Battle of Pultusk 1806
Night 4 : 16th of July 2019
The final 3 turns were played, and the Russians have it sir ... A fantastically close game with the Russians almost pushing to far on the left with incredible success and the French nearly (Damn Snow) cutting the retreat road and taking the village ; But night fell and the Russians had achieved there objective and could claim to leave the battlefield safely under the cover of darkness.
An interesting scenario ; We will look to the 1807 Campaign again for more fun with the Snow ...... And now an exclusive report from the Russian left flank commander to HQ -
Sir I beg to report I have engaged the enemy over the preceding 3-4 hours on the outskirts of Pultulsk, the enemy attacked us on the heights in approximately Corps strength. As per your orders I counterattacked with my Infantry and Cavalry Divisions. I am pleased to report I have driven back a strong French infantry brigade of 6 battalions routing 2 battalions from the field in the process, the colonel of the Odessky Jager Rgt reports he has suffered approx. 30% casualties to each of his 2 battalions in achieving this, none of my other 9 battalions report any loss. I would like to recommend the Odessky Rgt receive new muskets as recognition of their fine achievement this day.
At the same time the leading regiments of my Cavalry Divn engaged French heavy cavalry and I have to report the loss of 1 Dragoon Rgt having fled the field, however the enemy cavalry have been held in check and not presented any threat to my flank. The enemy cavalry were supported by a small infantry brigade (3 bttns) and I again I am pleased to report this was seen to be retreating at the end of the day, driven off by accurate fire from the Divisional Horse Battery.
We are still strongly in possession of the heights with batteries deployed on both ridges, 1 gun is reported lost from the foot battery to counter battery fire earlier in the action, both batteries performed admirably although the occasional snow flurries prevented them inflicting further loss on the enemy.
I ask your permission to begin withdrawing my Divisions under cover of darkness, hopefully there may be more snow overnight as this disrupted the French attacks and considerably slowed their advance. In anticipation of this I have already started the reserve Grenadier Bde on its march towards your position, on receipt of your confirmation rest of Division will follow with cavalry acting as rearguard.
Respectfully yours etc etc
The final 3 turns were played, and the Russians have it sir ... A fantastically close game with the Russians almost pushing to far on the left with incredible success and the French nearly (Damn Snow) cutting the retreat road and taking the village ; But night fell and the Russians had achieved there objective and could claim to leave the battlefield safely under the cover of darkness.
An interesting scenario ; We will look to the 1807 Campaign again for more fun with the Snow ...... And now an exclusive report from the Russian left flank commander to HQ -
Sir I beg to report I have engaged the enemy over the preceding 3-4 hours on the outskirts of Pultulsk, the enemy attacked us on the heights in approximately Corps strength. As per your orders I counterattacked with my Infantry and Cavalry Divisions. I am pleased to report I have driven back a strong French infantry brigade of 6 battalions routing 2 battalions from the field in the process, the colonel of the Odessky Jager Rgt reports he has suffered approx. 30% casualties to each of his 2 battalions in achieving this, none of my other 9 battalions report any loss. I would like to recommend the Odessky Rgt receive new muskets as recognition of their fine achievement this day.
At the same time the leading regiments of my Cavalry Divn engaged French heavy cavalry and I have to report the loss of 1 Dragoon Rgt having fled the field, however the enemy cavalry have been held in check and not presented any threat to my flank. The enemy cavalry were supported by a small infantry brigade (3 bttns) and I again I am pleased to report this was seen to be retreating at the end of the day, driven off by accurate fire from the Divisional Horse Battery.
We are still strongly in possession of the heights with batteries deployed on both ridges, 1 gun is reported lost from the foot battery to counter battery fire earlier in the action, both batteries performed admirably although the occasional snow flurries prevented them inflicting further loss on the enemy.
I ask your permission to begin withdrawing my Divisions under cover of darkness, hopefully there may be more snow overnight as this disrupted the French attacks and considerably slowed their advance. In anticipation of this I have already started the reserve Grenadier Bde on its march towards your position, on receipt of your confirmation rest of Division will follow with cavalry acting as rearguard.
Respectfully yours etc etc
Night 3 : 9th of July 2019
Well another 3 turns in and despite arriving French cavalry allowing the infantry to come out of squares the blizzard lashed the field for 2 of the turns which slowed them down.
The Russian Curraisers followed the Dragoons into the valley of death were the gave the lead French Chassers a rough handling and rallied on the spot but despite the odds failed to break a french column so returns to own lines.
The southern flan has finally seen the 2 cavalry forces cross swords but it's looking like stalemate, in the center again it looks like the cavalry will keep each other pinned unless we see another heroic charge.
The ridge closest to the village is about to fall into French hands with just 1 weak Russian brigade trying to stem them (But see battalion after battalion shredded by fine French gun fire. Further North fresh french foot are arriving but seem to hampered with the blizzards to make enough headway before the impeding nightfall.
Redeployment of the Russian reserve Grenadiers is needed.
3 Turns to go next week, and the Russian high command are confident they will meet their objective.
Well another 3 turns in and despite arriving French cavalry allowing the infantry to come out of squares the blizzard lashed the field for 2 of the turns which slowed them down.
The Russian Curraisers followed the Dragoons into the valley of death were the gave the lead French Chassers a rough handling and rallied on the spot but despite the odds failed to break a french column so returns to own lines.
The southern flan has finally seen the 2 cavalry forces cross swords but it's looking like stalemate, in the center again it looks like the cavalry will keep each other pinned unless we see another heroic charge.
The ridge closest to the village is about to fall into French hands with just 1 weak Russian brigade trying to stem them (But see battalion after battalion shredded by fine French gun fire. Further North fresh french foot are arriving but seem to hampered with the blizzards to make enough headway before the impeding nightfall.
Redeployment of the Russian reserve Grenadiers is needed.
3 Turns to go next week, and the Russian high command are confident they will meet their objective.
Night 2 : 2nd of July 2019
Turns 4, 5 & 6 played, of what is developing into an enthralling encounter : Quality versus the Mass !
Some highlights from the evening would include continuing snow which although randomly generated has appeared every other turn throughout the game, this restricts all movement to half and stops all long range fire which has hindered both sides with the French struggling to get to grips with the Russians but equally the big Russian battery's are not having as much impact as expected.
Next the 'death ride' of the Russian dragoons ended in utter glory as they charged and rode the central french battery ; Helped initial by snow blizzards but then with the french howitzer missing it's canister shot and an incredible morale role for the Dragoons to close and cut down the battery.
Finally, quality does count ; The Russian's deployed a militia brigade on the heights close to the town and 1 battalion was ripped apart with French gun fire leading to a Brigade withdrawal ; A second battalion was roughly handled in melee and dispersed which led to a second brigade which led to total panic and the troops fleeing the table.
So all quite on the Russian right, but an cavalry battle expected next week, but in the center left the French look like taking part of the heights with the Russians now looking for night time.
Turns 4, 5 & 6 played, of what is developing into an enthralling encounter : Quality versus the Mass !
Some highlights from the evening would include continuing snow which although randomly generated has appeared every other turn throughout the game, this restricts all movement to half and stops all long range fire which has hindered both sides with the French struggling to get to grips with the Russians but equally the big Russian battery's are not having as much impact as expected.
Next the 'death ride' of the Russian dragoons ended in utter glory as they charged and rode the central french battery ; Helped initial by snow blizzards but then with the french howitzer missing it's canister shot and an incredible morale role for the Dragoons to close and cut down the battery.
Finally, quality does count ; The Russian's deployed a militia brigade on the heights close to the town and 1 battalion was ripped apart with French gun fire leading to a Brigade withdrawal ; A second battalion was roughly handled in melee and dispersed which led to a second brigade which led to total panic and the troops fleeing the table.
So all quite on the Russian right, but an cavalry battle expected next week, but in the center left the French look like taking part of the heights with the Russians now looking for night time.
Night 1 : 25th of June 2019
Dec 26th 1806, deep in winter the retreating Russian forces decide to make a stand in the town of Pultusk and the ridges to the north in a vain hope of slowing down the 'chasing French.
Troop numbers are about even, however the Russian force is of very poor quality against Napoleons veterans. Constant snow storms are possible which slow movement and restrict firing, these can last a variable length of time. To win the French must take the heights, and if possible the town.
3 turns complete, mainly maneuvering apart from some intensive counter battery fire from the French and early Russian cavalry threats slowing down the French left.
Gallery Night 1
Gallery Night 2
Gallery Night 3
GALLERY NIGHT 4