Mack's Retreat

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Soosh
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Mack's Retreat

Post by Soosh »

Version: 3.05
Scenario: 1805: Ulm and the Danube Campaign
Campaign: Yes
Game type: Coalition solitaire
Handicap level: Neutral
Level of fog: Reports only

And we're back on the Danube, this time around as the Coalition. Plus I'll be playing the whole campaign which will end on 5th December… or earlier if I screw up. But as long as I've got a relatively intact army and hold Vienna I should be good. And because we all know what's gonna happen to poor Mack if he stays in Ulm I pull him out and send everything he's got to Augsburg.

Werneck's II. Corps will march along the southern bank of the Danube to protect Mack's left flank and then rejoin with the rest in Augsburg. From there the whole army will march to Passau via Landau and link up with Kutusov, who's currently in Linz. And then there's Buxhowden, who is located in the north-eastern corner of the map. He's supposed to march to Linz and act as some sort of operational reserve.

The plan is to slow down the French advance and to keep them away from Vienna, while avoiding big engagements.

But you know what they say about plans...

2nd October

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RE: Mack's Retreat

Post by Soosh »

Nothing exciting happened on the 3rd and 4th, so moving on to

5th October

Contact. Seems like the AI is doing the same I did in my previous game and sends Murat to Gunzburg.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

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The situation on the 6th

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RE: Mack's Retreat

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7th October

Previously unread
October 6, 1805
From : Werneck (II)

Sir, I have engaged the enemy at 7,16
The battle lasted 5 rounds
Our plan was a defence in depth
Their plan was a hasty attack
Infantry Strength : 16
Infantry Losses : 7
Cavalry Strength : 0
Cavalry Losses : 0
Artillery Strength : 0
Artillery Losses : 0
Enemy Infantry Strength : 0
Enemy Infantry Losses : 0
Enemy Cavalry Strength : 38
Enemy Cavalry Losses : 3
Enemy Artillery Strength : 3
Enemy Artillery Losses : 0
My men were forced to fall back

*** Intelligence Report ***

Enemy forces reported near Donauworth : 80500
Enemy forces reported near Ellwangen : 26500
Enemy forces reported near Giengen : 90500
Enemy forces reported near Gunzburg : 58000
Enemy forces reported near Gunzerhausen : 14000
Enemy forces reported near Neumarkt : 64500
Enemy forces reported near Nurnburg : 13000
Enemy forces reported near Pappenheim : 27500
Enemy forces reported near Ulm : 22500


First engagement near Gunzburg. I order Werneck to defend Neubourg to cover the rest of Mack's army. And large enemy forces are apparently north of Augsburg near Donauworth.

Kutusov arrived in Passau.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

Post by Soosh »

08th October

Previously unread
October 7, 1805
From : Werneck (II)

Sir, I have engaged the enemy at 8,16
The battle lasted 5 rounds
Our plan was a counter-attack
Their plan was a withdrawal
Infantry Strength : 18
Infantry Losses : 1
Cavalry Strength : 12
Cavalry Losses : 1
Artillery Strength : 0
Artillery Losses : 0
Enemy Infantry Strength : 0
Enemy Infantry Losses : 0
Enemy Cavalry Strength : 16
Enemy Cavalry Losses : 0
Enemy Artillery Strength : 1
Enemy Artillery Losses : 1
My men forced the enemy to withdraw

*** Intelligence Report ***

Enemy forces reported near Amberg : 8000
Enemy forces reported near Donauworth : 1000
Enemy forces reported near Ellwangen : 11000
Enemy forces reported near Giengen : 65000
Enemy forces reported near Gunzburg : 33500
Enemy forces reported near Gunzerhausen : 16000
Enemy forces reported near Ingolstadt : 75000
Enemy forces reported near Neumarkt : 35500
Enemy forces reported near Nurnburg : 22000
Enemy forces reported near Pappenheim : 59000
Enemy forces reported near Schwandorf : 29500
Enemy forces reported near Ulm : 45500


Werneck, still busy around Neubourg, is ordered to slowly fall back towards Augsburg while covering Mack's rear. But there seems to be something going on in Ingolstadt. Reports indicate a large French force and supplies stored in the city just disappeared. I detach Roseberg's cavalry (VI. Corps) to have a look.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

Post by Soosh »

09th October

Previously unread
October 8, 1805
From : Werneck (II)

Sir, I have engaged the enemy at 8,16 (1 hex south of Neubourg)
The battle lasted 5 rounds
Our plan was a counter-attack
Their plan was a withdrawal
Infantry Strength : 17
Infantry Losses : 0
Cavalry Strength : 10
Cavalry Losses : 0
Artillery Strength : 0
Artillery Losses : 0
Enemy Infantry Strength : 0
Enemy Infantry Losses : 0
Enemy Cavalry Strength : 12
Enemy Cavalry Losses : 1
Enemy Artillery Strength : 0
Enemy Artillery Losses : 0
My men forced the enemy to withdraw

*** Intelligence Report ***

Enemy forces reported near Amberg : 19000
Enemy forces reported near Donauworth : 49000
Enemy forces reported near Ellwangen : 41500
Enemy forces reported near Giengen : 123000
Enemy forces reported near Gunzburg : 80000
Enemy forces reported near Ingolstadt : 31500
Enemy forces reported near Neubourg : 48000
Enemy forces reported near Neumarkt : 15000
Enemy forces reported near Pappenheim : 47500
Enemy forces reported near Regensberg : 31000
Enemy forces reported near Schwandorf : 16500
Enemy forces reported near Ulm : 31500


Werneck does a splendid job of holding back the French. But now there's a new problem around Regensburg: supplies are gone and reports of enemy forces. I detach another cavalry division (Mecczery / V. corps) and send it to Eckmuhl.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

Post by Soosh »

Losses and VP's so far:

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RE: Mack's Retreat

Post by Soosh »

10th October

*** Intelligence Report ***

Enemy forces reported near Amberg : 27500
Enemy forces reported near Donauworth : 70500
Enemy forces reported near Ellwangen : 42500
Enemy forces reported near Giengen : 56000
Enemy forces reported near Gunzburg : 124000
Enemy forces reported near Ingolstadt : 44500
Enemy forces reported near Neubourg : 80500
Enemy forces reported near Regensberg : 47000
Enemy forces reported near Schwandorf : 30500
Enemy forces reported near Ulm : 49000


Ok, now it's getting interesting. Enemy forces advance south from Ingolstadt and are about to block the crossing I had chosen for my withdrawal. I could change my route and march to Munich, or I could engage those units, hoping that it's just an isolated French corps.

At least Buxhowden is making progress and is currently near Vienna.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

Post by Soosh »

I'm gonna take a short break here but will continue this AAR within the next two days.
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RE: Mack's Retreat

Post by Soosh »

Right, to speed things up a bit I'll skip and/or combine some dates and only post the interesting stuff, like engagements or important troop movements.

11th October

Nothing to report.


12th October

October 11, 1805
From : Kienmayer (I) Reisch (V) Jellacic (VI)

Sir, I have engaged the enemy at 17,17
I was supported by other units
The battle lasted 5 rounds
Our plan was a withdrawal
Their plan was a escalating assault
Infantry Strength : 16
Infantry Losses : 3
Cavalry Strength : 20
Cavalry Losses : 0
Artillery Strength : 8
Artillery Losses : 0
Enemy Infantry Strength : 32
Enemy Infantry Losses : 1
Enemy Cavalry Strength : 0
Enemy Cavalry Losses : 0
Enemy Artillery Strength : 0
Enemy Artillery Losses : 0
My men were forced to fall back


The three corps commanders involved were only able to commit about 8,000 men infantry (but 10,000 cavalry!) and had to withdraw. As a result the French are now blocking that damn crossroads. Ok everyone, on to Munich then. Let's take a detour.

I really have to double check the manual regarding fog of war and engagements. As happened in my previous AAR, the army commander was present but couldn't take over and only received battle reports.

And I know that the numbers given in the intelligence reports are usually exaggerated but nonetheless, this report is quite frightening:

*** Intelligence Report ***

Enemy forces reported near Cham : 68500
Enemy forces reported near Donauworth : 65500
Enemy forces reported near Ellwangen : 28500
Enemy forces reported near Giengen : 8500
Enemy forces reported near Gunzburg : 33000
Enemy forces reported near Ingolstadt : 29000
Enemy forces reported near Neubourg : 60500
Enemy forces reported near Pappenheim : 34500
Enemy forces reported near Regensberg : 51000
Enemy forces reported near Schwandorf : 30000
Enemy forces reported near Straubing : 55500



13th October

October 12, 1805
From : Kienmayer (I)

Sir, I have engaged the enemy at 16,17
I was supported by other units
The battle lasted 4 rounds
Our plan was a counter-attack
Their plan was a probing attack
Infantry Strength : 48
Infantry Losses : 8
Cavalry Strength : 23
Cavalry Losses : 1
Artillery Strength : 4
Artillery Losses : 0
Enemy Infantry Strength : 45
Enemy Infantry Losses : 23
Enemy Cavalry Strength : 0
Enemy Cavalry Losses : 0
Enemy Artillery Strength : 5
Enemy Artillery Losses : 0
My men were forced to fall back


Kienmayer was supported by II., V. + VI. Corps and, although forced to fall back, inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. If I can trust those numbers, that is.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

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14th October

There are reports of enemy forces near Kutusov's position. I order my cavalry reserve near Passau to take a look.


15th October

I was quite relieved when Mack's vanguard reached Munich with no French in sight. They could’ve just marched down the crossroads and would’ve reached the city first, sealing the fate of Mack's army.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

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16th October

French infantry division spotted near Deggendorf (see image, friendly cavalry in same hex).


17th October

I transfer the army ops centre, hospital and depot (over 2000 supplies) from Munich to Braunau.

French cavalry near Passau. Where did they come from?


18th October

Nothing to report.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

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19th October

Buxhowden has arrived in Linz.


20th October

Previously unread
October 19, 1805
From : Werneck (II)

Sir, I have engaged the enemy at 18,20
The battle lasted 5 rounds
Our plan was a withdrawal
Their plan was a escalating assault
Infantry Strength : 14
Infantry Losses : 4
Cavalry Strength : 0
Cavalry Losses : 0
Artillery Strength : 4
Artillery Losses : 0
Enemy Infantry Strength : 46
Enemy Infantry Losses : 0
Enemy Cavalry Strength : 0
Enemy Cavalry Losses : 0
Enemy Artillery Strength : 4
Enemy Artillery Losses : 0
My men were forced to fall back


Another engagement lost. But hey, you can lose battles and still win the war. Having said that, the French just marched into Munich. I'm glad I transferred all those supplies a few days ago.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

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21st - 23rd October

Mack's army in full retreat towards Braunau, while being chased by the French.


24th October

October 23, 1805
From : Werneck (II)

Sir, I have engaged the enemy at 27,19
(hex containing French Guard cavalry, see image)
I was supported by other units
The battle lasted 4 rounds
Our plan was a standard defence
Their plan was a escalating assault
Infantry Strength : 26
Infantry Losses : 10
Cavalry Strength : 0
Cavalry Losses : 0
Artillery Strength : 8
Artillery Losses : 0
Enemy Infantry Strength : 46
Enemy Infantry Losses : 21
Enemy Cavalry Strength : 11
Enemy Cavalry Losses : 1
Enemy Artillery Strength : 5
Enemy Artillery Losses : 1
My men were forced to fall back


You've done a pretty good job so far Herr Feldmarschall-Leutnant, but are you sure those enemy infantry losses are accurate?

The engineers have arrived in Schaerding and I order them to blow up the bridge. Last thing I need are enemy troops between me and Kutusov.

Speaking of engineers, as soon as they're done in Schaerding I will send them down to Braunau to get rid of that bridge as well. That means Mack's army will stay in Braunau for a day or two, until the engineers have arrived. They need some rest anyway, after three weeks of marching.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

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25th October

The French have arrived at Passau. It was just a matter of time until they showed up.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

Post by Soosh »

26th October

Enemy forces reported near Budweis : 62000

I really hope that report isn't true. But I had some earlier reports of enemy forces located in roughly the same area and did send some reserve cavalry from Vienna to investigate. They should arrive shortly.

In other news, I sent Buxhowden from Linz to Passau to support Kutusov, if it's not already too late.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

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27th October

Previously unread
October 26, 1805
From : Kutusov (I Co)

Sir, I have engaged the enemy at 36,14
The battle lasted 5 rounds
Our plan was a defence in depth
Their plan was a hasty attack
Infantry Strength : 42
Infantry Losses : 17
Cavalry Strength : 4
Cavalry Losses : 2
Artillery Strength : 10
Artillery Losses : 1
Enemy Infantry Strength : 55
Enemy Infantry Losses : 10
Enemy Cavalry Strength : 0
Enemy Cavalry Losses : 0
Enemy Artillery Strength : 4
Enemy Artillery Losses : 1
My men were forced to fall back


Well, it was too late. Kutusov is now falling back to Linz, so I have to send Buxhowden back, too. I transfer the army ops centre, hospital and depot (over 2000 supplies) from Braunau to Lambach. Same goes for Mack's army.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

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28th October

My engineers disable the bridge in Braunau.

As soon as Mack's army arrives in Lambach I have to make my mind up what to do next. The French are all over the place, and those who were chasing Mack are now stuck in front of those bridges I blew up (unless they use their own engineers to fix them). That means they have to take a detour to catch up with the French that are currently advancing towards Linz.
That could be my chance to defeat a part of the enemy army. So I might send Mack to Linz and join Kutusov and Buxhowden.

Decisions… I need more coffee!

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RE: Mack's Retreat

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29th, 30th October

Nothing to report.


31st October

Here a good example of commanders not always following orders. I called Kutusov back to Linz but he's having none of it and is falling back to Krems. I'll send the order again.

Mack's army has arrived in Lambach and will march to Linz to link up with Buxhowden and, hopefully, Kutusov.

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RE: Mack's Retreat

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1st November

Previously unread
October 31, 1805
From : Kutusov (I Co) / Buxhowden (II C)

Sir, I have engaged the enemy at 43,17
(hex containing Kologrivov cav div)
I was supported by other units
The battle lasted 5 rounds
Our plan was a defence in depth
Their plan was a escalating assault
Infantry Strength : 23
Infantry Losses : 3
Cavalry Strength : 5
Cavalry Losses : 0
Artillery Strength : 5
Artillery Losses : 0
Enemy Infantry Strength : 19
Enemy Infantry Losses : 7
Enemy Cavalry Strength : 0
Enemy Cavalry Losses : 0
Enemy Artillery Strength : 0
Enemy Artillery Losses : 0
My men forced the enemy to withdraw


The French advance has been checked 18 km NW of Linz… for the moment. Ops centre, hospital and supplies are being transferred to Enns, SE of Linz.

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