1914

[r6kunz]

Greetings
Here is 1914- Guns of August. It is a short; thirteen one-week turns on a 10 km/hex map with division-size units. I had hoped to have it out by, well, August, but here it is, and the leaves have already fallen.

It was actually a bit of a challenge to design- namely the sweep of the German right wing. Historically the German First Army progressed an incredible 20 km a day- in one week it went from the French-Belgian border to nearly 140 km into France. In TOAW terms, assuming 2 hexes a turn moving into enemy-controlled territory, that is a movement allowance of 28. But the TOAW German divisions have only a movement of 18! To give them an edge, I gave them a Movement Bias, increased rail repair to facilitate supply, and a Shock benefit. The German right wing has a cavalry corps with three divisions that can clear a path ahead of the advancing infantry. Von Kluck needs all the help he can get.

I have indicated the dates of advance of the German right wing on the map. Historically the German right wing was aided by the retreat of the Entente left wing to guard Paris. In TOAW terms, it is difficult to model a withdrawal. The BEF is especially troublesome- they will move to the French-Belgian border near Mons as they did historically, but they tend to stay there and fight to the end. Thus they throw off the German advance, and are no longer available to man the Marne River defense.

Even though programmed for both sides, and theoretically for PBEM, I think for all practical purposes it is best played Human as Germany vs and Entente PO.

Lastly, this is a Beta version of what I hope is a playable scenario. I would look forward to any comments or suggestions.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nyg1c5yxg85t ... nNUba?dl=0

In a few days I will post some Player notes not included in the Briefing.

[Grognard]

The BEF is especially troublesome- they will move to the French-Belgian border near Mons as they did historically, but they tend to stay there and fight to the end.

Change the BEF PO to run away. French drove them backwards harder than von Kluck was pushing forward (and then eastward[:(]) Yo - Taxi !

Just finished reading the book (again) a couple of days ago and was struck by the hubris, closed dogmatic thinking, and general intellectual frailty at the highest command levels.

Looking forward to playing this - Thanks

[r6kunz]

Hey Grognard, (I like your "handle" Grognard!)
Where is your unit crest from? Would you believe I have a 4th Cav crest- from Madison? I was the troop commander of an E Troop, in Madison (part of the Minnesota Inf Bde (sep)USAR! Back in the day we spend a lot of time playing AH 1914 while I was in Grad School at UW (PhD Chem).

Anyhow, let me know how things go.

In the next day or so I will post a few Players Notes.

Cheers,
Rob

[Sensei.Tokugawa]

Imperial German "Garde" divisions have lower proficiency than their regular "Infanterie" counterparts. What's the reason behind that? Otherwise, awesome scenario, I have just pulled a few turns against myself, there's a huge strategic abyss in the Belgian rear and the BEF is nowhere in sight. Aw, well, bad ol' Aug '14.

[r6kunz]

I could not find any good data on how the Garde divisions differed from regular division, but I will put that on my to do list.

Note that the Belgian divisions will disappear by Turn 4 and reappear in Antwerp.

Also, take a look at http://www.carto1418.fr/ for a detailed day-by-day movement of the belligerent divisions...

Rob

[Grognard]

(I like your "handle" Grognard!)

I couldn't believe it was still available - please forgive my temerity for choosing it, but I did start pushing around little cardboard pieces and rolling dice when Eisenhower was president.

Where is your unit crest from?

I Troop, 3rd Squadron, 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment - Bad Hersfeld, Federal Republic of Germany. On the border - when there was one.......

I was in Grad School at UW (PhD Chem).

Have you seen the campus lately ? Quite a few changes/new construction. I'm a tradesman and did some work in the new (4 years ago) microbiology building. I live on the Isthmus a couple of miles away. I'm a Chicago expat but this is a really wonderful town - 16 years here. Will comment on the scenario as RL permits...

Cheers and Prosit !