I was recently able to participate in an online Kriegsspiel game, play-by-post via written orders using discord and google forms.
It was a blast!
The referee used the Kriegsspiel rules from Too Fat Lardies and Table Top Simulator to track movement of the various units.
Each team, Red and Blue, had a weekend to discuss plans for executing their orders. I was the captain of the Blue team and our orders were to secure a spot for a bridging division to move forward and construct bridges for another, much larger force to cross a river.
NOTE: This is a pretty long AAR, so it may not show up completely in your email. Click on over to the Substack for the entire article. Thank you!
The General Idea
General Idea
The land East of Die Selz is Blue territory. That to the West is Red. Hostilities have recently broken out between the two countries, but mainly to the North. A Blue Division has arrived at Torgau [several miles Southeast off the map]. The nearest Red Division is some thirty miles north of Wollstien [several miles Northwest off the map]. There is a large Red detachment in the area. There is a large Blue detachment in the area.
Separate Report for Blue
The Divisional HQ has ordered the Blue detachment to secure a bridgehead across the river. Patrols discovered that the bridges at Kippringen and Karsdorf had been destroyed, but the bridge at Neu Goldberg was still intact. The detachment then moved to Neu Goldberg and reported back to HQ. The only enemy seen were some cavalry patrols on the other side of the river.
Orders for Blue
HQ has decided that rather than make a detour through Neu Goldberg they will send a pontoon train ahead via Karsdorf. It will arrive at the river at 0900 about one hour ahead of the division. It will take about 40 minutes for the bridging team to complete their work if they do not come under fire. You are to make sure that this work is not hindered from the West bank.
Orders are required for 0600 tomorrowDetachment Commander: PurpleDruid B1
The Scenario Map
The Blue Force is starting at the NE corner of the map, and our objective is to secure a zone for a crossing at the southern end of the map, where the river makes an S-curve.
Our forces were deployed as shown at the start:
Blue Forces
6 Sqns Hussars
3 Jager Battalions
6 Regiments (3 Battalions each) I, II, III, IV, V, VI
3 Horse Batteries (6pdr)
1 Company of Pioneers
Ammunition Train (¼ mile in length)
Wagons w/ Bridging Equipment (1 mile in length)
The Blue Team had some discussion as how to best achieve our objectives, finally deciding to send our bridging detachment south on the E side of the river and prepare a defended zone.
Two-thirds of the force would cross the river at Alt Goldberg and scout for the Red Force, and then try to lure them back to Alt Goldberg, where the bridges were still intact.
Detail 1
Officer 1, 5&6 Regt stay put, guarding the bridge at Neu Goldberg
Hussars 2-4 sqn stay to guard Artillery A
Leave Artillery A (3 blocks) on the hill
Half of baggage train
Detail 2
Move Officer 2, 1-4 Regt across the river with 5 Jagers + 1st Hussar sqn
Jagers scout west and south ahead of 1-4 Regt who move S along the River to secure the bridgehead zone
Half of baggage train
6x cavalry post (18 men) detach from 1 Hussar for long range scout missions
Detail 3
Officer 3, Pioneers, Hussar Sqn 5-6, Artillery B-C, and bridging regt move south on E side of river, apace with 1-4 Regt,
6th unit of Jagers to scout ahead
1x cavalry post to scout SE and find incoming bridging detachment, guide them in to rendezvous point
Details 2 & 3 were to move along these routes:
After a bit more discussion the following orders were detailed:
Detail 2
Units:
Officer 2 - Colonel ___
1st - 2nd - 3rd - 4th Infantry Regt
1st - 2nd - 3rd - 4th - 5th Jager Btns
1st Hussar sqn
Half of baggage train
Orders:
Goal: Secure the western zone around the Rendezvous Point: Karsdorf/Nennweiler bridging point
Jagers scout west and south ahead of 1-4 Regt who move S along the road to Nennweiler, then turn SE on the Karsdorf Road to secure the bridgehead zone
6x cavalry posts detach from 1st Hussar for long range scout missions - These Cavalry posts are to find the Red detachments
Station 2 Cavalry posts at Alt Goldberg to alert Detail 1 & 3 of Red Team presence. You may want to station a Cavalry post on the hill in SW corner of map (Sinterhof)
In the event you discover Red Team approaching, use the Jagers to set an ambush and make haste to the rendezvous point
and
Detail 3
Units:
Officer 3 - Colonel ___
Pioneers,
5th-6th Hussar Sqns,
6th Jager Btn
Artillery Batteries B-C,
Bridging regt
Orders:
Goal: Secure the Eastern zone around the Rendezvous Point: Karsdorf/Nennweiler bridging point, prepare artillery to provide covering fire for Blue Team forces crossing to western bank
Move your units south on E side of river, on the road to Kappringen, then Karsdorf, apace with Detail 1 Infantry,
6th Jagers to scout ahead
assign 2x cavalry post to scout SE and find incoming bridging detachment, guide them in to rendezvous point at Karsdorf/Nennweiler bridge
Use Hussar cavalry as scouts as needed. You may want to station a cavalry post up on the hill at S edge of map (Seis Berg)
I also shared a couple of General Orders:
Use your best judgement to complete your Goal by issuing the necessary orders.
Apprise me (at Neu Goldberg) of any Red Team sightings ASAP
Turn 1
We started moving our forces. The position at 0620. So far, so good.
Turn 2
0620-0640
Settle in to wait for the troops to complete their movements from 0600.
Have the ADC brew some fresh coffee.
From the Referee:
Report 0620-0640
B2 clears the bridge.
B3 proceeds South out of town.
A rider approaches: [B2 @ 0620] "Main force (1st - 4th infantry regiments, officers, baggage, most hussars) heading SW along Alt Goldberg Nennweiler road. 1st -3rd infantry, Hussars leading officer block and baggage train. 4th infantry will be rear guard once past Alt Goldberg.
Scouts sent to Der Doppel-Berg hill, Der Weisse Berg hill, Sinterhof hilltop. 2 groups to stay at Alt Goldberg to relay messages to B1 and B2. Scouts instructed to retreat if under fire, and report back any enemy activity to relay groups in Alt Goldberg.
Jagers sent to Goldberger forest, Aug dem Kipling hillside, and forest along Nennwiler-Kappringen road. They’re under instructions to send messengers if the enemy is sighted, retreat from a large force, and engage/ambush isolated groups of horse."" You are now more than 1000 paces from either of your fellow officers, messages must be sent via the Message Form, with your next Orders."
B2 sent out his cavalry scouts and things began to get serious almost immediately! The report at 0640 included SHOTS FIRED!
Report 0640-0700
Shots can be heard from Alt Goldberg.
A rider approaches. [B2 @ 0640] ""Large column of cavalry engaged at Alt Goldberg, approaching down Nennweiler Road. Estimated enemy is 6 light cavalry squadrons. Enemy infantry spotted farther down the road, and engaged by concealed Jagers. Numbers and composition of enemy infantry currently unknown.
Currently repositioning infantry, baggage for defence of Alt-Goldberg position. Jagers attempting to delay enemy infantry. Infantry, cavalry focused on destroying enemy cavalry column. Current position appears holdable, though may be in trouble if enemy artillery is able to support them.
Requesting cavalry support, and advise that B1 may also wish to reposition artillery if retreat across the river at Alt-Goldberg/Neu-Goldberg is necessary.""
This is where it gets tricky. The map I got from the Ref showed no Red Force, despite having two cavalry posts up on a nearby hill.
My report from B2 was not exactly illuminating. “farther down the road” is only a little more valuable than nothing. Somehow those Light Cav were able to skirt all the way around and come up on the Neu Goldberg bridges from the W.
I ordered the 5th & 6th Infantry to cross the bridge and spread out along the river to prevent any crossing. At this point I made a big mistake. For some reason I got it in my head that the bridge to the W of New Goldberg was a TRAIN BRIDGE and the cav would not be able to cross it. This turned out to be a costly error.
Report 0700-0720
Cav posts on the hill report an enemy force moved NW into the crossroads hamlet [BII]. They also report some of your own hussars fleeing in disarray NE along the road North of them. Your troops advance as ordered. Your cav circle Alt Goldberg hill but find no enemy infantry.
You & B2 are now close enough to enjoy open comms once again.
A rider approaches [B2 @ 0700] "Column of enemy light cavalry successfully driven off, at the cost of my own light cavalry. No further information on enemy infantry. Enemy heavy cavalry sighted north of Goldberger Fliess; repositioning to protect rear and baggage and prepare march to Nennweiler. Enemy scouts spotted on Siebel Hof Hill, Auf Dem Kippling Hill (attempting to engage on Auf Dem Kippling). Scouts re-sent out to find bulk of enemy infantry."
A rider approaches [B3 @ 0700] "Brigadier Sir. I have a reached Kappringen no enemy contact yet. I have received word from my campeur that he is engaged with the enemy at Alt Goldburg. I am requesting permission to build a bridge here at Kappringen that I might cross Die Selz and reinforce him with my artillery. "
The “lack of further info” on the infantry column was disastrous. And this lack of info was 100% due to FOG OF WAR!
In this image, circled in blue, is a thicket on a hill. B2’s Jagers were hidden within, prepared to ambush the red forces. Unfortunately ALL of the Blue forces were down in the vale between the thicket hill and Alt Goldberg. Therefore we could not see the infantry forces approaching, nor have any idea of their strength or formation. In a way, this was good for us, as the Red infantry could not see us, either.
Regardless, based on what I could see, we set a trap.
Comms with B2:
I'm going to leave 6th regiment where they are because they can protect the road and the Eastern approach around alt Goldberg
Five is going to form a square
Five and the square closest will then be able to destroy the cavalry to the northwest
Leave the Jaegers in the forest they can remain hidden there.
I'm counting on that infantry column continuing to move Northeast along the railroad
I'm going to send the cavalry South around that Forest to come up behind that column and engage them from the rear.
That which point did Jaegers can leave the forest and attack from the flank
B3 must continue on to the rendezvous point
My Hussars in the vale were given very specific orders:
720 Orders
Artillery A will aim west, prepared to support 5th Inf Regt in case of Red Hussar advance. Fire ranging shots to the creek (My makeshift ruler measures 1000 paces? 650 paces should be over 5th Regts heads). Fire for effect on any Red troops approaching the creek.
5th Inf Regt (the one west of Neu Goldberg) will form a square. The third block from the left will not move (600 paces from Artillery), putting the bottom-left corner of the square adjacent to the top-right corner of the inf square immediately to the south.
6th Inf Regt will form a "V", with the left-most block anchored on the bridge, extending due south, with blocks 4-5-6 turning to face south, running E-W, with the right-most block anchored on the river.
2nd-3rd-4th Hussar to move southwest along road 1200 paces. Scout over hilltop for Red Inf column to the west.
If unobserved, wait until Red Inf has passed NW of your position, then engage in the rear.
If you are observed, AND the Inf are still in column, attack the flank immediately. [EDIT: Focus on the artillery limbers]
If the Inf have formed square, continue south for the summit of Diewiesse Berg.
If at all possible, drive or draw the enemy West and North. Make for New Sellheim, then continue the circle back to New Goldberg. Collect any scattered Blue Cav you encounter.
Due to my lack of experience with the era, and possibly because The Portable Wargame allows artillery to fire over the heads of troops in front of them if the artillery is on higher ground, I made a mistake in these orders. Luckily the Ref caught it, and re-organized the artillery to accomplish their goal another way.
Report 0720-0740
Your artillery officer is concerned about supporting the infantry from behind.
He's trained to fire through troops, not over them.
Your troops adjust position.
Your hussars do not return.
You hear the sound of guns (artillery) to the south.
Sadly, the 6th Infantry formed up in a wedge, the wrong direction.
That heckin’ thicket still blocked LOS and I had no idea what happened to the Hussars!
Bizarrely, the Red Cavalry on the riverbank did not attack! What was he waiting for? I started to think he had gotten into position for a Malachi Crunch too early, leaving the southern part of the pincer out of place for a coordinated attack.
I had a brief convo with the Ref about this:
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/10/2023 11:22 PM
I'm extremely disappointed that that cavalry is just sitting there.
That's very unlike him.
I wonder if perhaps he's in the rear as well and doesn't/didn't know they're not advancing
REF — 11/10/2023 11:23 PM
I'm afraid I can't comment on that
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/10/2023 11:23 PM
Just some speculation to liven up the after action report
REF — 11/10/2023 11:23 PM
But I am positively with child to debrief this. It's been so interesting to watch
I had some discussion regarding next steps with B2:
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/10/2023 1:49 PM
I really want to know what that Inf column is doing, and how many there are.
— is in my Tues D&D game, and he is good at tactics...but his style is predictable - schwerpunkt - hit with everything focused in one place. I suspect he is going for Neu Goldberg, and I hope so, but I want to do everything to lure him away from Karsdorfer Weisen.
Sending 720 orders now
B2 — 11/10/2023 1:57 PM
I think he’s bringing the whole shebang or at least a large chunk - there’s artillery in his column as well. Given we’re also seeing his heavy cav, it’s possible there’s only a token force at the other crossings. My scouts have encountered his all over the map but I’ve seen no sign that he’s approached the river (but my scouting only has been as far south as Karsdorf)
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) Can you see how much Red infantry is off there to the Southwest? I am of the opinion that we should sit tight here. I suspect we are keeping a good portion of the red team away from the rendezvous point
B2 — 11/11/2023 10:28 AM
Scouting updates:
"The rider sent to Der Weisse Berg reports Infantry dug in near the base of the hill. Less than a regiment. Rider sent due south reports that the enemy has taken Siebel Hof hill. Maybe a regiment, some artillery, and at least a squadron of cav. "
Also hearing (as you probably also are) artillery fire to the south. Updated map:
(It was the same dagone map)
B2 - Enemy has at least one regiment, and I know there's artillery in support as well (no more information available).
I think the enemy's trying to stretch us out to enable his cavalry to engage. Are your cannons able to hit those horse from behind our infantry? If so, we could engage them first then bring the bulk of our forces down the Nennweiler road.
(B2) — 11/11/2023 10:37 AM
Another option (one I like less) is to start moving infantry to Siebel Hof hill down the Kappringen road.
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/11/2023 12:39 PM
All right I think it's time to defeat them in detail.
First we bring the artillery out from Neu Goldberg and poke at those cavalry on the road to Neu Selheim.
[12:41 PM]
The cavalry I sent south were supposed to attack that regiment of infantry if they were still in column.
If not they were to ride around clockwise and head north to Neu Selheim, then back to New Goldberg
[12:42 PM]
They might turn up in time to hit the cavalry in the rear
(B2) — 11/11/2023 12:42 PM
Looks to me that their infantry are in line; should we force our infantry on their horse as well?
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/11/2023 12:43 PM
I would prefer to keep as much action to the Northern end of the map as possible
[12:43 PM]
I would love to draw that line North
[12:44 PM]
Do you have a map of where they are located with regard to seibelhoff
(B2) — 11/11/2023 12:44 PM
My thoughts as well; I'll bring my line back NE to buy us some more time.
REF — 11/11/2023 12:45 PM
Too far away
(B2) - Scouting updates: "The rider sent to Der Weisse Berg reports Infantry dug in near the base of the hill. Less than a regiment. Rider sent due south reports that the enemy has taken Siebel Hof hill. Maybe a regiment, some artillery, and at least a squadron of cav. "
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/11/2023 12:53 PM
What side of the Hill? North? east? south?
REF — 11/11/2023 12:53 PM
North face of DWH
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/11/2023 12:54 PM
And what about Siebel Hof
REF — 11/11/2023 12:55 PM
Heights & N face seized
(B2) — 11/11/2023 12:55 PM
Sounds like artillery fire on Siebel Hof as well (any message from B3?) (edited)
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/11/2023 1:05 PM
At 720 they were at Kappringen, I advised him to continue to rendezvous point
[1:06 PM]
He has two artillery batteries and should be able to shoot across the river
[1:06 PM]
We will dismantle the reds on this side piece by piece
Miscommunication
“The rider sent to Der Weisse Berg reports Infantry dug in near the base of the hill.”
I took this to mean that the Infantry were literally digging field fortifications. This is why I wanted to cav to ride around behind and attack from the SW. This turned out not to be the case.
740 Orders for Blue2
Jagers to hold position.
Prepare an ambush for any Red scouts that approach the hilltop. Do not let them escape.
Inf Regt in line to pivot about forest to stretch across Goldberger Rhode with one end on the intersection at Nennweiler Rd and extending NW, the other Regt to be parallel, 200 paces behind.
Inf Squares NW of Alt Goldberg to hold position. Attack Red Cavalry if they cross the stream.
@Blue 2 When the arty is in position they will fire at will on the cav
740 Message to Blue3
Red forces spotted digging in N of Siebel Hof, across from Kappringen. Have your forces reached the rendezvous point at Karsdorfer Wiesen?
740 Orders for Blue1
Bring artillery battery over the bridge, and set up west of bridge, north of 5th Inf Regt, range to Red Cav 950 yds. Fire for effect on Red cavalry.
5th Inf to prepare to receive charge from Red Cav.
We were just about to get a little surprise with the 0740 report.
Report 0740-0800
Your infantry shift position as you bring your battery to bear on the cavalry. You get to shoot at them for close to ten minutes as they vacate the hamlet, riding Northwest over the river. Your scouts on Wald-Hugel are driven from their position by the enemy cavalry, who, they tell you, have formed up on the Neu Goldberg road facing south, but are in rough shape. However, the 1st Hussars have returned, & are at the North edge of Neu Goldberg. Throughout this time guns can be heard to the SE. At 0756, however, guns are heard to the SW, much closer.
A rider approaches [B3 @ 0740] ""Message received continuing south to rendezvous. Enemy artillery spotted on Siebel Hof Hill. Have engaged them with my own artillery to provide cover for company moving through Kappringen. Will report back with AAR""
A rider is captured! [R1 to R2 @ 0740] ""Confirm receipt.""
A rider is captured! [R3 to R2 @ 0740] ""Good copy on last. Attempting envelopment. Moving with all speed. Watch for your opportunity!"""
From the captured messages I inferred that R2 was the cavalry commander, up by the river. Therefore, R3 must be the commander of the infantry to the SW, which was indeed trying a pincer maneuver.
With Red Forces now on top of the S hill and moved around the NW of the W hill, we could finally see what we were up against.
I had been able to move the Artillery Battery all the way up to within 900 paces of the cavalry, who just continued to sit and wait for a signal, apparently. so when I blasted them they fled north, across the UNPASSABLE TRAIN BRIDGE that apparently wasn’t unpassable at all. SMH
Because I could not see the Red Infantry on the road, my orders to the Hussars were insufficient. The five regiments Red forces were split into two formations, two in column to the NW, three in line on the SE, closest to the road. As soon as they came abreast of the thicket, they could see the Blue infantry and the trap we had set, so they turned SE and IMMEDIATELY marched up the hill. Right into the Hussars! Ouch.
0800 Planning
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/12/2023 11:12 AM
An excellent plan I like your idea of having the Jaegers flank that artillery!
I was praying for an opportunity like that.
I would recommend rotating the infantry regiment moves by one so that your Northern regiment doesn't have to cross through town
Map
I thought this would be an excellent plan, and Blue2 agreed. It looked like the Red Artillery was a sitting duck for the Jagers to attack on the flank.
0800 Orders for Blue1
Artillery Battery A, currently by the river, is to limber up, move E on the road to the "T", then move S to Alt Goldberg. Go through town, south along the top of the hill. They are to unlimber at the edge of the hill, 100 paces off the road to the West. Prepare to fire upon Red forces moving north down the facing slope to the SW.
6th Inf Regt (the "backwards L" E of the road and south of Neu Goldberg) is to split in 2 pieces.
The unit nearest the bridge into Neu Goldberg [that one block] is to take position on the bridge to prevent any Red cavalry passage south.
The rest of the units (the other 5 blocks] are to move south and assume a line facing south, lined up in an E-W orientation, on the slope of the hill south of Alt Goldberg, about halfway down the hill. The W end of the line should be on the E shoulder of the road (basically right on top of where it says "berger Feld").
This Regt will be prepared to engage Red forces, and stay out of the way of the artillery on the hill.
5th Inf Regt [the most northerly square N of Alt Goldberg] will move W in column along the river until they reach the bridge NW of Neu Goldberg. Then split into 2 pieces. [One block] will move to take position on the bridge to prevent any Red cavalry passage south.The balance of the Regt will take line formation facing S-SW, 45 degrees from "horizontal", with the NW end of the line on the slope of the hill up toward Kramerhofe, & the [central block] of the line centered on the road.
Message to Blue3
Red cavalry has crossed the river West of Neu Goldberg. Be alert for Red cavalry to possibly head down your way. Several regiments of Red Infantry and cavalry approaching Alt Goldberg from the SW. Serious engagement imminent.
We did not get good rolls.
Report 0800-0820 / B1
Where to begin? The 2nd & 3rd Regts withdrew under the force of the enemy guns. The northern half of the lines took cover in the village (slowing everything down) the southern half marched all the way to die Kliene Dohn, slowing the passage of the 6th Regt down. Both Northern bridges are held by your forces. 2 enemy regiments marched over Auf Dem Kippring, at the last moment the 6pdr battery succeeded in navigating the village, & is now ready to deploy canister shot. To the east, you can see a cloud of dust as a column travelling south enters the Swamp Road East of Alt Goldberg.
Messenger Captured on the NW Bridge (Northbound) [R1 to R2 @ 0800] "I am advancing on rear of allied line at OP2. Seek to protect rear in case of enemy in backfield. Seek to gain range for good comms. Maintaining light crossing defense, with guns, at C3B area. Many pontoon wagons spotted enroute south. Shadowing to defend.'
Messenger Captured on the NW Bridge (Northbound) [R3 to R2 @ 0800] "Giving heavy artillery bombardment time now. Facing 3 Inf Regiments. Last of my infantry getting into place now. Full attack at 820.
An option if you can: You could come to my position (IVO B2A) at this time and "follow" my infantry in. There may be an opportunity whereby I can open a gap in their center between their regiments in "square" formation and those on line. Also, you could wait for them to commit forces to repel me and attack their weak spot.
In either event: See you in the middle!"
“Full attack at 0820” SMH
The Jagers failed utterly in their flank attack. Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
The two Regts of Blue that fled through town messed up the artillery batteries. And delayed 6th Inf trying to move S on the E side of town. What a disaster.
Report 0800-0820 / B2
Where to begin? The 2nd & 3rd Regts withdrew under the force of the enemy guns. The northern half of the lines took cover in the village (slowing everything down) the southern half marched all the way to die Kliene Dohn, slowing the passage of the 6th Regt down. Both Northern bridges are held by your forces. 2 enemy regiments marched over Auf Dem Kippring. Just as the 4th Regt succeeded in navigating the village, the enemy opened fire, eliminating the leading half-battalion. To the east, you can see a cloud of dust as a column travelling south enters the Swamp Road East of Alt Goldberg.
Losses: 1st Regt, retreating battalion down 84%, remaining battalions doen 53%. 3rd Regt, 1 battalion gone, remaining down about 75%. 2nd regiment, down about 15%. Bedraggled column of enemy forces moving S along the East road towards Karsdorf. Swamp precludes accurate count.
A Fierce Debate
Blue2 and I had a long discussion on how to best “eat up the clock”, so that Blue3 could get into place and set up his arty to defend the crossing. the question was, would he be able to deal with the cav coming down behind him, and did my message get through?
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/12/2023 11:11 PM
"Bedraggled column of enemy forces"
That is music to my ears
Well don't send any more messages to B3 because the enemy is between us and them. It looks like the first hussars are back and they're across the river by Neu Goldberg.
Do you think we should send them after the bedraggled column towards B3? We really just need to hold out here until 9:00
November 13, 2023
(B2) — 11/13/2023 9:10 AM
If holding out here is our objective, I think we probably need to hold until 920, to buy the bridging group until 0940.
I’d be fine to send those hussars south. We may be able to send a regiment or two to assist as well, if we concentrate artillery on the east wing of the opponents force on Auf Dem Kippring. The issue remains that his artillery is now able to fire directly into Alf Goldberg
[9:17 AM]
(B2) — 11/13/2023 9:18 AM
Then, we hope it’s enough of a melee in the village itself that his artillery is effectively useless (or is more focused on our other columns). Send one of the officers out southbound as well
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/13/2023 9:45 AM
Do you know how long it will take to rally those troops?If the artillery blasts the closer Red regiment that may give us time for the intact 6th regiment to charge South and engage the further away red regiment
If your troops in the village can rally and move East out of town and then turn South we can play a game of Ring around the Rosie with the red troops that are currently to the Southwest
(B2) — 11/13/2023 9:54 AM
A shootout with that red regiment may work. The issue with this plan is my troops would have to cycle north around around the artillery; do you think the artillery can hold until then? If they go down we’ll have to retreat
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/13/2023 9:56 AM
Ideally the artillery can inflict enough damage on The closer regiment that they turn and flee and impede the advance of the regiment in the Southeast corner. This would give my regiment that is currently east of Goldberg a chance to move South and get out of the way. It will take just as long for your troops that are in Goldberg to cycle out and face South as it would for them to cycle East and then turn South
Even if my regiment falls back then your regiment is there to deal with these two regiments that are in this picture
AND the units that are currently in Goldberg are protected from the red units that are off to the Southwest right now. Finally you have another regiment off to the North East that can rally and come up behind prolonging the conflict on the Eastern side of Goldberg. All of this could easily take three turns.
Orders 0820
(B2) — 11/13/2023 5:30 PM
DRAFT ORDERS
Under my command are:
1 Hussar regiment (unknown ###, north of Neu Goldberg)
2nd Scouts (5 hussars)
5th Scouts (5 hussars)
6th Scouts (5 hussars)
1 Jager half battalion (position, # unknown)
2 Jager half battalion (position, # unknown)
3 Jager half battalion (position, # unknown)
4 Jager half battalion (position, # unknown)
5 Jager half battalion (position, # unknown)
1 Officer Block
1 Regiment (~990)
2 Regiment (~2295)
3 Regiment (~1350)
4 Regiment (2700)
1/8mi worth of baggage train (50%)
Orders
1st Hussars:
Gallop directly South from N Goldberg to clean up "bedraggled" column of enemy sighted from the rear. Continue on to Karsdorf if possible, and report to B3 for duty.
Scouts:
2nd Scout (5) and 5th scout: hold position near officer block.
Jagers:
If spotted, order to remain in cover and ambush enemy troops when appropriate.
Infantry and baggage
1st Regiment: remaining battalions continue firing onto enemy troops in position. If forced to retreat, fall NE of Alt Goldberg.
2nd and 3rd Regiments: retreat N of Alt Goldberg, and turn E once through the town, then circling S and reforming into a line just E of artillery, supporting blue troops already in position there.
4th Regiment: form into south-facing line formation W of blue artillery, and fire on advancing enemy line. If enemy forced to retreat, move to attack other advancing enemy line to the SE.
Baggage: hold position.
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/13/2023 5:34 PM
can you change "retreat N of Alt Goldberg, and turn E once through the town, then circling S and reforming into a line just E of artillery, supporting blue troops already in position there."
to retreat E of Alt Goldberg, and turn S once through the town, then reforming into a line just E of artillery, supporting blue troops already in position there. I think that will save some time in movement
(B2) — 11/13/2023 5:35 PM
Yes, thanks that’s much better. I won’t send out any messengers, but it occurred to me that we could send a risky fake messenger if we’d like. I’ll leave that in your hands
Brigadier de Bois-Guilbert (B1) — 11/13/2023 5:37 PM
I've been thinking about that...sending one off to the west, as if we have troops there
(B2) — 11/13/2023 5:38 PM
I don’t hate the idea lol. Or give them a false location for our bridge attempt
820 Orders for Blue1
Artillery Battery A to fire for effect on closest Red Inf (South south east)
6th Regt (E of Alt Goldberg) Advance and engage Red forces to the south.
Send a Cavalry post west to Neu Sellheim, then south to Suderhof, looking for any Blue Cavalry or Jagers. This scout unit will carry a written message (he is not to give it to our troops, only to turn it over if captured): "Enemy forces at Siebel Hof, move at once to attack from SW flank"
Any Blue troops found will be rallied and instructed to march E on the road from Suderhof E, and engage the enemy in the rear.
5th Inf Regt (up by the river, NW of Alt Goldberg) is to form column and march SW on the road to support the troops engaged in Goldberger Rhode.
A scout and decoy mission will be sent south, on the WEST side of the river. A messenger ADC, will ride along the river as far as Kappringen, then turn west toward Nennweiler. The ADC will carry a message, "Red forces have overwhelmed Alt Goldberg. Southern route should be clear. Attack Nennweiler via Station Nennweiler at 0900."
This ADC messenger will be followed by a cavalry post, on the WEST side of the river, staying 2000 paces behind. They will ride past Kappringen to the next bridge and report back.
Messenger
We also decided to send a messenger with a phony message:
(B2) - Send direct down Nennweiler-Alt Goldberg road, to turn W at Goldberger forest, then SE at 5-way junction towards Nennweiler.
"Red forces have overwhelmed Alt Goldberg. Southern route should be clear. Attack Nennweiler via Station Nennweiler at 0900."
We never got to find out the result of this message, as the Red Force had achived their Objective by this time!
Denouement
REF — 11/13/2023 8:48 PM
@everyone It is necessary to first consider the Blue Orders, as they had the positive victory condition, and the whole scenario turned on them:
"A Blue Division has arrived at Torgau [several miles Southeast off the map].
The Divisional HQ has ordered the Blue detachment to secure a bridgehead across the river.
For the division to cross at 1000.
HQ has decided that rather than [ have the division coming from the south ] make a detour through Neu Goldberg they will send a pontoon train ahead via Karsdorf. It will arrive [ from the south ] at the river at 0900 about one hour ahead of the division. It will take about 40 minutes for the bridging team to complete their work if they do not come under fire. [We] are to make sure that this work is not hindered from the West bank
We have 16 bridging blocks, enough for 3 bridges of our own, without the bridging detactchment from the south, that is scheduled to arrive at 0900.
We are free to cross at Neu Goldberg in order to secure the Western Bank opposite Karsdorf."
[8:51 PM]
Contrast these w/ Red's Orders, which amount to "Play Defense"
"This evening you received the following message from Red Headquarters
Commander R1,
I must instruct you that the presence of what reports suggest to be a significant Blue force in your area is of some concern to me. I instruct you to hinder any attempts they may make to cross Die Selz and capture Wollstein. We anticipate that the Blue Division will make a move on the morrow, possibly to throw a pontoon bridge across the river near Kippringen. Commander, preserve the integrity of our territory!
Yours with every expectation you will do your duty
Von Schmedeswurtherwesterdeich. General Oberst"
Alt Goldberg as of 0840.
Red has checked the Blue advance. Who will hold Alt Goldberg tonight is uncertain, but Blue cannot disengage & make their originally planned rendezvous by 0900
East of the River & South of Kappringen, Red's dashing cavalry commander has just crashed into the pontoon train under the command of B3. He is being pursued, but can cause much havoc in the next few minutes
Karsdorf & the crossing: 2 blue 6pdr batteries have destroyed a Red Battalion under Maj Malcolm Function, but another is drawn up behind cover of the Island south of the crossing. Their muskets are aimed at the crossing.
Pioneers can construct a bridge under musket fire, but not under the canister fire which can be delivered at point blank range by the Red 12pdr Battery North of the crossing
The Blue advance across Die Selz is stalled until the Division from Torgau can move up to contest Red.
In light of all this, I think a Victory for @Red Team may safely be declared.
Conclusion
What a fantastic game! The Fog of War made this so tricky and tense. In the chat afterwards we were all just bursting with excitement and enthusiasm.
This puts an entirely new light on the Imagi-Nations campaign we are developing, and how to best include such a mechanic in a Solo Game. Stay tuned for more on that topic!
In December I will be running a Kriegsspiel like this, from a slightly more zoomed-out perspective. Be sure to subscribe and watch your inbox for more information.
Thanks for reading and keep’on gaming!