Age of Eagles - Game Report 5

The Battle of Straubing 19 April 1809

Background

This is a report on the fourth battle of the 1809 Danube Campaign

Situation

Several days before the battle the 1st Armee Korps had crossed the Danube at Straubing with the intent of linking up with the rest of the Austrian Army south of Regensburg. They accomplished the crossing in good order, however as they were advancing as per their orders, they received reports that the 7th Corps D’Armee had outflanked them and seized Straubing a day after after they had departed.

This misfortune was compounded by the fact that 2nd Armee Korps was crossing the bridges at Regensburg with the intention to similarly link up with the Austrian Army. However, with the French now securely camped south of Regensburg, more troops advancing from the north west and now the 7th Corps D’Armee blocking the right bank of the Danube there was a severe danger of 2nd Armee Korps being destroyed.

Archduke Charles decided that he needed to recapture Straubing. He sent orders to the 1st and 2nd Armee Korps to converge on Straubing, and he additionally sent the 2nd Reserve Armee Korps to support them. His concern was not only for the safety of the 2nd Armee Korps, but also the 3rd and 4th Armee Korps who were about to enter into battle on the same day with the French south of Regensburg at Eckmuhl. If he failed to secure Straubing then he would be severely limited in his crossing points across the Isar River should he be forced to withdraw from the French.

Battlefield Map and Terrain

Straubing was located in a corner of the right bank of the River Danube. The Bavarians had been in place for a couple of days and its was suspected that they had fortified their positions.

A view of the battlefield looking from the South West to the north east.

Opposing Forces

The French comprised the 7th Corps D’Armee commanded by Le Febvre. His Corps was complete with its three Divisions and its Corps artillery, but less a Light Cavalry Brigade which had yet to rejoin the Corps. He had been reinforced by a Cuirassier Brigade.

The Austrian forces were made up of the 1st Armee Korps commanded by Bellegarde. They were due to arrive from the west about 0700hrs with their 1st and 2nd Divisions and the Corps Light Cavalry Regiments. Reports from the 3rd Division were that they were due to arrive around 0900hrs from the south west. Archduke Charles had promised support from the 2nd Reserve Armee Korps but the earliest it could arrive from the south with its two grenadier brigades and heavy cavalry brigades would be 1400hrs. Finally late in the day it was expected that the 2nd Armee Korps would arrive from the north west.

The Battle

The 1st (Bav) Division deployed protecting the north side of Straubing.

The 1st Armee Korps arrives. Screened by the Uhlan Regiment 2, they advance with the 1st Division left and the 2nd Division on the right.

Bellegarde decided to exploit the covered approach from the west through the woods running west of Straubing to advance on, and engage, the Bavarians. By 1000hrs the Austrian’s were in a position to launch an attack against Siebein’s Bde. It was intended that two regiments, the 11th and 47th, would be committed, however the intervention of Von Zandt’s Light Cavalry Brigade forced the 47th to turn to face them. The 11th went in alone and although they took exceptionally heavy losses they fell back in reasonable order. Gotthardt’s Horse Battery severely punished the Austrian columns from the flank.

The 3rd Division arrived as planned, and the Uhlan’s re-joined them. Their advance was very tardy and they were slow moving forward and into position to draw of troops from the centre.

By 1100hrs the Bavarians launched a counter-attack against the 11th and 47th Regiments. This fiercely fought battle was locked in combat for some time, before the Bavarians destroyed the 11th Infantry Regiment and forced the 47th to withdraw. The 42nd Infantry Regiment counter-attacked Siebien’s Brigade and threw them back in considerable disorder, all but destroying them to extricate some small revenge for the destruction of the 11th!

By 1130 the gap exposed by Siebein’s Brigade withdrawing was being closed as Le Febvre started to manoeuvre units laterally to fill the gap. Bellegarde seized this opportunity to regroup and reorganise his 1st and 2nd Divisions and consolidate in place. Meanwhile he would rely upon the Corps and Divisional artillery to inflict some punishment on the Bavarians. 

At 1200hrs the 3rd Division had seized Feldkirchen. The Uhlans bought time for the artillery to deploy by attacking Preysing’s Cavalry Brigade and managed to throw them off the hill. 3rd Division were now committed to work their way around the Bavarian’s left flank.

A half hour later the 3rd Division had thrown the Bavarians back and the opportunity was now there to start the move around the enemy’s left flank.

Meanwhile the consolidation and reorganisation within the 1st and 2nd Divisions has been successfully achieved.

1330hrs the Uhlans are covering the deployment of the divisional artillery on the high ground. The infantry had, however failed to secure the opportunity to exploit their success as the Bavarians withdrew with great initiative before the Austrians could come into contact.

The 2nd Reserve Armee Korps arrived as planned at 1400 and were able to move forward with exceptional speed. They were committed between the two wings of the 1st Armee Korps, and were able to use the supporting fire from the 1st Armee Korps artillery in their advance . Their mission was to seize Alterhofen.

On the right the Jagers from 3rd Division had penetrated the woods to outflank the Bavarian line. However, due to poor planning and dire execution they remained in these woods for at least 90 minutes before they were able to extricate themselves and continue the attack!

By 1500hrs the Grenadiers were advancing through the wood to the east of Alterhofen, with the Bavarians withdrawing in good order.

With the support of 2nd Reserve Armee Korps on their right, at 1630 Bellegarde committed his corps to continue the attack. The 42nd Infantry Regiment, supported by the 47th followed up Vincenti’s Brigade as it withdrew. Infantry Regiment 17 was committed in column to attack Stengel’s Brigade, but it was unable to break through. A bold move from Ludwig saw him bring forward Rechburg’s Brigade on Stengel’s right. Bellegarde’s left flank was starting to look quite tenuous.

Meanwhile in 3rd Division’s sector the Jagers had closed on the Bavarian’s, with Infantry Regiment 35 in close support engaging the battery. Although they suffered from the fire they succeeded in capturing the battery, but the Jager’s and them were both thrown back by Becker’s Brigade.

In the centre the Grenadiers from the reserve are now about to cross the start-line to attack Alterhofen. Strong fire support is being provided from the 1st Armee Korps’s artillery.

1630hrs the 2nd Armee Korps has arrived and is deploying to attack the Bavarian right flank.

By 1700hrs the Austrian are looking to up the tempo. The 17th have attempted to engage again but were thrown back in disorder. The Grenadiers are recovering from disorder.

On the right the 3rd Division are regrouping from their failure to break through Becker.

As the sky darkens, with the onset of dusk, the 3rd Division have finally pushed back Becker and Preysing’s Cavalry. The grenadiers have failed to take Altenhofen and were thrown back by the defenders.

In 2nd Armee Korps attempt to close with the Bavarian right before it withdrew Rechburg’s Brigade have withdrawn to support their Corps artillery. While that same artillery severely punish Infantry Regiment 57. As the light failed the Bavarian’s withdrew into Straubing and then to the left bank of the Danube.

Outcome

The Bavarian’s fought hard and long to hold their position. They managed a skilful defence that caused loss to the Austrians. However, the Austrian’s had secured their objective of opening up the routes on the right bank of the Danube and the crossings over the Isar.

French Losses: KIA 186, WIA 714, MIA 3240

Austrian Losses: KIA 1492, WIA 5896, MIA 3240

ADLG - Game Report 61

Andalusian Arabs(133) vs Visigoths in Spain (141)

And finally for the third ADLG in a week, this time against Kevin. I opted to field my Andalusian Arabs, and he put together the Visigoths as a suitable opponent. With 24 units a piece we had two evenly matched armies; his infantry heavy, mine cavalry heavy. In NATO Battlegroup terms his army was grouped as (1,2), and I was (2,1).

I won the initiative and decide to attack in the plains. Although given the density of terrain it wasn’t the plains we would have liked to fight in. I deployed Cavalry on the right, infantry on the left. Kevin had his cavalry flanked by two infantry commands. For the life of me I can’t remember why I didn’t deploy my camp behind the infantry behind the field.

The courtly dance begins. Kevin has decided to refuse his centre, and is trying to get his bows into flanking fire on my Light Cavalry.

There was a bit of stand-off in the centre and my right as the infantry on the left are about to come into contact. I decided that I was not going to be over rash with my Cavalry this time! On the far right my Javelinmen are going to try and hold off two mediocre Swordsmen. 

Meanwhile, the initial contact on my left has not been as successful as I would like with one of my Heavy Spearmen being heavily defeated by the furious charge of the Kevin’s Swordsmen!

Cavalry contact! My elite Heavy Cavalry have rolled over one swordsmen and are now continuing the movement to their front and flank. However, the rest of the Cavalry have not fared as well losing two units. While Kevin’s Bowmen have destroyed their opposite number.

On the left better news as the Black Guard have done what they are supposed to do; destroy enemy swordsmen.

The centre and right have become very fragmented. We both need good command and control at this stage, but the dice gods abandon Kevin’s commander on his left. My elite Heavy Cavalry are sweeping all before them. I have thrown the Light Cavalry forward to break up Kevin’s line and exploit any gaps I can find. However, my camp is now vulnerable.

On the left we are moving into a position to be able to complete the destruction of Kevin’s Swordsmen.

Which we do on the final turn. However, not before Kevin secures some pay-back by destroying my over ambitious Heavy Cavalry that tried to exploit into his reserves.

Although my camp has been ransacked, the cumulative losses from the infantry losses he suffered against the Black Guard and my elite Heavy Cavalry have broken Kevin’s army.

Outcome

A win for the Andalusian Arabs, in a hard fought battle 19 to 25.

Lessons Learnt

Obey one’s first instincts and try and make your camp secure, even if its loss is only 4 points.

I agree with Kevin’s observation, I was a little overloaded with that many Light Cavalry. A tweak to the army list is required.

Mixing the infantry units up was a good plan in this case.

Hint from Kevin; learn the killer instinct to finish the battle! I should have attacked his disordered bows in the rear!

ADLG - Game Report 60

Thessalonian Greeks (60) vs Achaemenid Persian(64)

A second ADLG game this week. This time against Iain. He needed some practice with his Persians before jetting off to Lisbon in Sept. I thought my Thessalonian Greeks would provide a nice historical matchup for him.

The terrain was “in the plains” and the nice hill on my left flank was moved there when I, as defender, repositioned the terrain. Straight away I made a mess of my deployment, or at least Iain out guessed me, as there was no way I wanted to charge my Heavy Cavalry into his Immortals.

I decided that a little bit of strategic repositioning was required. I moved the infantry lines to the left and was starting to move the Cavalry command under the CinC to the right.

Predictably because of the lateral movement, Iain managed to secure the heights of the hill I had nicely repositioned for him to be able to dominate my infantry! At the same time the Persian Cavalry also forced me to close and charge them. In the subsequent round the Scythed Chariot joined in, but was destroyed by my Heavy cavalry.

I managed to eventually extricate the Light Cavalry from in front of the bow fire. However, the repositioned line is starting to come under intense bow fire. I deployed two Peltast units to fight of the smelly camels. Iain deferred the opportunity, perhaps wisely, to charge my Peltasts.

The Peltasts have driven one Camel off the battlefield, and destroyed the other with its javelins. However, the bows on the hill are causing the Hoplites some concern and increasing the disorder. As I launched the Hoplites against his Heavy Cavalry they evaded in order to protect themselves. In doing so they had to leave a Persian Heavy Cavalry unit behind in melee with my Heavy Cavalry, The Persians were destroyed but their sacrifice allowed the others to evade and escape.

While the main actions were taking place on the left and centre on the right my elite Light Infantry destroyed two Persian Light Infantry with fire and then started moving towards the enemy camp to loot it. The rest of the Persian Scythian Light Cavalry maintained some effective bow fire on my units forcing one of my Heavy Cavalry to withdraw from the fire.

Outcome

In the end honours were even with each of losing 11 cohesion points. Most of mine were due to bow fire while most of Iain’s were melee casualties.

Lessons Learnt

Once again the effect of massed bow fire was seen to delay and disrupt an attack. Especially when one does not have the command points to rally!

The repositioning of the hill into my half of the table would have only made sense if I had placed my infantry on the left!

ADLG - Game Report 59

Low Countries (243) vs Catalan Company (262)

Paul had decided to try a new version of his Catalan Company and therefore allowed me an opportunity to play around with the composition of my Army. I decided on the following force mix. The major changes were to have more Heavy Knights and to make all 8 pike blocks mediocre. Not a significant change but it is interesting to see how it played out.

We both opted to play around the marsh that Paul was determined to get on the board. Originally it was flush to my coastline on the left flank and then he managed to roll a “6” and move it into the centre. We both opted to commit our Knights in the centre. Also as usual my light infantry handgunners proved no more than an irritant!

Once the Knights had achieved contact I thought I might well be in a chance. On my right I have at least managed to dissuade all but one of Paul’s light cavalry from playing in my backfield. I didn't need to worry about my camp as it was fortified; what a good use of 6 points! On my left, out of shot the left hand pike formation was in contact with the dreaded Almogavars.

In the centre my Knights have broken through but their left flank is starting to be exposed. The organ gunners are performing out-of-the-box! They won two combats and destroyed the cavalry they were facing.

On the left the pike blocks have been whittled down to the last one standing, which is gainfully holding its own until the last. The crossbowmen on the left of the line are fighting with all their worth and they have successfully fought of their opponents on each round of combat so far, but with they are now outflanked and things aren’t looking good for them.

Almost the final throw of the dice in the centre. As the longbows attack the rear of the light cav who evade.

The final action in the centre saw the destruction of Paul's medium cavalry by my Knights, but Paul has launched his Light Cavalry at the rear of my Knights and another unit in their flank. However, my counterattack with my victorious knights has hit the very same light cavalry in the rear. Failure, however, to secure an outstanding victory by attacking these light cavalry in the rear with my Knights and in shooting at the other Light Cavalry by the organ guns and Longbows failed to lift me into a mutual destruction.

Outcome

A victory for the Catalans 23 to 19.

Lessons Learnt

After finishing the game and in our concluding washup with Paul I was reminded that I really ought to buy some Foot Knights. (Done - on order!)

An interesting point on how I position the Knights. Rather than two blocks of 3 (impact and non-impact) it might have been better to alternate them down the line.

Try and avoid the light infantry being outflanked so that they might live a little longer!

Bolt Action - Game Report 21

Double Envelopment – Little Saturn Offensive Phase II Feb 1943

Introduction

Game 5, the final game. This time I was back to the desert-ish board for a game against Doug and his Germans.

Situation

Operation Little Saturn has made rapid progress to recover territory lost to the Germans in 1942. The 1075th Rifle Regiment last mission significantly contributed to the recovery of Krasnador from the remnants of the 1st Panzer Army retreating the Black Sea Coast. The next phase of the operation is to seize key objectives that would lead to the encirclement and destruction of the remnants of 1Pz Army and prevent their evacuation from the Black Sea Coast.

Enemy Forces

Army scouts had reported that there were German Brandenburger special forces seen arriving at a temporary airfield near the coats. Army level intelligence has seen to dismiss this sighting as an error and places no credibility to it. There remains however some light armoured and recon forces in the immediate area of 1075th Rifle Regiment’s area of operations.

Friendly Forces

Captain Vasya Rimkov 4th Coy, 1075 Rifle Regt remains in command.. He retained Senior Lieutenant Alexey Nofkirov’s platoon, with three sections made up from conscripts with no battle experience. 4th Coy was supported by an early model of the T34-85 with a tank rider squad, a scout car for recon, a ZIS-3, a sniper team, three tank hunter teams, and a battalion mortar for support. The Artillery Battalion provided an observer. Division has a Scout Squad under his command for the operation.

Mission

4th Coy is to seize the key objectives to allow 46th Rifle Corps to encircle and destroy the remnants of 1st Panzer Army.

Execution

Captain Rimkov’s plan was to focus on attacking the left flank objectives. He would support this with the Scout Squad from the centre, and with an artillery strike. He would protect his depth objectives with his infantry squads.

Battle Report

The Scout Squad successfully infiltrated and then moved to seize the building. The presence of enemy armour was a concern.

The sniper engaged the German sniper and destroyed it, after which he turned his attention to the artillery. The artillery officer prepared to bring an artillery strike down on the artillery position. Although the strike deviated wildly, the weight of the Soviet artillery strike was sufficient to destroy a recon team on their motorcycles and to continue to suppress the German artillery piece.

The Scout Squad were forced to evacuate the building because of the weight of fire. They were hotly pursued by the German armour. Eventually the German firepower overwhelmed them and they were destroyed in front of the doorway.

On the right flank the infantry seized the high ground and engaged in a fire fight with the German infantry. The tank hunters tried to move forward to engage the enemy armour, unsuccessfully. The infantry on the hill would eventually be dispersed because of the German Machine Gun fire.

The T34 moved to support the right flank, its MGs were useful forcing the German’s back.

The T34 continued to advance, and engage the Germans on the right flank. However, the German armour intervened and managed a rear shot against the T34 which destroyed it.

Unfortunately the reports of Brandenbugers was not overstated, and proved to be a real threat. They intervened towards the end of the battle in the depth of our position and seized both the left and right objectives. The Tank rider squad with its SMGs tried to counter attack as did the artillery observer but it was al too late.

Outcome

A close fought victory to the Germans. An object lesson in how troops with the “Outflanking” capability, the Brandenburgers like my Scout Squad, are very useful to secure depth objectives.