Friedland 1807 AAR
After the battle of Heilsberg, Bennigsen had crossed the Alle River and was retreating towards Allenburg with most of the army on the right bank. Bennigsen was under pressure to demonstrate an aggressive move and would keep his detractors at bay.
The Russian army was exhausted and low on morale. Napoleon on the other hand was elated. He was receiving news that the Russians were crossing over to his side of the Alle. An opponent does not often execute such difficult movement in the face of enemy, to fight with an impassable river at his back. Napoleon's only fear was that Bennigsen would recognise his error and retrace his steps before he could strike in force.
Russian Aim: Hold off the French until nightfall to enable an orderly withdrawal.
French Aim: Clear the Russians from the battlefield.
Friedland is a major objective.
Game Length: 9am to 9pm, 25 turns
Scenario File
Game setup on the Russian right flank.
The Russian infantry and cavalry face off against Grouchy’s cavalry outside Heinrichadorf.
The Russian left wing cavalry are in reserve and the Russian reserve guard are marching into Friedland to reinforce the proposed left flank attack.
Turn 1.
On the Russian right flank, the Russians move a heavy cavalry brigade up to support the right flank of the main infantry line.
The cavalry in reserve near Friedland have moved forward to the central bridge across the Mill Stream so that they can support either flank.
The French hold their position.
The Russian guard division marches through Friedland to support the left flank attack.
In the foreground the left wing cavalry has moved up beside the Mill stream.
The Russian Jagers advance in open order through the Sortlack Woods to engage with their French counterparts.
Turn 2:
The French fail their first roll for the arrival of Mortier’s Corps.
There isn’t much action on the French left flank. Grouchy orders a brigade of cavalry to circle round the Russian flank while the Russians wait.
The French and Russian infantry continue their firefight in front of Posthenen.
The Russians move a regiment of cavalry forward to threaten the sparse French defensive line.
The Russian Jagers push the French light troops back in the Sortlack Woods.
Lannes Corps is spread very thin to cover the right flank, and with pressure on the township of Posthenen, no command focus has been directed to assist the French light infantry.
Turn 3:
French lancers and Russian cossacks charge each other near Heinrichadorf and are both repulsed.
Outside Posthenen, the Russian and French infantry are rapidly wearing each other out.
The French have Mortier’s Corps marching in support while the Russians are a bit isolated from their main line. The Russian brigade is too weak to hold their position even if they push back the French defenders.
The Russian Jagers continue their successful advance through the Sortlack Woods, driving the French before them.
Mortier’s Corps can be seen marching down the road in the background.
Turn 4:
The Cavalry melee continues on the far right flank of the Russian position.
Neither side can strike a decisive blow with both combatants retiring for the moment.
Mortier’s Corps arrives just in time!
One of the Lannes regiments breaks and flees back across the bridge into Posthenen.
A Russian regiments retires back onto the rise as the two remaining regiments face off.
Lannes has been instrumental in holding the French infantry putting himself in the front line. He had several close calls but escaped unscathed.
The Russian Jagers have nearly pushed the French lights out of the Sortlack Woods. The French have suffered heavily.
Turn 5: View of the entire battlefield.
1. Russian Jagers get the better of their French counterparts in the Sortlack Woods
2. The Russians flee with heavy casualties from the rises near Posthenen as Mortier’s Corps arrives.
3. Grouchy’s cavalry and the Russian right wing continue to face each other off on this side of the battlefield with neither side making a move.
4. French cavalry and Russian cossacks continue their inconclusive skirmish.
The Russian right wing sitting ready for the French.
The Russians have a very strong position with two lines of infantry and two lines of cavalry both supported by artillery.
The French have only cavalry with some artillery support.
A Russian brigade flees before the newly arriving French.
The Russian Guard has now moved up to form the reserve for the Russian left flank.
A French regiment from Lannes Corps routes through Posthenen as Mortier’s Corps marches to fill the gap in the French defensive line.
Turn 6:
Little change on the French left flank.
The Russians have moved a Dragoon brigade over to support the cossacks on the far right flank.
Mortier’s Corps deploys to support Lannes embattled Corps.
Lannes has already lost one regiment (at bottom of screen). He has been unable to rally any regiments in the this turn.
Turn 7:
The Russian right wing cavalry probe forward around Heinrichadorf as Grouchy falls back to allow him to reinforce the beleaguered French right flank with a brigade of lancers.
Both sides send cavalry brigades to support the battle on the French right flank.
The Russians have pulled their weakened infantry back to the main line and rally them, ready for a renewed push.
The Russian Guard Division in the foreground has moved up as well.
Mortier’s fresh Corps deploys in line as Lannes battle weary infantry retire to the far right flank.
The two French light infantry regiments continue their route. The Russians are too close, so Lannes must wait until the last moment next turn to attempt a rally.
The Russian jagers move to the edges of the Sortlack Woods.
Turn 8:
Russian lancers cross the Mill Stream and aim to threaten the newly arrived French Corps before any supporting artillery or cavalry arrive.
A bold move by the Russians and guaranteed to at least tie down the French build up. It is also providing a distraction to allow the Russian main defensive line to be set up in the background.
Lannes light infantry is nearly off the board. If they don’t rally next turn, things look bad for the French right flank.
But Napoleon might still save the day!
Grouchy sends his lancers to support the French right flank. They charge around Posthenen in quicktime.
Grouchy’s cavalry is now spread very thin with brigades dispatched to the right flank and far left flank. Sensing an opportunity, the Russians have moved their infantry and artillery forward on their right wing, pressuring the remaining French cavalry.
Grouchy’s capacity issue orders to his troops is going to be severely tested in coming turns.
The Russian right wing heavy cavalry move up to engage the French scouts on the far side of Heinrichadorf.
Turn 9:
Russian lancers pin two of Mortier’s infantry regiments in square. One of the lancer regiments is repulsed.
The Russian artillery has moved up to soften up the French as Russian cavalry and infantry amass for an attack.
French lancers have arrived in support from the French left flank and charge over the bridge near Posthenen.
The Russians appear to have taken the initiative across the whole battlefield, forcing the French to react to every move.
On the French right flank, Lannes loses the two light infantry regiments off the board. Lannes is 3 regiments down and the rest of the Corps retreats.
Russian hussars wait near Sortlack Woods for an opportunity to cause further havock.
The Russians launch a charge with their dragoon brigade. The French counter-charge and both sides take 2 hits with a Russian regiment retreating.
The Russian build up in the centre is slow and Mortier’s French sit tight and hope for reinforcements due any turn now.
The Russian artillery pound the French from a forward position as their cavalry pins the French infantry down.
The Russian army was exhausted and low on morale. Napoleon on the other hand was elated. He was receiving news that the Russians were crossing over to his side of the Alle. An opponent does not often execute such difficult movement in the face of enemy, to fight with an impassable river at his back. Napoleon's only fear was that Bennigsen would recognise his error and retrace his steps before he could strike in force.
Russian Aim: Hold off the French until nightfall to enable an orderly withdrawal.
French Aim: Clear the Russians from the battlefield.
Friedland is a major objective.
Game Length: 9am to 9pm, 25 turns
Scenario File
Game setup on the Russian right flank.
The Russian infantry and cavalry face off against Grouchy’s cavalry outside Heinrichadorf.
The Russian left wing cavalry are in reserve and the Russian reserve guard are marching into Friedland to reinforce the proposed left flank attack.
Game setup on the Russian left flank.
Light infantry face off in the Sortlack Woods while the Russian infantry set up to attack Lannes French infantry defending Posthenen.
Turn 1.
On the Russian right flank, the Russians move a heavy cavalry brigade up to support the right flank of the main infantry line.
The cavalry in reserve near Friedland have moved forward to the central bridge across the Mill Stream so that they can support either flank.
The French hold their position.
The Russian left flank begins its attack.
Two regiments march to engage the French outside Posthenen.
One of the French regiments charges the lead Russian regiment. The Russians let off a volley scoring 1 hit and a retreat, but the French attack goes in with the direct assistance of Lannes himself. The Russians take 2 hits and also hold firm.
The Russian guard division marches through Friedland to support the left flank attack.
In the foreground the left wing cavalry has moved up beside the Mill stream.
The Russian Jagers advance in open order through the Sortlack Woods to engage with their French counterparts.
The French fail their first roll for the arrival of Mortier’s Corps.
There isn’t much action on the French left flank. Grouchy orders a brigade of cavalry to circle round the Russian flank while the Russians wait.
The French and Russian infantry continue their firefight in front of Posthenen.
The Russians move a regiment of cavalry forward to threaten the sparse French defensive line.
The Russian Jagers push the French light troops back in the Sortlack Woods.
Lannes Corps is spread very thin to cover the right flank, and with pressure on the township of Posthenen, no command focus has been directed to assist the French light infantry.
Turn 3:
French lancers and Russian cossacks charge each other near Heinrichadorf and are both repulsed.
Outside Posthenen, the Russian and French infantry are rapidly wearing each other out.
The French have Mortier’s Corps marching in support while the Russians are a bit isolated from their main line. The Russian brigade is too weak to hold their position even if they push back the French defenders.
Mortier’s Corps can be seen marching down the road in the background.
Turn 4:
The Cavalry melee continues on the far right flank of the Russian position.
Neither side can strike a decisive blow with both combatants retiring for the moment.
Mortier’s Corps arrives just in time!
One of the Lannes regiments breaks and flees back across the bridge into Posthenen.
A Russian regiments retires back onto the rise as the two remaining regiments face off.
Lannes has been instrumental in holding the French infantry putting himself in the front line. He had several close calls but escaped unscathed.
The Russian Jagers have nearly pushed the French lights out of the Sortlack Woods. The French have suffered heavily.
1. Russian Jagers get the better of their French counterparts in the Sortlack Woods
2. The Russians flee with heavy casualties from the rises near Posthenen as Mortier’s Corps arrives.
3. Grouchy’s cavalry and the Russian right wing continue to face each other off on this side of the battlefield with neither side making a move.
4. French cavalry and Russian cossacks continue their inconclusive skirmish.
The Russian right wing sitting ready for the French.
The Russians have a very strong position with two lines of infantry and two lines of cavalry both supported by artillery.
The French have only cavalry with some artillery support.
A Russian brigade flees before the newly arriving French.
The Russian Guard has now moved up to form the reserve for the Russian left flank.
A French regiment from Lannes Corps routes through Posthenen as Mortier’s Corps marches to fill the gap in the French defensive line.
Turn 6:
Little change on the French left flank.
The Russians have moved a Dragoon brigade over to support the cossacks on the far right flank.
Mortier’s Corps deploys to support Lannes embattled Corps.
Lannes has already lost one regiment (at bottom of screen). He has been unable to rally any regiments in the this turn.
The Russian jagers have finally routed the French light infantry.
Lannes has dashed across to help but with one infantry regiment already lost, two more losses would route the whole Corps!
With at least 4 turns before Napoleon and the rest of the French Corps arrive, the Russians have an opportunity to bottle up the French near the table edge.
Turn 7:
The Russian right wing cavalry probe forward around Heinrichadorf as Grouchy falls back to allow him to reinforce the beleaguered French right flank with a brigade of lancers.
Both sides send cavalry brigades to support the battle on the French right flank.
The Russians have pulled their weakened infantry back to the main line and rally them, ready for a renewed push.
The Russian Guard Division in the foreground has moved up as well.
Mortier’s fresh Corps deploys in line as Lannes battle weary infantry retire to the far right flank.
The two French light infantry regiments continue their route. The Russians are too close, so Lannes must wait until the last moment next turn to attempt a rally.
The Russian jagers move to the edges of the Sortlack Woods.
Turn 8:
Russian lancers cross the Mill Stream and aim to threaten the newly arrived French Corps before any supporting artillery or cavalry arrive.
A bold move by the Russians and guaranteed to at least tie down the French build up. It is also providing a distraction to allow the Russian main defensive line to be set up in the background.
Lannes light infantry is nearly off the board. If they don’t rally next turn, things look bad for the French right flank.
But Napoleon might still save the day!
Grouchy sends his lancers to support the French right flank. They charge around Posthenen in quicktime.
Grouchy’s cavalry is now spread very thin with brigades dispatched to the right flank and far left flank. Sensing an opportunity, the Russians have moved their infantry and artillery forward on their right wing, pressuring the remaining French cavalry.
Grouchy’s capacity issue orders to his troops is going to be severely tested in coming turns.
The Russian right wing heavy cavalry move up to engage the French scouts on the far side of Heinrichadorf.
Turn 9:
Russian lancers pin two of Mortier’s infantry regiments in square. One of the lancer regiments is repulsed.
The Russian artillery has moved up to soften up the French as Russian cavalry and infantry amass for an attack.
French lancers have arrived in support from the French left flank and charge over the bridge near Posthenen.
The Russians appear to have taken the initiative across the whole battlefield, forcing the French to react to every move.
On the French right flank, Lannes loses the two light infantry regiments off the board. Lannes is 3 regiments down and the rest of the Corps retreats.
Russian hussars wait near Sortlack Woods for an opportunity to cause further havock.
The Russians launch a charge with their dragoon brigade. The French counter-charge and both sides take 2 hits with a Russian regiment retreating.
The Russian build up in the centre is slow and Mortier’s French sit tight and hope for reinforcements due any turn now.
The Russian artillery pound the French from a forward position as their cavalry pins the French infantry down.
French lancers are coming to the rescue across the bridge near Posthenen.
Turn 10:
The Russians move forward tentaively. Their lack of strong commanders hampers an effective assault.
Unfortunately for the French the first roll for arrival of the French cavalry reserve fails.
Lannes Corps completely routes as Lannes fails to rally them.
The French right wing is now wide open, although reinforcements are due soon on this flank.
The whole battle at the end of turn 10.
The French line is shown in blue and the Russian green.
The Russians have the upper hand but their lack of mobility in the centre is hampering any knock-out blow.
Turn 11:
The Russian infantry cautiously approach Posthenen with the support of two artillery batteries.
The melee outside Heinrichadorf peters out as both sides lick their wounds.
Turn 12:
The French reserve cavalry arrives at last at the top of the pic. Unfortunately they arrive via the road through Posthenen which is already congested at the bridge.
The Russian attack is stalling in the face of heavy artillery fire.The French infantry are taking losses but just doing enough to hang in there.
The Russians have moved their artillery up onto the hill facing the main French cavalry force and start to pound the lead regiments.
The Russians have pulled back on the far right flank with heavy losses.
Turn 13:
The French reserve cavalry starts to cross the stream at the top of the pic. They hope to move into the gap caused by Lannes departure and threaten the Russian left flank.
The Russian attack continues to lose momentum. As the lone French battery holds them at bay.
Napoleon himself is due from next turn onwards together with substantial reinforcements.
The Russians may have lost their chance to cripple the French position in front of Posthenen.
Trying to regain some initiative, the Russians launch a cavalry charge against Grouchy’s French. The French light regiments are pushed back by the stronger dragoons.
Turn 14:
The Russians pull back on the French left to lick their wounds. The real action is on the other side of the Mill stream and the Russians need to hold the French out for another 11 turns.
None of the French reinforcements roll successfully to arrive this turn. The French have Napoleon, Ney’s Corps, Victor’s Corps and the Old Guard due to arrive.
Things are hotting up in the centre.
The Russian lancers pull back from the French square, allowing the the Russian Guard to attack the left flank of Mortier’s line. One Guard regiment is heavily mauled but still manages to force back a French regiment. The other Guard regiment plows into the French square and it routes over the stream.
The French artillery sends one of the Russian infantry regiments packing but is subsequently charged by a Russian light cavalry regiment and the crew flee, leaving the gun behind. The cavalry follow up and force the adjacent French regiment into square.
The French reserve cavalry cross the stream at bottom left.
Turn 15:
Napoleon arrives on the battlefield together with Ney’s Corps.
The French reserve cavalry continue their crossing of the stream at the bottom of the pic.
The Russians pull back from their attack as they see the mass of infantry arriving.
The Russians have several weakened units and will need to consolidate and form a new defensive line to resist the inevitable French attack.
The French left flank has turned into an artillery duel. Unfortunately for the French they are outgunned and the lack of a retreat route means every retreat result is now a hit.
Turn 16:
The Russian left wing pulls back readying for the French attack.
It’s very congested on the road through Posthenen with all arrivals having rolled to enter at that point.
The French have all reinforcements in play but can’t get them through the choke point quickly enough.
Napoleon is providing a lot of extra command points to help.
What is now clear to the Russian side is the lack of sufficient command points to rally and re-establish a strong enough defensive line in time for the French attack.
With their reserve now committed, the next few turns are going to be critical in how each side sets up on this flank.
Historically, the French were in a much better position. If the Russians can retire slowly without getting pinned down, then nightfall will see them effectively victorious.
View from the Russian centre.
Mortier has rallied the routing regiment in the background and Ney’s troops pour over the bridge.
View from the Russian right wing.
The French artillery are routed but manage to rally behind the supporting cavalry.
Turn 17:
Stalemate continues on the French left flank.
The Russians are happy just to hold their position.
The French centre and right wing start to get organised. All the French troops are now on the board but the challenge is getting them quickly enough into position to launch an attack.
Meanwhile, the Russians pull back to the ridge line opposite the timber bridge over the Mill stream.
Turn 18:
Neys Corps forms line with the cavalry reserve in support.
The French Imperial Guard march towards the Posthenen bridge with Napoleon conducting the overall the overall deployment of the centre and right wing.
On the left wing, Grouchy recalls his dispersed cavalry brigades to prepare for the French attack.
Victor’s Corps marches to support the French left at the bottom left of pic.
Turn 19:
The French right wing is nearly ready with only the artillery not in position.
The Imperial Guard stream over the bridge itching to get into the fray.
The Russians have completely pulled back to a new defensive line, including the jagers in Sortlack Woods.
Victor marches to the left wing as Grouchy’s cavalry reforms.
There are only 6 turns until darkness ends the battle. For the French to win, it will need some fancier footwork than the last 6 turns.
The Russians have been able to kept a safe distance away and it would seem that only a disaster would stop a Russian victory.
Turn 20:
On the French left wing, French chasseurs sweep forward beside the Sortlack Woods. Russian hussars counter-charge and a bloody melee ensues with the Russians routing and the French battered but holding the field.
Ney’s French infantry and artillery is moving forward under the cover of the cavalry charge.
The Russians set up a solid line along the ridge in the centre, supported by cavalry.
The French Imperial Guard marches across the bridge near Posthenen as one of Mortier’s brigades advances along the Mill stream
On the French left wing, Victor’s Corps advances to support Grouchy’s cavalry.
The Russian defenders wait in a double defensive line.
Turn 21:
Things hot up on the Russian left wing. The previously victorious French chasseurs continue their charge, causing the Russian artillery to flee and their follow-up forces a Jager regiment into square.
Ney sends forward an infantry brigade to take advantage of the chaos.
In the centre, the French Imperial Guard deploys ready to attack together with Mortier’s Corps.
On the French left wing, Victor brings his artillery up to soften up the Russians before he attacks with his infantry.
There is only 4 turns until the end of the day’s battle. The Russian right wing has plenty of room to retire back into to avoid any costly engagement with Victor and Grouchy’s troops.
The only chance for the French is a last ditch attack on the other wing. Napoleon is committing the Imperial Guard to this attack as well.
Turn 22:
The French attack on the Russian left flank goes in as the Russian cavalry fails to rally and continues its route at the bottom of the pic
In the centre, the French infantry and Imperial Guard continue their advance.
The Russians have pulled back from the ridge to avoid the French artillery fire, adopting British tactics!
Victor’s Corps moves to within striking distance but the Russians retire ahead of it.
Grouchy has sent forward his cuirassiers to support the attack.
Turn 23:
Ney’s attack goes in with mixed results. The Russian Jagers see off one regiment but are routed by the second French regiment.
The Russian Hussars have rallied.
Beside the Mill stream, Mortier’s Corps attacks the Russian Guards brigade and are soundly thrashed, routing to the rear.
The French Imperial Guard marches relentlessly up the slope onto the ridge with the Guard cavalry and artillery in support.
The French Cuirassiers charge the Russian Dragoons and decimate the whole Dragoon brigade. The French take several hits but now threaten the flank of the Russian defensive line.
Victor’s infantry advance in column to close as quickly as possible with the Russians. A Russian artillery barrage fails to halt the advance as Victor himself leads the charge.
There are 2 turns to go and the desperate French attacks don’t appear to have done enough.
Turn 24:
The French attacks continue with limited success. Another Russian regiment is pushed back on the Russian left flank.
However, an Imperial Guard regiment routes off the ridge after sustaining heavy losses.
The Russians are holding firm as the French attacks had to go in without artillery support.
A close up of the Imperial Guard attack on the ridge. One regiment flees as the other marches into the mass of waiting Russians.
The Russians have suffered heavily but hold firm.
Victor’s Corps attacks in column, surviving a heavy artillery barrage. The Russian artillery flees as the columns engage the Russian line.
French cuirassiers charge the right flank of the line and the regiment bounces back.
The Russian right wing cavalry continues to get terrible command rolls and refuses to get involved.
Turn 25:
The final turn! Darkness starts to envelope the battlefield.
The French try a few last ditch attacks but the Russians hold firm across the whole left wing.
The final view from the centre of the Russian position. The Russian Guard holds the bridge as Russian Uhlans hold their own against the French Guard heavies.
Victor’s attack is beaten off by musket fire and Russian Dragoons halt the French Cuirassiers in a melee.
The battle ends as darkness falls. The Russians retire safely over the Alle River under cover of night, denying Napoleon victory.
The final positions with the battle line shown in yellow.
The final score is:
Russia:
Objectives = 20 pts
Enemy units killed = 35 pts
Enemy unit hits = 46 pts
Total = 91 pts
France:
Objectives = 0 pts
Enemy units killed = 0 pts
Enemy unit hits = 43 pts
Total = 43 pts
The outcome is a decisive Russian victory, a complete turn-around from the historical result.
The early loss of Lannes Corps was a big blow which the French never recovered from. The arrival of all the French reinforcements along the same road through Posthenen also meant that Napoleon couldn’t get the troops deployed quickly enough for the final attack. When the attack did go in, it didn’t have artillery support and the Russians held firm..
Turn 10:
The Russians move forward tentaively. Their lack of strong commanders hampers an effective assault.
Unfortunately for the French the first roll for arrival of the French cavalry reserve fails.
Lannes Corps completely routes as Lannes fails to rally them.
The French right wing is now wide open, although reinforcements are due soon on this flank.
The whole battle at the end of turn 10.
The French line is shown in blue and the Russian green.
The Russians have the upper hand but their lack of mobility in the centre is hampering any knock-out blow.
Turn 11:
The Russian infantry cautiously approach Posthenen with the support of two artillery batteries.
The melee outside Heinrichadorf peters out as both sides lick their wounds.
Turn 12:
The French reserve cavalry arrives at last at the top of the pic. Unfortunately they arrive via the road through Posthenen which is already congested at the bridge.
The Russian attack is stalling in the face of heavy artillery fire.The French infantry are taking losses but just doing enough to hang in there.
The Russians have moved their artillery up onto the hill facing the main French cavalry force and start to pound the lead regiments.
The Russians have pulled back on the far right flank with heavy losses.
Turn 13:
The French reserve cavalry starts to cross the stream at the top of the pic. They hope to move into the gap caused by Lannes departure and threaten the Russian left flank.
The Russian attack continues to lose momentum. As the lone French battery holds them at bay.
Napoleon himself is due from next turn onwards together with substantial reinforcements.
The Russians may have lost their chance to cripple the French position in front of Posthenen.
Trying to regain some initiative, the Russians launch a cavalry charge against Grouchy’s French. The French light regiments are pushed back by the stronger dragoons.
Turn 14:
The Russians pull back on the French left to lick their wounds. The real action is on the other side of the Mill stream and the Russians need to hold the French out for another 11 turns.
None of the French reinforcements roll successfully to arrive this turn. The French have Napoleon, Ney’s Corps, Victor’s Corps and the Old Guard due to arrive.
Things are hotting up in the centre.
The Russian lancers pull back from the French square, allowing the the Russian Guard to attack the left flank of Mortier’s line. One Guard regiment is heavily mauled but still manages to force back a French regiment. The other Guard regiment plows into the French square and it routes over the stream.
The French artillery sends one of the Russian infantry regiments packing but is subsequently charged by a Russian light cavalry regiment and the crew flee, leaving the gun behind. The cavalry follow up and force the adjacent French regiment into square.
The French reserve cavalry cross the stream at bottom left.
Turn 15:
Napoleon arrives on the battlefield together with Ney’s Corps.
The French reserve cavalry continue their crossing of the stream at the bottom of the pic.
The Russians pull back from their attack as they see the mass of infantry arriving.
The Russians have several weakened units and will need to consolidate and form a new defensive line to resist the inevitable French attack.
The French left flank has turned into an artillery duel. Unfortunately for the French they are outgunned and the lack of a retreat route means every retreat result is now a hit.
Turn 16:
The Russian left wing pulls back readying for the French attack.
It’s very congested on the road through Posthenen with all arrivals having rolled to enter at that point.
The French have all reinforcements in play but can’t get them through the choke point quickly enough.
Napoleon is providing a lot of extra command points to help.
What is now clear to the Russian side is the lack of sufficient command points to rally and re-establish a strong enough defensive line in time for the French attack.
With their reserve now committed, the next few turns are going to be critical in how each side sets up on this flank.
Historically, the French were in a much better position. If the Russians can retire slowly without getting pinned down, then nightfall will see them effectively victorious.
View from the Russian centre.
Mortier has rallied the routing regiment in the background and Ney’s troops pour over the bridge.
View from the Russian right wing.
The French artillery are routed but manage to rally behind the supporting cavalry.
Turn 17:
Stalemate continues on the French left flank.
The Russians are happy just to hold their position.
The French centre and right wing start to get organised. All the French troops are now on the board but the challenge is getting them quickly enough into position to launch an attack.
Meanwhile, the Russians pull back to the ridge line opposite the timber bridge over the Mill stream.
Turn 18:
Neys Corps forms line with the cavalry reserve in support.
The French Imperial Guard march towards the Posthenen bridge with Napoleon conducting the overall the overall deployment of the centre and right wing.
On the left wing, Grouchy recalls his dispersed cavalry brigades to prepare for the French attack.
Victor’s Corps marches to support the French left at the bottom left of pic.
Turn 19:
The French right wing is nearly ready with only the artillery not in position.
The Imperial Guard stream over the bridge itching to get into the fray.
The Russians have completely pulled back to a new defensive line, including the jagers in Sortlack Woods.
Victor marches to the left wing as Grouchy’s cavalry reforms.
There are only 6 turns until darkness ends the battle. For the French to win, it will need some fancier footwork than the last 6 turns.
The Russians have been able to kept a safe distance away and it would seem that only a disaster would stop a Russian victory.
Turn 20:
On the French left wing, French chasseurs sweep forward beside the Sortlack Woods. Russian hussars counter-charge and a bloody melee ensues with the Russians routing and the French battered but holding the field.
Ney’s French infantry and artillery is moving forward under the cover of the cavalry charge.
The Russians set up a solid line along the ridge in the centre, supported by cavalry.
The French Imperial Guard marches across the bridge near Posthenen as one of Mortier’s brigades advances along the Mill stream
On the French left wing, Victor’s Corps advances to support Grouchy’s cavalry.
The Russian defenders wait in a double defensive line.
Turn 21:
Things hot up on the Russian left wing. The previously victorious French chasseurs continue their charge, causing the Russian artillery to flee and their follow-up forces a Jager regiment into square.
Ney sends forward an infantry brigade to take advantage of the chaos.
On the French left wing, Victor brings his artillery up to soften up the Russians before he attacks with his infantry.
There is only 4 turns until the end of the day’s battle. The Russian right wing has plenty of room to retire back into to avoid any costly engagement with Victor and Grouchy’s troops.
The only chance for the French is a last ditch attack on the other wing. Napoleon is committing the Imperial Guard to this attack as well.
Turn 22:
The French attack on the Russian left flank goes in as the Russian cavalry fails to rally and continues its route at the bottom of the pic
In the centre, the French infantry and Imperial Guard continue their advance.
The Russians have pulled back from the ridge to avoid the French artillery fire, adopting British tactics!
Victor’s Corps moves to within striking distance but the Russians retire ahead of it.
Grouchy has sent forward his cuirassiers to support the attack.
Turn 23:
Ney’s attack goes in with mixed results. The Russian Jagers see off one regiment but are routed by the second French regiment.
The Russian Hussars have rallied.
Beside the Mill stream, Mortier’s Corps attacks the Russian Guards brigade and are soundly thrashed, routing to the rear.
The French Imperial Guard marches relentlessly up the slope onto the ridge with the Guard cavalry and artillery in support.
The French Cuirassiers charge the Russian Dragoons and decimate the whole Dragoon brigade. The French take several hits but now threaten the flank of the Russian defensive line.
Victor’s infantry advance in column to close as quickly as possible with the Russians. A Russian artillery barrage fails to halt the advance as Victor himself leads the charge.
There are 2 turns to go and the desperate French attacks don’t appear to have done enough.
Turn 24:
The French attacks continue with limited success. Another Russian regiment is pushed back on the Russian left flank.
However, an Imperial Guard regiment routes off the ridge after sustaining heavy losses.
The Russians are holding firm as the French attacks had to go in without artillery support.
A close up of the Imperial Guard attack on the ridge. One regiment flees as the other marches into the mass of waiting Russians.
The Russians have suffered heavily but hold firm.
Victor’s Corps attacks in column, surviving a heavy artillery barrage. The Russian artillery flees as the columns engage the Russian line.
French cuirassiers charge the right flank of the line and the regiment bounces back.
The Russian right wing cavalry continues to get terrible command rolls and refuses to get involved.
Turn 25:
The final turn! Darkness starts to envelope the battlefield.
The French try a few last ditch attacks but the Russians hold firm across the whole left wing.
The final view from the centre of the Russian position. The Russian Guard holds the bridge as Russian Uhlans hold their own against the French Guard heavies.
Victor’s attack is beaten off by musket fire and Russian Dragoons halt the French Cuirassiers in a melee.
The battle ends as darkness falls. The Russians retire safely over the Alle River under cover of night, denying Napoleon victory.
The final positions with the battle line shown in yellow.
The final score is:
Russia:
Objectives = 20 pts
Enemy units killed = 35 pts
Enemy unit hits = 46 pts
Total = 91 pts
France:
Objectives = 0 pts
Enemy units killed = 0 pts
Enemy unit hits = 43 pts
Total = 43 pts
The outcome is a decisive Russian victory, a complete turn-around from the historical result.
The early loss of Lannes Corps was a big blow which the French never recovered from. The arrival of all the French reinforcements along the same road through Posthenen also meant that Napoleon couldn’t get the troops deployed quickly enough for the final attack. When the attack did go in, it didn’t have artillery support and the Russians held firm..
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