Imaginary Napoleonic Scenario for a large battle (part 2) battle report

Here is the after action report of the fictional Napoleonic battle scenario. Additional background information available in the previous post and the game rules outlined here. In the game each unit base corresponds to an estimated force of 4,000 line infantry, 2,000 cavalry, and 30 guns.

A close up of some of the tabletop action with the Spencer-Smith Miniatures battling over some wooded block houses.

The commencement of the battle sees French forces deployed along the stretch of road from Durbach to Gotteral, with the initial Austrian units advancing to engage their line.

Initial deployment of units.

The tabletop and the 3 towns of Durbach, Gotteral, and Weller the French are defending.

Battle Report

Swiftly, the Austrian units advanced and encountered French defenders in the vicinity of Durbach, while simultaneously moving units to secure the high ground behind the French position. In response to the French promptly redeployed their light infantry, positioning them in a strong defensive position on the ridge and anxiously awaited the arrival of reinforcements.

The assault on Durbach begins and the French react to the advancing Austrians.

The French are doing well with their defence.

Reinforcements from the Austrian army joined the battle, launching an assault on the town of Gotteral. The French, had been exhibiting a resolute and robust defence on both the plateau and in Durbach, which allowed them the opportunity to mount a counterattack against the Austrian forces attacking Gotteral. 

Despite the determined efforts of the French, not every aspect of the battle unfolded in their favour. After three intense hours of combat, the Austrians finally managed to make headway on the high ground, pushing back the defending French and ultimately gained control of Durbach.

Arriving reserves are thrown into the assault of Gotteral.

The French counterattack from Gotteral town and throw the Austrians into disorder and nullify the initial threat.

Following their triumph in capturing the town of Durbach, the Austrian forces proceeded to advance across the high ground and their next target, the town of Gotteral. Reacting swiftly, the French hurridly moved their available reserves to the high ground and began fortifying the defences in and around Gotteral. Their earlier counterattack that had effectively repelled the advancing Austrian troops trying to assault the town.

The momentum of battle had shifted towards the French as the arrival of their Guard reinforcements effectively neutralised the Austrian push for the high ground. At this juncture, both armies had seen over half of their units being routed and thrown into disarray, placing constraints on their offensive capabilities. Only the Guard/Grenadier units or those units with fewer more than half their strength remaining were capable of initiating movement into contact with enemy units. This was a concern for the Austrian general who ordered his remaining fresh units to hurry up.

The French eliminate the threat from the high ground.

Fresh Austrian units can be seen rushing along the road to assault Gotteral and salvage something from the day’s battle.

New and fresh Austrian reserves launch an assault on Gotteral just as the French commander tactically shifts his Guard units and artillery to reinforce the valiant defenders of the town. As the evening darkness envelops the battlefield, the last remaining Austrian units mount a desperate final assault on the town, aiming to salvage something from the day's significant casualties. Eventually, the French are compelled to relinquish control of the town. Under the cover of darkness they regroup in the vicinity of Weller and wait to see what developments tomorrow will bring.

A desperate assault on Gotteral begins and the French guard units are repositioned to support the town’s defenders.

Gotteral is finally captured as evening arrives. A drawn game.

After game thoughts

A drawn game and definitely one I shall refight. While the Austrian general is hampered by reinforcements arriving randomly in different positions, did he err by attempting to capture the town of Durbach, instead of bypassing it and assigning the task to later arrivals? 

The defence of Durbach certainly delayed the assault on Gotteral and allowed the French to counterattack and gain momentum for a crucial period during the battle. Seeking to dominate the high ground undoubtedly diverted French reinforcements, and its central position is crucial for launching an assault on the small town of Weller. Getting more units on to the high ground earlier might have proven advantageous, potentially compelling the French to relinquish Durbach without engaging in an assault.

The home-brew rules inspired by SPI's Napoleon at Waterloo game provided an enjoyable and entertaining game. As I continue to use these rules in future games, I may review how light infantry operate, and may consider introducing horse artillery and distinguish between heavy and light cavalry.