to 1600
Move 3 – 1600 to 2000

Rule 2 - Corps Commander

2009-11-14T00:43:00.000-08:00

Role of Corps Commander

He must carry out the CinC objective to the best of his ability. However how he does it is up to him.

He will decide his daily march route, how to react to changing circumstances and protect his supply depot. This is a named town. Each town can support only one corps. There must be a road from the main supply route (red road) to the town and from the town to the corps.

Movement orders

He will issue movement orders each campaign day. They should include his destination and which squares he will cross to get there.

Example of movement orders

Subject : 6 French corps movement for 1 May

6 corps will move from Halbeck to Colbitz.

Route is F2-E2-H2

Rule 1 - Commander in Chief

2009-11-14T00:41:00.000-08:00

Role of CinC

He is responsible for planning the campaign, resupply and command in multi corps battles.

He must give each corps commander an objective. This is normally a town or a terrain feature such as a bridge.

I will allocate the main supply base and a forward supply base for each corps at the start of the campaign. If one of these is lost to the enemy I will consult with the CinC to choose an alternative.

CinC orders

He must be within 8 map squares to issue orders

He will issue an order each campaign day.

It will confirm where his HQ is to move to, and by which squares he intends to move.

It will also confirm the next objective for each corps commander. The exact route they use will be up to them.

Example of Daily orders

Subject : French CinC orders for 3 May

HQ – move from Helstedt to Seehausen – B5 to C5 to D5 to E5

4 corps – move from Halbeck to Colbitz – search for enemy
5 corps – move from Seehausen to Magdeburg – search for enemy
6 corps – move from Groningen to Calbe– search for enemy
13 corps – remain at Helmstedt – army reserve

Campaign Maps

2009-10-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

Only these two maps will be used in the campaign.

Copies of these maps will be sent to each player by email so that they can keep a record of their moves and sightings of the enemy

This is the left, or western, map. This is the area in which the French army will deploy and do their initial moves.

This is the right, or eastern, map. This is the area in which the Russian army will deploy and do their initial moves.

Each side will be given their initial deployment location and their supply depot.

Campaign Background

2009-10-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

General

The campaign is set in central Germany in June 1813.

Russian Army

Marshal Kutuzov has spent the last five months resting and reorganizing his army after the terrible Russian campaign of the previous year.

His army consists of four balanced corps. Each has one elite infantry brigade, two regular and one conscript. His cavalry and artillery are all well trained regulars. His commanders are average and poor.

First French Army

Since his return from Russia the previous year Napoleon has made great efforts to create his new First French Army. It combines the survivors from Russia, reinforcements from Spain and a large proportion of conscripts.

His army consists of four corps. The Imperial Garde contains the best troops. The two French corps contain average and poor troops. The Westphalian corps has the poorest troops and equipment. His commanders are better than the Russians

Start of campaign

The campaign opens on 1 June 1813.

Both armies are moving towards the river Saale.

The campaign objective is to cross the river, engage and destroy the enemy

Introduction to the Campaign

2009-10-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

Aim
The aim of the campaign is to improve test procedures for a multi player play by email campaign, and to improve those procedures used in the previous 1813 Magdeburg Campaign.

Maps
Only the two maps provided will be used during the campaign

Historical background
This is not a historical campaign. It is set in 1813, but is not intended to follow the historical campaign

Player requirements
All players should have access to the internet Monday to Friday and they should be able to reply to an email within 24 hours.

It is anticipated that each player will normally have to submit orders every three days. However if his corps is in contact with the enemy he may have to do so daily.

There are two roles available, that of CinC and corps commander. The full responsibilities of each are shown in the blog Rules for CinC and Rules for corps commander.

Campaign routine
The campaign is divided into moves. There are three moves in each campaign day as follows:

0800 to 1200
1200 to 1600
1600 to 2000

Each CinC will be required to issue orders to his corps every campaign day.

Each corps commander will be required to issue movement orders for his corps for each move of the day

Hidden movement
No enemy locations will be given to players until actual contact is made.

Each corps will have a cavalry brigade screening its advance. This brigade will always be one square ahead of the corps, and can identify enemy up to two squares ahead. Therefore the corps will be aware of enemy who move within three squares.

When this happens the two corps will halt I will send a report from the cavalry to the corps commander, who will then have 24 hours to notify me what he wants to do. If he advances a battle will be fought

All battles will be played as wargames by Jan and me

Campaign blog
I will publish a campaign report each day for each move (that is one third of a campaign day). Maps will only be used to show battle positions, when both sides would be aware of the enemy locations.

If a battle if fought I will publish a battle report for each hour of the battle, as one move on the table is the same as one hour in the campaign

Players required
If you would like to take part in the campaign, or would like further information, please drop me an email at paulleniston@hotmail.com.