Battle of Wargram

Last Saturday we played our largest recreation of a historic battle when Javi kindly organised the Battle of Wagram.  Six of us were there at the start of the game Javi took the Austrian right flank, I was commanding the Austrian centre and Miguel was in charge of the Austrian left flank and Vanguard. On the French side Jose commanded the right flank, Francois was in charge of the centre and Salva the left flank. Dani came later in the morning to take command of the French Reserve Cavalry.

The game was going to last for 30 turns and was played on a table measuring 300 cm by 180cm. After the description and photos of the battle I will list the Orders of battle and the special rules we used. 

The Map of our battle of Wagram, each town had a point value that counted towards victory at the end of the day.

We met at the club in Alicante at 8.30 am, we were pretty well organised and soon had the terrain set out and deployed our troops out in their intial positions.

                                             View of the Austrian Initial positions

  I had the honour of commanding the 1st and 2nd Austrian Corps and also the Grenadier Reserve, the only problem was I had no cavalry which can be a problem using the Lasalle rules. 

Close view of the Austrian 3rd Corps commanded by Javi.



           Austrian Van Guard commanded by Miguel, positioned on the road between Leopoldorf and Guzendorf.

                           Austrian 2nd Corp advancing to their defensive positions along the stream.

                          View of the French Army advancing towards the Austrian Vanguard



            Turn 1 the French right advances towards their first objective, the Austrian Vanguard

                Turn 2, Miguel's Austrian 4th Corp hurry down the hill to support the vanguard.

                          The Austrian Vanguard are hard pushed to stem the flow of French cavalry.

    My 1st corp reach the stream with one of my Austrian Infantry units crossing over to the other side. The inital plan was to advance all the 1st Corps over the stream but Salva managed to advance his French cavalry a lot quicker than I had thought and I didn't want my infantry stranded in open terrain.



  My Grenadiers with Javi's Austrian cavalry in the lead managed to advance a little further forward.

                      My Infantry form square and succesfully beat back some Saxon cavalry.

My 2nd Corps finally reach their defensive positions, on the left the vanguard mange to slow down the French advance.

                                      View of the Austrian centre and right flank which is advancing to meet the French.

.
  

      All of a sudden Miguel's Advance Guard which was doing a great job, lose 3 units and he is forced to fall back on his supports. In the French centre, their Italian and Bavarian Allies make an appearance.

         Next to arrive on the table for the French are their Heavy Cavalry corp of Cuirassiers

                              Javi's Austrian cavalry valiantly take on the French Imperial Guard Lancers, whilst my Grenadiers form up between the artillery.

    The French Reserve Cavalry advance further forward trying to find space to be able to deploy in.

The French having more or less destroyed the Vanguard now advance on to my centre defences.

   The French start their attack but curiously even though they have cavalry support they do not use it.

Finally Miguel's Hussars that were valiantly defending our extreme left flank finally are destroyed and so the French begin to roll up our defensive line.

                      The French Cuirassers finally manage to deploy and charge my Grenadiers

    The French Infantry manage to punch a hole through my defensive line along the stream as and my Austrians begin a fighting withdrawal up the slope.

My Austrian Infantry have advanced over the stream but  now  get cut off by the French Cavalry.

 

 The French manage to cross the stream and begin to threaten the town of Baumersdorf

    The Austrian artillery retreat to the far bank and bring telling fire on the French cavalry units.

            Baumersdorf is besieged by the French whilst Aderklaa is also attacked by the French Guard.

The wounded General of the Austrian 2nd Corps personally oversees the defence of Baumersdorf.

                                            The French attack is successfully repulsed.

                    The French have Wargram in their sights but they are running out of time.

                 The French take the village of Markgrafneusiedel on the Austrian Left Flank.

    The last turn and  the scores were evenly poised with the Austrians 6 points ahead , If in the final attack on Baumersdorf the French captured it they would win by 1 point. The French threw their attacking dice and had 8 hits, we needed 4 or more hits with 11 dice. I rolled the dice and managed to get 5 hits therefore once again repulsing the attackers and winning the game.


Austrian Order of Battle

C-in-C  ArchDuke Charles

Vanguard  
Commander Nordmann 
sub commander  Mayer

1 Austrian Infantry 6B
1 Austrian Infantry 4B
1 Grenzer 4B
1 Jager 4B
1 Hussars 6B
1 Horse Artillery 3B

1st Corps 
Commander Bellegarde
4 Austrian Infantry 6B
1 Landwehr 4B
1 Chevauxleger 4B
1 Foot Artillery 4B

2nd Corps 
Commander Hohenzollern-Hechingen
Subcommander Siegenthal

4 Austrian Infantry 6B
1 Austrian Infantry 4B
1 Landwehr 4B
1 Jager 4B
1 Foot Artillery 4B

3rd Corps 
Commander Kollowrat
3 Austrian Infantry 6B
1 Uhlans 4B
1 Foot Battery 4B

4th Corps 
Commander Rosemberg
Sub-commander Radetzky

3 Austrian Infantry 6B
1 Landwehr 4B

1 Hussars 4B
1 Foot Battery 4B

6th Corps
Commander Klenau
1 Austrian Infantry 6B
1 Austrian Onfantry 4B
1 Landwehr 4B
1 Hussars 4B
1 Foot Battery 4B

Reserve Corps
Commander Liechtenstien
Sub-commander D'Aspre 

3 Grenadier Infantry 4B
1 Hussars 4B
1 Chevuaxleger 4B
1 Dragoons 6B
1 Cuirassiers 6B
1 Cuirassiers 4B
1 Horse Battery 3B

French Order of Battle

Imperial Guard
1 Old Guard 4B
2 Young Guard 4B
1 Polish Lancers 6B
1 Guard Cavalry 4B
1 Foot Heavy Battery 4B

2nd Corp
6 Veteran Infantry 4B
1 Light Elite Infantry 4B
1 Chasseurs 4B
1 Foot Battery 4B

3rd Corp
4 Veteran Infantry 4B
3 Light Elite Infantry 4B
1 Chasseurs 4B
1 Hussars 4B
2 Dragoons 4B
1 Foot Battery 4B
1 Horse Battery 3B

4th Corp
3 Veteran Infantry 4B
1 Light Elite Infantry 4B
1 Chasseurs 4B
1 Hussars 4B
1 Bavarian Infantry 1st Class 4B
1 Bavarian Infantry 2nd Class 4B
1 Medium Foot Battery 3B
1 Horse battery 3B

5th Italian Corp
3 Veteran Infantry 4B
1 Light Elite Infantry 4B
1 Italian Grenadiers 4B
2 Italian Infantry Line 4B
1 Chasseurs 4B
1 Medium Foot Battery 3B

7th Bavarian Corp
2 Bavarian Infantry 4B
1 Bavarian Chevauxleger 4B
1 Medium Foot Battery 3B

9th Saxon Corp
1 Saxon Grenadiers 4B
2 Light Infantry 4B
1 Saxon Infantry 4B
1 Saxon Cuirassiers 4B
1 Saxon Light Cavalry 4B
1 Medium Foot Battery 3B

11th Corp
 2 French Veteran Infantry 4B
1 French Medium foot Battery 3B

Reserve Cavalry Corp
4 Cuirassiers 6B
1 Horse Artillery 3B

Special Scenario Rules

The terrain is dry and without rain.

The game lasts 30 turns

Both armies deploy simultaneously. French move first.

Rule 1

Napoleón can repeat all recovery tests  on units within 4BWs and one of these units can have a modifier of +2.

Rule 2

Archduke Charles can repeat all recovery  tests on units within 2BWs.

Rule 3

The unit of French Imperial Guard cannot be more tan 6BWs away from Napoleón.

Rule 4

Two units of French Young Guard can be placed under the command of another General, but must stay under this different command for the rest of the game.

Rule 5

Artillery cannot deploy further forward than its máximum movement allowance.

Artillery cannot deploy within 4 BWs of any enemy unit.

Limbered artillery cannot block a retiring enemy unit.

Rule 6

Squares may fire 1D6 per side in the same turn.

Rule 7

French Infantry in march column may fire 1D6 to the front. Can charge at half dice in combat from a distance of 4BWs.

Rule 8

Austrian Reserves

The moment that a French unit is within 2BWs of the village of Leopoldau, the Austrian player throws 2D6 . The result will determine which turn the Austrian  6th Corps will appear. If the turn on the 2D6 has already been reached it will appear at the end of the next turn.

If no French forces are within 2BWs of Leopoldau by turn 6, then the Austrians automatically roll the 2D6.

Rule 9

Sub commanders and commanders may only command units in their Corps, C-in-C may command any units.

Rule 10

Any unit of French Cavary found within the command radius of Lasalle will be considered in command although not if the units commander or C-in-C is also with command radius.

Rule 11

During the critical part of the Battle, the Saxons of the French 9th Corps were taken to be Austrians
because of their white uniforms.

To simulate this any french or allied unit (not Saxon of course) with a saxon unit in its field of fire must throw 1D6, if the result is 5 or 6 then the will have to shoot at the Saxon unit.

It will not affect cavalry charges only applies to infantry and artillery.

Rule 12

Napoleons presence was a large bonus to his tropos and Generals when he was on the Battlefield. To reflect this when throwing for French Commanders Vigor and Tactics, they have a bonus of 8 points to use in raising any low die rolls.

When throwing for abilities the French side must decide if they would use any of their bonus points to improve the result, before throwing for the next ability.

Rule 13

Austrian Uhlans are considered Valiant for this game.

 Conclusions

 I think this was the largest game we had put on and it took from 9.00 a.m until just after 8.00 p.m. Javi calculated that over 3,00 figures were used. There was a discussion about the French commander ratings , because when we played Austerlitz the French side threw low numbers for their ratings which didn't reflect the better French command structure at the actual battle. We implemented rule 12 of the special rules to counter this. As always the time seemed to fly by and it was very enjoyable and with a great finale. Thanks to the other players and especially Javi for making it a great day. 

Lasalle "Pachanga" Tournament Alicante 2013

On Saturday the 13th April, we arranged a Pachanga Tournament of Lasalle , on the day there was ten players, five played on the French side and five on the Coalition side. We played two games with each army playing with two supports. There was no prizes for coming first etc, as this was more of a team event (although everybody was playing separately). After everbody met at the club, we went for a quick coffee to wake us up because of the early start. We diced off to see who played who and on which preset terrain table we used the Sum 20 scoring system to work out the points.

First Round

Miguel's French Infantry Division with Veteran Infantry and Light Cavalry Brigades defend against Salva's Russian Grenadiers with Grenadier Infantry and Light Cavalry Brigades.



                     Miguel's French await the Russian onslaught.





                                       Miguel's French counter attack



 Salva's Russians break on turn eleven, Salva throws 5 dice needing 12 or more and surprisingly fails, meaning game over and the first victory to the French. Things don't start well for the Coalition with 16 points to the French and 4 points to the Coalition.

Javier's Spanish Army of Infantry Division plus Veteran Infantry  and Cavalry Brigades support. Was defending against Toni's Conquest Infantry Division plus Veteran Infantry and Light Cavalry Brigades support. 





                The formidible defence of streams and trenches await the French attackers.







                                        The French begin to test the Spanish defences, whilst on the Spanish right flank,
                                                         the Spanish cavalry begin a flanking move.



     The French breached the Spanish lines but the Spanish managed to hold on for a draw. The French gain 7 points and the Spanish 13 points. This means now that the French are on 23 points and the coalition are on 17 points


     My British Light Division with Brunswick and Light Cavalry Brigade defend against Jose's French Guard Infantry division with Neapolitan Cavalry and Imperial Guard Cavalry Brigade.

The Old Guard begin to advance whilst the
British wait behind the hill 

My troops beat back the first attack on the ridge and
then retreat behind to recuperate.

My Scottish Elite Unit are first to go when they are attacked
simultaneosly by cavalry and infantry.

One of my British regiments who had charged over the ridge, are cut off
and have to form square due to been surrounded
 by French cavalry.

Some notable things that happened during the game, my Brunswick artillery were charged by the Neapolitan cavalry on my right flank but managed to survive. The cavalry tried for a second time and my Brunswickers stood their ground once again, not only surviving the close combat but also destroying the cavalry. Jose's Guard Cavalry's Commander had minus one on his vigor, this was lucky for me because three times Jose rolled the normal amount required  to bring on his reserves  but because of the Generals negative modifier they didn't come on until towards the end of the game and only started to get involved when the game had nearly finished.
This was a tough game against Jose's French Guard, My army was broken so with Jose not wanting to have any more of his units destroyed began to pull back. Obviously I had nothing to lose and started to be more aggressive (Zombie Army Syndrome) I was able to hold on for a couple of morale rolls and the game ended on turn eighteen when we both rolled a three.
  The game ended in a draw, but because the French were Guard they needed a Decisive Victory otherwise any other result is classed as a loss. Therefore both sides are level on 30 points each.



    Francois' French Peninsular Infantry Division with Light Cavalry and Dragoon Brigades defending against Dani's Prussian Liberation Infantry Division with Cavalry Abteilung and Infantry Abteilung brigades.

The French again wait this time its the Prussian
hordes that are advancing.

The forces meet each other in the middle of the table,
the French are overpowered and are broken

The game finished with the Prussians winning and the Coalition go into the lead with 44 points and the French on 36 points

Kevin's Austrian Grenadier Division with Cavalry and Cuirassier Brigade defending against Kiefer's French Infantry Division with Elite and Light Cavalry Brigade 

The French trying a new tactic by advancing in
 line to attack the Austrian lines

The French Lines finally reach the
 Austrian front line

On the Austrian left flank their Cavalry Brigade
 halts the advancing French Infantry

The game ended in a draw with 8 points to the French and 12 points to the Austrians.

After the first round the Coalition are in the lead with 56 points and the French are on 44 points.

After a good meal at a local Tapas bar served by Juanra from the Spanish program "Sabe, no lo Sabe" we went back to the club for the second round.

                                  I was paired up with Kiefer for my second game.

I chose to be the defender and my Scots secured
the right flank near my objective. 

Kiefer's Cavalry were positioned on his right and this time
 his infantry were formed into attack columns

The British and their Brunswick and Portugese Allies rise over
the ridge to shoot into the mass ranks of the French.

The Allied line retreats back behind the ridge to get a
second chance of a volley into the French ranks.

This became a seesaw battle with first the allied line charging, then the French retreating only to counter charge for the Allied line to retreat and once again counter charge. It was only when I managed to break the French army morale, that Kiefer began to play more aggressive trying to destroy enough of my units for me to reach army breakpoint. This was unlikely but time was ticking away and the game looked like it may end in a draw, luckily with about 10 minutes to spare, Kiefer failed his Army Break Roll and with having more Light Cavalry on the table I won a decisive victory.
 I gained 18 points and Kiefer only 2 points. The Coalition were now on 74 point and the French on 46 points

                                           Miguel's French played against Dani's Prussians   

Once again Miguel is the defender, Dani quickly
advances his troops in march column.

With Miguels artillery covering his artillery both of his flanks
counterattacked and broke the Prussian Army

Miguel had won his second battle, beating the large Prussian army which is no mean feat in itself. He also gained enough points to have won the tournament as a individual player. What also makes this notable is this is the first time he has played with a borrowed French army as his normal army is Austrian. The French managed to close the gap with the Coalition on 78 points and the French on 62 points

                                                 Kevin's Austrians played against Toni's French

The French advanced towards the
defending Austrians.

Before  the French attack the Austrian front line, the Austrian Cuirassiers
 break through the French lines threatening the French artillery.

The French cavalry break onto the Austrian objective,
 defended by two Austrian squares.

The game ended with the French winning the gap lessened now to  8 points with the Coalition being on 84 points and the French on 76 points.

                                     Jose's French played against Javi's Spanish

This time Javi defended the long
side of the table

There was some tough street fightingon
the Spanish right flank.

In the end it was victory for the French but with Jose's French being Guard Infantry he only gained 11 points and the Spanish 9 points. Therefore the gap was shortened to 6 points with the Coalition being on 93 points and the French on 87 points.

                                    The last game was Salva's Russian against Francois' French.

The Russians defending against
the advancing French.

The French attack the Russian left flank, whilst half
their army wait in cover behind the hill.

  I was very impressed by Francois use of smoke for disruption markers its cheap and effective and away of bringing the effect of smoke on the battlefield in a purposefull manner. The game ended in a draw so the Coalition side won the tournament by 105 points and the French finished on 95 points.

Conclusions

This was a little rehearsal for our actual Lasalle tournament in October, as always it was very enjoyable. However as I have mentioned in my own battle reports and it has been brought up before on the official lasalle forum. The end game needs slightly changing as we get the silly situation where the victorious force begins to pull back as not to risk anymore of his units being destroyed., and the broken army, instead of as in reality begin to pull back and retreat, it starts to attack with all its units trying to destroy enough units on the other side. Also a there is no penalty in losing more units because it is already broken so there is no incentive to discourage this tactic.
    On the Lasalle forum there has been a solution put forward that I favor which is if a broken army loses any more units after they have reached  their army breakpoint then these points are added on to the amount needed by the Army morale Check. So for example if the Army has broken and the player loses another infantry unit (2 points) this is added  to the game turn number  (13) making the the number greater than15 instead of 13 the player is required to throw, to pass the test.
    I like the idea of the team game, and after a little thought I feel we could make it into a viable quick campaign system that would last just a day, with players picking armies from one particular theatre of war and year. I will keep you posted.

Phil