Campaigns v3.03 AAR

[Rasputitsa]

Turn Report

Turn 18 (weather rain – terrain mud)

Situation: Rouyer and Gency are defending the bridge at STRAUBING, VANDAMME has reversed the move towards PASSAU and is now defending the bridge at DEGGENDORF. The Austrian VI Corps, including the cavalry of Vincent, is pulling back. MOUTON is finally moving from ULM.

Orders:

LANNES II Corps; defend LINZ – detach Colbert defend ENNS

Comment: The panic is easing, apart from cavalry probing the CHAM bridgehead, the Austrian main force has not moved and Austrian VI Corps is withdrawing towards PASSAU, or SCHRAEDING, with MASSENA following.

More units of Austrian II Reserve Corps are seen East of LINZ.

The bridges at STRAUBING and DEGGENDORF are now covered, not enough to stop a full corps attack, but enough to hold isolated units.

Following some counter-marching after changed orders, VANDAMME holds DEGGENDORF, LEFEBVRE securely holds PASSAU, the only escape for VI corps now is through SCHRAEDING, but LANNES holds the next crossing at LINZ, unless Austrian II Reserve Corps can intervene.

The mud is everywhere, meals are taken in silence, the marshals are not happy, splashing around in the liquid Bavarian lanes has dampened their enthusiasm and there have been too many changes of orders. Napoleon is at PASSAU to witness the promised destruction of VI Corps, but he knows it has not been his best performance.

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Turn Report

Turn 19 (weather rain – terrain mud)

Situation: It is still raining, Austrian VI corps seems to be heading for SCHRAERDING and Austrian II Reserve Corps is closing in on LANNES’ position at LINZ, whilst also sending cavalry North towards BUDWEIS. The Austrian main force is still sitting on the CHAM-PILSEN road, covering the CHAM bridgehead with cavalry. All units are receiving supply, with many supply convoys on the move between towns and direct to the corps themselves.

Strategy: Unchanged, watch the Austrian main force towards PILSEN, finish off the trapped VI Corps and hold back II Reserve Corps.

Orders:

Wrede : (detached LEFBVRE) defend SCHAERDING

Comment: MASSENA is moving forward cautiously (set at ‘march to the guns’) and I am having to reinforce the order to engage, by sending him towards PASSAU, I hope to over-run VI Corps.

DAVOUT is still consolidated in the bridgehead opposite CHAM, I cannot send him alone against the Austrian main force and I am happy if they stay where they are, I don’t want them moving away East, or advancing elsewhere, whilst I am engaged with finishing VI Corps. Bruyer is nearly at KLATTAU, to watch for any movement from that direction.

Detaching Wrede to SCHRAEDING may not stop a determined effort to cross the river INN, but it might delay VI Corps. I cannot put in a stronger defence there, as the crossing at PASSAU is vital, a crossing at PASSAU would allow VI Corps to escape, crossing at SCHAERDING merely delays the inevitable (LEFEBVRE, with NAPOLEON attached, follows Wrede to SCHRAEDING - bug).

NAPOLEON is attached to LEFEBVRE to provide support at what is now the crucial point, but is does delay massages back to the units further West.

LANNES is confronting Austrian II Reserve Corps at LINZ, but what is their intention, are they going to help VI Corps, or move off to join the main body, as a cavalry unit is probing North towards BUDWEIS, or they could move to PASSAU on an alternative road.

Nansouty is at DEGGENDORF, attached to VANDAMME, still waiting for stragglers to return from the disaster of his epic charge. I have replacements, but reluctant to use them if the stragglers will eventually return.

MOUTON is making slow progress from ULM and I need the Guard if there is going to be any major engagement with the Austrian main force.

Supply situation is good, as my troops are picking up Austrian supply as they move into enemy territory.






I am not completely happy with the screen shots, but the skill level is low [:(]. I am trying to display a wide view to show the fullest extent of the battle field, but it has lost definition and it is the best I can do with 200kbs of forum upload. Looking for some improvement later.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn Report

Turn 20 (weather rain – terrain clear)

Situation: The rain continues, but the terrain is clear, which I interpret as raining enough to affect combat, but not enough to affect movement.

Austrian II Reserve Corps has stopped the Northward probe and is concentrating against LANNES at LINZ. Bruyer reaches KLATTAU to find no enemy troops, but captures supply (62 pnts).

Strategy: Concerned by the intentions of the Austrian main force at PILSEN, whilst I am engaged with destroying VI Corps, the plan is to move up to KLATTAU and WIMPERK to observe and maybe cut the roads to the East, but be prepared to withdraw if there is a strong reaction.

Orders:

NAPOLEON Army Commander; returned to PASSAU attached LEFEBVRE
LEFEBVRE VII Corps; returned to PASSAU
MOUTON (with the Guard); forced march DEGGGENDORF

BERNADOTTE IX Corps; due to arrive NURNBURG in 5 days (from 'Situation Report' side button)

Woolwarth (LEFEBVRE): detached quick march to scout WIMPERK
Demont (DAVOUT): detached to defend CHAM

Comment:

MOUTON’s leading cavalry unit has not yet reached AUGSBURG from ULM, but fatigue is starting to show, you want units to arrive quickly, but also in a condition to fight, a difficult balance.

Now the threat to the DANUBE bridges is over (for now), I re-attached Gency, at STRAUBING, to VANDAMME at DEGGENDORF, as has happened several times during the game, VANDAMME left his assigned objective to collect Gency.

Bruyer is at KLATTAU, picking up some useful enemy supplies and confirming that the Austrian main force does not seem to have left PILSEN, which is very good news.

MASSENA is confronting Austrian VI Corps between PASSAU and SCHAERDING, the good news is that VI Corps is not escaping (stack number shows all 6 units present), not so good is the reluctance of MASSENA to engage, despite orders to do so.

The Austrian main force seems to be pulling back towards PILSEN, so sending DAVOUT on a cautious advance to follow-up, detaching Demont to stay and defend the CHAM bridgehead.

I think the threat to DEGGENDORF is over and now sending VANDAMME to KLATTAU, to join Bruyer, if the Austrians at PILSEN start a move to the East, I want to be able to react.

Intervened with the computer controlled supply to send supply (70 pnts) to AMBERG, as I will be sending BERNADOTTE that way, after he arrives at NURNBURG in 5 days. Also sent supply (100 pnts) from supply centre at REGENSBERG to DEGGENDORF, in anticipation of moving LoC to DEGGENDORF as combat moves East. This is a good way to operate supply (computer control - player intervention), as I tried full human control in an earlier game without much success. I am a supreme commander, not a store keeper.[:)]

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Turn Report

Turn 21 (weather rain – terrain clear)

Situation: More rain, but roads are clear. Reset LoC to DEGGENDORF. MASSENA has failed to engage VI Corps (reverted to cautious stance) and the Austrians have slipped by, heading West.

Orders:

Rouyer (detached VANDAMME): defend LANDAU

Comment:
MASSENA has failed to come to grips with VI Corps and they have slipped by him, with the routes to BRAUNAU, LANDAU, or LANDSHUT all open. Vincent’s cavalry in the lead again, they can threaten supply lines and could cross the river INN further South.

NAPOLEON, expecting to have the Austrian battle flags delivered to him by now, is furious and frustrated, but he knows where the fault lies. He should have attached himself directly to MASSENA, to provide the extra confidence and drive, to quickly destroy VI Corps, rather than wait in PASSAU with LEFEBVRE, but the lure of a comfortable bed in the town, rather than a damp cot in a field tent, cost the victory. When will this rain ever stop! MASSENA will keep his command for now.
(Note : I thought it more important to have NAPOLEON at PASSAU with LEFEBVRE to ensure VI Corps did not break out, but should have changed attachment to MASSENA when battle with VI Corps became likely, lost the chance for a quick killing blow - mistake)

MASSENA’s fatigue level is rising, but there is no information on the state, or strength of the Austrian units. Even with FOW set, when enemy units have been so close for so many turns, there should be some information, at least on the size of the units.

Again the race for the bridges before the Austrians get there, detaching Rouyer from VANDAMME at DEGGENDORF, to cover the bridge at LANDAU. MOUTON has only just reached AUGSBURG with his badly needed units; there is nothing else to throw in the path of the Austrian cavalry. All this just as VANDAMME starts to leave DEGGENDORF for KLATTAU.

LEFEBVRE and NAPOLEON now chasing off after detached Wollwarth towards WIMPERK, this is a quirk in the game, which I hope v3.04 will cure.

DAVOUT has cautiously followed the Austrian main force halfway towards PILSEN, the stack numbers show that there are 24 units in PILSEN itself, some of these will be supply units, but it indicates where the main power is.

The supply captured at KLATTAU is being sent to REGENSBERG, as the concentrated Austrian army is so close that I don’t expect to be able to hold KLATTAU and must keep the supply out of their hands. KLATTAU is merely an observation post for now, it may take on more importance later.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn Report

Turn 22 (weather rain – terrain clear)

Situation: DAVOUT has fought the Austrian rear guard and the advantage has again been with the Austrians. MASSENA has clashed with some of VI Corps, but the result was inconclusive.

Austrian II Reserve Corps is not pressing LANNES at LINZ.

Woolwarth has reached WIMPERK and captured supply

Results: French loss 28 pnts (1 unit shattered) : Austrian loss 19 pnts

Orders:

LEFEBVRE VII Corps; move to WIMPERK
VANDAMME (Wu);

Woolwarth ordered to BUDWEIS
Wrede defend PASSAU

Comment: MASSENA had combat with VI Corps, but with battle stance set at ‘escalating assault’, whilst the Austrians were set to ‘withdraw’, it allowed them to escape. A more aggressive battle stance was needed to avoid their withdrawal, as escalating assault only raises the intensity of the battle in the latter stages, by which time the Austrian have already withdrawn. I needed a battle stance that was high intensity from the start of the battle (frontal assault), before a withdrawal could take place. However, you do not know what battle stance the enemy has chosen and to throw a ‘frontal assault’ against what might be a ‘defence in depth’ could be very costly. Battle stance can be a difficult choice if the forces are near equal, because a rash choice could be devastating and it takes a long time to rebuild a shattered force.

DAVOUT’s leading units, although advancing with cautious orders, ran into a much larger rear guard and suffered accordingly.

Woolwarth has reached WIMPERK and found more Austrian supply and is sent on to BUDWEIS to scout for more Austrian activity.

LEFEBVRE is ordered to WIMPERK to follow-up Woolwarth (detached) and Wrede (detached) is ordered to move from SCHAERDING to PASSAU to cover LEFEBVRE’s departure.

Vincent’s cavalry from Austrian VI Corps have taken LANDAU and can cross the river ISER, just when supply columns are beginning to move supply from REGENSBERG to the new LoC at DEGGENDORF. Just when I thought the Danube bridges were safe they are under threat again, the fortunes of war.

Austrian II Reserve Corps is making moves towards BUDWEIS and I am still not sure whether it will try to help VI Corps, or head North to join the main body near PILSEN.





The red bars in DAVOUT's information display shows the levels of Fatigue and Stress rising.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn Report

Turn 23 (weather rain – terrain clear)

Situation: Combat continues between MASSENA and VI Corps, with DAVOUT also engaged.

Results: French loss - nil : Austrian loss 3 pnts (1 unit shattered)

Orders:

NAPOLEON Army Commander; to DEGGENDORF

Comment: NAPOLEON moved to DEGGENDORF to be closer to the action and shorten message times, now DAVOUT is engaged and VI Corps seems to be moving through LANDAU.

MASSENA is still chasing VI Corps units, but his own men are becoming exhausted.

Woolwarth (detached) is halfway to BUDWEIS and is finding more Austrian supply, the computer control directs the captured supply to WIMPERK and it looks like we have stumbled onto a major Austrian supply route to PILSEN.

MOUTON is still struggling up the road from AUGSBURG and nearing FREISING, but still some way to go before able to help in containing VI corps.

Nansouty is still waiting at DEGGENDORF for his stragglers to re-join.

The supply that I ordered to be sent to AMBERG for BERNADOTTE is on the way and has reached SCHWANDORF.

Still have the problem of corps commanders wanting to stay with detached units, rather than their other corps units, presently affecting DAVOUT, LEFEBVRE and VANDAMME, who are out of position. Transferred Wrede to VANDAMME, to allow LEFEBRE to get moving.

Using Gency to try and block Vincent at LANDAU, but although an elite unit, it is small and I don’t know what strength Vincent has.

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Turn Report

Turn 24 (weather clear – terrain clear)

Situation: At last the weather and terrain are clear and good news, VI Corps commander HILLER has been captured. St Cyr from MASSENA’s corps launched a frontal assault on 3 broken Austrian divisions, causing 2 to surrender.

Austrian supply is streaming in from the BUDWEIS road and being directed to WIMPERK, Woolwarth has entered BUDWEIS.

Vincent has been ejected from LANDAU.

Results: French loss 5 pnts : Austrian loss 7 pnts (2 units surrendered) -Victory points 23
Coalition overall confidence down from 3 to 2.

Orders:

LEFEBVRE VII Corps; forced march to BUDWEIS
VANDAMME (Wu); forced march to KLATTAU

Marulaz (detached MASSENA) to defend BRAUNAU
Rouyer (detached VANDAMME) to defend LANDAU

BERNADOTTE IX Corps due to arrive NURNBURG tomorrow

Comment: The losses are not spectacular, but VI Corps has lost its commander and units are surrendering, which must be a sign of disintegration, we hope.

The look on MASSENA’s face as von Hiller presented his sword tells it all, now he has something to show the Emperor and one of the more competent Austrian commanders is now in our hands. The sun glinted on the bayonets of the ranks of his tired, but proud, troops, even the weather was moving to our side. MASSENA has finally responded to the engage/orders

Woolwarth has closed down a main supply route to PILSEN, collecting large quantities of supply on the road and in the town of BUDWEIS itself. There is another route open to the Austrians through TABOR and it is not known how much supply is already stockpiled in PILSEN, but the captured supply will help my advanced units.

MOUTON’s leading cavalry has reached LANDSHUT and will be able to help contain Vincent, hopefully the better weather will speed things up.

Still no stragglers returned to Nansouty, so provided replacements (4 pnts) to give him some strength if attacked.

DAVOUT has left his position to follow St Sulpice, who has been detached to reorganise after heavy loss. To get DAVOUT back into position St Sulpice is transferred to MOUTON.

Vincent has been pushed back over the river VILS, but could now escape through BRAUNAU, so Marulaz is dispatched to defend the crossing.

Rouyer detached to help hold the crossing at LANDAU, against the roving Austrian cavalry.

LEFEBVRE ordered to BUDWEIS to support the supply haul that Woolwarth has found

LANNES is holding LINZ and waiting for supplies, which have just passed LAMBACH, whilst Austrian II Reserve Corps seems content to wait on the other side of the DANUBE.

The Victory Point balance is swinging my way, not by a lot, but it is moving.

There has been nothing showing in the Intelligence Report button for the whole game, so I assume that this is normal for this FOW setting.




The captured supply can be seen streaming away from BUDWEIS, being directed by the computer supply staff to WIMPERK.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn Report

Turn 25 (weather clear – terrain clear)

Situation: BERNADOTTE arrives at NURNBURG and is directed to AMBERG, where supply is just arriving. The Austrian main force seems to have consolidated back to PILSEN and is now sending their II Corps toward KLATTAU.

Strategy: The Austrian main force seems to have retreated from the CHAM axis and is now regrouping for an advance through KLATTAU. Austrian II Reserve Corps is starting to envelope LANNES’ position at LINZ. The campaign is moving East and lines of advance and retreat for the Austrians must be blocked. The remains of VI Corps still need to be dealt with.

Orders:

NAPOLEON Army Commander; DEGGENDORF
LANNES II Corps; defend LINZ
DAVOUT III Corps; set to cautious
LEFEBVRE VII Corps; defend BUDWEIS
VANDAMME (Wu); defend KLATTAU
BERNADOTTE IX Corps; forced march to AMBERG
MOUTON (with the Guard); ordered to position between LANDAU/DEGGENDORF

Comment: The Austrian main force is advancing down the road to KLATTAU where Bruyer is alone, the captured supply was moved out to REGENSBERG and is now safely behind DAVOUT’s lines. VANDAMME should be supporting Bruyer, but is still at LANDAU, where he took himself against orders. The remnants of Austrian VI Corps are still at large between the rivers, but Vincent is the main danger, as he has a route for escape through BRAUNAU. Woolwarth’s achievements on the Austrian supply line show what a cavalry division on the loose can do. We don’t want Vincent doing the same to our supply columns.

DAVOUT has been set to cautious as he has a large number of stragglers and is in no position to face a major engagement. He just needs to hold his position until BERNADOTTE can move up on his left, with the possibility of a simultaneous advance on PILSEN.

Intention is to move BERNADOTTE quickly through AMBERG to support DAVOUT on the left, both using the converging roads to close in on PILSEN.

MASSENA’s troops are very tired and have a large number of stragglers. He needs to finish with VI Corps and then re-organise for the advance on the main grouping at PILSEN. MASSENA’s supply is in danger of being intercepted by Vincent, which will make re-organisation difficult if it is lost.

MOUTON moving to a reserve position between LANDAU and DEGGENDORF to await events.

LEFEBVRE ordered to take supply from the captured stock arriving at WIMPERK, as corps can be directed (by player input) where to take supply, even when computer control of supply is selected.

Supplies are now reaching DEGGENDORF as the new LoC and the remnants of VI Corps may still be blocking the South bank of the DANUBE for supply to the units in the East, so sending supplies from DEGGENDORF to PASSSU, hopefully to route along the North bank of the river. Sending supplies (500) from MUNICH to DEGGENDORF, to speed the build-up, also sending supplies to KLATTAU to be there for VANDAMME, if he ever gets moving, they may be lost, but only sending 50 pnts.





The plan to converge on the Austrian grouping at PILSEN.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn Report

Turn 26 (weather clear – terrain clear)

Situation: Weather continues to be good; hopefully the nightmare of the rain is over. Austrian forces retake KLATTAU, but Austrian II Reserve Corps makes no serious attack on LINZ. Remains of VI Corps still present between the rivers.

Results: French 3 : Coalition 2

Strategy: Keep pressure from DAVOUT and later BERNADOTTE on the PILSEN grouping from the West. Move towards KLATTAU/WIMPERK/BUDWEIS as soon as possible, to take advantage of any Austrian attempt to retreat, or block any attempt to advance. Hope that supply difficulties will weaken the Austrian main force.

Orders:

NAPOLEON Army Commander; at DEGGENDORF
LANNES II Corps; defend LINZ
DAVOUT III Corps; cautious/fallback advance on PILSEN
MOUTON (Guard); forced march to DEGGENDORF

Woolwarth : to scout TABOR

Comment: Stack total show 32 Austrian units in the PILSEN grouping, although some of those will be supply units, command units, etc., therefore not all fighting units, but still a lot.

Bruyer withdraws from KLATTAU in the face of the Austrian II corps advance, which is to be expected and KLATTAU is re-captured by the Austrians.

Woolwarth (detached) is sent onwards to cover the last road into PILSEN from the East, at TABOR.

MOUTON ordered forward to DEGGENDORF to cover the LoC from the remnants of VI Corps which might be heading that way.

DAVOUT ordered to continue a cautious advance on PILSEN to maintain pressure on the Austrians, if they intend a retreat.

Supply has just reached LANNES at LINZ and more is on the way, so he could take offensive action.

Nansouty, still waiting to recover stragglers, transferred to MOUTON, who will soon be in the area of DEGGENDORF.

MASSENA’s divisions are heading for PASSAU, where supply will be sent, so that they can rest and re-organise, as they will be needed for the final battle against the Austrian main army at PILSEN.

Now that the game has been going for some time, it is obvious that you cannot just keep units marching and fighting, they tire quite quickly and become exhausted if not rested, which can take several days. To lose the use of a major corps is hard, but if you keep it fighting, a corps could easily be destroyed. This does force you to use a more realistic strategy, it can be frustrating, but you cannot win if you break your army.




The screen shot shows the Austrians again in possession of KLATTAU and they will continue to push further South towards DEGGENDORF.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn Report

Turn 27 (weather rain – terrain clear)

Situation: Argentau of Austrian VI Corps surrenders. Austrian PILSEN Group advances on CHAM and through KLATTAU towards DEGGENDORF. Austrian II Reserve corps falls back from LINZ.

Results: French loss nil : Coalition loss 5 pnts ( 1 surrendered) Victory points 35

Strategy: Block Austrian advance, hold them until the whole French army can be re-organised to act together, for a final attack and hopefully let an Austrian supply shortage have an effect.

Orders:

NAPOLEON Army Commander; at DEGGENDORF
LANNES II Corps; defend LINZ
DAVOUT III Corps; defend bridgehead opposite CHAM
MASSENA IV Corps; defend PASSAU
LEFEBVRE VII Corps; defend BUDWEIS
VANDAMME (Wu); defend KLATTAU
BERNADOTTE IX Corps; move to AMBERG
MOUTON (Guard); defend DEGGENDORF

Gency (detached): forced march to BRAUNAU
Wrede: re-attached to VANDAMME

Comment: DAVOUT has fallen back, as his orders permit, in the face of the Austrian advance on CHAM, but he will try to hold the bridgehead over the river to make it easier to advance when the time comes.

Legrand (MASSENA IV Corps) has made a quick march from near LANDAU, over two days, to cut off Vincent from reaching the BRAUNAU road and the supply column beyond, they were exhausted before they started, but his men are now in need of rest. The Emperor has noted that here is a leader that could make a corps commander, or even Marshal of France one day. Most of MASSENA’s corps is spent.

VANDAMME has orders for a cautious advance towards KLATTAU, so that he will slow the advancing Austrians, but not get forced into a high intensity battle.

LEFEBVRE has nearly reached BUDWEIS to cover the captured supplies being sent back to WIMPERK, but is now re-directed to KLATTAU to intercept any advance down the road from PILSEN and maybe trap the Austrians confronting VANDAMME on the KLATTAU-DEGGENDORF road.

I need to get BERNADOTTE moving to help DAVOUT and have ordered more supplies (50) to AMBERG to support his advance.

The computer control is sending some of the supplies captured at BUDWEIS Southwards to LANNES at LINZ, but LANNES will need to cover that road from Austrian II Reserve Corps, if he wants to receive those supplies. As II Reserve Corps is falling back, LANNES may need to give them a push to keep them going.

On the evening of the 27th April 1809 NAPOLEON was at his headquarters in DEGGENDORF, the Emperor was not satisfied, the delay in coming to grips with Hiller’s VI Corps, his own issue of orders and counter-orders, has delayed the campaign. Taking advanced positions across the DANUBE had stretched the army’s resources, perhaps it would have been better to concentrate on DONAUWORTH, or AUGBURG, and wait for the Austrians to come to him, it would certainly have improved the supply position and maybe led to the great climatic battle he craved. The decision to send LANNES to LINZ has ensured the right flank stayed safe, but has stretched the army further. The destruction of one Austrian corps was little to show for days of campaigning in the rain and the mud, he looked out of window as water spilled from the guttering; it was still raining .....

His thoughts were broken by the noise of hooves on the cobbles outside and boots on the wooden stairs, as the Austrian commander of VI Corps was brought to him. The 54 year old Johann Karl Freiherr von Hiller stood stiffly before the Emperor, still refusing to change from the mud splattered uniform that he had been wearing throughout the desperate days when VI Corps was trying to escape from the trap it had fallen into. He had suffered ill health earlier in his career and had been wounded at the First Battle of Zurich against the French, but now was not the time to bow before the tyrant.

NAPOLEON offered refreshment and wine and gradually the atmosphere relaxed, he already had the information he required, as the dragoons that had stormed into Hiller’s farmhouse headquarters had found the baron’s baggage and copies of his correspondence with the Archduke in PILSEN and Imperial headquarters in VIENNA.

It told a tale of indecision and delay, as Hiller had pleaded for support, where was II Reserve Corps, when would the main army advance from PILSEN to complete the pincer movement that Hillier had been one part of. The unexpected discovery of DAVOUT at CHAM had thrown the plan into disarray, this much NAPOLEON could already surmise, but what the Emperor wanted to know, with the Coalition army concentrated at PILSEN still substantially intact and his own forces tired and scattered from marching and fighting, was what would the Archduke do now.....!

This Hiller was unable, or unwilling to say.

After everyone had left, the Emperor turned to the map spread across his desk, produced by talented map maker from Munich it showed the troop dispositions beautifully, but it couldn’t show what would happen next.....

To be concluded when v3.04 is available.

.............................

Here is what really happen to Hiller :



von Hiller

When war with France broke out in 1809, von Hiller was given command of VI Armee Korps covering the left wing of the main Austrian army. When Emperor Napoleon I of France fell on the Austrian left wing on April 20 at the Battle of Abensberg, Hiller arrived and took command of the V, VI, and II Reserve Armeekorps. Defeated at Abensberg and on April 21 at the Battle of Landshut, he became separated from the main army. On April 22, Archduke Charles was beaten at the Battle of Eckmuhl and retreated to the north bank of the Danube. Not realizing he was alone on the south bank, Hiller attacked Marshal of France Jean-Baptiste Bessieres and won a minor victory in the Battle of Neumarkt-Sankt Veit on April 24. Finally realizing the odds against him, he retreated in good order toward Linz from April 25 to May 3. On the latter date he fought a savage action with André Masséna's corps at the Battle of Ebelsberg. This defeat forced von Hiller to withdraw across the Danube at Mautern. – Wikipeadia.

Plus ca change

[Rasputitsa]

Still waiting for v3.04, but here a few more turns:

Turn Report

Turn 28 (weather rain – terrain clear)

Situation: Austrian. II Reserve Corps retreats Eastwards down the North bank of the Danube, freeing LANNES for further action, but he needs supply. Visible units of the Austrian PILSEN group identify I, II, III, IV, I Reserve corps and Engineers.

Results: French loss - 6 : Coalition loss - 3 : Victory points 39 ( +4 from last turn)

Strategy: Cautious advance to KLATTAU and BUDWEIS, other orders are also for cautious stance, as I don't want any of my units drawn into a major high intensity battle, but rather edge forward and 'feel' out the enemy intentions, not committing to battle until the army can become more concentrated.

Orders:

NAPOLEON Army Commander; attach to DAVOUT at CHAM
LANNES II Corps; cautious/defend LINZ
DAVOUT III Corps; hold CHAM bridgehead (Hex 27.06)
MASSENA IV Corps; to PASSAU
LEFEBVRE VII Corps; cautious/defend order to BUDWEIS
VANDAMME (Wu); cautious/defend order to KLATTAU
BERNADOTTE IX Corps; take supply AMBERG; retreat point AMBERG; forced march PILSEN
MOUTON (with the Guard); hold DEGGENDORF

Nansouty/St Sulpice given 1 replacement each, as the return of stragglers is delayed.

Comment: The Victory points and the game balance are still edging slowly my way and this is not the time to risk a big loss in a rash move, so all units are being ordered to act cautiously and not get drawn into a major engagement, whilst probing the extent of the Austrian positions. I am happy with the wide spread of the French units, as it is closing off supply lines to the main Austrian force, but one false move now would give the Austrians an opportunity to fall on one of my separated units.

The Austrians are still probing the CHAM bridghead postion, but not making any major advance, but DAVOUT and his units are showing higher stress (6) and fatigue (3) levels, so NAPOLEON has been attached to DAVOUT to provide support. This will increase message times to the units further East, but a defeat at CHAM would be disastrous.

BERNADOTTE's arrival opens up another approach towards PILSEN, or could be turned South through SCHWANDORF, to give direct support to DAVOUT if he has difficulty in holding at CHAM, decision time will be when BERNADOTTE reaches AMBERG.

LANNES is waiting for supply, with a convoy just passed SCHAERDING, Austrian II Reserve Corps is falling back, should I take the opportunity to push on after them. LINZ is a good defensive position, with a good all around river defence, so decide to hold, with a cautious setting, so LANNES will withdraw rather than force an intensive battle (this is probably too cautious, but playing safe).

Some of MASSENA's units are showing fatigue with high levels of stragglers, MOUTON is in position near DEGGENDORF, so the remnants of Austrian VI Corps can be contained. MASSENA is ordered to PASSAU, to secure the crossing and be in a good position to rest his units and receive supply. Marulaz (Cav.) is detached to watch Vincent, still wandering in the rear.


Notes: I am surprised how long it is taking for some units to recover their stragglers, but this must depend on supply and the need to rest somewhere, units on the move delay the return of stragglers.

..................................


Turn Report

Turn 29 (weather clear – terrain clear)

Situation: Austrians make a frontal assault on the bridgehead at CHAM, forcing DAVOUT (set to withdraw) to retire over the river REGEN to the South bank. Austrian II Corps is withdrawing back towards KLATTAU in the face of VANDAMME's slow advance. Austrian II Reserve Corps continues to fall back from LINZ.

Results: French loss - 5 : Coalition loss - 5 : Victory points 42 moving in my favour

Strategy: Have I been too cautious, I wanted to avoid provoking an Austrian withdrawal before MASSENA and BERNADOTTE were ready to join a general engagement, especially whilst LEFEBVRE is exposed between WIMPERK and BUDWEIS, which is a potential retreat path for the PILSEN group.

Future possible action, LANNES to BUDWEIS, or ZWETTEL, MASSENA to cover LINZ.

Orders:

NAPOLEON Army Commander; Look confident.
LANNES II Corps; ordered to probe after Aust IIR Corps
DAVOUT III Corps; defend CHAM
VANDAMME (Wu) Corps; urged foward (defend/regular) KLATTAU, but still without Wrede (detached).
BERNADOTTE IX Corps; forced march PILSEN

Woolwarth (detached); scout PILSEN/IGLAU road from TABOR (this is the last route into PILSEN from the East).
Nansouty/St Sulpice; defend LANDAU
Marulaz; set engage (target Vincent)
Gency; defend BRAUNAU
Legrand; reattach to MASENNA
Wrede; reattach to VANDAMME
Engineer; cancelled order defend STRAUBING
Deroi; detached from LEFEBVRE, forced march to return and cover the WIMPERK road (long order delay as NAPOLEON is with DAVOUT.
Dorsenne; detached from MOUTON, to cover the remnants of VI Corps (when WREDE returns to VANDAMME).


Comment: NAPOLEON and DAVOUT again find themselves standing together surveying the North bank of the river REGEN, where massed ranks of Austrian troops were celebrating the French retreat. It had be a skillful withdrawal out of the bridgehead position and the bridge itself was now securely barricaded. NAPOLEON was satisfied to see the Austrian army still on the North bank of the REGEN, although it had been at some cost, several of DAVOUT's units brittle and shaken, not much more could be expected of these men if the Austrians attack again. Meanwhile in PILSEN the Archduke was not so pleased, as after days of campaigning his army had still not reached the DANUBE and there was disquieting news of enemy activity near the road back to IGLAU.

Large amounts of Austrian supply (381 pnts) have been captured on the BUDWEIS road and are being moved back to WIMPERK by the computer supply staff, they need no orders as they know how important this supply is. I have intervened to order 150 supply points to be sent further back to DEGGENDORF and 100 to PASSAU for MASENNA, when he gets there with his tired divisions.

BERNADOTTE is ordered to PILSEN, although I expect to amend those orders before any of his units get that far.

Of MASENNA's corps, only Legrand (reattached) is in any condition to fight, the others must be rested, but I hope to send him on to WIMPERK when restored. How long will that take ?

Nansouty/St Sulpice ordered to defend LANDAU against the prowling Vincent (although stragglers have still not returned and having to move these units now will delay the process further).

Marulaz is following Vincent and has edged him away from the crossing at LANDSHUT.

Engineers initially ordered to defend DEGGENDORF, but re-ordered and set to defend STRAUBING, I will order the bridge blown if the Austrians force a crossing at CHAM, they cannot be allowed to cross the DANUBE.


Notes: LEVEBVRE is following detached Woolwarth, rather that staying with the rest of his corps.




This is the position around LANDAU/DEGGENDORF, with the Austrian cavalry of Vincent on the loose, with detached French units covering the crossroads and river crossings and vulnerable supply on the move. I don't know how strong Vincent is, but I don't want him interrupting my supply, as Woolwarth has achieved against the Austrian supply at BUDWEIS.

The remnants of Austrian VI Corps are stacked with Wrede, but again I don't know how strong they remain and whether they are any real threat.

MASENNA's units (Molitor - Boudet - St Cyr) show the effects of fighting VI Corps with red text indicating fatigue and high numbers of stragglers (on the unit counter; top number is available strength and lower numbers are stragglers).

Gency is detached to block the bridge at BRAUNAU, St Sulpice, with Nansouty, are doing the same at LANDAU, MASSENNA is heading for PASSAU, I am confident that the remaining Austrian units cannot escape, but how long will it take to finally destroy them, or even if they have enough strength left to worry about them at all. Uncertainty rules.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn Report

Turn 30 (weather clear – terrain clear)

Situation: Austrian Cavalry probing towards the WIMPERK road, Austrian II Corps withdrew from KLATTAU under light pressure from VANDAMME, LANDAU is left open and Vincent crosses the ISER towards DEGGENDORF.

Results: French loss - nil : Coalition loss - 1 : Victory points 45 (still edging my way)

Strategy: Probe the Austrian main force from all directions - cut off supply- goad them into action and hope for an opening to strike, NAPOLEON to join MOUTON and the Guard at DEGGENDORF for an advance through KLATTAU. If the Austrians are moving East, it should take the pressure off DAVOUT at CHAM.

Orders:

NAPOLEON Army Commander; remaining at CHAM
LANNES II Corps; hold LINZ
DAVOUT III Corps; defend CHAM - III Art has become detached ! - error corrected.
MASSENA IV Corps; defend PASSAU
LEFEBVRE VII Corps; defend Hex 41.07 (crossroads North of WIMPERK)
VANDAMME (Wu); defend KLATTAU, regular march (defend order will provide some caution),
BERNADOTTE IX Corps; continue towards PILSEN
MOUTON (with the Guard); engage remnants of VI Corps

St Hilaire; detach from DAVOUT (very weak with large number of stragglers [17] and cannot be exposed to further combat).
Marulaz; re-attach to MASENNA
St Cyr; detached from MASENNA defend LANDAU
Bruyer; defend DEGGENDORF
Nansouty; defend Hex 31.12 (approach to DEGGENDORF)
Woolwarth; has not moved towards the IGLAU road, repeat order (this is probably the effect of orders delay, with NAPOLEON at CHAM).
Engineers; to DEGGENDORF


Comment: I had been expecting some movement and here it is, Austrian Cavalry ( Somariva) is moving towards the cross-roads North of WIMPERK, where all the captured supply has been moving. I could claim that I was tempting the Austrians out by sending LEFEBVRE to BUDWEIS, but I just wanted to support Woolwarth and cut the last supply line into PILSEN. Now the Austrians have re-acted, I need to backtrack and cover WIMPERK, Deroi already has orders and is on the move.

I knew it was a risk to leave the road open, I am considering burning the supplies left at WIMPERK to avoid them falling back into Austrian hands, I had already taken the precaution of moving most of the captured supplies back to DEGGENDORF, but should I burn the rest. I could select WIMPERK to burn, or get more supply out, but Cavalry travels faster than supply wagons, alternatively use the supply as bait.

Vincent was allowed to pass LANDAU, but must not be permitted to escape across the DANUBE at DEGGENDORF. Nansouty and St Sulpice moved aside, either in error, or were too shaken to hold. NAPOLEON was at first incandescent with rage, but later that evening began to realise that there is only so much that you can demand of your troops and their failure probably reflected some of his own failures. Vincent was in amongst the supply convoys, but how much strength did he have left after days behind French lines, cut off from command and supply.

Austrian II Reserve Corps is making no move, so is LANNES wasted at LINZ ?

As BERNADOTTE continues his forced march beyond AMBERG, towards PILSEN, I need to consider a rest day, to allow units to close up and stragglers to rejoin, before he meets the enemy.

Threat to CHAM and STRAUBING reduced, so Engineers ordered to DEGGENDORF

Notes: Several times during the game units have become detached, either in error, or after combat, it pays to check corps units from time-to-time, just to ensure that they are all under the correct attachments.

Molitor has lost some more strength, with stragglers reduced from 10 to 9 (that's 1 less to re-join), so continuing to move can do more permanent damage.






LEFEBVRE's corps is at BUDWEIS, with Deroi detached and heading back to cover the crossroads to WIMPERK, where the captured supply has been sent. Some supply is already being sent onward to DEGGENDORF, but I was holding some at WIMPERK in case I want to use it as a base of operations.

Austrian II Corps has abandoned KLATTAU in the face of VANDAMME's approaching divisions, are they too weak to hold, but the counters do not reveal the strength. VANDAMME himself is hurrying back to join his corps after a jaunt to the South, the Emperor is not pleased, something must be done about his marshals, HE ORDERS THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF v3.04, OR THE GUILLOTINE WILL RETURN !!

[Rasputitsa]

Turn Report

Turn 31 (weather rain – terrain clear) - 1st. May 1809.

Situation: NAPOLEON has remained at CHAM, causing long orders delay with some other units. Combat losses are not high and 3 more Austrian units have surrendered, but where and when (Cav. overun reported LINZ). VANDAMME re-takes KLATTAU and captures more Austrian supply (141).

Hospital moved to DEGGENDORF.

Results: French loss - nil : Coalition combat loss 1 (but 3 units surrender) : Victory point 54 (+9 on last turn)

Strategy: I have closed the ring on the Austrian forces at PILSEN (Woolwarth has reached the IGLAU road), but they are concentrated and have interior lines to support each other. It will be difficult to launch a co-ordinated attack on them and the alternative is to wait and hope that they are short of supply, attacking them when they weaken. Time is short for that strategy, with the scenario ending on the 10th May, additionally, I cannot see through the fog of war to know what supplies the Austrians have stockpiled, LEFEBVRE has intercepted Austrian supply columns between WIMPERK and BUDWEIS, but how much supply was already in PILSEN.


Orders:

NAPOLEON Army Commander; to DEGGENDORF, attach to MOUTON.
LANNES II Corps; probing after Aust. IIR Corps.
DAVOUT III Corps; cautious advance towards PILSEN, then cancelled and ordered rest day.
MASSENA IV Corps; defend PASSAU
LEFEBVRE VII Corps; returning to cover WIMPERK, Deroi detached ahead.
VANDAMME (Wu); defend KLATTAU (cautious/defend).
BERNADOTTE IX Corps; forced march/defend Hex 29.02
MOUTON (with the Guard); forced march DEGGENDORF, set march to the guns.

Colbert; (detached from LANNES) to scout South bank of DANUBE from LINZ

Comment: The threat to CHAM has receded and NAPOLEON could have been moved sooner, reducing the orders delay, but that is easy to say now.

VANDAMME has re-taken KLATTAU and found more Austrian supply, again the whole Austrian army is close by and it may not be possible to hold the town, therefore supply (110) is moved out to DEGGENDORF, I was going to leave just enough for VANDAMME, but decided to burn the remaining supplies, in case of a retreat (mainly wanted to see if 'burn supplies' would work).

Ordered supplies (100) to PASSAU for MASENNA and further 100 from WIMPERK to DEGGENDORF, even though Deroi seems to be winning the race for the crossroads, as Somariva's Austrian cavalry has not moved.

Cancelled DAVOUT's move towards PILSEN (Hiliare has stragglers returning, now strength- 5 / stragglers- 13 ; was 1/17), there is a need to wait for more stragglers to return, so ordered a rest day.

MOUTON is stacked with the 2 surviving units from Austrian VI Corps, set to 'march to the guns' hoping that will prompt some action, but now sending him back to DEGGENDORF. There cannot be much left of VI Corps and anyway I need MOUTON and the Guard back with the main action and can't wait any longer.

MASENNA's units still in need of rest and re-organisation, hopefully at PASSAU.

BERNADOTTE is making good progress, but stragglers are appearing and a stop will be necessary soon.

LANNES has moved out of LINZ onto the North bank of the DANUBE, whilst Austrian II Reserve Corps is barely visible to the East and is no immediate threat.

Vincent is held between LANDAU and DEGGENDORF, but there is a very large supply convoy passing LANDSHUT and he must be dealt with before that convoy arrives near DEGGENDORF. Supplies moving on the same route for MASENNA, will need the road cleared and/or the crossing at LANDAU re-opened.

NAPOLEON realises that the whole army needs to reorganise, but how bad a state are the Austrians. Either way, there is no point in forcing combat at this stage and the decision is to take a few days to rest and re-organise, whilst holding the Austrians in place without risking heavy loss. Time is running short, but to act in haste .... ?




I would like to improve the quality of the screen shots, but it does show the great improvement that Chemkid's map and counter mods have provided. I am using my own town name 'banner' set to provide the coloured town ownership text (Coalition control - Red : French control - Blue). LANDAU has reverted to Austrian control (red text) after Vincent passed through, I will have to re-take the town to open the river crossing.

There seems to be a lot of French units, but a large number are supply columns and supply dumps in the towns, the enemy supply units do not show until your units encounter them.

In the top left of the screen-shot BERNADOTTE's corps can be seen entering the scene from AMBERG, but tired after the forced march.

Deroi will win the march to the crossroads near WIMPERK, as Somariva has not moved, although other Austrian units are moving up in support. The Archduke seems to have taken a defensive stance, allowing VANDAMME to move into KLATTAU.

In the top right of the screen Woolwarth has closed the last road into PILSEN from the East.

NAPOLEON is well satisfied with the situation, but does not have the striking power to press the advantage, with BERNADOTTE, DAVOUT and MASENNA all pleading for time to restore their strength. Time ! do they think I can manufacture time, so it will all depend on which army is hurting most.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn Report

Turn 32 (weather clear – terrain clear)

Situation: Vincent, finally surrenders after attempting to escape through DEGGENDORF, where Nansouty and Bruyer were guarding the bridge. Supplies at DEGGENDORF running low (23), probably due to me drawing off supplies to push forward, but two large supply convoys (total - 1178), that I ordered up from Munich, have only reached LANDSHUT, however, Marulaz has re-opened the bridge at LANDAU for MASENNA's supply.

Burning the Austrian supplies at KLATTAU did work, 'Ah! I love the smell of overcooked Wiener Schnitzel in the morning' (apologies 'Apocalypse Now').

Results: French loss nil : Coalition loss 7 (another 2 units have surrendered) : Victory Points 60

Strategy: Austrian strategy is to stay concentrated, my strategy has resulted in an extended position, who is right ??
If there is ample supply in PILSEN their strategy might start to look quite good.


Orders:

NAPOLEON Army Commander; move to DEGGENDORF didn't happen, re-issued (maybe I also set objective DEGGENDORF, which broke the attachment to MOUTON).
LANNES II Corps; set cautious/defend Hex 51,18, along the North bank of the DANUBE.
DAVOUT III Corps; ordered rest day.
MASSENA IV Corps; defend PASSAU.
LEFEBVRE VII Corps; defend crossroads Hex 41,07 (near WIMPERK).
VANDAMME (Wu); re-set take supply from DEGGENDORF, defend KLATTAU.
BERNADOTTE IX Corps; ordered rest day.
MOUTON (with the Guard); to KLATTAU, no replacements available, will have to wait for stragglers to return.

St Sulpice; engage/urgency regular Hex 32,13 (remnants of VI Corps).
Bruyer; attach to VANDAMME (who has no cavalry)
Marulaz; reattach to MASENNA
Dorsenne; reattach to MOUTON
Lauriston (Art); reattach to MOUTON (don't know why it became detached)
Engineer; to BUDWEIS

Comment: Victory Points continue to swing my way, so I must be doing something right.

By advancing LANNES from LINZ he has now covered the road from BUDWEIS, where a supply convoy is heading towards him, another supply convoy is approaching from the West (all under computer control). It is useful to watch what your supply staff are doing, they don't know your plans and you may have to re-act, to cover supply that might be unknowingly heading into danger. LANNES is moving cautiously down the North bank of the DANUBE, whilst Colbert (detached) is moving down the South bank. I could just hold these advanced positions, or push on and threaten to encircle Austrian II Reserve Corps and then VIENNA ! (that may provoke the Austrians to move). However, LANNES needs to wait for the supply before getting too committed.

Marulaz (Cav) has recaptured LANDAU and re-opened the river crossing, which will shorten the supply line to MASENNA at PASSAU, with Vincent now gone, Marulaz can rejoin MASENNA.

Stack count shows 39 Austrian units (some will be command and supply) in the PILSEN group so it is not over yet, but for comparison, the French have 40 fighting units (divisions, corps artillery, engineers, etc.), excluding command counters. Some of that French force is with LANNES and the trick will be to concentrate enough of the available forces against PILSEN.

Ordering rest days for BERNADOTTE and DAVOUT to close up and restore their respective corps and also need to get MASENNA back into some better condition.

VANDAMME, who is most exposed is set to defend KLATTAU, but with a 'regular' setting, I could have set 'cautious' (which is most likely to allow a withdrawal), but let's see if the Austrians are prepared to fight for the town.

MOUTON should be moving on to DEGGENDOEF and KLATTAU, with detached units re-attached, except St Sulpice (Cav) who will remain to cover remnants of VI Corps.

Sending the Engineers to BUDWEIS, because LEFEBVRE is badly strung out between TABOR and WIMPERK and, if the Austrian move that way, blowing the bridges may be the only way to stop them, but only if the Engineers can get there in time.

Notes: d Espagne ('cavalry overun' at Hex 49.19) encountering Aust. IIR Corps whilst advancing towards LINZ ; (Neustadt - Inf. has gone ?) who overran who ?? - Ran a test game and it looks as though d'Espange has destroyed an Austrian division by overrun (automatic combat - no battle screen), which should make Austrian II Reserve Corps even more cautious than it already is.




This screen shows LANNES' position, which whilst LINZ was a very good defensive position it was not achieving much else. By moving forward, he has opened the route from BUDWEIS where the supply staff have a convoy enroute with captured supply, oblivious of the fact that the road had not yet been secured. However their confidence in their Emperor is boundless and the wagons started to move expecting safe passage.

LANNES has d'Espagne leading the cautious probe along the North bank of the DANUBE, whilst the detached Colbert is operating along the South bank. How far East, towards VIENNA to go, will depend on the approaching supply columns and how much we want to pressurise II Reserve Corps. All units are showing red numerals, indicating stress and tiredness, but as yet no stragglers, so they are not in too bad shape yet, but they cannot be pushed much further. If they get drawn into combat with even the timid II Reserve Corps, in a weakened state, it could be very damaging.

This has been a very enjoyable experience and it is working up to an interesting climax, this is as far as I have gone with turns and notes with v3.03 and would like to wait for v3.04, as a fitting end to the AAR.

I have noted the issues with this version of the game and I would like to see how v3.04 behaves, but it has still given a very realistic feel to this Napoleonic subject. I have felt that I was making the type of decisions that the historical commanders had to make and seeing realistic results.

I have re-run the scenario to test some items and seen the AI choose a different strategy, within the limitations of the scenario parameters, but doesn't seem to be running on a completely scripted path and I can see different strategies that I could have chosen. Therefore, there is a good replay value in the game and by checking the 'Campaign' button on the game start screen you can play the whole thing again, with a much longer campaign time span and with more unit arrivals (embarrassed to say that I have only just noticed that [&:]).

Now playing OK in 'Windows 10' and will be back when v3.04 comes out, hopefully soon. [8D]

[Rasputitsa]

Hoping to get this running again, but having problems getting v3.03 saved games to run in a restored 'Windows 10' system. The game was running well in 'Windows 10', the problem is with 'Windows 10' update and system problems on my particular computer, but I have managed to get the v3.04 games saves (for the other AAR) running by playing with the compatibility settings and will come back to this version later.

[Rasputitsa]

Bump!