Kriegsspiel Play-by-Post: Part 2
Introduction
On 1 Dec I started a Kriegsspiel game. It was a six-player game (three players per side), online, using discord chat for in-game communications and google forms for sending orders and intra-team messages.
I used Table Top Simulator with a Kriegsspiel Meckle map game board for tracking movement.
Each Game Turn was 20 minutes long, consisting of 10 two-minute bounds, for movement and combat encounters.
It was a lot of fun and, according to the players, a big success.
This is the first in a series of posts that will run through the end of the year, outlining each turn of the game. Each post will contain the orders and messages sent as supplied by the players, without editing, to serve as an example of play. All of the gameplay posts in the series will be public, and I would love to see a larger discussion develop around this topic.
Turns 3 - 6
Turn 3 0640 – 0700
**Red 1 Turn 3 - 0640 - 0700 -----------------------------------------**
"Keep eyes on the approaching column. If R2 can bring them to bay, we attempt he enveloping manoeuvre from the 0620 orders.
If the enemy crests the hill, 1st of cav to skirmish with the enemy, while we fall back slowly to Alt Goldberg."
0700 the messenger from Nennweiler returns with a note from the Blue Cdr, and a bottle of wine.
(He traveled via Nennweiler to Station Nennweiler and NE up teh road, thru Red 2 lines and around goldberg Kirken. It took him the whole time. He says he saw the Blue forces:
one horse artillery battery, one Inf Regt on the road to Nennwiler, another NE of Nennweiler, 4 Sqns of Light Cav NE of Nennweiler. He suspects more Inf comming up toNennweiler from Karsdorf, but could not see over the shoulder of the hill
To Oberst von Degurechaff
We are more than happy to discuss terms and respond to any conditions and demands you may have to avoid unnecessary loss of life. What is it you require and what is it you are offering to us and what are you looking for. Also, as a sign of future negotiations please accept this bottle of '78 Cabernet Sauvignon.
With regards and respect
Major Steiger Kross
[12:47 AM]
0650 your scout on top of Auf dem Kipping (B3B) reports the Blue force on the NE slope of Der Weisse Berg has moved from column to line formation, obliquely across the road, facing N. He also saw a cloud of dust from fast-moving troops, likely cav, moving north from Kappringen toward the swamp (B3F). (edited)
Wargame Culture — 12/03/2023 1:15 AM
Message: from Red 2 to Red 1
0640 Turn 3 Positiong to secure A3A spanning mid slope of both hillsides facing SW. Jagers challenging stream crossing. Will engage if concerted effort made to cross. 1/2 7th Hussar scouting west and returning. R2 on hill above A3A. Enemy column has halted.
Wargame Culture — 12/03/2023 8:12 AM
You rec'd a messenger Cavalry post (one of the ones you sent out earlier) who was stationed above Kappringen (B2D) who reports that Blue forces (one Inf Regt and an artillery battery) are moving into the town and 2 Sqns of Lt Cavalry are moving north on the road to Neu Goldberg.
He also tells you the bridges B3J, B3K are secured and Red 3 is securing Alt Goldberg.
0700 the messenger from Nennweiler returns with a note from the Blue Cdr, and a bottle of wine.
(He traveled via Nennweiler to Station Nennweiler and NE up teh road, thru Red 2 lines and around goldberg Kirken. It took him the whole time. He says he saw the Blue forces:
one horse artillery battery, one Inf Regt on the road to Nennwiler, another NE of Nennweiler, 4 Sqns of Light Cav NE of Nennweiler. He suspects more Inf comming up toNennweiler from Karsdorf, but could not see over the shoulder of the hill)
To Oberst von Degurechaff
We are more than happy to discuss terms and respond to any conditions and demands you may have to avoid unnecessary loss of life. What is it you require and what is it you are offering to us and what are you looking for. Also, as a sign of future negotiations please accept this bottle of '78 Cabernet Sauvignon.
With regards and respect
Major Steiger Kross
[12:47 AM]
0650 your scout on top of Auf dem Kipping (B3B) reports the Blue force on the NE slope of Der Weisse Berg has moved from column to line formation, obliquely across the road, facing N. He also saw a cloud of dust from fast-moving troops, likely cav, moving north from Kappringen toward the swamp (B3F).
**Red 2 Turn 3 - 0640 - 0700 -----------------------------------------**
"1st Jagers will advance to skirmish along stream crossing and along stream bed, break any attempt at an organized approach.
1/2 of 7th Hussar will maintain position atop hill, eyes peeled for enemy approach. Will attempt to blunt any flanking maneuver attempted by enemy to the west.
1/2 of 7th Hussar will scout to the west with eyes out for the enemy. Do not engage unless 2:1 odds on our side of the stream. Return and join the squadron on top of the hill.
R2 will mount the hill to survey battlefield from that vantage.
Division will advance and position along slope of hill right around A3A, facing SW and the streambed. Reserves keen for supporting flanks, wings ready to square up. Maintain defensive posture, challenge stream crossing.
Pic in R2 Private chat for clarity."
0700 Your easternmost troops on the Auf dem Kipping report seeing some Blue forces N and W of Kappringen. The range is too great to identify.
R1 to R2
Scouts report more enemies advancing through A2D. Be prepared for the enemy to attempt to envelop our western flank. R3 Should be in contact by the end of this turn. Then we must continue to drive South.
> Jagers report stream bed area is very marshy! Impassable to cavalry and artillery.
**Red 3 Turn 3 - 0640 - 0700 -----------------------------------------**
at 6:40 if there is any sign of the enemy, deploy the infantry into attack columns and move toward contact. If no sigh continue in march column toward original location. in either situation deploy Jaegers into skirmish line in front of rest of the infantry.
There is no sign of the enemy en route to Neu Goldberg.
At 0650 you receive a message:
From: Red 1 To: Red 3 0640 R3, the enemy holds B2E. You are now to become our left flank. When you have done w/ B3D move cautiously towards B2E.
Wargame Culture — 12/03/2023 1:16 AM
Message:
from Red 2 to Red 3
0640 Turn 3 Positioning to secure A3A spanning mid slope of both hillsides facing SW. Jagers challenging stream crossing. Will engage if concerted effort made to cross. 1/2 7th Hussar scouting west and returning. R2 on hill above A3A. Enemy column has halted.
Wargame Culture — 12/03/2023 8:02 AM
Your forces have moved to secure Alt Goldberg. the two bridges are held by units of VIII Regt.
You rec'd a messenger Cavalry post who was stationed above Kappringen (B2D) who reports that Blue forces (one Inf Regt and an artillery battery) are moving into the town and 2 Sqns of Lt Cavalry are moving north on the road to New Goldberg.
The scouts were attached to Red 1 and then carry on to report further.
**Blue 1 Turn 3 - 0640 - 0700 -----------------------------------------**
Continue to follow Blue2 up the road towards Nennweiler.
**Blue 2 Turn 3 - 0640 - 0700 -----------------------------------------**
"Cavalry-Deploy into line formation centered on the road that they are marching on currently. Advise them to maintain position distances and keep eyes on enemy forces. if they are approached then they are to fall back to Nennuweller while maintaining distance with enemy forces. If the enemy pulls back then maintain distance but follow. Keep eyes on the enemy!
1st Battalion at Nennuweller. continue to hold position and await the rest of the regiment.
Rest of the Regiment- Continue the march NW to hook up with 1st Battalion at Nennuweller"
**Blue 4 Turn 3 - 0640 - 0700 -----------------------------------------**
"from Col Oomaph (cmdr right flank)
to IV regt
send half regt across bridge to take up defensive position on western side of bridge astride road to alt-goldsberg
to artillery regt unlimber and prepare to support the infantry to west
to hussars and jager
hold position and continue to oberserve road to neu goldsberg "
Turn 4 – 0700 -0720 Reports
Blue 2:
The Blue Cavalry advance one bound to the NE, as the entire Red force does as well, with the Jagers reaching the edge of the stream, then backing off. The cavalry wait to see what Red will doe, and at 0706 (Bound 3) the Red artillery fire off a large cannister barrage!
Blue Cavalry takes some serious casualties and manages to fall back 250 paces.
At 0708 (Bound 4) Red Artillery fires again, causing still more casualties, destroying two Cavalry Squadrons, and driving them back a further 250 paces.
Blue forces are now all behind the crest of the hill and out of sight of Red
Referee Note: I rule the artillery can fire over the Jagers:
1 - they are below the elevation
2 - in Skirmish formation
PICS
Red 2:
your division advances behind the skirmishing Jagers, one bound and then set up the artillery.
With the Jagers below the elevation, the artillery is able to launch a salvo of large cannister, with devastating effect upon the cavalry, who withdraw, but not completely out of range!
A second salvo sends them fleeing back over the crest of the hill and out of sight.
Referee Note: I rule the artillery can fire over the Jagers:
1 - they are below the elevation
2 - in Skirmish formation
Blue 1:
You begin to cut N, but discover the stream is too marshy and impassable! Force B1 continues then, along the road, to support B2. By 0710 they have heard two artillery barrages from the N, as the lead element reaches the outskirts of Nennweiler.
B1's horse artillery is still on the S flank of the Der weisse Berg, on the road into the saddle, but the Red forces are out of sight over the hill.
B1 can see B2 Cav and Inf retreating from the artillery onslaught, back to the SW ove the crest of the hill. Likewise B2's artillery stops short of the hillcrest.
By 0720 you are able to get about half of your troops across the bridge and up along the road to the saddle. Red forces are still out of sight beyond the shoulder of the hill, but the cannons have stopped roaring.
Red 1:
Advances in line and begins to encircle around Auf dem Kipping. By 0706 you hear the artillery begin to roar, two salvos in succession, as you round the E flank of Auf dem Kipping. As your cavalry sweep around to the southern flank of the hill you can see the smoke from Red 2 artillery rising in the morning air, and see the Blue troops on Der weisse Berg retreating back over the crest of the hill, heading SW.
As you pass the woods on the E you can see that Blue forces have crossed teh Der Selz at Kappringen and formed a line across the road.
Blue 4:
has moved into position across the road W of the Der Selz, and at 0706 hears two artillery salvos. At 0710 a large force of Red cavalry rides south from the E flank of Auf dem Kipping, W of Die Grosse Dohne woods, 600 paces N of Siebelhof.
Red 3
Alt Goldberg is secured, you hear cannon salvoes at 0706
Turn 5 - 0720 - 0740
(In Turn 5 Red 3 did not send any orders, then wound up dropping out of the game. A new player stepped in to take on the role for Turn 6.)
Red 1
Red 1 CinC sends two messages at 0720.
One is to the General Command:
"GHQ
Sir,
The enemy is already in force on the West Bank of the Selz. Our men are acquitting themselves nobly to secure the bridges, but due to the enemy numbers we are in desperate need of reinforcements.
For the Honour of the Fatherland,
von Degurechaff, Oberst "
The other is to his contact in the Blue Force, B2
The message arrives at 0736 via the road from Station Nennweiler
A messenger from the Red force arrives under guard...
"
Major Kross
In order to best embarrass the regime, I need to make a good show of stopping you. If you vacate Kappringen, & have a large body of troops pass west through Karsdorf (2 Divisions should be sufficient). I can make sure the upcoming Red Corps is ""Compelled to Surrender Due to the Superior Manoeuvre of the Enemy""
I remain
von Degurechaff, Oberst "
Blue 4 Moves 0720-0740
"from Cmdr Right flanks
to 12 inf IV Regt - proceed at best pace to occupy and take defensive positions in SiebelHof buildings -
> This action takes 4 bounds, but the column is atacked on Bound 3 by a Sqn of Red cavalry. The Infantry are repulsed two moves (400 paces). They are in good order but unable to defend for two moves (bounds 4 & 5). The cavalry must wait one move (bound 4), then gather themselves for another charge, which they do (bound 5), attacking the Infantry and destroying the battalion.
to 6lb batteries unlimber and fire at slow pace random shot at Red Cavalry - if Red cavalry moves to attack 12 Regt you are to fire to protect their flanks
> This action takes 3 bounds, ready to fire on bound 4. While the melee is going on S of Seibel Hof, the artillery opens up on the stationary cavalry at 1100 paces. The roll is on *Bad Effect* due to across the river and uphill.
- Bound 4: Roll of 6 = 4pts, 6 casualties. pic 5-0728 Blue 4 firing
-Bound 5: The Red cavalry moves S at a rapid pace! They disappear into the valley between Siebel Hof and Dem Kipping. The second volley is ineffective.
13 regt - both battalions to move to west side of bridge and face north west across the road
> This action takes 5 bounds
11 regt - to position on east bank of the river in Kipp
> This action takes 3 bounds
Jagers and hussars to maintain blocking position "
Blue 2 Moves 0720-0740
"I. Cav will shift to the west until it hits the road between Station Nemweller and Goldberg Road then they will move towards Suderhof
> The Cavalry moves west until they reach the streambed, which is very marshy and impassable! They turn south and return to the Nennweiler bridge, follow the road to the bridge at Station Nennweiler, where they cross and turn north toward Sudenhof. They get as far as 1400 paces N of Station Nennweiler. This action takes 10 bounds
II. 1st Battalion on Weissen berg will turn around and head back up the hill but not crest the hill top
> This action takes 3 bounds
III Artillery will continue to its designated position as was ordered last turn
> NOTE: "one thing i forgott to put in my orders....for the artillery. they are to keep behind the crest of the hill!"
> Artillery will maintain its position below the shoulder of the hill at Der weisse Berg
IV Rest of the infantry will continue through the town and head up the hill. 2nd Battalion will take Line formation to the East of 1st Battalion. 3rd battalion will hold back some in reserve in Line formation
> 16th Inf is 250 paces behind 14th/15th, acting in support. This action takes 2 bounds.
V Supply trains maintain position "
Blue 1 Moves
"Intention: Move east along the road toward Siebel-Hof and open fire upon red's left flank.
> at 0728 17th/VI spots Red infantry skirmishers N of woods, 800 paces away, as you outnumber them, your skirmishers enter the wood and encounter Red forces at 0732.
17th & 18th Btn's Skirmishers are to deploy into the heavy woods north of the road.
> This action takes place on Bound 6, 0732, when there is a firefight in the woods with Red & Blue skirmishers.
Blue rolls a 6 on the chart, for 5 points, doubled for 4 Zugs, to 10 points. Red rolls a 6, for 10 points (2 Jager Skirmish Zugs)
2 points = 3 men in Skirmish formation. Blue Casualties = 15, Red casualties = 15
0734 - Blue skirmishers press on to assault the Red, and are Repulsed with 27 Casualties, causing only 14 Red casualties.
Outnumbered still, the Red skirmishers withdraw to the Infantry lines on the hill above the wood.
> 0732 - The repulsed Skirmishers run back to the column on the road and the column halts as a line of cavalry races across the road 400 paces to the East. The cavalry is wheeling and charges into the side of the Blue column along the road (0736).
Pic 5-0736 Red 1 Blue 1 Assault
18 & 19 battalion are able to form a square by 0740, but 17 Btn and the artillery are caught flat-footed. A surprise die indicates Blue is falling back in disarray. The cavalry assault counts as 2x the number of units, =10 Sqns.
Die roll 5, Infantry Repulsed, 6 points x 6 Sqn = 36 pts, 3 pts = 10 men = 120 casualties. Artillery is lost.
The Infantry move into the woods where the cavalry cannot follow.
Pic 5-0740 Red 1 Blue 1 Position
> The following orders are belayed
17th Btn to deploy in line 100 paces W of the crossroad at Siebel-Hof, facing NW, followed by Arty, and 18th Btn. If there is clear line of fire, unlimber the artillery and begin firing.
19th Btn to remain in reserve on the road, at the E edge of the woods, with the baggage remaining hidden south of the woods."
RED 2 Moves --------------------------------------------
0720-0740
0730 Red 2 gets a report that Blue cavalry forces have moved west from A2H and turned north toward A3E
"Maintain position. Send 1/2 of 7th Hussars west to scout road from A3C to A2F headed SW. Avoid contact, note enemy movement, return.
> (These tiles now marked "10" with a flag to indicate 1/2 strength)
Division's right wing to prepare for enemy approach if warned. Keep an eye on the cav but disregard them as unable to charge over streambed. Jagers to move SE and probe A2L.
> at 0728, on reaching the woods at A2L, they can see a regt of Blue infantry 800 paces south, moving NE on road that runs thru A2K. At 0732 the Jager Skirmishers have entered the woods to confront Blue forces. At 0732 the Jager Skirmishers encounter Blue Skirmishers in the wood.
> This action takes place on Bound 6, 0732, when there is a firefight in the woods with Red & Blue skirmishers.
Blue rolls a 6 on the chart, for 5 points, doubled for 4 Zugs, to 10 points. Red rolls a 6, for 10 points (2 Jager Skirmish Zugs)
2 points = 3 men in Skirmish formation. Blue Casualties = 15, Red casualties = 15
0734 - Blue skirmishers press on to assault the Red, and are Repulsed with 27 Casualties, causing only 14 Red casualties.
Outnumbered still, the Red skirmishers withdraw to the Infantry lines on the hill above the wood.
RED 1 MOVES ----------------------------------------------------
0720-0740
Red 1
RED 1 SCOUT REPORTS - - - - - -
Scouts at Siebelhof (A3E) & Alstedten spot the cavalry moving from A2H toward Sudenhof. They report in at 0734 & 0738, respectively.
"2nd-6th of Cav to hold position.
1st of cav to move to harass the enemy line crossing @ Kappringen. Maintain loose *loose* skirmish formation, & fall back if artillery is deployed. "
A Blue battalion in column formation is marching toward Seibel Hof, the Sqn Cdr takes the opportunity to charge the column at an angle. The column is atacked on Bound 3 by Red cavalry. The Infantry are repulsed two moves (400 paces). They are in good order but unable to defend for two moves (bounds 4 & 5). The cavalry must wait one move (bound 4), then gather themselves for another charge, which they do (bound 5), attacking the Infantry and destroying the battalion.
Meanwhile on bound 4 (0728) the artillery opens fire on the stationary cavalry on the hill, causing 6 casualties. At this time 0728, you can see a column of Blue Infantry coming into view on the road south of the woods at A2L.
Red 1 has Initiative of 37, Courage of 42, but a love of warfare = 9!
Will he order a charge on the Blue column?
A d% roll of 002 says YES!
Deplying South past Siebel Hof the cavalry is able to wheel around to the West and charge into the flank of the Blue column behind the woods! Bounds 5-7, 0734.
Pic 5-0736 Red 1 Blue 1 Assault
18 & 19 battalion are able to form a square by 0740, but 17 Btn and the artillery are caught flat-footed. A surprise die indicates Blue is falling back in disarray. The cavalry assault counts as 2x the number of units, =10 Sqns.
Die roll 5, Infantry Repulsed, 6 points x 6 Sqn = 36 pts, 3 pts = 10 men = 120 casualties. Artillery is lost.
The Infantry move into the woods where the cavalry cannot follow.
Pic 0740 Red 1 Final position
0740 Message from R3
The Colonel has suffered a greivous fall from his horse.
His Lt Colonel will be taking command at this time.
Turn 6 - 0740-0800
*0740-0746 Musket volleys can be heard near the wood N of Der rothe Berg*
RED 1 Turn 6 - 0740-0800
**Message**
Red 3 Red 1 0740/6 To victory! To death! Hail red! The river runs red this day!
*0740-0746 Musket volleys can be heard near the wood N of Der rothe Berg*
**INTERCEPTED Message**
Blue 4 Blue 2 0740 13 Regt caught in open by cavalry whilst moving to Siebel Hof - wiped out ! - siebel Hof is unoccupied by our Forces and i have no visibility on the Red main body to west. I am fortifying Kipp but will probe north towards Neu-God, if undefended will attempt to blow bridge
**INTERCEPTED Message**
Blue 4 Blue 1 0740 "from Cmdr East
to CiNc
Kipp is secure - have deployed inf to garrison siebel hof with unlimbered Art on riverbank in Kipp to cover in case the Cav to North trys to turn SE. Did order long range fire on cav to N of siebel Hof.
at moment cav and jagers deployed on east bank (cav north of swamp) have reported no contact - will push forward the pioneers this turn and probe north to see whether possible to destroy Neu-G bridge
Red 1 0740 W/draw to the saddle between Auf Dem Kipring & Goldberg Kirk Wood
> This takes 2 bounds at the Gallop (less than 2000 paces). In the first bound the Blue Inf square opens fire, causing 9 casualties.
*0740-0746 Musket volleys can be heard near the wood N of Der rothe Berg*
RED 2 Turn 6 - 0740-0800
**Message**
Red 3 Red 2 0740/6 To victory! To death! Hail red! The river runs red this day!
0742 You see R1 Cavalry at the gallop in column moving N toward Auf dem Kipping B3B
Red 2 0740 Turn 6 "Operation Lemonade
7th Hussar reforms atop of hill above A3B, eyes out for flanking cav, enemy movement, or aid in contesting streambed. Not to get mired in marshy area.
> This takes 2 bounds
1 bn is to stay out of cannon range on the slope just south of A3A. Will contest any attempt to cross the stream, otherwise look for surprise cav visit and engage in square. Orders are to retreat up the hill as necessary to stay out of range of cannon. Disperse into loose formation until out of range, then reform.
> This takes 3 bounds
Baggage to rest in valley between A3B and B3B in range and sight of 7th Hussar security.
> 10 bounds to move into place
1 bde of line infantry and 1 bde of Jagers in skirmish order are to flush A2L, with Jager sharpshooters taking any opportunity to eliminate visible officer B1.
> 4 bounds to form and deploy to NE border of woods A2L (Jagers have 2 bounds of Move/Shoot). 22/VII Line Inf are 150 pace behind Jagers in support (+1 index). Roll 4, 2. 17pts, 25 pts. 2 pts = 3 men. Casualties 1/2 for cover = 12 Blue Casualties, 18 Blue casualties.
> Blue roll 2 (on bound 2), 5 pts. 2 pts = 3 men. 6 Red casualties
> Bound 3 Red assault on Blue. Roll Die 5 = 4: Defeated, 25 pts. 36 Blue casualties. 5% chance that Blue 1 Command is a casualty, roll 91. TOTAL BLUE CASUALTIES: 66.
> 18 Red casualties. TOTAL RED CASUALTIES 24. Roll for effect: D. Blue troops begin to scatter, will need three moves before they can defend, 6 moves before they can attack.
>Defeated Blue troops move S for three bounds, Line Inf at 200/b, skirmishers at 400/b x2b.
> 0748 - bound 4 - Red 2 is able to command the troops not to pursue and re-form in the wood, due to artillery fire to the W.
Pic 6-0746 Red 2 - Blue 1
> *Bound 6* 0752 the Jager Cdr chooses (roll d5 vs INIT = 21) to assault the artillery battery in the open, as he can rush the flank and destroy it quickly. At 0754 the battery is taken, and the Jagers retreat back into the wood.
pic 6-0752 Blue 2 Red 2
Remainder of the division moves southeast then south to reinforce R1's cavalry charge. 1 lead bn turns to face B2G and stick any relief forces coming from the east. They know help is coming from the north from R3, they just need to hold the division's rear while it positions to attack the hopefully disordered enemy at A2K.
> *Bound 4* Blue Infantry marches over teh crest of Der weisse Berg, fires a volley at 300-400 paces, roll 3,5,5,6. 29 points. 1 points = 5 men. 145 Red casualties. Blue artillery fires at range of 600 paces for Bad Effect. Roll 1 = 16 points, 80 Red Casualties.
> Red fires back, with a battalion in support (+1 index shift) 2,2,3. 24 points = 96 Blue Casualties. Under artillery fire, Red falls back in good order.
------------------------------------------------
> *Bound 5* Blue fires a volley at 500 paces, 0 Red casualties. Blue artillery fires at range of 800 paces for Bad Effect. Roll 5 = 4 points, 20 Red Casualties.
> Red falls back under artillery fire, retreating out of range to the top of B3B.
The alert will be sounded for R3 to disengage prior to opening fire at close range with our guns. We will engage and press the enemy west. Reserve bde will be prepared to cover rear of southern element of the division if necessary, otherwise press the attack.
IF ENEMY IMPEDES MAIN DIVISION'S PROGRESS, form into battle line and engage, pressing to relieve R1.
Pic in R2 channel for clarity"
RED 3 Turn 6 - 0740-0800
*0740-0746 Musket volleys can be heard near the wood N of Der rothe Berg*
Red 3 0740/6 "To my infantry at the crossing at Ault Goldburg, prepare the bridge for destruction, if contact with the enemy is made destroy bridge and move south to rejoin group, guarding the ammo train.
For my infantry at the NW bridge, destroy destroy move to support rear of ammo train leaving Ault Goldburg
> From the rules: "*Burning a wooden bridge takes an hour to prepare...To destroy a wooden bridge by tearing up the plank-way...takes 10 bounds to make the bridge impassable.*" I'm ruling that you chose to tear up the plank-way.
to my Cav at Neu Goldburg, move to accompany my at B2G.
> This action takes them into an artillery barrage, they pull back out of range.
To my Jager unit, loose formation, double time! move directly at B2E, harass the crossing troops there, and use line of sight to minimize angle of fire from artillery, it is up to you to buy us time to set the artillery.
> This action takes them into an artillery barrage, they pull back out of range.
My main column is to snake toward B2F via B2G in the path shone on pic sent in Red 3 channel, keep forces sheltered behind hill. They are to move as fast as they can and be positioned to pop over the hill at the same time next move. Basically run as close to B2F as they can this move stick close enough to the ridge line that they are hidden and can all turn to the enemy ready to attack next round emerging all together. The front of the line is to be prepared to meet contact from the west as well, if this occurs attack on sight. "
> MOVED 6 Bounds, encountered Red 2 falling back in an orderly fashion, you can hear artillery from the W and SE. Your Jagers and Cavalry fall back to the edge of the woods at B3A, just N of R2's line. They report that B2G is in artillery range of the battery at Kappringen.
pic 6-0800 Red 3
BLUE 1 Turn 6 - 0740-0800
*0740-0746 Musket volleys can be heard near the wood N of Der rothe Berg*
Blue 1 Turn 6 (0740) "Intention: Open fire upon cavalry without breaking cover.
Send the fastest courier to B4 posthaste, swinging wide of the red cavalry (dispatch submitted separately).
If needed, rally the 17th Btn.
> 1 bound to rally, 1 bound to reform facing S. During this time the Red Cavalry races north!
The infantry square and the southern element of 17th Btn are to commence firing upon the red cavalry (assuming they are within range). The northern element of 17th is to move to the SW corner of the woods, and join in firing. The 19th Btn skirmishers from the square can join in this as well. If the cavalry retreat, note well their direction, but do not break cover to follow.
> The cavalry turn and gallop off to the NE, you have one volley which causes light casualties.
The 17th & 18th Btn skirmishers are to cover the north side of the wood, and provide advance warning if red's northern force approaches the woods (in which case 17th is to about face and engage).
> The skirmishers move N to the edge of the wood, as the 17/VI reform facing S. There is gunfire right away into the wood from advancing Red Skirmishers (0740-0742), and the Red troops charge into the woods!
> Red has 2 bounds of Move/Shoot. Red Inf are 150 pace behind Skirmishers in support (+1 index). Roll 4, 2. 17pts, 25 pts. 2 pts = 3 men. Casualties 1/2 for cover = 12 Blue Casualties, 18 Blue casualties.
> Blue roll 2 (on bound 2), 5 pts. 2 pts = 3 men. 6 Red casualties
> Bound 3 Red assault on Blue. Roll Die 5 = 4: Defeated, 25 pts. 36 Blue casualties. 5% chance that Blue 1 Command is a casualty, roll 91. TOTAL BLUE CASUALTIES: 66.
> 18 Red casualties. TOTAL RED CASUALTIES 24. Roll for effect: D. Blue troops begin to scatter, will need three moves before they can defend, 6 moves before they can attack.
>Defeated Blue troops move S for three bounds, Line Inf at 200/b, skirmishers at 400/b x2b.
> Red 2 is able to command the troops not to pursue and re-form in the wood.
I didn't see the baggage trains in the last update, but send them back into Nennweiler if they aren't already there."
> This action takes 3 bounds.
BLUE 2 Turn 6 - 0740-0800
Blue 2 5 "I. Cav will continue onto their destination. Once reaching Suderhof take the NNE road and head towards Sellheimer Hofe
> 3 bounds to Suderhof, + 4 bounds to Selhemier Hof
II. Infantry will crest over the top of Weisse Berg and will put fire on any enemy units in range. Battalion in reserve will advance up but not to close and remain behind the crest of the hill in reserve.
> After 3 bounds the 14-15/V Inf are over the hill and almost in range of Red infantry moving SE.
III. Artillery will crest hill and set up and will start to put fire on enemy forces. Priority on the Cav threatening B1 unless enemy infantry is closer and more of a threat.
> The artillery battery moves over the crest of the hill, and the Red cavalry have fled north, but Red Infantry in March column is 1100 paces NE. On bound 4 (0748) the Red Infantry have stopped, and Blue Inf has advanced into range.
> *Bound 4* Blue Infantry fires a volley at 300-400 paces, roll 3,5,5,6. 29 points. 1 points = 5 men. 145 Red casualties. Blue artillery fires at range of 600 paces for Bad Effect. Roll 1 = 16 points, 80 Red Casualties.
> Red fires back, with a battalion in support (+1 index shift) 2,2,3. 24 points = 96 Blue Casualties.
------------------------------------------------
> *Bound 5* Blue fires a volley at 500 paces, 0 Red casualties. Blue artillery fires at range of 800 paces for Bad Effect. Roll 5 = 4 points, 20 Red Casualties.
> Red falls back under artillery fire.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *Bound 6* > 0752 the Skirmisher from the woods assault the artillery battery in the open, rushing the flank. At 0754 the battery is taken, and the Jagers retreat back into the wood.
IV. Ammo and baggage trains will start to set up for supplying units with supplies as needed. "
> check
pic 6-0800 Blue 1 Blue 2
.
BLUE 4 Turn 6 - 0740-0800
**Message**
Blue 1 Blue 4 Turn 6 (0740) Held up by 5 sqdns of red cav north of der rothe berg. Go for objective 3 immediately!
Blue 4 0740 (turn 5 ?) "from Cdr East flank
to pioneers - proceed north on road towards Neu-Godes to meet witn Jagers
> This action takes 8 bounds
to Hussars - scout north to identify strength of enemy in Neu Godes - exploit if no opposition and capture and hold town - if enemy in strength only observe and report back
> Message takes 2 bounds to reach Hussars.
to Garrison of Kipp - fortify town and hold bridge at all costs.
pic 6-0800 blue 4
to artillery - ensure that positioned to protect bridge
> the artillery gets to fire at extreme range as two groups of Red troops move south of the woods. Both groups fall back. Around the same time you can hear cannons roaring off to the west, and see the red troops on Auf der Kipping retreating to the top of the hill.
Coming Next
Part three of the series will reveal the shocking conclusion! Be sure to subscribe and not miss any of this fascinating experiment.