PBEM 1813 Magdeburg Campaign

Campaign Report - Move 10 - End of Campaign

2009-11-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Campaign map at start of move 11 - 1200 4 May 1813

CAMPAIGN DIARY

Move 1 – 0800-1200 1 May 1813
Prussian and French armies reach their concentration areas

Move 2 – 1200-1600 1 May 1813
The Prussian Army nears the river Saale, and 3 corps secure the bridge at Dessau.

The French Army have reached their concentration areas around Helmstedt.

Move 3 – 1600-2000 1 May 1813
3 Prussian corps crossed the river Saale and entered Dessau.

4 and 13 French corps both try to pass through Wolfsburg, causing a traffic jam and a delay of 24 hours to 13 corps.

Move 4 – 0800-1200 2 May 1813
The Prussians have now crossed the river Saale at Parey in the north and Dessau in the south.

The French traffic jam at Wolfsburg has been sorted out, 13 Polish corps have entered the town and are being sorted out ready to move tomorrow.

Move 5 – 1200-1600 2 May 1813
The Prussians have crossed the river Saale and 2 corps is approaching Magdeburg

The French continue their advance towards Magdeburg.

Move 6 – 1600-2000 2 May 1815
The Prussians have crossed the river Saale and are moving west when they sight the French army approaching them from Seehausen.

Move 7 – 1200-1400 3 May 6 May 1813
1 Prussian and 4 French corps fight the battle of Colbitz

2 Prussian and 5 French corps fight the battle of Seehausen

Move 8 – 1400 -1600 3 May 1813
The French win the battle of Colbitz. 4 French corps enters the town. 1 Prussian corps withdraws towards Parey

Battle of Seehausen continues. 2 Prussian and 5 French corps exchange fire. Marshal Davout and 6 French corps join the battle..

Move 9 – 1600-2000 3 May 1813
Battle of Seehausen continues. 3 Prussian corps joins the battle, just in time to add much needed support to the weary Prussian army

At midnight both commanders in chief give orders to continue the battle the next day.

Move 10 – 0800-1200 4 May 1813

The Battle of Seehausen continued with the arrival of 4 Prussian corps and 13 Polish corps, plus Marshal Blucher. However the tide quickly went against the Prussians and by 1100 two corps were in rout and a third desperately trying to hold the French advance

The approach of 4 French corps proved the final straw, and the Prussians withdrew towards Magdeburg and the solitary bridge over the river Saale.

CAMPAIGN NOTES

Battle of Seehausen - summary of Battle

For three hours the Prussian army held their own against the French attack.

On the left 5 French corps finally took possession of the village, and advanced against 2 Prussian corps. The two exchanged skirmish and later musket fire for two hours, both suffering heavy casualties.

In the centre both 13 Polish and 4 Prussian corps advanced towards the T junction in the centre of the battlefield. The Poles had further to march and made slow progress. The Prussian cavalry advanced to threaten 5 French corps, but received casualties from their artillery. This resulted in loss of morale and a subsequent rout, which took the gunners with them. The remainder of the corps made their morale, but were badly shaken.

On the right 6 French corps were inflicting heavy casualties on 3 Prussian corps. At 1100 the first Prussian brigade broke and ran, and within half an hour two more had joined them. The Prussian right wing was on the verge of collapse.

At 1200 4 French corps advanced against the Prussian right wing. Already badly shaken, the entire Prussian army broke and ran towards Magdeburg. The battle, and the campaign, was lost.

In the two day battle the French lost 13 infantry and 8 cavalry. The Prussians lost 16 infantry and 9 cavalry.

Campaign situation

The situation is now desperate for Marshal Blucher and the Prussian army. By midday his army have been forced back to the banks of the river Saale, and he is outnumbered by four French corps to his three. Faced with the destruction of his entire army he surrenders to Marshal Davout

Game mechanics

Both armies were badly shaken by battle casualties. Although the actual numbers may seem light, it should be remembered that each casualty in these rules results in a loss of morale and fighting ability with minus 1 for each casualty. One casualty per brigade is manageable, but anymore than that would reduce the fighting ability and morale so as to make the brigade unable to maintain a combat.

The arrival of 4 French corps made the odds too great in favour of the French. In addition there were no fresh Prussian troops available within three or four moves who could ease the pressure.

The final straw was that the Prussians were unable to withdraw over the river Saale. The single bridge at Magdeburg was insufficient to allow three corps to cross in less than three moves. Two Prussian corps were in rout and the remaining corps insufficient to hold four French corps at bay to allow the remainder to cross the river.

Battle of Seehausen - Day Two - Move 3

2009-11-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

Battle of Seehausen - move 3 - 1000 to 1100 4 May 1813

Prussian CinC move first

4 command points

Move to join 3 corps to help with routs

5 French continue skirmish

5 French move second

Orders – engage Prussians

4 command points

Gun fires on cavalry, total 9, hit

Prussian cavalry test moral, total 2, shaken

Infantry supporting guns form square

Skirmish fight

19 French, total 2, miss

5 Prussian, total 3, miss

18 French, total 6, hit

5 Prussian, total 3, miss

5 Prussian test morale, total 3, pass

2 Prussian continue firefight

2 Prussian move third

Orders – hold position

5 command points

Gun fire on village, total 10, hit

Garrison test morale, total 0, rout

French guns test morale, total 2, shaken

Move reserve forward to battle line

5 Prussian firefight, total 6

Both lose 1 and both disordered

8 Prussian skirmish, total 6, hit

18 French skirmish, total 1, miss

18 French test morale, total 3, pass

Test morale for shaken cavalry, total 1, remain shaken

3 Prussian infantry rout and guns shaken

3 Prussian move fourth

Orders – hold

4 command points

Gun fires canister on infantry, total 6, hit

12 French test morale, total 5, pass

Reposition commander

Skirmish fight

24 French, total 3, miss

11 Prussian, total 7, hit

24 French test morale, total 4, pass

Test morale for routs

12 Prussian, total 2, continue to rout

9 Prussian, total 1, shaken

10 Prussian, total 1, shaken

6 French win firefight and advance

6 French move fifth

Orders – engage Prussians

6 command points

Fire gun on shaken infantry, total 4, miss

Move 22 and 23 brigade to volley range

22 French fire, total 10

French 1 casualty, Prussian 3 casualty and rout

23 French fire on rout, 3 casualties and continue rout

Prussian test morale for routs

12 Prussian, total -2, continue to rout

Gunners, total 2, shaken

4 Prussian cavalry rout and take gunners with them

4 Prussian move sixth

Orders – move to T junction

6 command points

Reposition commander

Move four infantry and artillery

Test morale for shaken cavalry, total-1, rout

Test morale for rout

13 infantry, total 6, pass

14 infantry, total 5, pass

15 infantry, total 3, pass

16 infantry, total 5, pass

Gunners, total 0, rout

13 Polish continue to advance

13 Polish move seventh
Orders – move to T junction
3 command points
Move three infantry brigades

French CinC move eighth
6 command points
Remain with 13 Polish corps

Summary
5 French unable to break 2 Prussian , one brigade in rout
6 French advance to break 3 Prussian
13 Polish advance slowly due to poor command pips
2 Prussian heavy casualties but continue to hold
3 Prussian three brigades in rout, artillery shaken
4 Prussian cavalry and artillery in rout, remainder steady

Battle of Seehausen - Day Two - Move 2

2009-11-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

Battle of Seehausen, move 2- 0900 to 1000 4 May1813

6 French win skirmish fight

6 French move first

Orders – engage Prussians

5 command points

Gun fires on infantry, total 8, hit

10 Prussian test morale, total 4, pass

Infantry in woods advance

Gun manhandle forward

Skirmish fight

21 French, total 3, miss

12 Prussian, total 1, miss

23 French, total 6, hit

9 Prussian, total 3, miss

Morale test

French CinC move second

8 command points

Move to 13 Polish and change orders

Move to T junction

3 Prussian lose skirmish fight and rout

3 Prussian move third

Orders – hold position

7 command points

Move reserve forward and form line

Test morale

9 Prussian, total 2, rout

12 Prussian, total 0, rout

10 Prussian, total 3, pass

2 Prussian infantry advance and volley fire

2 Prussian move fourth

Orders – hold village

4 command points

Gun fires on village, total 10, hit

French garrison test morale, total 5, pass

Landwehr form column of attack

Infantry move forward and volley fire

Total 6, both lose 1 casualty, both disordered

5 French continue skirmish fire

5 French move fifth

Orders – engage Prussians

5 command points

Gun fires on infantry, total 7, miss

Reposition commander

Move column forward

Brigades in skirmish no space to form line

Continue skirmish

18 French, total 3, miss

19 French, total 2, miss

5 Prussian, total 0, miss

Prussian CinC move sixth

5 command points

Change orders for 4 corps to move to T junction

Move to join 2 corps

13 Polish advance towards centre

13 Polish move seventh

Orders – move to T junction

5 command points

Move cavalry, artillery and three infantry

4 Prussian move towards centre

4 Prussian move eighth
Orders – move to T junction
5 command points
Move cavalry, artillery and three infantry

Summary
2 Prussian on left hold their own
3 Prussian on right two infantry brigades rout
4 Prussian advance and threaten 5 French
5 French continue skirmish, too close to form line
6 French win skirmish fight
13 Polish advance, but have further to move than 4 Prussian

Battle of Seehausen - Day Two - Move 1

2009-11-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

Battle of Seehausen - move 1 - 0800 to 0900 4 May1813

3 Prussians wait for 6 French to advance

3 Prussian move first

Orders – hold position

7 command points

Gun fires on infantry, total 7, Miss

Reserve infantry brought forward to battle line

No further movement required

Marshal Davout watches 13 Polish arrive

13 Polish move second

Orders – move to Seehausen

4 command points

Move cavalry, two infantry brigades and guns

2 Prussian wait for 5 French to advance

2 Prussian move third

Orders – hold villageg

3 command points

Gun fires on house, total 9, miss

Front infantry column forms line

Landwehr brigade joins battle line

6 French advance to skirmish Prussian battle line

6 French move fourth

Orders – engage Prussians

7 command points

Gun fires on infantry, total 7, miss

Move three infantry brigades forward

Reposition commander

Skirmish

21 French, total 8, hit

12 Prussian, total 6, hit

23 French, total 5, miss

9 Prussian, total 3, miss

Test morale

21 French, total 3, pass

12 Prussian, total 2, Shaken

5 French skirmish with Prussians

5 French move fifth

Orders – engage enemy in village

7 command points

Gun fire on infantry, total 7, hit

6 Prussian test morale, total 5, pass

Move two infantry brigades to skirmish

Manhandle gun forward

Skirmish

18 French, total 7, hit

19 French, total 6, hit

5 Prussian, total 5, miss

Test morale

5 Prussian, total 5, pass

4 Prussian arrive watched by Blucher

4 Prussian move sixth
Orders – move to Seehausen
4 command points
Move cavalry, artillery and two infantry brigades

Summary
2 Prussian hold their own in skirmish battle
3 Prussian lose skirmish battle but make morale
4 Prussian arrive on battlefield
5 French advance and skirmish
6 French advance and skirmish
13 Polish arrive on battlefield.

Battle of Seehausen - Day Two

2009-11-03T13:08:00.001-08:00

CAMPAIGN MAP TO WARGAMES TABLE

Tactical map at start of battle

Campaign background

Battle commenced when 5 French corps were marching away from Seehausen, but spotted 2 Prussian corps approaching from Magdeburg. The French halted and turned to face the enemy.

During 3 May Marshal Davout and 6 French corps joined the battle, as did 3 Prussian corps.

As darkness fell both sides were holding their own, and both knew that more reinforcements were nearby. 13 Polish corps for the French, and Marshal Blucher plus 4 corps for the Prussians.

Both commanders decided to continue the fighting at daybreak. During the evening both sides made slight adjustments to their battle line, and rallied Shaken brigades. The routed cavalry and infantry could not be brought back into action.

table at start of wargame

Wargames Table

The photograph is taken from the south. Seehausen is the town on the left centre. The terrain is flat and open, with small hamlets and farms dotted around the area and a small woods.

Nearest to camera 6 French corps face 3 Prussian corps.

Furthest from camera 5 French corps face 2 Prussian corps. Commander 13 corps can be seen behind the French, and commander 4 corps behind the Prussians

Both sides have been allowed to redeploy on the position they held at nightfall. All casualties from the first day remain, routed brigades have been removed and shaken ones rallied.

Game Setup

Only slight adjustments were allowed during nightfall, so both armies start the second day very close to each other. Reinforcements are due to arrive, and again those who move first will have a big advantage.

campaign report - move 9

2009-11-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

Campaign map at start of move 10 0800 4 May 1813

CAMPAIGN DIARY

Move 1 – 0800-1200 1 May 1813
Prussian and French armies reach their concentration areas

Move 2 – 1200-1600 1 May 1813
The Prussian Army nears the river Saale, and 3 corps secure the bridge at Dessau.
The French Army have reached their concentration areas around Helmstedt.

Move 3 – 1600-2000 1 May 1813
3 Prussian corps crossed the river Saale and entered Dessau.
4 and 13 French corps both try to pass through Wolfsburg, causing a traffic jam and a delay of 24 hours to 13 corps.

Move 4 – 0800-1200 2 May 1813
The Prussians have now crossed the river Saale at Parey in the north and Dessau in the south.
The French traffic jam at Wolfsburg has been sorted out, 13 Polish corps have entered the town and are being sorted out ready to move tomorrow.

Move 5 – 1200-1600 2 May 1813
The Prussians have crossed the river Saale and 2 corps is approaching Magdeburg
The French continue their advance towards Magdeburg.

Move 6 – 1600-2000 2 May 1815
The Prussians have crossed the river Saale and are moving west when they sight the French army approaching them from Seehausen.

Move 7 – 1200-1400 3 May 6 May 1813
1 Prussian and 4 French corps fight the battle of Colbitz
2 Prussian and 5 French corps fight the battle of Seehausen

Move 8 – 1400 -1600 3 May 1813
The French win the battle of Colbitz. 4 French corps enters the town. 1 Prussian corps withdraws towards Parey

Battle of Seehausen continues. 2 Prussian and 5 French corps exchange fire. Marshal Davout and 6 French corps join the battle..

Move 9 – 1600-2000 3 May 1813
Battle of Seehausen continues. 3 Prussian corps joins the battle, just in time to add much needed support to the weary Prussian army

At midnight both commanders in chief give orders to continue the battle the next day.

CAMPAIGN NOTES

Battle of Seehausen - summary of Battle

The battle opened with 5 French corps marching north to Halbeck just as 2 Prussian corps approached Seehausen from Magdeburg. The French reacted quickly to the threat, turning from line of march to column of attack along the Halbeck road.

The Prussians used their advantage to move closer to Seehausen as the French redeployed. They sent their cuirassier brigade ahead to threaten the French, and this allowed them to reach the village before the French.

5 French attacked the village, and their dragoon brigade charged the Prussian cavalry. Neither side could gain an advantage, and both the cavalry melee and the skirmish for the village continued for most of the morning.

Just after midday 6 French corps arrived on the Groningen road, which is on the French far right. They sent their cavalry forward to threaten the Purssian left flank, and brought up their infantry in column of march to reach the battle area as quickly as possible.

2 Prussian formed square with their two left hand infantry brigades, but otherwise ignored the French reinforcements. They continued to hold the village and struggle with the French dragoons.

Late afternoon 3 Prussian corps arrived on the Prussian left and moved to take the woods separating them from 6 French corps. 6 French corps immediately turned to face this new threat, and left 5 corps to continue their struggle for the village.

At the same time Marshal Davout, the French CinC, arrived on the battlefield. He rode to join 6 corps and ordered them to advance and engage the Prussian left.

It was late afternoon when the cavalry melee was finally decided in favour of the Prussian cuirassiers. The dragoons routed, but did little damage to their supported. The cuirassiers had taken so many casualties that they had to be taken into reserve, and eventually also routed from the field.

Shortly afterwards the French finally took the village. By now they had inflicted heavy casualties on 2 Prussian corps, who had lost their cavalry and a landwehr infantry brigade. But the struggle continued.

On the opposite flank 6 French corps advanced into the woods, and their cuirassiers charged the Prussian hussars. The hussars broke and ran, leaving the cuirassiers disordered and within canister range of the Prussian gunners. The cuirassiers were soon in rout, and left the infantry in the woods shaken.

As night approached both sides held their ground. It was time to count the casualties.

French casualties
3 dragoons – 5
5 cuirassiers – 3
17 infantry – 2
19 infantry – 1

Prussian casualties
2 cuirassiers – 4
3 hussars – 3
6 infantry – 1
7 infantry – 6

Campaign situation

Both sides have reinforcements ready to join them at daybreak next day.

13 Polish corps is approaching the French left, and will reach the battlefield at 0800 next morning.

The Prussian CinC is about to reach the left flank, where he will join 3 corps at 0800 next morning. At the same time 4 corps will be in position to join the battered 2 corps.

Both CinC will have to decide whether to continue a second day.

Game mechanics

Both sides have effectively lost all of their cavalry. Casualties may seem light, but each one has a minus 1 effect of morale and fighting ability. So 2 casualties means a brigade is very likely to rout as soon as they receive a casualty, or when a friendly brigade within 4” does so.

Battle of Seehausen - Move 12

2009-11-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

Battle of Seehausen move 12 - 1900 to 2000 3 May 1813

6 French cuirassiers rouit and infantry in woods shaken

6 French move first

Orders – engage Prussians

5 command points

Gunners fire on hussars, total 7, miss

Move 22 infantry to front of woods

Move 21 Infantry to support guns

Reposition commander

Cuirassiers charge enemy hussars, total 9, win

Cuirassiers 1 casualty and disordered

Hussars 2 casualties and shaken

3 Prussian cavalry rout

3 Prussian move second

Orders – hold position

6 command points

Change orders to Hold

Gunners fire canister on cuirassiers, total 9, 1 casualty

Cuirassiers test morale, total -2, rout

French infantry in woods test morale, total 1, shaken

French gunners test morale, total 4, pass

Prussian infantry form column of attack

Move shaken hussars behind infantry

Shaken hussars test morale, total -3, rout

Infantry support test morale, total 6, pass

5 French – General advance

5 French move third

Orders – engage enemy in village

4 command points

Gunners fire on square, total 8, 1 casualty

Square test morale, total 3, pass

Two Infantry brigades advance

17 Infantry occupy village

Prussian gunners have to abandon their guns as too close to village

French CinC

French CinC move fourth

8 command points

No orders necessary

2 Prussian save guns but corps badly shaken

2 Prussian move fifth

Orders – hold village

3 command points

Infantry brigade form column and move to save guns

Move square out of support range

Move commander to rally gunners

Cuirassiers automatic rout

7 Infantry automatic rout

Test morale for gunners, total 2, still shaken

Test morale for shaken landwehr, total 2, still shaken

Summary

2 Prussian infantry lost village and corps in disorder

3 Prussian cavalry rout, remainder stand firm

5 French occupy village and prepare to advance

6 French lost cavalry and shaken in woods

Battle of Seehausen - Move 11

2009-10-31T14:01:00.001-07:00

Battle of Seehausen move 11 - 1800 to 1900 3 May1813

French advance and engage Prussians

6 French move first

Orders – move to Seehausen

8 command points

Change orders to Engage

Guns fire on cavalry, total 9, hit

Prussian cavalry test morale, total 1, shaken

French cavalry move within charge distance of enemy hussars

21 French form column of attack

22 French move into woods

24 French move forward

lucky escape for Prussian hussars

3 Prussian move second

Orders – move to Seehausen

7 command points

French cavalry declare opportunity charge on shaken hussars, total 3, fail

Artillery move into canister range of cavalry and unlimber

Infantry form square to provide support to gunners

Infantry move forward

Shaken hussars test morale, total 3, pass

5 French attack village

5 French move third

Orders – engage enemy in village

5 command points

Guns fire on square, total 7, miss

Reposition commander

Two infantry brigades move forward

17 French charge 7 Prussian in village

Melee total 12, Prussians lose 3 casualties and rout

17 French lose 1 casualty and disordered

Prussian gunners test morale for rout, total 3, pass

Routed French cavalry rout from battle

Marshal Davout meets with 5 French commander

French CinC move fourth

6 command points

Move to 5 French and change orders to Engage

2 Prussian cavalry and infantry rout

2 Prussian move fifth

Orders – hold village

4 command points

Guns fire on infantry, total 7, miss

Move square out of artillery range

Move routing 8 infantry behind cover

Reposition general

7 infantry automatic rout

Cuirassiers automatic rout

Routing 7 infantry, total 5, shaken

Gunners test for rout, total 2, shaken

Summary

2 Prussian infantry and cavalry routed

3 Prussian cavalry lose melee and rout, then rallied

5 French storm village and drive 2 Prussians out

6 French move towards 3 Prussians and enter woods

Battle of Seehausen - Move 10

2009-10-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

Battle of Seehausen move 10 - 1700 to 1800 3 May1813

6 French move into woods

6 French move first

Orders – move to Seehausen

5 command points

Man handle gun forward

Move infantry into woods

5 French continue cavalry melee and village skirmish

5 French move second

Orders – engage enemy in village

5 command points

Move general

Village skirmish

17 French, total 7, hit

7 Prussian, total 5, miss

Cavalry melee, total 10, French lose 2 and rout

Prussians have won melee, but lost 4 casualties, automatic rout

Morale test

17 French, roll 5, pass

7 Prussian, roll 3, pass

8 Prussian, roll 2, shaken

2 Prussian continue skirmish for village

2 Prussian move third

Orders – hold village

5 command points

Gun fire on infantry, total 7, miss

Commander move to join shaken landwehr

Morale test

Landwehr, total 0, rout

7 Prussian, total 3, pass

Gunners, total 5, pass

French cinc rides to 5 French to change orders

French CinC move fourth

8 command points

Change orders for 6 corps to Engage

Change orders for 5 corps to Attack

3 Prussian enter woods

3 Prussian move fifth
Orders – move to Seehausen
4 command points
Infantry move to occupy woods
Artillery moves to support hussars

Summary
2 Prussian cavalry and landwehr rout
3 Prussian have stopped 6 French advance on centre
5 French lost cavalry melee but enemy rout as well
6 French deploying to meet 3 Prussian advance

Battle of Seehausen - Move 9

2009-10-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Battle of Seehausen move 9 - 1600 to 1700 3 May1813

5 French continue cavalry melee and skirmish in village

5 French move first

Orders – engage enemy inv illage

5 command points

Guns fire on infantry, out of range

Limber artillery

Cavalry melee

Total 7, draw, 1 casualty each and both disordered

Skirmish in village

17 French, total 3, miss

7 Prussian, total 5, miss

3 Prussian corps arrive on table

3 Prussian move second

Orders – move to Seehausen

7 command points

Cavalry move twice to pin French cavalry

Artillery move twice

Leading infantry move twice

Second infantry move once

6 French react to 3 Prussian arrival

6 French move third

Orders – move to Seehausen

5 command points

Cavalry turn to face 3 Prussian and form line

Artillery advance and unlimber

Infantry move to support guns

2 Prussian continue melee and skirmish

2 Prussian move fourth
Orders – hold village
6 command points
Commander changes orders to Hold
Guns fire on 19 French, roll 9, 1 hit
19 French test morale, total 4, pass
8 Landwehr move to support village
Skirmish in village
7 Prussian, total 4, miss
17 French, total 6, hit
7 Prussian test morale, total 6, pass

French CinC arrive on table
5 command points
Ride to join 6 French to change orders

Summary
2 Prussian continue to fight for village and cavalry melee
3 Prussian corps arrive and threaten 6 French advance
Marshal Davout arrives and rides to 6 French to change orders
5 French continue fight for village and cavalry melee
6 French halt and deploy to their right to counter 3 Prussian

Battle of Seehausen - Move 8

2009-10-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

Battle of Seehausen move 8 - 1500 to 1600 3 May 1813

5 French enter vilage and continue cavalry melee

5 French move first

Orders - engage enemy in village

7 command points

Guns fire on guns, total 4, miss

Infantry move forward

Cavalry continue melee, total 7, draw, each 1 casualty, both disordered

Infantry skirmish in village

17 French, total 5, miss

7 Prussian, total 6, hit

17 French test morale, total 1, Shaken

2 Prussian skirmish in village

2 Prussian move second

Orders - move to Seehausen

5 command points

Move gun and unlimber near square

Move commander into village

Skirmish in village

17 French total 6, hit

7 Prussian total 4, miss

7 Prussian test morale, total 6, pass

6 French move towards Prussians

6 French move third
Orders - move to Seehausen
6 command points
Whole corps move forward

Summary
5 French inconclusive cavalry melee and storm village
6 French advance in column of attack to reach Prussians quicker
2 Prussian withdraw to cover of village and form squares

Battle of Seehausen - Move 7

2009-10-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Battle of Seehausen move 7 - 1400 to 1500 3 May 1813

6 French threaten Prussians left flank

6 French move first

Orders - move to Seehausen

5 command points

Move cavalry to threaten Prussian flank

Move artillery and infantry

5 French infantry move to village, cavalry melee

5 French move second

Orders - move to village

7 command points

Fire gun on gun, total 9, miss

Move Infantry brigade to village

Move commander

Move infantry and guns

Dragoons charge Prussian cavalry

Cavalry melee total 6, both sides lose 1 and disordered

2 Prussian withdraw guns and form square

2 Prussian move third
Orders - move to Seehausen
6 command points
Limber guns and withdraw
Infantry brigade form square to cover guns
Infantry Brigade move into village
Move commander towards cavalry

Summary
5 French advance to farm and charge enemy cavalry
6 French advance to threaten Prussian flank
2 Prussian withdraw artillery and form square

Battle of Seehausen - Move 6

2009-10-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

Battle of Seehausen move 6 - 1300 to 1400 3 May 1813

5 French corps continue to advance

5 French move first

Orders - move to village

7 command points

Fire gun on enemy artillery, total 7, miss

Move cavalry forward into charge range of enemy cavalry

Move all infantry forward

Position commander for better command range

6 French corps continue to advance

6 French move second

Orders - move to Seehausen

6 command points

Change orders to Engage

Move cavalry forward to cover deployment

Move artillery and infantry forward

2 Prussian corps continue to advance

2 Prussian move third
Orders - move to Seehausen
4 command points
Costs 3 command points to change orders to Halt
Fire gun on enemy infantry, total 5, miss

Summary
5 French are about to attack the Prussians from the front
6 French are deploying to attack the Prussians in flank
2 Prussians changed orders to Halt so that they can deploy to meet new threat

Battle of Seehausen - Move 5

2009-10-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

Battle of Seehausen move 5 - 1200 to 1300 3 May1813

6 French corps arrive on battlefield

6 French move first

Orders - move to Seehausen

7 command points

Cavalry double move forward to screen approach

Reposition commander

Infantry and artillery march towards Prussians

2 Prussian corps approach village

2 Prussian move second

Orders - move to Seehausen

3 command points

Fire gun on enemy artillery, roll 8, miss

Move two infantry brigades towards village

5 French corps advance

5 French move third
Orders - move to village
4 command points
Fire gun on enemy artillery, roll 7, miss
Three infantry brigades move forward

Summary
6 French arrive on battlefield and move towards enemy open left flank.
5 French move forward to engage enemy
2 Prussian Low dice just when they needed a high one
Move infantry forward to protect gun and occupy village

Battle of Seehausen - Move 4

2009-10-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

Battle of Seehausen move 4 - 1100 to 1200 3 May 1813

2 Prussian artillery and cavalry deploy either side of village

2 Prussians move first

Orders - move to Seehausen

5 command points

Move cavalry forward to pin enemy cavalry

Move artillery forward and unlimber

Move infantry brigade forward to support guns

5 French advance towards village

5 French move second
Orders - move to village
6 command points
Move cavalry forward to support advance
Guns double move and unlimber
Move infantry forward to protect guns

Summary
The Prussians, covered by their cavalry, are approaching the village. They have moved must faster by remaining in column of attack. However they can not fight in this formation. The artillery are now within range of the enemy and unlimber. The Prussians are now well placed to take the village before the French can reach it.

The French have taken trouble to deploy for form line of battle before advancing towards the Prussians. Their objective is to hold Seehausen, so there is no need to take the fight to the enemy. Their cavalry are positioned on the left flank to protect the advance from the Prussian cavalry.

Battle of Seehausen - Move 3

2009-10-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

Battle of Seehausen move 3 - 1000 to 1100 3 May 1813

5 French deploy and start to advance

5 French move first

Orders - move to village

4 command points

Reposition commander

Move three infantry brigades forward

2 Prussian approach village

2 Prussian move second
Orders - move to Seehausen
5 command points
Reposition corps commander
Move artillery and infantry forward

Summary
Prussians moving towards French line and well grouped.
But still in column of march to move quicker

French deployed in a good battle line.
But the Prussians are nearer to the village than they are

Battle of Seehausen - Move 2

2009-10-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

Battle of Seehausen move 2 - 0900 to 1000 3 May 1813

Photo 2 - 2 Prussian cavalry move to protect deployment

5 French move first
Orders - move to village
7 command points
Change orders
Cavalry form line
Turn all infantry to face enemy
Guns unlimber

2 Prussian move second
Orders - move to Seehausen
4 command points
Move all four infantry brigades forward

Summary
Prussians. All infantry move forward to form battle line either side of artillery. Cavalry protect right flank and prevent French advance

French. Commander moves along column turning brigades to their right.
This brings them into battle line in column of attack.

Battle of Seehausen - Move 1

2009-10-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Battle of Seehausen move 1 - 0800 to 0900 3 May 1813

2 Prussian corps start to deploy

2 Prussian move first

Orders - move to Seehausen

5 command points

Move cavalry to cover right flank

Move guns and two infantry forward

Move commander to command range

5 French move second

Orders - move to Halbeck

5 command points

Change orders to engage Prussians

Move cavalry to protect column

Turn leading infantry brigade

Move gun towards Prussians

Summary

Prussians. Send cavalry forward to threaten enemy

Move leading infantry and artillery forward.

Commander moves down column to bring forward rear brigades

French. Commander has to use 2 points to change orders to engage Prussians

Send cavalry forward, but in column due to shortage of pips

Move artillery and leading brigade towards enemy

campaign report - move 8

2009-10-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Campaign map at start of move 9 1600 3 May 1813

Campaign Report Move 7

2009-10-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

Campaign map at start of move 8 - 1200 3 May 1813

If I have made an error on the campaign map you should notify me immediately, and not later than 2200 central European time the next day. I keep your daily movement emails for 24 hours, and can check to make sure the error was mine. I will then amend the map prior to the next move. After that time it is not possible to amend the map, and the error will have to be put down to the fog of war.

New Movement

It was only after the first battle of the campaign that I realized there was a problem with movement. Previously corps moved one square per day. However the wargames table is three squares and a wargames day of 12 moves could involve moving from one side of the table to the other. Therefore a campaign day would have to be three squares.

Planning three interactive moves at one time would be very difficult for the players, and create huge problems for me. So map moves will still be one every day Monday to Friday, but they will represent one third of a day. There will be three moves to each campaign day.

To make it easier for players I will keep track of what day and time the current move represents, and this will be shown on the daily blog.

You will see from above that we have just completed move 7, which equates to 0800 to 1200 on 3 May 1813.

Transition to new movement

I know that the cinc have planned their movement based on the earlier movement of one move per day. I don’t think this change will make any difference, and I will try to ensure that it does not. But if you see any problem please drop me an email.

Reminder of CinC daily strategic orders
The cinc is responsible for giving corps commander’s strategic orders, not daily movement orders. These should be to move to a named town, rather than a day by day order for which square to move to.

He is also responsible for resupply to his corps. To maintain supply he must ensure that there is a road running form the main supply road (shown in red on the map) to the town nominated. Each town can only supply one corps.

To issue orders to a corps commander he must be within three squares of the corps.

These orders should reach me no later than 2200 central European time Monday to Friday.

Reminder of corps commander daily movement orders
Each corps commander must try to follow the objective given him by his cinc.

He must also protect his supply town.

His daily movement orders should confirm whether he is on “move”, “hold” or “attack”. This is the corps commander’s decision, not the cinc. He must also confirm the square he is currently in and the one he is moving to.

There orders should reach me no later than 2200 central European time Monday to Friday. If the player is unable to send them he should ask his cinc to do so on his behalf.

If I have not received orders I will send an email to the player concerned and to his cinc. Today there were three corps commander orders missing.

Battle of Colbitz
This battle lasted four moves, which corresponds with 0800 to 1200 3 May 1813, or move 7. I will control movement for move 8. Corps commanders should send in daily movement orders for move 9.

Battle of Seehausen
The battle starts at 0800 3 May 1813.

6 French corps has been ordered to join the battle, and will arrive at the edge of the table at 1200 3 May – start of move 8.

The battle report will not be published until the wargame has ended. But I will give a very brief progress report on the blog each day.

Battle of Seehausen - Set Up

2009-10-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

CAMPAIGN MAP TO WARGTAMES TABLE

Campaign background

Just before midnight on 2 May 1813 Marshal Augereau takes to his bed in the village of Seehausen. His 5 French corps are deployed to prevent a Prussian advance from Magdeburg, and to protect Seehausen which is their supply base. Half an hour later an ADC arrived from Marshal Davout with orders for 5 corps to move north at first light and support 4 corps who are about to attack Colbitz. At first light 5 corps take the road north.

As the last infantry brigade marches out of Seehausen, the brigade commander sights a body of Prussian hussars approaching Seehausen on the Madgeburg road. It is the advance guard of 2 Prussian corps, who have been ordered to attack Seehausen.

The battle of Seehausen has begun

Tactical map at start of battle

Campaign Map

The campaign map shows the position of both armies immediately prior to the battle.

The outlined area on the map will be the wargames table. It will be noted that 5 French corps are moving north to support the attack on Colbitz, which would leave the Elbe bridge, and the northern approaches to Magdeburg, in French hands. The Prussian strength is concentrated in the centre, and 2 Prussian corps is moving west to allow 4corps to cross the river Elbe

Photo 1 - wargames table at start of battle

Wargames Table

The photograph of the wargames table is taken from the south. Seehausen is the village on the left centre. 5 French corps can be seen marching north from the village. 2 Prussian corps is approaching from the right on the Magdeburg road.

The terrain is flat and open, with small hamlets and farms dotted around the area and a small woods.

Photo 2 - from Prussian side of table

2 Prussian corps on the march from Magdeburg to Seehausen. The corps is in the standard column of march. The deployed cavalry brigade leads the advance, supported by one infantry brigade followed by the corps artillery and the remaining infantry. General Kleist, the corps commander, rides immediately behind the cavalry brigade.

The French can be seen top right marching north from Seehausen

Photo 3 - from French side of table

5 French corps marching north to Colbitz. They are also in standard column of march, with Marshal Augereau immediately behind the cavalry screen. The rear of the column is just leaving Seehausen on the right.

The approaching Prussians can be seen at the top right.

Game Setup

Unlike the battle of Colbitz, this is not an encounter battle. In fact the French are marching away from the Prussians. An important consideration in this game will be how quickly the French can react to the Prussian approach. If they were on blinds the French could turn around immediately for the use of just one command pip. However with figures on the table the French player will have to use two command pips just to turn the rear infantry brigade around – one reach the rear brigade to issue the order, and another to turn the brigade around. And this will have to be repeated for the whole corps.

For this reason the figures are on the table at the start of the game. A lot will now depend on who moves first, and how many command pips they throw. It should be noted that the French commander is Average, and will get 2 extra command pips to the 1 extra for the Poor Prussian commander.

The Prussians have a huge advantage in this game as they are already heading towards their objective.

If the French lose Seehausen they not only lose the battle, they also lose their supply base.

Battle of Colbitz - Moves 3 - 4

2009-10-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

BATTLE REPORT

Move 3 - 1000 to 1100 3 May

Move 3 - French side of table

French move first (again)

6 command pips (roll 4+2)

Artillery fire on enemy infantry and score hit

Prussian brigade test, and make, morale

French deploy cavalry on their right

Deploy infantry columns to form battle line

One infantry brigade sent up hill on left

Prussian move second

5 command pips (roll 3+2)

Artillery fire on French column and score hit

French test, and make, morale

Deploy hussars to counter French cavalry

Deploy infantry columns to form battle line

Summary

Both sides are deploying to form a battle line before advancing

French cavalry attempt to outflank enemy countered by Prussians

French are sending one brigade onto the hill to outflank Prussian artillery

Move 4 - 1100-1200 3 May

Move 4 - Prussian side of table

French move first (yet again)

7 command pips (roll 5+2)

Artillery fire on same infantry and hit again

Prussian infantry test morale, fail, and rout

Supporting brigades also test, two are shaken

French artillery manhandle forward

French infantry columns start to advance

Brigade on hill now a threat to Prussian artillery

Move 4 - Prussian side of table

Prussian move second
5 command pips (roll 3+2)
Artillery fire on guns, which are now in canister range, scoring hit
French gunners test, and make, morale
Prussian hussars move forward to protect shaken infantry
Prussian infantry deploy to avoid routing infantry
Routed infantry test morale, fail, continue to rout
Shaken infantry test morale, one fail and join rout

Summary
1 Prussian corps is on the verge of collapse, with two brigades routing and another shaken. General Yorck orders a retreat while he still can
He still has the hussars, artillery and one infantry brigade to cover the retreat.
4 French corps are not close enough to prevent the Prussian withdrawal

Effect on Campaign
The first battle of the campaign has proved an easy victory for the French.
The loss of Colbitz has exposed the Prussian right flank, and if 1st Prussian corps withdraws east of the river they will leave Magdeburg dangerously exposed.

Game Notes
Game played October 2009.
Paul commanded the Prussians
Jan commanded the French

Prussian casualties – 2 infantry, 0 cavalry, 0 gunners
French casualties – 1 infantry, 0 cavalry, 1 gunner

Campaign Notes
These battle casualties will remain until the corps can reach a supply point and rest for a full 24 hours. They will then be removed and because they are light casualties will have no further effect of the fighting ability of the two corps concerned.

A very happy looking Jan after her easy victory

Battle of Colbitz - Moves 1 - 2

2009-10-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

BATTLE REPORT

Table at start of wargame

Move 1 - 0800 to 0900 3 May

French move first

4 command pips (roll 2+2)

Advance 3 moves out of spotting range

Extend blind two stand wide

Prussians move second

4 command pips (roll 2+2)

Advance 2 moves still out of spotting range

Extend blind two stand wide

Advance 1 move inside spotting range, not spotted

Summary

French have advanced further because they moved first and were out of spotting range.

Prussians have had to extend early for fear of being spotted in column

Both sides are still on blinds because neither have been spotted.

Both sides have expanded their front to two stands wide

Move 2 - 0900 to 1000 3 May

Move 2 - from French side of table

French move first
5 command pips (roll 3+2)
Change orders from Move to Engage
Extend blind three stands wide
Advance 2 moves not spotted
Reach automatic spotting range
Place figures on the table three brigades wide behind blinds
Unlimber artillery

Prussians move second
4 command pips (roll 2+2)
Within automatic spotting range
Place figures on table two brigade wide behind blinds
Change orders from Move to Engage
Unlimber artillery

Summary:
French moved into automatic spotting range first, and had to place figures on table.
Prussians then had to place their figures on table, but could react to French deployment. Due to higher command dice roll French have wider deployment than Prussian

Battle of Colbitz - Set Up

2009-10-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

CAMPAIGN MAP TO WARGTAMES TABLE

Campaign background

On the morning of 3 May 1813 Marshal Reynier led his 4 French corps out of Halbeck on the road to Colbitz. He had orders to attack Colbitz, which guarded the northern bridge over the river Elbe.

At the same time General Yorck was inspecting the 1 Prussian corps in Colbitz. The previous evening he had received orders to march west and attack Halbeck. Satisfied with the condition of his corps he ordered the advance. He was unaware of the approaching French corps.

As the Prussians marched along the dusty road they spotted an approaching dust cloud. A hussar patrol from the advance guard confirmed the approach of a large body of French. The battle of Colbitz had begun.

Campaign Map

The campaign map shows the position of both armies immediately prior to the battle. The outlined area on the map will be the wargames table. It should be noted that Colbitz not only protects the northern bridge over the river Elbe, but also prevents an attack on Magdeburg from the north.

Wargames Table

The photograph of the wargames table is taken from the south. Colbitz is the village on the cross roads on the centre right of the table. The Magdeburg road enters bottom right and leads to Bismark (not on campaign map). The Prussians are in Colbitz and the French will approach on the Halbeck road, which is the one on the left.

The terrain is hilly to the north, with the Halbeck to Colbitz road running through a broad valley. There is a small hamlet on the left.

Game Setup

This is an encounter battle with both sides marching towards each other, each unaware of the other. The wargame therefore starts on “blinds”. This means that each side is represented by one skirmish stand. This represents the front of a corps in column of march one brigade wide. Each move they are allowed to extend by one base only. This indicated that the corps has started to deploy, and they are now two brigades wide and in column of attack.

When they come within 24” of each other they can be spotted. Each time a brigade moves within this range the other player rolls a D10 to see if he has spotted them, he needs 7 or better depending on range. If the enemy is spotted they must put their figures on the table, but can do so in any order they wish – providing they do not exceed the frontage of the blind.

If the other player fails to roll a high enough D10, blinds are automatically spotted when they come within 16”. The player who moves within that range puts his figures on first, then the other players (as they are both within 16”)

The player who puts his figures on first is at a disadvantage, as his opponent can then take advantage of his deployment.

Campaign Report - Move 6

2009-10-13T13:59:00.001-07:00

Campaign map at start of move 7 0800 3 May 1813

CAMPAIGN DIARY

Move 1 – 0800 1 May 1813

Prussian and French armies reach their concentration areas

Move 2 – 1200 1 May 1813

The Prussian Army nears the river Saale, and 3 corps secure the bridge at Dessau.

The French Army have reached their concentration areas around Helmstedt.

Move 3 – 1600 1 May 1813

3 Prussian corps crossed the river Saale and entered Dessau.

4 and 13 French corps both try to pass through Wolfsburg, causing a traffic jam and a delay of 24 hours to 13 corps.

Move 4 – 0800 2 May 1813

The Prussians have now crossed the river Saale at Parey in the north and Dessau in the south.

The French traffic jam at Wolfsburg has been sorted out, 13 Polish corps have entered the town and are being sorted out ready to move tomorrow.

Move 5 - 1200 2 May 1813

The Prussians have crossed the river Saale and 2 corps is approaching Magdeburg

The French continue their advance towards Magdeburg.

Move 6 - 1600 2 May 1815

The Prussians have crossed the river Saale and are moving west when they sight the French army approaching them from Seehausen.

CAMPAIGN NOTES

Campaign starts again

The game has restarted with a new French CinC. Unfortunately I did not get a reply to my email from Chris, but John has offered to take over the French army.

And to start the second phase of the campaign, we have two battles already! So all movement will be suspended until we resolve both of them as wargames. I will set the first one, Colbitz, up tomorrow and will publish its progress on the blog. When that one is finished we will fight Magdeburg. As both are fought on the same day, there will be no further movement until both are resolved.

Battle of Colbitz

1 Prussian corps have orders to attack Halbeck.

4 French corps have orders to attack Colbitz..

So this will be an encounter battle.

You can follow the progress of the battle each day on the blog.

Battle of Seehausen

2 Prussian corps have orders to move forward and attack Seehausen.

5 French corps have orders to attack Colbitz.

Because they come within two squares, and both are on attack orders, they will fight – even though they have orders to attack Seehausen and Colbitz.

Daily CinC and Movement Orders

There will be no map movement until both battles are resolved.

Jan and I will fight them as a wargame, and I will be publishing an update each day on the blog.

Do follow the battle reports, because the results will certainly mean a rethink on the part of each CinC, and possibly corps commanders also.

Player Job Description

2009-10-13T01:03:00.000-07:00

The Aim of the Campaign

The aim of this campaign is to develop enjoyable rules for a multi player game. There are no detailed rules for the game, as these are being developed.

How the Campaign works

The game is run through this blog. Player participation is required Monday to Friday for up to one hour per day.

The map is divided into 108 squares, and each square is one days march. Each one of these squares represents a 2x2 foot scenic square when the campaign is transferred to the wargames table. The table is 3 squares wide by 3 deep.

When two corps come within three squares of each other if neither retreats the resulting battle is fought as a wargame. Jan and I will play the game, and a report will be published in the blog. Whilst the game is being fought the campaign will be put on hold.

Player Requirements

Player must be prepared to make available up to one hour per day.

Player must have access to the internet and email Monday to Friday.

Players must be prepared to respond to emails promptly and at least within 24 hours.

Player should consult the blog at least once per day before submitting his daily movement email

There are two levels of player participation. The role of commander in chief (CinC) and that of corps commander.

Role of CinC

Player must have access to internet and email seven days a week, as it may be necessary to put in some extra work at weekends. I will ensure that no one is ever asked to do more than one hour per day.

Two CinC are required, one French and one Prussian

Each is responsible for planning their campaign strategy and ensuring that each corps commander is given a strategic objective and a forward supply base. The corps must always remain within 6 squares of his supply base and never allow enemy between him and it.

They will send an email to the umpire each day Monday to Friday containing the the daily orders for each corps commander (see example below). The daily order will confirm their current objective, whether they should hold, move or attack and where their forward supply base is. This will be one of the named towns on the map.

If one of their players is unable to submit his daily movement order, they will do it for them until I can arrange a replacement.

Corps Commanders

Player must have access to internet and email Monday to Friday.

They will try their best to carry out the CinC orders, but it is up to them how best to achieve it. If their orders is to hold their supply base (a named town) they do not have to remain in the town, but can decide how best to defend it. They must ensure that they remain within 6 squares of their supply base and that the enemy never come between them and it.

They will send an email each day Monday to Friday to me, with a copy to their CinC, confirming their movement orders for the next 24 hours (see example below)

The role should not take more than half an hour per day Monday to Friday to complete

Example of CinC Daily Orders Email

Subject : Move 1 French CinC Daily Orders

HQ – move to D5

4 corps – move to H2 (Colbitz). Supply base E2 (Halbeck)

5 corps – attack H5 (Magdeburg). Supply base E5 (Seehausen)

6 corps – hold E8 (Groningen). Supply base E8 (Groningen)

13 corps – move to E5 (Seehausen). Supply base B5 (Helmstedt)

Example of Corps Commander Daily Movement Orders

Subject – Move 1 5 French corps

Text – 5 corps will move from E5 to F5 to attack H5

Campaign Still on Hold

2009-10-13T00:59:00.000-07:00

Two of the ten players have failed to respond to my email asking for confirmation that they still want to take part in the camapign, and one of them is the French commander in chief. I can not restart the campaign until I have replaced him.

I will email each player and ask for a volunteer for French CinC today, and as soon as I have got one the campaign will continue.

I will also put a "job description" on the blog so that each player is aware what is expected of him.

Campaign on Hold

2009-10-11T03:21:00.001-07:00

The campaign has been put on hold whilst I consult all ten players about the proposed changes. I sent each an email yesterday asking for their feedback. Partly because of the different time zones, and partly because not everyone has access to the internet during the weekend, I am still waiting for some replies.

About half has replied so far, and the feedback has been very positive. All who have replied so far want to continue with the campaign.

From the feedback so far the main problem seems to be the command and control and the role of CinC and corps commanders. I think this will be solved by the amendment I have put in place, though only time will tell.

There was also a feeling that having to submit orders once per day was too often. And that it did not allow time for the players to consult between themselves. This is something that I had sensed already, but I wanted to keep the daily turn around if possible. In the other PBEM game I am involved in the worse part for me is the long gaps between anything happening. However if there is a wide spread feeling that they need longer I will have to come up with a solution.

It could be daily orders will be submitted once per week. However this would defeat one of the main reasons for opening my campaign to PBEM - which is to provide wargames for Jan and I. At present we have suspended our own campaign so that we can fight these battles as soon as they occur. We could restart our campaign to provide our daily wargame fix, but the table would then not be available immediately a battle took place in this campaign. If we move one square per week it will take at least a month for a battle to take place, perhaps much longer. I will see what the rest of the feed back is before I decide one way or the other.

The third point raised is that the map does not allow for strategic type outflanking moves. There is a good reason for this. The strategic moves are done, appropriately, on the strategic map. If you look at the campaign background (on the right) you will see the strategic map for this campaign. It covers most of northern Germany from Berlin to Bremen. That is where the strategic movement is done.

This campaign is fighting the tactical battle. If you were to take the 1815 100 days campaign as an example the strategic map would be from Paris to Brussels. When the armies concentrated at Charleroi you would transfer to the tactical map. This would show the area from Charleroi to Brussels. That is what we are fighting in this campaign.

You need to think of the tactical map as a series of wargames table. Each table is 6x6 foot. If you look at the tactical map you will see that there are 4 such tables wide and 3 deep, making a total of 12 wargames tables. Each town is in the centre of its "table".

The difficult part is to prevent the players from just grouping in the centre and having one huge battle which would end the campaign. This is what happens in many campaigns. You have a lot of maneuvering followed by a single battle. What I want to encourage are a series of small battles - one to one corps. This would open a gap where the winner could exploit leading to 2 corps per side and eventually the "waterloo" battle of the campaign. Easy to explain, but very difficult to engineer the campaign so that it happens.

I hope by Monday that I will have had all of the replies. I will then put a few options to the players and see which they would prefer. The campaign will then start again. You will appreciate from what I said above about waiting for replies that this may take all week to sort out. But I don't want to start off at half cock again before each players understands what is required and is happy to go along with it.

I will post updates on the blog to let you all know how it is going.

Campaign Report - Move 5

2009-10-10T00:03:00.001-07:00

Campaign map at start of move 6 - 1600 2 May 1813

CAMPAIGN DIARY

Move 1 – 0800 1 May 1813

Prussian and French armies reach their concentration areas

Move 2 – 1200 1 May 1813

The Prussian Army nears the river Saale, and 3 corps secure the bridge at Dessau.

The French Army have reached their concentration areas around Helmstedt.

Move 3 – 1600 1 May 1813

3 Prussian corps crossed the river Saale and entered Dessau.

4 and 13 French corps both try to pass through Wolfsburg, causing a traffic jam and a delay of 24 hours to 13 corps.

Move 4 – 0800 2 May 1813

The Prussians have now crossed the river Saale at Parey in the north and Dessau in the south.

The French traffic jam at Wolfsburg has been sorted out, 13 Polish corps have entered the town and are being sorted out ready to move tomorrow.

Move 5 - 1200 2 May 1813

The Prussians have crossed the river Saale and 2 corps is approaching Magdeburg

The French continue their advance towards Magdeburg.

CAMPAIGN NOTES

Radical Change of Plan

The campaign is not working as smoothly as I had hoped, and I have decided to reorganise it. The previous campaign diary for 5 May has been removed and the battle of Magdeburg cancelled. This is nothing to do with the players involved, it is because the campaign was organised as a solo campaign and does not work well as a multi player

Reason for change

It has become obvious to me during the first week that the way the campaign is run does not work well as a multi player campaign. There is too much work for the CinC and not enough for the corps commanders. The changes should make the game more interesting for all concerned

Strategic objectives

They remain the same.

The Prussian objective is to destroy the French army. They have secured their first objective, the occupation of Magdeburg and the west bank of the river Saale. They are now in a period or reorganization as they prepare to advance west.

The French objective is to destroy the Prussian army. Their immediate objective is to drive the Prussians back over the river Saale.

Tactical objectives

Each corps will now have a tactical objective, which will always be a named town.

The objective will be allocated by the CinC, but how to achieve it will be down to the corps commander.

Supply

The main supply route for both armies is the main road running from A5 to L5.

Each town will be a forward supply base and will support one corps.

The corps does not have to occupy the town, but they can not allow the enemy to come between them and it.

CinC orders

The previous orders of Move, Hold, Attack and Avoid are not to be used in future, except in the wargame.

CinC can now use any wording that they wish. But they must make it clear to their corps commanders which is their forward supply base and whether they want them to advance and attack the enemy or stay on the defensive.

Corps commander orders

They must carry out their CinC orders to the best of their ability. However how they do it is up to them. If they are ordered to hold a town they will decide how best to do it. They do not have to remain in the town, but may prefer to hold a bridge or pass in front.

New positions and CinC orders

French HQ – farm C4

4 French corps – hold Halbeck E2 – supply base Halbeck E2

5 French corps – hold Seehausen E5 – supply base Seehausen E5

6 French corps – hold Groningen E7 – supply base Groningen E7

13 Polish corps – hold Helmstedt B5 – supply base Helmstedt B5

Prussian HQ – farm I6

1 Prussian corps – hold Colbitz H2 – supply base Colbitz H2

2 Prussian corps – hold Magdeburg H5 – supply base Magdeburg H5

3 Prussian corps – hold Calbe H8 – supply base Calbe H8

4 Prussian corps – hold Mockern K5 – supply base Mockern K5

What happens now

At present all corps are on hold orders. 4 Prussian and 13 Polish corps are in fact army reserves.

Prussian CinC must decide whether he wants to remain on the defensive, and if so where does he want his reserve, 4 corps, to be

French CinC must decide how he wants to force the Prussians back over the river Saale. He must decide which of his corps he wants to advance, and where he wants them to advance to.

Corps commanders must decide how best to hold the towns they garrison.

Movement

Still one square each day

Only one corps or HQ in each square

Admin and emails

Next orders due on Monday

One email for each order, whether CinC or corps commander, to each addressee

For orders:

Subject: PBEM 4 French corps orders for 6 May

Text: 1 French corps move from F2 to F2

For other than orders;

Subject : PBEM what do we do now

Text: as complicated as you wish

Communications between corps commanders and CinC

Corps commanders may communicate direct with each other to ask for assistance or avoid move congestions, but they must copy their CinC.

CinC may communicate with corps commanders to explain his plans or ask for advice. But this communications must be on a separate email from his orders.

Questions

I’m sure you will have plenty. Email to me and I will answer as quickly as possible

Campaign Report - Move 4

2009-10-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Campaign Map at start of move 5 - 1200 2May 1813

CAMPAIGN DIARY

Move 1 – 0800 1 May 1813

Prussian and French armies reach their concentration areas

Move 2 – 1200 1 May 1813

The Prussian Army nears the river Saale, and 3 corps secure the bridge at Dessau.

The French Army have reached their concentration areas around Helmstedt.

Move 3 – 1600 1 May 1813

3 Prussian corps crossed the river Saale and entered Dessau.

4 and 13 French corps both try to pass through Wolfsburg, causing a traffic jam and a delay of 24 hours to 13 corps.

Move 4 – 0800 2 May 1813

The Prussians have now crossed the river Saale at Parey in the north and Dessau in the south.

The French traffic jam at Wolfsburg has been sorted out, 13 Polish corps have entered the town and are being sorted out ready to move tomorrow.

Move 5 - 1200 2 May 1813

The Prussians have crossed the river Saale and 2 corps is approaching Magdeburg

The French continue their advance towards Magdeburg.

CAMPAIGN NOTES

Armies in Contact

Both sides are now within four squares of each other. They will not be able to move within three squares whilst on Move orders. CinC must now decide whether they want to move into contact, in which case they will have to change their orders to Engage or Attack.

When to use Hold orders

When CinC orders Hold the corps will remain in that square, and fight to hold it, until the corps commander receives new orders or c

When to use Attack orders

Attack should be issued when your corps is adjacent to the square you wish to attack. It is a dangerous order to give, because in this mode it will attack any enemy who comes within range. It would be wiser to wait until it is in position before you use this order.

Difference between Engage and Attack orders

On the table there is a big difference between Attack and Engage. Engage means at least one brigade must move closer to the enemy each move. They exchange skirmish or musket volley as the player thinks appropriate. It should be used in the early stage of combat, when both sides have good morale and are both capable of putting up a good fight. Attack means that at least one brigade must charge an enemy each move. This will result in a combat where one side will eventually rout. It should be used when you are confident that you can win hand to hand. If you read the rules you will see that in hand to hand fighting a low dice throw by the attacker can result in him losing more casualties and routing than the defender.

What happens if both have Move orders

If both French and Prussian have Move orders they will both halt four squares away from each other. Neither can enter closer than that as they would be in contact, and that is not allowed in the campaign.

Wargame Rules

It is not necessary for any player to have any knowledge of the wargame rules, though it will help you to follow the battle reports if you have some understanding. There is a copy on the campaign blog.

I have been asked for a full copy, which I can now send by email if anyone would like one. I also have a three page summary of the rules, which explains how they work. These are also available by email. If you would like a copy of either, or both, please send me an email.