Bataille Empire - Game Report 14

French 1809 vs Austrians 1809

Kevin had suggested that we play Bataille Empire in 28mm, given he already had a substantial number od 28mm Napoleonics available which he used for Sharp Practice. Who was I to say no? Whilst it was not quite a moment to print of a number of 28mm Austrians to supplement my meagre Austrian 1809 Sharp Practice force it certainly did not take that long. The final resultant Austrian 1809 Army is available for viewing.

The scenario for this game was “Battle”.

The terrain was relatively open. The French fielded 3 weak infantry divisions with a supporting Hussar Brigade of two regiments.

For my part the Austrians had two identical infantry divisions; each with 3 large German Infantry Regiments, a unit of Vienna Volunteers and a 6lb Battery. The Advance Guard was in reserve off-table with 2 Grenzer units with Battalion Guns and three Light Dragoon units, one of which came from the Commander’s reserve.

The French infantry were placed under attack orders and started their advance. Their cavalry were under manoeuvre orders and were clearly biding their time. The Austrian’s moved forward under engage orders and the left division were able to deploy their Vienna Volunteers to hold the building. However, on the right the command was much tardier, and the Volunteers have yet to advance.

On game turn two the Austrian reserve arrived led by their Cavalry. As with the other troops under engage orders. In response to a charge these cavalry the Fench have opted to form square, while the Grenzers start to manoeuvre to the flank. In the centre and right both sides are exchanging artillery and musketry fire.

On the left the Grenzers have advanced into the field and across the hedge, and in doing so had to leave their Battalion guns behind! However, the French Hussars have manoeuvred their way around from the French left and are now readying themselves to charge the Austrian cavalry. In the centre the firefight continues, however on the right the Austrian infantry columns are manoeuvring to attack the French lines. The reserve 12lb battery has yet to be ordered to deploy.

Charge! The French cavalry manoeuvre into line from column and charge the Austrian Light Dragoons.

The Hussars have thrown back the Light Dragoons, but in doing so have exposed their flank to potential attack from the remaining Light Dragoons. The Grenzers have moved around to the far side of the field with the intent of taking the French Battery in flank. While in the centre the combined might of Austrian firepower has destroyed a French infantry unit.

The Austrian division in the centre has been given orders to hold the buildings. Meanwhile the right hand division has been given orders to attack. They have managed to bring forward their Volunteers to support the attack.

The attack has not gone according to the Austrian’s plan. Their cavalry have been overcome by the French Hussars, with two regiments leaving the battlefield. While the Grenzers failed to engage the battery despite their order having been changed to attack; not least because the enemy battery was able to reorientate itself to engage them!On the right the right Austria division has successfully engaged and destroyed a French Infantry regiment and is now moving forward to attack the rest of the French line.

Outcome

The Austrians suffered 22.5 cohesion points to the French’s 15; there were equal number of objective points per side. The result being a marginal French Victory.

Lessons Learnt

The jury is still out on whether the large Austrian regiments are as effective as the medium sized French.

The bottom line is that 28mm works very well indeed, but we do need better movement tools (on order)