|
Reynier in
trouble
The position at
Grossbeeren at 4.00 pm [just before the Coalition combat
phase, seen from the Coalition's viewpoint]. Bülow has woken
up to the fact that the French are not retreating, and
launches a sweeping attack on the weaker Reynier. [The von
Roth artillery unit is doomed (3-to-1 surrounded, with
inferior morale), the cavalry defending their left flank
having been driven back via Repulse, and the cavalry is
itself in trouble (being attacked at 6-to-1). The tricolour
in the woods is the vanguard of Oudinot's corps, Beaumont's
cavalry.]
French high-water mark
The
position at Blankenfelde at 1.00 pm [after the French move].
St Andrea [obscured by the camera flash] has just driven
back Lindenau's brigade to capture the town. [Shows the
position from the French viewpoint. French stacks marked by
tricolours are hidden from the Coalition player.
Blankenfelde (1704) is controlled by the French.]
End of the first day at Blankenfelde
Oudinot deploys
XII Corps arrives at
6.00 pm. [After the French Movement Phase. With the
exception of the Saxon division on the right, all other
French units are hidden.]
Commencing their
first campaign, the inexperienced conscripts of the
French Army are looking forward to enjoying their stay in
Berlin, in the houses of the gentry, attending plays, balls,
and galas celebrating their great victory over the turn-coat
Bernadotte, now commanding the group of Swedish, Russian,
and Prussian troops in the vicinity of the Prussian capital.
Former comrade-in-arms Marshal Oudinot well knows the
egotistical Prince Bernadotte. [Played solitaire, references
to game-play are enclosed in square brackets]. Oudinot is in
command of the “Army of Berlin” but he has allowed General
Reynier to talk his way into the middle column which is
heading for Grossbeeren. Oudinot himself will be with the
XII Corps on the left of the French advance, while General
Bertrand, used to functioning as an aide to Napoleon, is on
the right, commanding a Corps for the first time.
9.00 AM, 23rd August 1813
French
Inspired by their hopes of an easy victory, the entire
French Army is on the march.
[Mode cards are Late Start (+1 VP) and Early Start (4/6, -1
VP). The first card cannot be implemented, as there are no
commanders present.] Bertrand marches towards Blankenfelde,
while Reynier’s Saxons head for Grossbeeren [they have been
given a March Order to reach the town].
Coalition
[Mode cards are Road Column (+1 VP), Late Start (+1 VP),
and Formation Scattered (2/3, + 1 VP). As for the French,
the Late Start does not apply, but Bülow’s corps will start
in Road Column and scattered – hardly the ideal deployment.]
Both Tauenzien’s Prussian IV Corps, bivouacked at
Blankenfelde, and Bülow’s III Corps at Heinersdorf, with
little cavalry to hand, seem unaware of the French approach.
[Both fail their command drs: Bülow will only activate on a
‘1’, and Tauentzien (out of supply) on a ‘1’ or ‘2’.]
[VPs: French cards -1 = -1 , Coalition cards + 2, towns +1 (Grossbeeren)
= 3.]
10.00 AM
French
[Card play: Consolidate Position (3/4, 0 VP).]
Reynier’s leading brigade clears the Genschagener Heide, but
is surprised to find Krafft’s Prussian brigade occupying its
objective at Grossbeeren, and VII Corps is thrown into some
confusion [demoralised next turn, owing to having to bring
the March Order to an end]. Bertrand emerges from the woods
before Blankenfelde, and takes the Prussians by surprise,
overwhelming a Prussian artillery battery in front of the
village [EX combat result].
Coalition
[Card play: Random Entry (4/6, 0 VP). Possibly the waste
of a good card, as the chances of either Prussian corps
activating, and thus being able to use the reasonably good
movement allowances, are slim. On the other hand, the other
Coalition options were either as bad or no better.]
Bülow continues to dally at Heinersdorf, while Tauentzien
dithers at Blankenfelde [both Prussians fail their command
drs].
[VPs: French cards -1 = -1 , Coalition cards + 2, towns +2 (Grossbeeren)
= 4.]
11.00 AM
French
[Card play: Random Entry (4/6, 0 VP).]
Bertrand continues to attack the Prussian IV Corps
vigorously [passing his second consecutive command dr],
capturing half of Blankenfelde [but not yet the VP hex] from
the ineffectual Tauentzien and his bewildered Landwehr,
overwhelming a Prussian horse artillery battery in the
process. Reynier’s advance guard reaches Grossbeeren.
Reynier may have been surprised to find his bivouac at
Grossbeeren occupied by the enemy, but he reacts quickly [ie.
passes his command dr], and hastens his troops forward. An
assault by the von Zeschau’s 24th Division successfully
pushes back Krafft [dr result on 1-to2], but the Saxons lack
the spirit to follow up [ie. are demoralised, and so cannot
advance], though they have grabbed the southern part of
Grossbeeren.
[Note: Cavalry units under March Orders that reach the
Objective before the first infantry unit are allowed to
continue moving for that turn, at their discretion.]
Coalition
[Card play: Spies Bring News (4/6, 0 VP).]
Tauenzien begins to recover his equilibrium, but his corps
is in dire straits. Half his infantry is absent, his
artillery has been crushed, and the better of his two
infantry brigades (Lindenau) is enmeshed in the fighting for
Blankenfelde [ie. stuck in an enemy ZOC]. Nevertheless, he
manages to extricate Lindenau [Ar2 result at 1-to-2], and
form a new line behind the town, before Bertrand’s superior
forces can outflank him.
At Grossbeeren, Krafft, worried about being outflanked by
Reynier’s superior forces, falls back with his brigade to
the northern edge of the town, while sending urgent messages
to his corps commander four kilometers further north at
Heinersdorf. Bülow, hitherto uncertain as to whether to
march to the sound of the guns at Blakenfelde, or reinforce
Krafft, decides in favour of the latter as more critical
(and easily reinforced). Unfortunately, the scattered
deployment of the bivouacked III Corps [caused by the Mode
Cards at start] means that Bülow’s most advanced brigade
(the 3rd) does not receive the order to advance for some
time [ie. it is out of Bülow’s command range], so the
immediate help offered to Krafft is fairly minimal.
[VPs: French cards -1 = -1 , Coalition cards + 2, towns +3 (Grossbeeren)
= 5.]
[Note: under the new rule for Bülow’s semi-active status,
Bülow is in command the turn he is successfully released.]
12.00 AM
French
[Card play: the French have no cost-free options this turn,
their cards being Cavalry Impetus (-1 VP), Second Day Of
Battle (-2), Tired Horses (-2), and Alternate Reinforcements
(-3). One option, if the French feel they will struggle to
win the battle on Day One, is to prolong the conflict for an
extra day, and bring in the reinforcements (the big French
gain is the second alternate group, consisting of the
Württembergers of IV Corps). But if the French can seize
Grossbeeren and Blankenfelde this turn, then they may not
need to contemplate such a high risk option – and Reynier
and Bertrand are poised to do just this. After all, they can
always return to the Second Day option later, if necessary.
French play Cavalry Impetus (4/6, -1 VP).]
Bertrand’s Italians, on the verge of taking Blankenfelde
[the VP hex lies between the two sides], pause to rest and
regroup [ie. Bertrand fails his command dr], as their
approach march and assault begin to take their toll.
In contrast, Reynier’s Saxons attack vigorously, and in the
confused fighting which follows, heavy casualties are
suffered by both sides, with Krafft’s Prussian brigade
eventually routed, though not before the opposing Saxons of
von Zeschau’s 25th Division are rendered equally
hors-de-combat [‘Sk’ result at 1-to-2 leads to ‘Ex’].
However, with the leading units of Bülow’s approaching corps
still just short of Grossbeeren, Reynier is able to take the
town.
Allies
[Card play: the Allied cards are 2 x Alternate
Reinforcements (-3 VPs), Tired Horses (-2), Last Push (-1).
After one of Tauenzien’s brigades turns up at the opposite
end of the battlefield, the following Coalition Alternate
Reinforcements are the powerful Russian XIV and Swedish
Corps. However, without a Commander, neither or these corps
is likely to achieve much under it own steam (both have ‘1’
rated officers), so Coalition plays Last Push (4/6, -1 VP),
designating Bülow as the affected leader.]
Tauenzien’s troops also rest, like those of Bertrand
opposing them [ie. Tauenzien fails his command dr], but
Bülow by contrast launches an assault using Thümen’s brigade
on the defenders of Grossbeeren. The attack is pressed hard,
and eventually the Saxon defenders are pushed back, allowing
the Prussians to grab the northern part of the town [‘5’ at
1-to-1 adjusted to ‘3’ – ‘Dr’ – as a result of ‘Last Push’].
With reinforcements on their way (Borstell’s brigade and
some cavalry), Reynier’s position is beginning to look
precarious [Bülow has 42 SPs on the map, Reynier 14].
[VPs. French: cards –2, losses 0 (French 10, Coalition 14),
towns +1 (Grossbeeren this turn) = -1. Coalition: cards +1,
towns +3 = +4.]
1.00 PM
French
[Card play: Reynier needs reinforcing, but the cost (the
Alternate Reinforcement card at –3 VPs) still looks too
high, and Oudinot is coming. Perhaps, with Tauenzien
quiescent, this is the moment for Sick & Tired (3/4) at + 2
VPs.]
The rain that has been falling ever since the battle began
clears, but Bertrand, who is badly sick and uncertain as to
what is happening to his left, decides to pause, while
sending gallopers to find Reynier and Oudinot [Bertrand is
‘Sick and Tired’ for two turns]. The Italians of St.
Andrea’s brigade, acting on their own initiative, drive the
remaining Prussians from the outskirts of Blankenfelde
[taking the VP hex].
[This was in fact an error. ‘Sick & Tired’ applies to
Commanders, not Officers, and so was in fact a
non-applicable card, which under 18.35 Card Play should have
been placed at the bottom of the Draw Pile, and another card
drawn. However, as it was a not unrealistic effect, and was
only realised to be a mistake somewhat later, the game was
carried on.]
Reynier, unfazed by the odds against him, sends the fresher
of his Saxon divisions (the 25th) against Thumen in
Grossbeeren, and the Saxons succeed in pushing back the
defending Prussians. Oudinot’s XII Corps is on its way [it
has March Orders for Grossbeeren], but his leading
formations are still over 7 km [15 hexes] from the town.
Coalition
[Card play: no good choices, so the Coalition player settles
on Hesitant Advance (2/3, -1 VP), even though, no enemy
forces being in Road March, the Coalition will not benefit
much. Indeed, Reynier is vulnerable, but this card will not
exploit the fact – though other cards would give away more
VPs immediately.]
Reynier’s boldness in the face of much larger Prussian
forces, which might have been foolhardy in other
circumstances – the mixed cavalry/artillery force guarding
the 25th Division’s left could have been attacked at
overwhelming odds [6-to-1] – instead pays off royally as
Bülow approaches the enemy at a snail’s pace. Thumen manages
to push the Saxons back in Grossbeeren itself, but otherwise
Bülow’s performance is distinctly lacklustre [the lack of
movement points prevented the Prussians from closing with
Reynier].
Tauenzien does little better, though his second brigade
manages to push St. Andrea’s infantry brigade back.
[VPs. French: cards 0, losses 0 (French 10, Coalition 14),
towns +2 (Blankenfelde this turn) = +2. Coalition: cards 0,
towns +1 (Grossbeeren this turn) = +4.]
2.00 PM
French
[Card play: with Reynier in trouble, the French luckily
acquire The Battle Ends, Commanders Sleep. This not only
grants +1 VP, but prevents either sides’ forces from
engaging for two turns, after which the French are
effectively given a General Retreat order. In normal
circumstances, actually retreating at this point would hand
victory to the Coalition, because the French have not
inflicted sufficient casualties to gain any VPs from the
retreat itself (reasonably enough, General Retreat only
yields VPs to the affected force if it is ahead in terms of
casualty VPs). Moreover, leaving the two VP towns in
Coalition hands at this point would give the latter far more
VPs than anything the General Retreat VP benefit might
possibly have generated. However, a side playing General
Retreat is only obliged to move rearwards on the turn the
card is played – thereafter the option is there to gain the
map exit VPs, but it is not an obligation. The Battle Ends
card can therefore be used by the French to save Reynier,
and keep their options open: one being to have a Second Day
of Battle, they can play The Battle Ends now, save Reynier,
give time for Oudinot to march to his rescue, and then
possibly play Second Day of Battle to give themselves
another chance. The Battle Ends, Commanders Sleep (4/6, +1
VP).]
As if by mutual consent, the fighting dies down with the
Coalition holding Grossbeeren, and the French Blankenfelde.
Reynier’s Saxons make a final effort to drive back Thumen’s
brigade, and maintain a presence in the southern outskirts
of Grossbeeren, but the Prussians are too strong for them,
and the 25th Division is driven back [‘Ar2’ result on a
1-to-2, the forces involved being already engaged at the
start of the turn]. The two French corps commanders having
finally made contact with one another, their joint decision
is that the way to Berlin, at least via Grossbeeren, is
blocked, and unless they hear from Oudinot to the contrary,
will order a general retreat at 4.00 pm.
Coalition
[Card play: the Coalition is still between a rock and a hard
place, having no good options: 2 x Alternate Reinforcements
(-3 VPs), 1 x Cancel One Enemy Formation (-3 VPs), 1 x Tired
Horses (-2 VPs). Though Tired Horses has the least VP
impact, and the Alternate Reinforcement first up is a single
Landwehr brigade – one of Tauenzien’s, on the wrong side of
the battlefield – nevertheless the Coalition goes for
Alternate Reinforcements. Knowing that a second day is a
possibility, the more powerful Alternate Reinforcements due
after Hirsch’s Landwehr (the Russian XIV Corps and the
Swedes) might be very useful (though the Coalition will need
a Commander Enters The Map card to really make use of them).
Coalition play Alternate Reinforcements (4/6, -3 VPs).]
Bülow and Tauenzien, satisfied with their positions, allow
their forces to rest.
[VPs. French: cards +1, losses 0 (French 10, Coalition 14),
towns +3 (Blankenfelde this turn) = +4. Coalition: cards -3,
towns +5 (Grossbeeren this turn) = +2.]
3.00 PM
French
[Card play: Spies Bring News From Enemy Camp, and they have
managed to find out only that the Coalition have Tired
Horses (4/6, 0 VP).]
Some desultory manouevring for position, but essentially the
fighting appears to have died down. Oudinot’s XII Corps
meanwhile continues to march towards Grossbeeren.
Coalition
[Card play: Reinforcements Take Other Route, the Cossack
brigades, not to mention the Alternate Reinforcement due
next turn, mean that the Coalition will lose a VP.
Illowaiski and Lowenstern are switched to the eastern side
of the map (4/6, -1 VP).]
Both Prussian corps remain quiescent.
[VPs. French: cards +1, losses 0 (French 10, Coalition 14),
towns +4 (Blankenfelde this turn) = +5. Coalition: cards -4,
towns +6 (Grossbeeren this turn) = +2.]
4.00 PM
French
[Card play: Commander Enters the Map is particularly
powerful in Grossbeeren, where neither side has a commander
at start. Though this is somewhat late in the day (and sadly
only Ney, not Napoleon), it still gives the French an
advantage well worth the VP cost. Moreover, they also have
Second Day of Battle, and if they prolong the fight, and the
Coalition do not also manage to get a commander onto the
field, the French should be able to win handily. French play
Commander Enters the Map (4/6, -3 VPs). Ney is fairly
dilatory, however: he will not arrive until 19.00 (arrival
dr of ‘6’).]
The French are about to retreat, when Oudinot arrives.
Despite the danger to Reynier’s exposed corps – Oudinot’s
own troops are still a long way from Grossbeeren – Oudinot
decides to fight it out. The puzzled troops remain largely
in place.
[Reynier failed his command dr, leaving his left flank units
very vulnerable. XII Corps is in March Order, and IV Corps
did pass its command roll, but neither can move very much to
the purpose this turn, because the French are under the
restrictions of General Retreat, ie. no movment towards the
enemy – which means XII Corps cannot continue to move
forward to VII Corps’ rescue.]
Coalition
[Card play: Consolidate position (3/4, 0 VPs).]
The Prussian commanders had thought the battle was over,
with the field in their possession. However, the French have
not retreated, and there are rumours of reinforcements on
the way. Bülow decides to attack Reynier’s vulnerable corps,
while Tauenzien, weaker than Bertrand, has to decide between
retreating, and staying in place to prevent Bertrand from
possibly marching on Grossbeeren. This, plus the possibility
of perhaps retaking Blankenfelde, keep the Prussian IV Corps
in situ. Furthermore, the Cossack brigades in the van of the
Russian XIV corps pass Weiler Birkholz, heading towards
Blankenfelde, where Tauenzien, short of troops, will welcome
them.
Meanwhile, Bülow makes Reynier pay for his temerity in
trying to hold his position in the face of a greatly
superior enemy. The Prussian III Corps sweeps forward,
overwhelming Reynier’s left, though the 25th Division mounts
a stout defence, stemming the tide to some extent. However,
the weaker units to the west are overwhelmed [one artillery
and one cavalry unit lost, though the latter sells itself
dearly, with an ‘Ex” result at 6-to-1].
[VPs. French: cards -2, losses 0 (French 14, Coalition 16),
towns +5 (Blankenfelde this turn) = +3. Coalition: cards -4,
towns +7 (Grossbeeren this turn) = +3.]
5.00 PM
French
[Card play: Second Day of Battle (4/6, -2VPs). Had to be
played some time.]
Bertrand, who has been badly ill throughout most of the day,
is still incapable of giving his troops firm direction, and
IV Corps continues to mark time [ie. Bertrand fails his
command roll]. Oudinot presses on towards Grossbeeren,
however, while simultaneously Reynier falls.
Coalition
[Card play: Last Push (4/6, –1VP). Bülow is the leader
chosen for the –2 combat benefit. Presumably, if an officer
is chosen, this is done before knowing whether or not they
pass their command dr.]
Encouraged by their success Bülow’s troops press forwards,
harrying the remnants of Reynier’s corps, who – though
driven back in disorder – nevertheless manage to avoid
annihilation [‘4’ becomes ‘2’ or Dr4 on the 4-to-1 column,
after the combined arms bonus: a 50:50 chance of destroying
the Saxon division].
Two Swedish brigades move to Heinersdorf in support [via
March Orders – no sense in having them closer, since they
will spend most of their time out of command, and would
probably be a liability closer to the fighting].
[VPs. French: cards -5, losses 0 (French 14, Coalition 16),
towns +6 (Blankenfelde this turn) = +1. Coalition: cards -5,
towns +8 (Grossbeeren this turn) = +3.]
6.00 PM
French
[Card play: the best of a poor bunch – Hesitant Advance
(2/3, -1 VP).]
Bertrand, who has been virtually inactive since noon,
finally recovers sufficiently to get IV Corps moving once
again, this time looking to flank Tauenzien from the West.
Fontanelli’s division (the 15th) has little difficulty
driving back the inexperienced Prussian Landwehr their aim
being to engage the Prussians, and thus fix them in place,
to be surrounded subsequently.
Oudinot meanwhile deploys his corps in the Genschagener
Heide, while planning to outflank his enemy to the West,
perhaps using Arrighi’s cavalry corps, several divisions of
which are supposed to be following in the wake of XII Corps.
Just then, however, Arrighi takes his cavalry on a wild
goose chase.
Coalition
[Card play: Cancel One Enemy Formation (4/6, -3 VPs). Not
what was wanted – it is a high price to pay to cancel
Arrighi’s arrival – but better than the alternatives.]
Lowenstern’s Cossacks arrive in time to protect Tauenzien’s
right flank, but in any event Fontanelli is driven back by
the Prussian Landwehr.
Bülow continues to attack aggressively, driving the gallant
Saxons before him [trying to advance as far as possible from
Grossbeeren before the French command position improves with
the possible arrival of Marshal Ney].
[VPs. French: cards -6, losses 0 (French 14, Coalition 16),
towns +7 (Blankenfelde this turn) = +1. Coalition: cards -8,
towns +9 (Grossbeeren this turn) = +1.]
7.00 PM
French
[Card play: No Discipline in the Ranks (2/3, -1 VP). A card
which might be very useful in certain circumstances,
freezing ‘1’ units in play, and halving their combat value].
Bertrand continues to believe the outcome of his battle will
be determined by the victor at Grossbeeren [ie. he fails his
command dr again], and Tauenzien’s outnumbered and
out-classed forces continue to hold their line.
To the west, Oudinot continues to deploy his corps in the
cover of the woods, but his period in overall command is at
an end, as the red-headed Gascon, Marshal Ney arrives.
Coalition
[Card play: Hesitant Advance (2/3, -1 VP).]
Tauenzien has been considering retreating from his current
exposed position, which only the lethargic performance of
the French IV Corps has salvaged. However, Tauenzien fails
to make a firm decision one way or the other, and the
Prussian IV Corps stays in place [another failed command dr].
Bülow is far more energetic, but he is forced to suspend the
pursuit of Reynier’s retreating Saxons as the arrival of
Oudinot’s corps has its inevitable balancing effect. Indeed,
with Reynier retreating on the Prussian left, pursued by the
majority of III Corps, and Oudinot deploying in the
Genschagener Heide to the Prussian right, Bülow is
increasinly concerned. Accordingly, with the evening coming
on, he orders the attacks on the left to cease, and shifts
to the defensive, beginning to move forces across to bolster
his left. Moreover, with both sides now largely hidden from
one another by the woods, caution sets in, with the two
sides reluctant to close one another, for fear of an
unpleasant surprise. [Units revert to Hidden Forces.]
[VPs. French: cards -7, losses 0 (French 14, Coalition 16),
towns +8 (Blankenfelde this turn) = +1. Coalition: cards -9,
towns +10 (Grossbeeren this turn) = +1.]
8.00 PM
French
[Card play: Alternate Reinforcements (4/6, -3 VPs). Not as
good as the Coalition Alternate Reinforcements – just a
Bavarian division, in this case – but with a second day of
battle looming, the extra forces should be useful.]
Bertrand finally organises an attack on Tauenzien’s
Prussians, but it is too late, and although the enemy are
forced back, little of substance is achieved. Meanwhile, in
the woods south of Grossbeeren, Oudinot extends his line
further to the west.
Coalition
[Card play: with two Alternate Reinforcement cards, plus
Cancel One Enemy Formation and Tired Horses, the choice is
obvious: Cancel One Enemy Formation (4/6, -1 VP). The
Bavarians are misled by poor maps, and head away from the
battlefield.]
Bülow responds to Oudinot by extending his own western
flank, but follows this up with a couple of exploratory
attacks on the French XII Corps, which do no great damage,
but do drive back the enemy [two ‘Dr’ results], including
securing the village of Neubeeren.
[VPs. French: cards -10, losses 0 (French 14, Coalition 16),
towns +9 (Blankenfelde this turn) =-1. Coalition: cards -12,
towns +11 (Grossbeeren this turn) = -1.]
9.00 PM to Midnight
The fighting dies down quickly as night falls [there is no
Disengagement required], and the weary troops of both sides
rest. Only the formations newly arriving on the battlefield
continue moving: for the French, the 5th Light Cavalry
Division from Arrighi’s corps. For the Coalition, Woronzow’s
Russian XIV Corps begins to arrive, heading for Heinersdorf,
with the Swedes following behind. [To keep them out of
trouble, these formations have been given March Orders for
Heinersdorf, in the rear of Bülow’s corps – their poor
leadership means that they would be a liability in the
battle itself, without a commander, which needs a card the
Coalition have yet to obtain.]
Grossbeeren: The First Day
In retrospect, Tauenzien took considerable risks by
lingering north of Blankenfelde, in the face of Bertrand’s
superior forces. Only Bertrand’s distinctly below par
performance spared Tauenzien some serious reverses.
By contrast, Reynier was particularly aggressive, driving
the Prussians northwards, and briefly capturing Grossbeeren
itself. However, Bülow was really too strong for Reynier
alone to handle, and once the Prussian III Corps was on the
move, it was time for the French and their Saxon allies to
retire to more defensible positions. Reynier dallied too
long, and only the Saxon 25th Division’s masterly defence
spared the French VII Corps from destruction.
Whether the French should have opted for a second day is a
moot point. On the one hand, Ney’s imminent arrival promised
to help resolve the endemic French command problems [ie.
they have a commander, not just officers]. On the other,
there are substantial Coalition reinforcements close at
hand, which if effectively commanded [ie. if a Coalition
commander turns up as well] could tip the balance decisively
against the French.
1.00 AM to 6.00 AM, 24th August 1813
Tauenzien decides to order a retirement to Weiler Birkholz,
to avoid being crushed by Bertrand [March Order for the 7.00
am turn issued – Tauenzien would be in trouble if Ney moves
to command Bertrand].
7.00 AM
French
[Card play: Alternate Reinforcements (4/6, -3 VPs). This
brings on (in two turns’ time) the Württembergers of
Bertrand’s corps, the best of the French alternate
reinforcements.]
Oudinot opens the second day of the Battle of Grossbeeren
with an attack by 14th Division on Neubeeren, which is
repulsed by the Prussians – Reynier is occupied reorganising
the battered Saxons of von Zeschau’s division.
Ney heads towards Blankenfelde [where he should have gone
originally], but Bertrand gets off to a good start as his
troops crush Lindenau’s brigade. Tauenzien watches
helplessly as the fugitives from the collapse of his best
unit stream past, thoroughly demoralised [as is the entire
Prussian IV Corps – an ‘Sk’ result, leading to an ‘Ex’].
Coalition
[Card play: Cavalry Impetus (4/6, -1 VP).]
Bülow is busy rallying the troops of Krafft’s brigade, and
the other formations which suffered significant casualties [ie.
could be reorganised] the previous day, as his line is
strong enough to withstand Oudinot’s half-hearted probe at
Neubeeren in the meanwhile.
Tauenzien, shattered by Bertrand’s opening assault, retreats
post-haste for Weiler Birkholz.
[VPs. French: cards -13, losses +1 (French 5, Coalition 11),
towns +12 (Blankenfelde for this turn and the two night
turns) = 0. Coalition: cards -13, towns +14 (Grossbeeren for
this turn and the two night turns) = +1.]
8.00 AM
French
[Card play: Last Push (4/6, -1 VP).]
Oudinot is taken aback by the reverse at Neubeeren, and his
move to flank the Prussians to the west stalls. Reynier
takes his time organising the Saxon [ie. both corps leaders
fail their command roll].
Bertrand orders a pursuit of the retreating Prussian IV
Corps, and in the process runs into cossack cavalry from the
Russian XIV Corps, sent to cover Tauenzien. Bertrand lacks
cavalry, and this could well be a major disadvantage during
the course of the day.
Coalition
[Card play: Corps Adjutant (4/6, -1 VP) on Tauenzien. This
should make him a more formidable opponent for Bertrand and
Ney.]
Tauenzien manages to rally Lindenau’s fleeing troops [Corps
Adjutant is a Recovery card – Strampf’s artillery unit is
permanently lost, rolling a ‘5’ on the reorganisation dr],
and it seems that the worst of the panic affecting the
Prussian IV Corps is over [the corps is no longer
demoralised]. Bülow launches an attack in the Genschagener
Heide on one of Oudinot’s divisions, driving it back [‘Dr2’
result at 4-to-1].
[VPs. French: cards -14, towns +13 (Blankenfelde for this
turn) = -1. Coalition: cards -14, losses 0 (French 5,
Coalition 3), towns +15 (Grossbeeren for this turn) = +1.]
9.00 AM
French
[Card play: Cavalry Impetus (4/6), -1 VP).]
Bertrand’s advance stalls as caution sets in [he fails his
command dr]. Oudinot and Reynier shift westwards, but lack
the strength to have much chance of challenging Bülow
successfully.
Coalition
[Card play: after discarding Sick & Tired as inapplicable,
the Coalition draw the next best thing to Commander Enters
The Map; namely, In Bivouac. As Ney is moving between the
two French wings, he is far from the fighting, which means
that this card sends him into bivouac, unable to move or
transmit command until either an enemy unit comes within his
line of sight, or an enemy unit attacks a friendly one
within 10 hexes – both extremely unlikely. In effect, this
card takes Ney out of the battle, and at a stroke removes
the French advantage which led them to elect to fight a
second day. On the other hand, it is not entirely an unmixed
blessing, as the Coalition cannot attack any of the units in
the French IV Corps without rousing Ney. Nevertheless, with
the Württembergers on their way to help Bertrand, and Bülow
apparently more than capable of holding the two French corps
facing him, it is a definite plus for the Coalition. In
Bivouac (3/4, -2 VPs).]
Ney, misled by over-optimistic reports of Bertrand’s
progress, sets up camp more than 5 km from the nearest enemy
forces, glad of the chance to rest after several hard days
continuously in the saddle. Bülow watches Reynier and
Oudinot [ie. fails his command dr], while Tauenzien deploys
his Prussians in defensive positions around Mahlow, with a
somewhat exposed cavalry screen in front of him [any further
forward would run the risk of re-activating Ney (eg. via a
mandatory counter-attack), though the Coalition have had to
leave parts of their cavalry screen in surroundable
positions].
[VPs. French: cards -15, towns +14 (Blankenfelde for this
turn) = -1. Coalition: cards -16, losses 0 (French 5,
Coalition 3), towns +16 (Grossbeeren for this turn) = 0.]
10.00 AM
French
[Card play: Last Push (4/6, -1 VP).]
Bertrand decides to await the arrival of the reinforcements
marching north towards him, while Oudinot continues to move
to flank Bülow to the west, personally leading a successful
attack on Neubeeren, as the French line orients itself on a
NW-SE axis (as opposed to the original W-E).
Coalition
[Card play: Last Push (4/6, -1 VP).]
Oudinot was hoping to catch Bülow napping, but instead the
Prussians react swiftly, counter-attacking successfully at
Neubeeren itself, and forcing Beamont’s cavalry brigade to
retreat swiftly to avoid disaster [‘Dr4’ result at 4-to-1].
[VPs. French: cards -16, towns +15 (Blankenfelde for this
turn) = -1. Coalition: cards -17, losses 0 (French 7,
Coalition 3), towns +17 (Grossbeeren for this turn) = 0.]
11.00 AM
French
[Card play: Thunderstorm (2/3), 0 VPs. The storm will last
for three turns, halving infantry SPs, and preventing
artillery bombardments. No better French alternatives:
Hesitant Advance would cost a VP, while the French are
hanging on to New Chief Of Staff in the hope they might
eventually be able to boost Ney.]
After raining off and on throughout the battle, finally the
heavens open, and a thunderstorm drenches the combatants,
slowing the pace of the fighting.
Coalition
[Card play: Thunderstorm (2/3), 0 VPs. The storm will last
until the end of the Coalition’s next turn.]
Tauenzien draws up his corps in defensive positions around
Mahlow. Bülow, slowed by the downpour, calls off a projected
assault on the French lines.
[VPs. French: cards -16, towns +16 (Blankenfelde for this
turn) = 0. Coalition: cards -17, losses 0 (French 7,
Coalition 3), towns +18 (Grossbeeren for this turn) = +1.]
12.00 AM
French
[Card play: Hesitant Advance (2/3, -1 VP). The French hold
New Chief Of Staff, which they would very much like to play
on Ney, if they can get him back into the battle, and
Another Chance. The latter would be a better card to play
than Hesitant Advance, were it not that this is a Recovery
card, and Bertrand had advanced out of supply. If Another
Chance is played, Bertrand’s command rating will fall to
‘2’, and this will leave him decisively out-commanded by
Tauenzien, whose rating is now ‘5’, with possibly parlous
consequences, despite the smaller Prussian forces.
Accordingly, Bertrand will fall back to be in supply again.]
Deciding that he is over-exposed, and without support,
Bertrand begins to withdraw towards Blankenfelde, despite
the arrival of the Württembergers. Oudinot probes the
Prussian right flank near Neubeeren.
Coalition
[Card play: Semi-Active (3/4, + 1 VP). The affected
formation is the Russian XIV Corps, which is well behind the
lines, in reserve at Heinersdorf.]
Bülow, with his right flank protected by the woods south of
Ruhlsdorf, and his left in the Genschagener Heide is
stretched, but still able to contain both Oudinot and
Reynier. To the east, the fighting between Tauenzien and
Bertrand dies away, as the two forces draw apart.
[VPs. French: cards -17, towns +17 (Blankenfelde for this
turn) = 0. Coalition: cards -16, losses 0 (French 7,
Coalition 3), towns +19 (Grossbeeren for this turn) = +3.]
1.00 PM
French
[Card play: New Corps Adjutant (4/6, -1 VP), played on
Bertrand. This will give the latter the command rating to go
back into battle with Tauenzien, though as a Recovery card
it puts Bertrand temporarily out of supply, as he is just
out of range of his supply train. Nevertheless, the IV Corps
commander is now back in supply, so will be ready for the
renewed fray when another Recovery card restores his supply
(and therefore his ‘4’ command rating).]
Bertrand’s retreat is interrupted by orders from Ney to
press the fleeing enemy more closely. Despite the fact that
it does not correspond to the facts, Bertrand feels
constrained to halt his retreat on Blankenfelde, and even
consider resuming his attack northwards. For his part,
Oudinot skirmishes with the Prussians north of Neubeeren.
Recap
This seems like a good place to leave things. In the east,
Tauenzien is not going to advance against Bertrand (at
least, until very late in the day) for fear of re-activating
Ney. Nor is Bertrand going to advance against Tauenzien, for
fear of the latter’s better command rating. In short, the
fighting here is more or less over.
To the east, Oudinot and Reynier on the one hand, and Bülow
on the other seem fairly evenly matched. As the game ends,
the Coalition have a narrow margin of victory.
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