Vyazma 1812 AAR

This is the long version of the AAR and includes over 140 photos! I will be creating a summarised version soon. This was an early testing of my rules so I've taken photos step by step in much of it to record the details of movement and combat.

Scenario details

Setup

Eugene’s IV Corps is marching south into Vyazma along the Smolensk Road. In the background, Russian troops can be seen in the woods around Fedorovskoie. Davout’s I Corps is entering the battlefield along the road from the north-west corner. 

Davout’s I Corps arrives from the north along the road into the small village of Fedorovskoie. 

Korf & Sievers cavalry, supported by some Jagers and a horse artillery battery from Ostermann-Tolstoy’s IV Corps have cut the French forces in two. The remainder of the Russian Corps are marching from the north and east

Davout’s I Corps is also being pursued by other Russian troops including cossacks. Any delay in their march will see the Russians engaging the rear of their column. There is only one way out and that is to punch a way through the Russian blockade and reach Vyazma.

It’s a daunting scenario for the French as the overall forces are about equal. The French will need to rely on their superior command and control and the traditional Russian conservatism if they are to win.

Turn 1

Eugene’s IV Corps gets the first initiative of the turn and orders his infantry to about-face and head back to support Davout’s I Corps with a single group Deploy order. Eugene orders his cavalry off ahead of the infantry.

Korf’s troops get the next initiative and two cavalry regiments are ordered to deploy to face Eugene’s approaching cavalry. The remainder of his forces set up defensively to block Davout, with a horse artillery battery in the centre flanked by two Jager regiments and a Lancer and Dragoon regiment.

Half of Davout’s I Corps advances. The other half of the Corps is still off-board awaiting orders. Davout has concentrated his command effort in his leading units to try for a quick breakthrough.

Turn 2

Korf’s troops get the first initiative of turn 2. The Russian horse artillery fires ineffectively at the leading infantry column at long range.

Davout’s I Corps forms into line and advances on Korf’s position.

Eugene’s Infantry stalls (with some poor command rolls) but the cavalry races ahead to engage the Russian cavalry amongst the forest outside Fedorovskoie. Eugene’s artillery deploys facing the anticipated Russian reinforcements coming from the east edge of the board.

The Russian C-in-C, Miloradovich, enters through the village of Maximovka. Miloradovich allocates all his command points to Korf, commanding the Russian troops blocking Davout’s retreat into Vyazma. At this command range only half of Miloradovich’s command points can be used.

Korf’s cavalry charges the intervening French cavalry from Eugene’s Corps. The French cavalry countercharge. It’s a pretty even fight, with 1 heavy cavalry and 1 light cavalry regiment apiece.

To the left of Fedorovskoie, Korf’s lancer regiment charges Davout’s light cavalry regiment at the top left of the photo and the French cavalry also counter-charge.

The results of these two cavalry melees could be decisive in either the Russian attempts to trap Davout or the French efforts to provide a safe passage back through Vyazma.

The cavalry encounter in the woods is a mixed result. Korf’s Hussars push back Eugene’s Chasseurs inflicting a hit, but the French Dragoons get the better of their Russian equivalents.

Korf’s lancers push back Davout’s light cavalry and the horse artillery inflicts two hits on the leading Russian infantry regiment (note the two red beads on the unit)

Davout continues to advance in the face of the artillery fire, but the focus on the attack has left his remaining regiments still off the board.

Eugene gets his infantry on the march again and reforms his cavalry regiments south of the woods for another go at the Russian cavalry, hopefully next turn.

Turn 3

Eugene gets the first initiative of turn 3, giving him two initiatives in a row!

Two regiments break off to flank the Russian cavalry through the cover of the woods, while the remaining infantry stay in reserve wary of Russian reinforcements expected on their right flank.

Eugene’s cavalry get charge orders and the Russian cavalry countercharge. The French have the advantage here with an extra combat die due to the charge orders.

It’s a bloody cavalry melee with the French pushed back but the Russians taking heavy casualties. The Russians are doing a good job at holding up the French.

Turn 4

Poniatowski’s V Corps arrives at Vyazma and heads off to support Eugene’s Corps.

Davout’s lead regiments melee Korf’s defensive line of Jagers, as the rest of Davout’s Corps enters the board along the road in march column.

Korf’s Jagers have broken under the French assault. A Russian Dragoon regiment attacks the French left flank and force the end regiment into square.

Ostermann-Tolstoy’s IV Corps enters from the eastern edge and advances to threaten the French line of retreat.

Eugene’s Corps turns to face Ostermann’s Russians. They must hold the road to keep Davout’s line of retreat open.

Eugene’s cavalry charge the Russians again and they break! But the French have taken heavy losses and aren’t in much of a state to pursue. Still, things could have been much worse for the French. At least there is starting to look like a way through the woods for Davout’s I Corps.

Davout’s Corps overruns the Russian artillery in the centre of Korf’s line. The French infantry also send a withering volley into the French Dragoons scoring 3 hits!

Turn 5

Ostermann’s Corps moves forward with their artillery taking position on the hill. The Russians have a commanding position and the French will have a hard time defending the road.

Ney’s Corps enters Vyazma and moves to take position to the right of the town. Ney has 3 batteries which could be critical in holding the Russians and allowing the French Corps to retreat through Vyazma.

Paskevich’s 26th Division and Platov’s Cossacks enter right behind Davout’s rear-guard. The Russian infantry melee the rear French regiment and it takes 2 hits. Davout’s Corps looks in trouble as it is now engaged to it’s front and rear.

More Russians arrive! Eugen’s II Corps enters north of Maximovka and moves to intercept Davout’s Corps. Davout is now threatened on three sides.

Korf’s troops are breaking up under the French attack. Korf has given up on the routing cavalry (at top of pic) but attempts to rally the Jagers before they exit the board to the west (bottom of pic).

Poniatowski’s V Corps advances along the road to protect Eugene’s right flank.

Ostermann’s artillery pound Eugene’s infantry line and two French regiments retire. Ostermann pushes his infantry forward to take advantage of the French disarray.

Turn 6

Ney’s Corps moves slowly through a crowded Vyazma

Eugen’s Russians advance past Maximovka. The net is closing on Davout.

Eugene turns his leading infantry to face the looming Russian threats to the east and north. The Corps cavalry near the woods tries to rally after the previous bloody cavalry melee in the woods. With little available cavalry, these units could be critical in protecting the retreat.

Paskevich attacks the French rear-guard again.

Davout disengages from the Russian’s to his rear, and with Korf’s cavalry routing away to the east, the way back to Vyazma is open! However, Korf may have delayed Davout enough for the Russian pincer to close on the beleaguered French Corps.

Korf uses all his command dice to rally the routing Jager regiment as the the second Jager regiment also routs.

Turn 7

Korf reforms one of the Jager regiments and they split into skirmish formation ready to harass the French as they move through the forest. The other regiment routs off the table. Korf’s lancers are the only other unit that remains in effective shape as the other cavalry regiments rout off the table at the top left and top of the photo.

Eugen’s lead infantry brigade gets march orders and is seriously threatening to block Davout’s retreat a second time.

Threatened by the French reinforcements arriving from Vyazma, Ostermann’s Russians pull back slightly on their left flank and use their superior artillery numbers to weaken and push back the centre of the French line.

At the end of Turn 7 the situation on the French right flank is being stabilised by the arrival of Ney’s Corps. However, Ney’s artillery is taking too long to get to the battle front.

Davout’s rear-guard has routed most of Korf’s troops but they have infantry and cossacks hot on their heals. Not only that, but Eugen’s Corps has marched rapidly through Maximovka and threaten the French retreat once again. If Davout can’t reform his units into march order quickly then it doesn’t look good for the French.

Turn 8

Ostermann’s Corps consolidates its’ crucial position in the French centre. The Hussars finally rally at the top of the photo.

Korf pulls back and tries to form a bit of a threat to Davout’s retreat.

Ney continues to bring up his artillery.

Paskevich is struggling to get his brigade to move forward. The Russians are trying to close in on all sides, but Miloradovich can’t be everywhere and this is impacting the Russian command influence.

With Korf’s unit is disarray, Davout gets his troops moving back on the road to Vyazma.

Ostermann’s artillery continues to soften up Eugene’s Corps guarding the road back to Vyazma.

Miloradovich surveys the battlefield from the ridge. He gives Eugen’s Corps all his command dice to try and split the French retreat once more.

Eugen’s Russians take full advantage of the glut of command dice and both infantry and artillery thrust forward into the gap between Eugene’s Corps and Davout’s retreating Corps.

Turn 9

Eugene’s cavalry attack the weakened Russian dragoons but come off worse.

Eugen’s Corps continues to drive forward. The lead brigade on the right has already reached the woods. Davout’s Corps at top of picture will be cut off if they don’t get a move on.

Ostermann’s right flank brigade advances in co-ordination with Eugen’s Corps to attack Eugene’s left flank.

Paskevitch finally gets going in pursuit of Davout.

Ney’s artillery continues to move up slowly. Their firepower on the Russian left flank is desperately needed.

Davout orders an infantry brigade to turn and face the Russian threat to the line of march. The rest of the Corps retreats along the road.

Korf’s cavalry reach the safety of the woods but they have suffered heavy casualties.

The view from the Russian position at the end of turn 9. Uvarov’s Cuirassiers have arrived on the northern edge of the board.

Turn 10

Korf brings his Jagers up into the woods to harass the retreating French

Ostermann’s right flank brigade attacks Eugene’s left flank, pushing back one regiment and scoring hits on the artillery battery.

Uvarov’s Cuirassiers move through Maximovka on their way to support the Russian left flank attack.

Davout’s Corps attempts to squeeze between Korf’s remaining units and the advancing infantry of Eugen’s Corps. Davout deploys a brigade to counter Eugen’s leading columns, catching them by surprise with a devastating volley that routs the leading regiment.

The results of Davout’s blunting of Eugen’s attempt to cut off his retreat sees the Russians in a bit of disarray at the top of the picture.

Eugene struggles to hold back Ostermann’s attack. His artillery don’t roll well and the Russian brigade is poised to exploit their attack on the next initiative. Eugene forms his cavalry into a strategic reserve to support this critical link in Davout’s line of retreat.

Platov’s cossacks move up behind Davout’s rear-guard as Paskevitch’s brigade fails to keep in contact.

Eugen’s Corps deploys from column into line and their artillery gets a forced march to catch up. If the artillery can set up on the hill then the French position will be under a lot of pressure to hold up.

At the top of the picture, one of Davout’s brigades has successfully halted the Russian advance and the routing Russian infantry regiment (right of pic) may be lost if Eugen can’t rally it next turn.

Ney’s artillery is nearly in position. The flank of the Russian position looks like a really juicy target!

The main battle at the end of turn 10. The Russians have a lot of troops concentrated in the centre, and if the French can’t hold them then Davout’s retreat will be in jeopardy.

Turn 11

The whole battlefield from the Russian side at the start of turn 11. The village of Maximovka is in the foreground and Fedorovskoie at top of picture. Vyazma is just out of picture to the left. Davout’s Corps is passing through Fedorovskoie and is surrounded on three sides by Korf’s troops, Platov’s cossacks and Paskevitch’s infantry, and Eugen’s Corps.

Davout attacks Eugen’s Russian troops again as his infantry pass behind along the road to Vyazma.

Ney’s artillery gets into position on the French right flank.

Eugene’s left flank is under enormous pressure as they try and hold their position in front of the barn and push back the Russian infantry.

Korf pulls back his weakened Dragoons to safety and will try and rally them next turn.

Eugen’s Corps consolidates it’s position. A French regiment is pushed back after a musket volley. A regiment is shifted to the right flank to face Davout’s troops while the artillery batteries deploy on the hilltop. The routing infantry regiment at top of picture is all but lost.

Ostermann’s Corps finishes off turn 11 with an artillery barrage that forces the French artillery back. Ostermann’s infantry have also pushed the French line back in the centre.

The situation at the end of turn 11 looking from the north. It looks very tight for the French. Davout’s French have managed to force a gap through to Eugene’s Corps and stalled the Russian’s rapid march through the centre. However, Eugene’s Corps is struggling to hold off the threat from both Ostermann’s and Eugen’s Corps. With the Russian artillery now in place overlooking the French line of march it may be up to Ney and Poniatowski’s Corps to come to the rescue.

Turn 12

Turn 12 begins with Platov sending a regiment of Cossacks to attack Davout’s rear-guard. Davout counter-charges with his Chasseurs.

Despite rolling two sabers, the Cossacks fail to hit, as they don’t score on sabers. The French Chasseurs score a hit and a retreat and the Cossacks must scurry back 3 hexes with bloodied noses.

Davout orders all his units to retreat. A lone cavalry regiment guards their rear around Fedorovskoie.

Ney’s artillery get Bombard orders. Both batteries fire on the Russian Grenadiers, who hold Ostermann’s left flank. Despite rolling 8 dice only 1 hit is scored. The Russians can ignore the first flag on each set so they hold their position.

Paskevich’s Brigade ignores the lone French artillerymen and heads after the retreating French infantry. With only 1 command die, Paskevich still has a 67% chance of rolling Deploy or Attack orders each turn. A bit of help from the C-in-C would help but Miloradovich is focussing his attention on Ostermann’s and Eugen’s corps.

Eugene orders his artillery and infantry to fire on Ostermann’s advancing infantry.

Eugen orders his artillery to fire on its’ French counterpart next to the barn as the Russian regiments in front of it are too close to the French infantry to fire over their heads.

Eugen’s Russian infantry moves forward to try and close with the French infantry.

Ostermann pulls his exposed left flank back out of range of the French artillery. One regiment is pulled back on the right with Rally orders. The other regiment melees the weakened French regiment in front of it scoring two hits. This is enough to rout the French and the Russian regiment advances into the space left by the routing regiment. The French centre is starting to splinter just as Davout’s troops escape behind.

Korf’s Jagers fire on Davout’s retreating regiments and hasten their retreat.

The situation at the end of turn 12 looking from Vyazma. Ney has turned the Russian left flank with his artillery. The Russian centre remains strong and Eugene’s units have broken to the left of the barn.

Turn 13

Ostermann rallies a regiment and conducts counter battery fire.

Davout continues to pull his troops through the gap between the woods. It looks like a close run thing as Eugene’s brigade to the right of the picture has broken and the Russian tide threatens to sweep in.

Eugen’s Corps closes to melee the lone French regiment holding the front at this point. The Russian rolls are woeful and the French stand firm.

Korf deploys his Lancers to get around the French position.

Uvarov’s Cuirassiers continue their move to the Russian left flank. They don’t seem to be in much of a rush to join the battle.

Platov joins his Cossacks up with Korf’s Lancers to try and sweep behind the French retreat.

Eugene attempts to hold the Russian attack with the lone regiment on his left flank. The French counter attack does little to dent the Russian on-slaught, but it was a brave attempt.

Ney’s artillery scores hits on the Russian regiment still within range. Even at this range, two batteries with Bombard orders can be quite annoying.

The end of turn 13 looking from the Russian side.

Looking from the French side over Vyazma at the end of turn 13. There are 10 turns left for the French to reach Vyazma.

Turn 14

Platov releases a Cossack regiment to continue the sweep around the French line of retreat at the start of turn 14. The other regiments have been left behind as a group move could not be conducted due to Korf’s Lancers obstructing the move!

Eugen orders his infantry to fire on the remaining French regiment between the barn and the woods. It’s a devastating volley causing maximum hits. So the remaining French regiment routs as well.

Eugen also rallies a regiment at the bottom of the picture.

Eugene tries to Rally the broken brigade.

Ney’s artillery fires again scoring 1 hit and the third battery is now in position.

Ostermann pulls back the last regiment exposed to the French artillery barrage and successfully rallies it. Ostermann’s own artillery scores a hit on a French regiment in the centre but there aren’t enough command dice to continue the attack on the barn.

Davout pushes his units hard and they are nearly through. One regiment is routing and Davout will need to rally it next turn. Davout’s Chasseurs are guarding the road behind the retreating Corps but the threat is likely to come from the Cossacks sweeping to Davout’s left.

Paskevich keeps up the pursuit. Better late than never.

Korf rallies his Dragoons and sends the Lancers off to support the Cossacks outflanking move.

Looking from the Russian side at the end of turn 14. Ney’s artillery has kept the Russians from Vyazma. Uvarov’s Cuirassiers may be needed to force a break in the French resolve but they have been very slow to move up.

The view from the French side at the end of turn 14. Davout’s Corps is slipping through the Russian net but Platov’s and Korf’s cavalry are trying a wide sweeping manoeuvre.

It’s been an intriguing scenario so far, playing out remarkably like the real thing. The changes to the rules with the use of command cards has worked out wonderfully well, adding another random element that continually springs surprises. Even though this is a solo game, it has never felt like I’m favouring one side over the other, which has certainly been a problem with previous rules.

I’m convinced that the command dice are a perfect way to simulate the vagaries of command. The Russians struggle to gain momentum when the C-in-C doesn’t have influence, but where he does the Russian Corps are quite effective. The French have a bit more command control and this has allowed Davout to extricate himself from the Russian trap.

Turn 15

Ostermann pulls his infantry back to try and get out of the range of the French artillery.

Ney’s artillery continues to score hits on the Russian infantry, keeping them well away from the French line of retreat.

Paskovich keeps the pressure on Davout’s retreat, albeit at a safe distance.

Korf lets his Lancers loose and the French counter charge with a regiment of Chasseurs. The French cavalry are swept away and the Lancers hold formation with the help of Korf himself.

The Lancers were able to conduct a bonus attack after their breakthrough, forcing the French infantry in front of them to form square. The Lancers bounced back from the square. The French Chasseurs can be seen routing off to the right. If the Russian cavalry can get in amongst the retreating infantry it could be all over for the French.

Davout has used up several command points reacting to Korf’s attacks and is struggling to pull his troops back. He is under immense pressure from 3 sides.

Eugen’s Russian infantry fires on the French rear-guard scoring more hits.

At the end of turn 15, looking from Vyazma. The French right is doing a good job of holding the Russians back, but the Russian thrust in the middle is causing a lot of mayhem for Davout and Eugene’s retreating troops.

Turn 16

Eugene brings up a Chasseur regiment to hold the Russian Lancers at bay.

The Lancers attack again and the outcome is inconclusive.

Eugen’s Russians fire and the French retreat is disarray.

Davout gets some order in his rear-guard while his remaining troops escape to Vyazma.

Turn 17

The start of turn 17 looking from the French right flank.

Platov’s cossacks sweep around the Russian left flank. If they get a few good command roles they could well cut the French off again. Eugene has placed his Dragoons watching the French left (see top right of photo).

Eugen pushes forward against the reformed French rear-guard and his troops poor a volley of fire into the French..

Davout is wounded in the exchange and retires back.

Davout’s troops slip away. Even wounded, Davout remains amongst his rear troops, guiding the retreat.

Uvarov’s heavy cavalry forms into line as they finally prepare to attack the French right flank.

Eugene now pulls his troops back and the race is on to reach Vyazma. The French have many units routing and the congestion is causing problems with an orderly retreat. The French have lost a couple of units who were unable to find a rout path.

Korf rallies his dragoons, and these troops could cause more trouble for the French. The Jagers have reformed from Skirmish into Line.

At the end of turn 17, the French are being hotly pressed by Eugen’s Corps in the centre and the Cossacks still loom a threat on the French left. The French right is also slowly moving back.

Turn 18

Ney’s artillery break the Russian Grenadiers, who are blocked by Uvarov’s heavy cavalry and are lost to the battle.

Korf’s persistant Lancers charge again! The result routs both units!

Ostermann’s Corps moves off the ridge to try and inflict more damage on the retreating French.

Eugene leads his troops into Vyazma.

Eugen’s Corps presses hard.

The end of turn 18 from the Russian side.

Turn 19

Looking north from Vyazma at start of turn 19.

Platov’s Cossacks attack and Eugene’s dragoons counter-charge. Both sides fall back but the cossacks get their nose bloodied.

Turn 20

The start of turn 20, and the French are sprinting to the line with Eugen’s Corps hot on their tails.

Ostermann’s artillery lets fire at the French stragglers, hurrying them along.

Turn 21

With only two turns left, the French are going to be leaving some units behind.

The Russians are unable to maintain their earlier pressure and Eugene and Davout’s Corps look like reaching safety.

Turn 23

The last turn, and Ney’s artillery are lost to the right of the photo. Some good command roles and most of the remaining infantry and cavalry may make it.

The situation at the end of the game.The units in the foreground are the French units that made it to Vyazma.

The final count is:

French total = 75 pts:

6 units from Davout’s Corps reached Vyazma = 30 pts

Held Vyazma = 10 pts

5 Russian units destroyed = 25 pts

10 hits on Russian units = 10 pts

Russian total = 63 pts:

3 French units destroyed = 15 pts

18 hits on French units = 18 pts

6 French units captured = 30 pts

The French were lucky to get away with a marginal victory. The Russians were hampered by their more limited Leaders. Davout did a sterling job of breaking through Korf’s troops and avoiding the Russian forces closing in on three sides.