Battle of Elchingen 1805 (Vom Kriege AAR)

This is the first test battle for my revamped Vom Kriege Napoleonic Rules. Hex movement has been replaced with more traditional ruler movement. Infantry units represent 1080 men, cavalry units 360 men and artillery 3-4 guns.

The scenario is the Battle of Elchingen 1805.

Setup

The Austrians (von Laudon's 1st Division) are defending a ridge line with 2 units occupying the town of Ober-Elchingen, a hussar unit covering the right flank and the bulk of the Division lined up near the Abbey. The French (Loison's 2nd Division) have crossed the Danube River and are approaching a small stream.

Both sides have substantial reinforcements off table but the French objective is clear, to secure the bridgehead and capture Elchingen.

Turn 1

The French roll excellent command dice allowing them to get a double move for all units in the Division. The Austrians fired both guns at the limbered French artillery and scored a hit.

Turn 2

The French artillery reserve and Colbert's Cavalry Division arrive this turn. However, the cavalry fail to roll any orders and remain stationary.

The French assault Ober-Elchingen with two units. One unit is beaten back with a hit by defensive fire. The second unit successfully pushes out the Austrian defenders and takes one of the buildings.

In the Austrian initiative, the infantry try to retake the building but are repulsed by heavy musket fire and retreat back up the hill.

The Austrian artillery next to the Abbey successfully hit one of the French infantry units that have deployed into line and then force it to retreat.

Turn 3

The French cavalry move off to the right flank although the rough going slows them down. There is no action around the town as both sides consolidate from the previous turns disorder.

Hessen-Homburg's 2nd Division comes on at top of picture with their heavy cavalry leading the way.

French musket fire forces one Austrian unit back up the slope and inflict hits on the other unit. Austrian artillery fire gets two hits on the leading French unit and Austrian musket fire inflicts similar damage on the French unit to the left of the artillery.

Turn 4

French musket fire from two units clears another building in Ober-Elchingen. An Austrian unit retreats back to the Abbey after sustaining heavy losses from musket fire. The French artillery pound the Austrian artillery forcing one of the batteries back with heavy losses.

In the background, the 2nd Austrian Division moves up swiftly. There are no signs of any French reinforcements.

Turn 5

View from the Austrian lines. The 1st Division is in a precarious position on the right flank with 3 units disordered and 1 unit at maximum hits and retreating. The French have now taken Ober-Elchingen and are pushing to the ridgeline.

Hessen-Homburg's 2nd Division arrives behind the 1st Division's position on the ridge. Hopefully they can reverse the Austrian fortunes.

Turn 6

The French cavalry move to the right wing to threaten the Austrian flank but the Austrians have brought up some artillery for protection.

In the centre the French artillery see off their Autrian counterparts.

The French start mopping up through the town of Ober-Elchingen.

Without further reinforcements it now looks like a tough prospect for the French to take any further ground.

Turn 7

View from the Austrian lines. The newly arrived 2nd Division sits in reserve behind the Abbey. The 1st Division artillery returns to the ridge and the remainder of the division attempts to rally while the French contemplate another assault on the ridge but they really need their reinforcements to arrive.

French dragoons now threaten the Austrian left flank.

Turn 8

A French infantry unit breaches the ridge above Ober-Elchigen. The 3 Austrian units facing them have maximum hits and are in poor shape to respond.

Mahlen's 3rd Division finally arrives on the French right flank and advance to threaten the Austrian left flank.

The French dragoons push back the Austrian heavies and then break through to overrun an Austrian battery.

Turn 9

The French close fast on the right flank although Austrian cuirassiers put paid to a unit of French dragoons.

The Austrians push the French back from the ridge and fresh units from teh 2nd Division move across to assist.

Turn 10

On the Austrian left flank the newly arrived French 2nd Division turns the Austrian flank as they breast the crest.

French musket fire forces the defenders of the Abbey to retire as two French units reach the ridge line.

The Austrians have plenty of defenders but many are disordered.

Turn 11

The Austrians hold firm on the left flank while the French have now taken the Abbey and have control of the ridge line above Ober-Elchingen.

Turn 12

The battle is now evenly poised with the Austrians pushing the French from the Abbey and some good command rolls rallying a number fo units. Both French and Austrian casualties are high.

Turn 13

An excellent turn for the French as they push the Austrians back from the ridge.

Turn 14

On the French left flank the massed reserve artillery sets up on the ridge, although the French infantry is all but done on this flank and can't exploit the advantage they have.

The Austrian centre and right flank pulls back but is holding firm with their artillery doing a bit of damage on the French right flank assault.

The Abbey is unoccupied with both sides unable to bring any fresh units up to take and hold it.

Turn 15

French cavalry weeps around the Austrian left flanks as both Austrian right and left flanks fall back.

In the centre the Abbey is still uncontested, so there is still a chance for the Austrians. However, French artillery have set up on the ridge on both flanks and have clear shots at the whole Austrian army.

Turn 16

The French are slowly closing the noose but the Austrians still hold on valiantly in the centre.

Turn 17

The end for the Austrians as the French capture the Abbey and now have all objectives under control. The Austrian Divisions are in retreat. A major victory for the French.