Campaigns on the Danube AAR with House Rules

[Rasputitsa]

April 22nd 1809 – Weather raining – roads muddy

Turn Resolution :

Cavalry skirmish at 27,07 – map frozen so cannot see the hex, until cancelling info panel, then map is free – but looks like CHAM, with St Sulpice against Fresnel, Austrian I Corps cavalry – click PBEM/Playback icon to continue turn resolution.

St Sulpice re-enters CHAM, intercepts 36 Austrian supply points

Message - Enemy division forced back at 27.07 CHAM (Fresnel ??)

It's difficult to follow what is going on during turn resolutions, as you cannot easily see which hex the message panels are referring to, until turn resolution is over and the message screens have been cancelled, then you have lost the info, unless you take a screen shot.

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

Sent the captured supplies from CHAM to LOC FREISING

MOUTON (Guard) now given the objective LANDAU.



The Austrian are retreating from LANNES at LANDSHUT, so sent him on towards BRAUNAU (set 'regular' march/'defend' stance) to 30,18, from where Legrand is coming from MUNICH and can re-join (but not just yet).

Now only 5 Austrian units are visible outside STRAUBING and they have made no further attack, also they did not dispute CHAM, where St Sulpice is in good condition (but left at 'fallback' stance).

It looks like the Austrians are in retreat on all fronts.

MASSENA, near FREISING, has 3 Inf Divs which are all now 'steady', including MASSENA himself, 10 points Corps wounded to return (Tharreau 8/Boudet 2), order one more 'rest day' (NAPOLEON still has no more replacements).

Supply at ULM (329), sent 300 (house rules limit) to LOC FREISING, which only has 107, although more on the way.

Supply at AUGSBURG (1659), sent 300 (house rules limit) to LOC FREISING

Supply at NURNBURG (400), sent 100 (house rules limit ) to LOC FREISING

Montbrun VII Corps cavalry has remained detached and is heading for LANDSHUT, repeated re-attach order back to LEFEBVRE. I had ordered LEFEBVRE to retire from STRAUBING towards LANDSHUT, but now the Austrians are retreating and NAPLOEON has joined LEFEBVRE in STRAUBING, so ordered that the town be held, Montbrun seems to have missed all this and is heading for LANDSHUT.

Checked the stack at STRAUBING to ensure no Austrian units were still in the town, there are none.

DAVOUT has not yet moved towards DEGGENDORF, but two detached infantry divisions (Friant/Hilaire) still hold LANDAU.

All corps are well supplied LEFEBVRE has (90), but more is coming.

There have been significant losses in holding a forward position, but all Austrian attacks seem to have been beaten off and NAPOLEON is holding the important crossings at STRAUBING and LANDAU, whilst pushing out from LANDSHUT, MASSENA is recovering and can soon have his corps rebuilt.

IX Corps BERNADOTTE arriving in 11 days, but under what-if house rules, will not to be used.

Rouyer/Gency (NAPOLEON Reserve) forced march to LANDAU.

[Rasputitsa]

April 23 1809 – Weather raining – roads muddy

Turn Resolution :

Cavalry skirmish at 27,07

Enemy division forced back at 27.07 CHAM

NAPOLEON has one replacement available (save for artillery)

Battle at 27,11 at STRAUBING

KIENMEYER attacking STRAUBING has communication problems, NAPOLEON himself commands the battle with an increased bonus to all French units.

I was wrong, the Austrians are not retreating and KIENMAYER throws in his II Reserve Corps with a 'frontal assault' in an attempt to take STRAUBING, where CHARLES has failed. I had sent NAPLOEON to STRAUBING and changed the orders to ensure the town was held, Montbrun returned in time to join the battle and NAPOLEON responds with a strong 'counter attack', inflicting serious casualties on the Austrians with all the IIR units Rohan, Vacsay, Argentau and IIR Artillery being routed (losses as shown 23), whilst French losses are low (4)

Inset in the image below are the results of KIENMEYER's doomed attack on STRAUBING.

'View Units' shows LEFEBVRE's units are still in good condition, with only Ludwig infantry 'wavering', having suffered the greatest loss. LEFEBVRE has 6 stragglers/8 wounded in the repeated attacks on STRAUBING, how much longer can he hold out and how much more have the Austrians to throw in, surely they must have had enough by now.

LANNES is now facing 12 Austrian units of I RESERVE and V Corps on the River Roth.

Rouyer (was ordered to LANDAU – I may not have completed order routine and the order may not have happened ), so now is at FREISING, but could be used to rebuild MASSENA.

MOUTON's advanced units are reaching LANDSHUT.

Supply at AUGSBURG (1659) send another 300 (house rules limit) to LOC FREISING, the road AUGSBURG to FREISING is now free of MOUTON's corps, but note that moving supply causes wastage.

The Artillery transferred from LANNES to DAVOUT is now moving out of LANDSHUT, orders delay is having a big effect.

St Sulpice is still in CHAM, as the Austrians have made no serious attempt to dislodge him, the Austrian cavalry of Fresnel is in the same hex watching, but doing no more than skirmishing.

DAVOUT has not moved, is he sulking, because of our earlier disagreements ?

MASSENA and his 3 units are now all confident, so now to re-organise. His units are at the LOC and could receive replacements, but these will be needed later.





In the above image MASENNA is rebuilt and is rested with all units and himself confident and ready for battle, except that there is no artillery unit to spare. Once 'shattered', units are more likely to break again, so MASSENA needs to be used with some care.

Rouyer infantry, from NAPOLEON's reserve, is transfered to MASSENA to help complete his re-built corps.

Bruyer cavalry (detached) has just left MUNICH, so I could transfer him to LANNES, who already has two other cavalry units, so I can afford to transfer Colbert from LANNES to MASSENA (the 'view units' panel in the image above shows the re-built corps). MASSENA has no artillery, as I am short after DAVOUT's loss of the III Corps Artillery, but MASSENA will be used in a supporting role.

With units closing up to the front I need a plan.

If DAVOUT reaches PASSAU than the only retreat back to VIENNA for CHARLES is via KLATTAU/BUDWEIS, or fight. DAVOUT was ordered through LANDAU with a view to moving on DEGGENDORF, but has not moved, has the order been lost, will another order confuse things ?

LANDAU seems safe with two detached inf divs in place, MOUTON is getting closer, MASSENA is available to support LANNES, so is now the time to launch DAVOUT, have the Austrian attacks spent their force ?

The Emperor decides that it is time to move to the offensive, supplies are moving forward, the army is nearly concentrated, the Austrians have suffered large casualties in attempting to force the river crossings, especially at STRAUBING, surely now is the time to strike back, before they can recover.

DAVOUT only has three infantry divisions actually with him and the replacement artillery and cavalry have not yet arrived, but he has only to threaten the Austrians supply line and retreat path to make them consider a general retreat to avoid encirclement.

At least that's how it looks sitting in miserable Inn at STRAUBING, the streets clogged with the debris of several failed Austrian attacks, the troops gazing watchfully at the DANUBE bridge and the rain pouring out of the guttering. How could it get much worse. How long should he stay with LEFEBVRE, is the crisis over at STRAUBING and can he move on the the front and the road to VIENNA, the Schoenbrunn Palace is going to be more comfortable than this wretched Inn.

NAPOLEON issues his orders and the messengers splash out onto the flooded roads.


MASSENA to join and support LANNES
LANNES confronting IR and V Austrian Corps towards BRAUNAU
DAVOUT towards PASSAU
MOUTON en-route to LANDAU
St Sulpice at CHAM has not been threatened and could operate into the Austrian rear, towards KLATTAU, or DEGGENDORF

The route along the North bank of the Danube to REGENSBERG is open to the Austrians, unless they can be induced to retire.

Bruyer and Legrand, detached and moving from MUNICH, have no access to supplies and are foraging, so must keep a check on their condition. Several of the units are not in direct supply as they are more than 1 hex from any command.

Engineers ordered to LANDAU

Consider moving LOC to LANDAU, to be nearer the possible battle area, but moving reduces the efficiency.

[Rasputitsa]

April 24 1809 – Weather raining, roads still muddy

Turn Resolution :

Enemy Division forced back at 33,15

…..........................

Sometimes I forget to 'Send Order' and complete the order process, which maybe why some units are not responding.

These last few turns have been fought out in the mud, as the rain is unrelenting

Austrian V, VI, II, IR (elements of 4 corps) 16 units moving BRAUNAU on LANDAU !!!!!! DAVOUT is in danger !

Friant/Hilaire to 29,15 to cover DAVOUT

MOUTON passing LANDSHUT, GUARD cavalry is 2 hexes from LANDAU, NAPOLEON needs to move to LANDAU, as surely STRAUBING is safe.

MOUTON forced march to DEGGENDORF.

LANNES has reached the MUNICH road and Lebrun and Bruyer can be transferred to LANNES. That restores LANNES infantry power and makes up for losing Colbert cavalry.

Risking sending Marulaz across the front of the Austrian advance (forced march) to rejoin DAVOUT.

DAVOUT's supply is taking the same route, hopefully LANNES can slow the Austrians down.

Too late to send NAPOLEON through to DAVOUT, I almost did that last turn and he may have met the Austrians.

NAPOLEON's last turn assessment, 'Austrians appear to be retreating' !! How wrong was that, the Austrians are far from finished and are striking back.

[Rasputitsa]

April 25 1809 – Weather raining, roads still muddy

Turn Resolution :

Enemy Division driven back at 34,14 (DAVOUT pushing onto PASSAU road).

III Corps artillery to join Friant/Hilaire.

LANNES has split Austrian VI/IR from V/II Corps, 16 units from stack numbers possibly 'in the bag', but still an escape route through SCHRAEDING, 7 Austrian left at BRAUNAU.

St Sulpice ordered to 31,10, near DEGGENDORF.

GUARD cavalry well ahead near DEGGENDORF and NAPOLEON decides to leave STRAUBING to attach to MOUTON (GUARD).

Victory points 55/134 (Austrians 1 shattered) Confidence French 3/ Austrian 2.

(100) supply from LOC FREISING to LANDAU, preparation for LOC move to LANDAU.
(100) supply from NURNBURG to LOC FREISING.

VANDAMME (parked) has not taken any more supply, so 'what-if' working OK.

MOUTON (Guard) has become badly strung out on the 'forced march' and leading units have run into 11 units of Austrian I and II R Corps in front of DEGGENDORF. The threat to STRAUBING must be over, if the Austrians are concentrating on DEGGENDORF, but MOUTON has been reduced to 'regular' march and given an objective short of DEGGENDORF, whilst his corps closes up. NAPOLEON will be joining him soon.

There is a huge opportunity opening up to cut-off a large number of Austrian units, but there are also huge dangers to isolated French units.



The Austrians are not retreating, but are moving to entrap DAVOUT who is holding an exposed advanced position, but that was when we were chasing the Austrians. Now the situation has reversed, with large Austrian forces pushing through DEGENDORF and a similar force moving from BRAUNAU towards DAVOUT.

If the Emperor, with MOUTON, can move quickly enough to reach DAVOUT, supported by LEFEBVRE and LANNES can break through to SCHAERDING, supported by MASSENA from LANDSHUT, there will be many Austrian who will could be trapped.

However, the rain keeps falling and the roads are in a bad state for quick manoeuvres.

Look at DEGGENDORF where a French supply convoy (3426 ??) points is headed for NEUMARKT. I don't know what that is, or if it is anything that I have done, but I don't know where it has come from.

[Rasputitsa]

April 26 1809 – Weather raining, roads muddy

Turn Resolution : Messages

Cavalry skirmish at 32,11 DEGGENDORF

Morand, III Corps, captures 76 supplies

Enemy division forced back at 32,11 DEGGENDORF

Battle 12 miles from PASSAU, DAVOUT gets good execution, CHARLES is making frontal assault, DAVOUT has no artillery so chosen to defend. Open country so artillery will be effective, so not selecting 'counter-attack', but decide to 'defend'.

Battle goes 3 rounds, 'defend' was a good choice as DAVOUT matches the battle intensity (2/3/4) of CHARLES' 'frontal assault'. CHARLES' attacking infantry divisions (Vogelsang/Ulm) are routed against DAVOUT's firm defence. Loses - French 5/ Austrian 23

MOUTON's advanced units reached DEGGENDORF, but Austrian II R Corps withdrew, or were driven back over the river to the safety of the North bank. NAPOLEON is with MOUTON and has rejoined his beloved GUARD.

NAPOLEON's replacements up to 5, must keep some back to cover any artillery losses. Engineers to LANDAU (again), what am I doing wrong.

Main Austrian visible concentrations BRAUNAU (7), near LANDAU (15)

CHARLES had attempted to stop DAVOUT from splitting the Austrian forces at PASSAU

MASSENA is joining LANNES for an assault on BRAUNAU

LEFEBVRE can cross the Danube at STRAUBING and operate on the Northern bank, with St Sulpice manoeuvring from CHAM to cover his flank.

I want to move LOC forward, but LANDAU is still in the front-line

An Austrian concentration has closed in behind DAVOUT's corps, but DAVOUT has a retreat path to DEGGENDORF, DAVOUT is weak after unit detachments, but the units with him are still confident although tired, they will need relief very soon. Not sure what happened to DAVOUT's supply convoy, because he now only has (39), did it get intercepted ?

The Austrians mainly managed to slip past DEGGENDORF and out of any trap. MOUTON's units moved quickly at the end, but not quite quickly enough, as the Austrians did not wait to fight the GUARD.

The ease with which the GUARD units were able to push into DEGGENDORF, brushing aside the I and II R Corps units, with merely a skirmish, suggests that these Austrian units are broken and are the debris of the failed attacks on LEFEBVRE at STRAUBING. Two Austrian cavalry divisions are still in DEGGENDORF with Nansouty's IMPERIAL GUARD cuirassiers, Dorsenne elite grenadiers kept up with the cavalry, still fresh and not badly fatigued by the forced march in these conditions, as befitting elite troops and are now just outside DEGGENDORF.

The GUARD will deny the North bank to the enemy.

NAPOLEON has constantly underestimated CHARLES' resolve to attack.

I have placed DAVOUT at risk again, but the army has now closed up into supporting range, despite the weather, although this has imposed some delay.

Orders delay has been a significant factor, GUARD advanced units did not receive the latest orders, that have to pass through corps command, which was way back on the road.

The arrival of the GUARD in DEGGENDORF has opened an escape route for DAVOUT

Marulaz transferred to DAVOUT III Corps

Engineers to blow Danube bridges above LINZ, but which ones DEGGENDORF ?

LEFEBVRE ordered to LANDAU as a Reserve (Defend/Regular) and now has a balanced corps with Montbrun cavalry reattached (Montbrun left for LANDSHUT by himself during an Austrian attack on STRAUBING, but was ordered back in time for CHARLES' last failed assault on the town.

St Sulpice remains detached on the North bank (CHAM to DEGGENDORF) to watch for Austrian flanking movements

Doing some house keeping ensuring that detached units are re-attached to their parent corps after the reorganisation of LANNES and MASSENA and after the chaos of the battles around LANDSHUT, before the advance through BRAUNAU.

DAVOUT is short of supply (35), with his next supply convoy just leaving LOC FREISING, however the GUARD has captured (43) at DEGGENDORF, so DAVOUT is ordered to use DEGGENDORF as a depot and use up the supply, until the regular supply arrives.

I am using 'computer controlled supply', which works quite well, freeing the player to work on higher matters and is realistic for the era, whilst still allowing some human control where necessary, overall a nice historical balance.

The big problem is that DAVOUT's corps has been split

MOUTON (Guard) sent to 'forced march' to assist DAVOUT and hopefully close the trap on the Austrian units (15) that are between the rivers near LANDAU. Gency (NAPOLEON's Reserve) sent to DEGGENDORF to cover the crossing about to be vacated by the GUARD.

From LANDAU (when he gets there) LEFEBVRE can cover the crossing and the centre if the Austrians try to break through.

Situation is not ideal with DAVOUT split and vulnerable, but the best that can be done right now. The Emperor is expecting that the Austrians are damaged after the battles for the crossings and only intent on escaping, but he has been wrong before.



The good news is that the GUARD has eliminated the threat from DEGGENDORF and DAVOUT is in a good state to hold his position, he has a little fatigue, but his units are confident after beating off a frontal assault and routing most of the Austrian units from the field, even though some of his divisions have not yet been able to rejoin.

DAVOUT should be able to hold his position, but can the rest of the army move quickly enough, on these roads, to close a trap on the Austrian units still in danger.

[Rasputitsa]

April 27 1809 – Weather raining, roads muddy

Turn Resolution :

Morand from DAVOUT's III Corps captures supply (74), DAVOUT is exposed, but is obviously sitting on the Austrian supply line

Morand from DAVOUT's III Corps captures another supply (78)

Now Austrian 17 units between the rivers, which DAVOUT is blocking.

I need to get supplies forward and want to make LANDAU the LOC, but it is very close to the front, with Austrian units only two hexes away. Not happy, but order LOC and hospital to LANDAU.

MOUTON (Guard), with NAPOLEON attached, are now 2 hexes from DAVOUT's exposed position, close enough for NAPOLEON to provide a bonus to all fighting units and command any battle here. The GUARD will provide a further bonus if they are involved in battle. So things are improving by the hour and by tomorrow the position should be secure.

A much needed supply convoy (86) is travelling with the Emperor and will save DAVOUT who is now down to (13).

Montbrun is not reattaching to LEFEBVRE, so orders repeated.

III Corps Art, Friant and Hilaire reattached to DAVOUT.

MOUTON has been dropped to 'regular' as they approach a potential battle, so that the GUARD units will arrive better organised.

LANNES has the support of MASSENA and needs to try and break through BRAUNAU to close the trap at SCHAERDING.

[Rasputitsa]

April 28 1809 – Weather clear at last, but roads still muddy

Turn Resolution : Messages

Morand from DAVOUT's III Corps captures supply (97), this is all supply now not reaching the Austrian units near LANDAU.

3 enemy divisions forced back at 30,18

….......

The rain has stopped, but the roads still muddy, is this a sign of more favourable conditions for the march on VIENNA.

NAPOLEON has 7 replacements

Send (100) supply points from NURNBURG to LOC LANDAU.
Send (100) supply points DONAUWORTH to LOC LANDAU.

This is to get the new LOC at LANDAU up and running more quickly.

The three enemy divisions forced back at 30,18 was at BRAUNAU, where the Austrians attempted to cross the river where LANNES and MASSENNA are assembling. The good point is that they were so weak that they could not force a battle and the computer resolved it as skirmish with the Austrians immediately fleeing back across to BRUANAU, which is LANNES' and MASSENA's objective, so there should not be a tough defence of the town (both corps set to'engage'), with LANNES directed on the road to SCHAERDING and MASSENA the road to LAMBACH, after the crossing.

Gency is at DEGGENDORF, as a covering force, St Sulpice sent on towards PASSAU.

LEFEBVRE towards BRAUNAU to cover LANNES and MASSENA.

MOUTON with NAPOLEON to close ring at 35,16, MOUTON has (113) supplies if he becomes cut off.




NAPOLEON with MOUTON and the Guard have reached a position to support DAVOUT, to find that he is not there, he has moved off towards LANDAU to recombine his corps with the units which have been trying to rejoin, but were prevented by Austrian movements. There is a tendency for corps commanders to move towards isolated corps units, it was strong in v3.04, but moderated in v3.05, but still happens. It is best not to try and 'reattach' units until they are close to the parent corps to stop this move towards isolated units.

Stack numbers show that there is still a significant group of enemy units which could be trapped, if the French can move fast enough.

LEFEBVRE is in a central position and can support in either direction.

So far, so good.

[Rasputitsa]

April 29 1809 – Weather rain, roads still muddy

Turn Resolution : Messages

Dorsenne from MOUTON's Guard Corps captures supply (99),

LANNES takes BRAUNAU with (69) supplies

1 enemy division forced back at 33,19

Marulaz forced to retreat at 31,15

Raining again, roads still muddy and CHARLES decides to hold at PASSAU, where MOUTON and NAPOLEON have followed the retreating Austrians. They clash at PASSAU with CHARLES' forces, which have moved down the North bank of the DANUBE and are now trying to hold the crossing open for the Austrian units in danger of encirclement on the South bank. MOUTON is now set to 'engage' and NAPOLEON should have a full selection of battle stance options.

CHARLES has an infantry advantage, but NAPOLEON has the GUARD divisions of elite troops and a large cavalry and artillery advantage. The Emperor decides on a 'frontal assault' as his initial thoughts of an 'escalating assault' may have allowed the Austrians to escape during the low intensity early battle rounds, but it is in a town

In the battle for PASSAU, MOUTON under NAPOLEON's command gets 'excellent execution'.

Under CHARLES :

BELLEGARDE has Implementation failure
ROSENBURG has Implementation failure
HILLER has slight command failure

CHARLES has decided to 'defend in depth', which turns out to be a serious mistake, as a 'withdrawal' may have allowed some of his units to escape, but a 'defence in depth' suffered the full force of the GUARD, fighting in front of their Emperor. The result is a devastating defeat for CHARLES ( 33 losses out of 39) and very light losses for the GUARD (1).

Dorsenne and Lauriston 'marched to the guns' and arrived in Round 2, as did Fresnel for the Austrians, only to be routed off the field with the other Austrian units. All French corps set to 'march to the gun's.

Victory screen shows the result of the EMPEROR's wrath after so many days of terrible weather and the frustration of being forced onto the defensive. NAPOLEON will show no mercy.

CHARLES was using parts of three corps, are they so disorganised by earlier defeats ?

If the French can get to SCHAERDING, very few Austrians will escape. 20 units (visible) are in danger if SCHAERDING falls to the NAPOLEON.

DAVOUT has regained contact with all his units and is no longer split. He now has a full strength corps with artillery transferred from II Corps, which has been given a replacement point to add to its strength. Because I have lost an artillery unit, I will use replacements to keep the available artillery units up to strength. DAVOUT is now well supplied (179)

Decision on the River Inn ! Can these Austrian units be destroyed and the EMPEROR move on to VIENNA, but there are another (16) Austrian units visible North of PASSAU.

Engineers at DEGGENDORF available to blow bridge if required, but I don't think that it will be necessary now, as CHARLES had to fight at PASSAU with units from three different corps.

LEFEBVRE has the Austrians near LANDAU blocked from the West. Repositioned Engineers to right side of river at DEGGENDORF, if they do blow the bridge they don't want to be left on the wrong side !

LANNES and MASSENNA easily pushed over the river INN at BRAUNAU, against weak opposition and I had intended that MASSENA should head for LAMBACH, to seize the river crossing there and make sure of the Austrian entrapment, whilst LANNES turned towards SCHAERDING to close the inner ring. However, MASSENA was set to 'engage' so chose to follow the retreating Austrians with LANNES. I had suspected that it would be an easy crossing, so should have left LANNES at 'engage', whilst MASSENA at 'defend' would have followed orders and headed for LAMBACH.

Choice of orders can be very important and needs some thought, before committing to action.

[Rasputitsa]

April 30 1809 – weather Clear, roads muddy

Turn Resolution : Messages

Cavalry overrun at 36,17

Battle at PASSAU chose 'feint attack', got 'withdrawal', because MOUTON's contact stance is set at 'engage'
Only went to one Round, but Dorsenne Guard infantry is routed and Curial arrived just in time for the French. Losses French 4/Austrian 2. All 4 French casualties are wounded and so may be able to return to their units, moving the Hospital forward to LANDAU might help, reducing the travel time, but there will inevitably be a delay in restoring the Guard units.

CHARLES is not finished, the Battle of PASSAU unexpectedly goes into a second day, NAPOLEON was not expecting a second battle after the huge losses suffered by CHARLES the day before.

CHARLES using IV Corps, better organised, but no cavalry, NAPOLEON has a cavalry advantage, but less artillery.

CHARLES' defence has stopped MOUTON closing the trap and the Austrians are beginning to escape to the East.

Clever strategy from the AI, pinned NAPOLEON defensively, but didn't risk casualties in major battle.

[Rasputitsa]

Here is the overall view of 30th April turn :





The cavalry overrun at 36,17 seems to be d'Espange of LANNES corps, but I don't know what was overrun, LANNES cavalry seems intact.


The second day of battle at PASSAU wasn't a big event, losses were small, but an Imperial Guard division was routed and NAPOLEON's next moves will be blunted, while he restores his GUARD corps, just when quick action was required. CHARLES had an advantage in artillery and a more aggressive battle stance by NAPOLEON could have caused more GUARD casualties. It might have caused many more loses to throw the GUARD against cannon and NAPOLEON's cavalry advantage could not swing the balance. The GUARD is too precious to throw away needlessly, which highlights the replacement of elite troops and how easy, or not, that should be.

NAPOLEON has consistently misjudged CHARLES' will to fight, expecting that the Austrians were retreating, which is the case on most of the battlefield, but not at PASSAU. Three turns back the Austrian forces on the North bank of the DANUBE were thought to be of 'little threat', retreating after the unsuccessful attempts to take STRAUBING and easily trounced by the GUARD at DEGGENDORF, how wrong was that ?

The 'engage' contact stance has drawn MOUTON over the Danube from PASSAU, into a confrontation with several Austrian units, from which it may be difficult to withdraw. Must use the 'engage' stance with more care, as it has caused unexpected situations to develop. MOUTON (GUARD) himself now has high stress and gone to 'fallback' on his own initiative.

DAVOUT has moved West in consolidating the previously split components of his corps, this has allowed the Austrians to close in behind NAPOLEON in PASSAU. NAPOLEON, with MOUTON (Guard), are now in a difficult position, surrounded at PASSAU, so some concerted action by DAVOUT and NAPOLEON will be needed to restore the situation. Do micro chips have feelings, DAVOUT has been through a bad time with poor orders, but is he now getting his own back ? [X(]

From stack numbers, 10 units of Austrian II and V Corps are out of the encirclement, whilst 14 more might still be caught if LANNES can close the gap, with d'Espagne cavalry leading the charge.

NAPOLEON/MOUTON have to hold out in PASSAU the keep the two halves of the Austrian army split and prevent escape over the DANUBE, but the rest of the French army needs to close in and finish the entrapment quickly, otherwise the Emperor may be going to the Schönbrunn Palace, not in triumph, but in chains !

So the trap has not closed yet, the rain continues to fall, the roads are awash and anything could happen, time to take a breath and rethink strategy, what a game.

The what-if house rule of 'parking' some French corps (VANDAMME and BERNADOTTE) has certainly delivered a more challenging game, but the AI has been no slouch, credit where credit is due. [8D]

[Rasputitsa]

I had intended to take a break, watching progress on v3.06, but this happened next turn :

1st May 1809 - Weather raining, roads muddy

Turn Resolution : Messages

d'Espagne (cavalry) at 37,17 dislodged and forced to retreat.
Bruyer (cavalry) a at 37,17 dislodged and forced to retreat.
St Sulpice (cavalry) at 36,12 dislodged and forced to retreat.

Not a good day for the French cavalry, as the Austrian defence toughens up, fighting off attempts to entrap them.

Look at the map insert (Previous Turn) in the image below, with NAPOLEON sitting in PASSAU and MOUTON, Guard Corps, one hex North. The plan was to retire MOUTON into PASSAU to rejoin NAPOLEON (who is attached) and 'defend' the town and river crossing.

St Sulpice (cavalry) has been on a detached mission and has reached this area from CHAM and is transferred to MOUTON, but many Austrian units are now revealed both North and South of the river DANUBE.

The plan is to withdraw into PASSAU and hold the town, to keep the two halves of the Austrian army split, until the rest of the French army can concentrate against them. Risky, but we have the NAPOLEON bonus, Guard elite troops and 194 captured supply points in PASSAU.

Good plan, MOUTON didn't think so, because as turn resolution worked through, I watched as he set himself to 'withdraw' and retreated in the opposite direction onto the DEGGENDORF road to join St Sulpice, who had been reported to have been dislodged. I watched in horror as NAPOLEON was left entirely alone in PASSAU, surrounded, as more and more Austrian units appeared on both banks of the DANUBE.

Aghast, I watched as the Austrians closed in, until NAPOLEON burst out of PASSAU, with his bedraggled staff following, and hurried up the road, on the South bank, to DEGGENDORF, over the bridge at DEGGENDORF, held by Gency, and down the opposite bank to join MOUTON (see big image).






The plan is in ruins and maybe rightly so, because if I had achieved what was planned, NAPOLEON would have been bottled up in PASSAU and all messages may have stopped, command and control wrecked.

The Austrians now have several retreat paths open and I failed to block both hexes marked HOLD in the insert, which was supposed to trap many of the Austrian units. The leading cavalry units of d'Espagne and Bruyer, from LANNES corps, were blocked so the Austrians are far from finished just yet.

All of this shows the importance of constantly monitoring the orders issued to each corps commander and detached unit. MOUTON had 'engage' orders, which worked well in the first battle of PASSAU, inflicting huge losses on the enemy, but then on the second day 'engage' carried him into a further, less successful battle, and away from PASSAU. This all raised his stress level and caused MOUTON to ignore the Imperial instruction and he took the safer option to 'withdraw', leaving NAPOLEON alone and dangerously exposed.

The Austrians are not beaten and are capable of fighting back, to hold their positions and allow trapped units to escape.

Meanwhile an enormous convoy of well over 3000 supplies is heading for NEUMARKT and now near REGENSBERG, is this the content of the Austrian LOC. It should not be, as the Austrian LOC was at PASSAU and this was not captured until several turns after the convoy was first seen. If it is the Austrian LOC, then the AI needs some help to make sure that the LOC is not captured too easily, perhaps with an automatic burn/rescue/capture routine, so that the AI retains some supply, the player is rewarded by capturing some and the rest is burnt. Either way, there should not be a convoy of this size wandering around the countryside.

Overall very pleased, learnt a lot, make sure orders are appropriate and up-to-date, keep checking what the corps commanders are doing, because they will take their own decisions when under pressure, but it is good to see that they are not acting as automatons and have a realistic response to situations. It is the army commanders' job to anticipate these situations and take action before the plan unravels.

[Rasputitsa]

Bump!

[Rasputitsa]

Well v3.06 has not arrived yet, so I might as well continue with this AAR in v3.05 (with house rules).

Finishing off turn 1st May 1809 :

The plan had been to seize PASSAU and split the Austrian forces that were North and South of the river DANUBE, but the plan had unintended consequences.

DAVOUT's III Corps was still dispersed and he did not move on PASSAU as fast expected and despite his high attributes, he had earlier been unable to concentrate and move all his units as required.

NAPOLEON was expecting to be chasing a fleeing enemy and trying to stop their escape, but as the FOW cleared it revealed that far from retreating, the Austrians were massing on PASSAU from both sides of the river.

DAVOUT encountered LOUIS in a battle 12 miles short of PASSAU and counter-attacked, but DAVOUT has not yet received the replacement artillery unit and, despite having a large advantage in infantry, only achieved a limited victory, with losses about even. LOUIS' artillery had the advantage of the open terrain (artillery effect +20%) to hold off the French attack, but the most significant effect is that the Austrian units of Reuss-Plauen and Schustekh were routed and, although not destroyed, will be of limited use and vulnerable to further combat.





So at least DAVOUT is moving towards PASSAU with half of the infantry units of his reconstructed III Corps, to have come into contact with LOUIS, but his newly attached cavalry, artillery and the rest of his infantry units have not yet closed up. DAVOUT himself is holding back, whilst the trailing units catch up, their arrival being delayed as Austrian units had blocked their route, but these have now retreated.

Attempts by the leading French cavalry units had been forced back from closing the trap, as indicated by the messages shown at the beginning of the turn.

MOUTON has pulled back toward DEGGENDORF in the face of the large number of Austrian units discovered on the North bank of the DANUBE and, much as he wished to stay with his beloved Guard, NAPOLEON decides to reattach to DAVOUT, on the South bank, PASSAU is the key objective, as whichever army holds PASSAU can split the other side and currently it is the French army which is split, leaving MOUTON and the Guard alone on the North bank.

DAVOUT's objective is PASSAU, set to 'defend', with 'regular' march. 'Defend' to avoid being drawn into battle again too soon and given 'regular' march to allow following units to catch up.

LANNES, has all units confident and ordered to continue pushing through SCHAERDING towards the objective of PASSAU, to hopefully entrap 13 Austrian units (hex stack count) North of the river INN.

MASSENA, is to support LANNES towards SCHAERDING, as LANNES with be confronting a major part of the Austrian army attempting to retreat through SCHAERDING and PASSAU, or maybe the AI is not finished yet and intends attack through PASSAU, either way the original plan to send MASSENA to LAMBACH and LINZ is too risky, as the Austrian army is concentrated and the French are only now beginning to join up, due to the constant rain and muddy roads. Now is not the time to send MASSENA off to the EAST, although it is tempting to capture river crossings deep in the Austrian rear and make some progress toward VIENNA.

All MASSENA's units are confident, but he has no artillery, which wasn't too important in the advance towards LAMBACH and LINZ, where cavalry is key, but now he will support LANNES as best he can without the guns.

DEGGENDORF. I would like to send supplies to DEGGENDORF for MOUTON's operations on the North bank, but the new LOC LANDAU only has 163 points assembled so far, so sent 100 supply pnts from AUGSBURG to LANDAU, to speed up the building of the depot.

I could give replacements to Dorsenne Guard infantry, with MOUTON, as even though he is 6 hexes from the LOC the replacement button is 'live'. I am considering another house rule about replacements for elite troops, as Guard quality replacements should not easily be available.

I have to remember to check the stacks, because a lot of Austrian units are in the same stacks as French units and shuffling the stacks is the only way to get the full situation. Just discovered the Morand counter is masking possibly 4 Austrian units, which will make DAVOUT's task harder.

Leaving the Engineers at DEGGENDORF in case MOUTON is driven back and the bridge could be then blown, to protect the French rear areas.

I had completely misjudged the situation, as although the AI Austrians have been retreating, it is not in disorder and is quite capable of striking back. The 3400+ captured supply is worrying, because if this is the Austrian LOC supply it will be a game killer.

[Rasputitsa]

May 2nd, turn resolution

DAVOUT still wandering around trying to collect separated parts of his III Corps.

Message – Enemy division forced back at 34,14, message panel hides that area
Message – Enemy division forced back at 34,14
Pitched battle at 35,12
Bruyer dislodged and forced to retreat 37,17

Weather is clear, roads are muddy (again)

NAPOLEON has 3 replacements available, which I am holding back for emergencies, especially artillery losses, as I am particularly short of artillery.

The computer controlled supply system has delivered the wandering 3400 supply points to NURNBURG, which I suspect are the captured contents of the Austrian LOC and I will order them to be burnt, which the AI should have been set to do, rather than have them all captured.

The AI may need help to safeguard its LOC, by being given a get-out-of-jail-free card to recover, move, or burn an LOC supply if it is captured, as the AI may have difficulty in anticipating the danger and be able acting in time, as a human player might do.

CHARLES launched a frontal assault on MOUTON with a big superiority in infantry and artillery, whereas MOUTON had a big superiority in cavalry. However, horses cannot fight guns and the smart move might have been to withdraw, as the cavalry would have assured a good withdrawal, but fearing that the CHARLES is heading for DEGGENDORF, I decided to defend.

Despite NAPOLEON having left him, MOUTON beat off CHARLES to win a victory, but suffered some loss (French 10/Austrian 25) to these valuable elite Imperial Guard troops, with many of the Austrian units routed off the field.

A stack check shows that at least 5 Austrian units are still on the battle field. I know from the battle report that most of these Austrian units are routed and so I do not expect CHARLES to renew the attack, which I hope is the case, as MOUTON's fatigue and stress is high and another attack could be very damaging to a valuable corps. Most of MOUTON's casualties are wounded and so they should be able to return to their units, which is good if I am not using elite replacements, but recovery may not be soon.

MOUTON's Guard Corps has 12 points of wounded, so I will check each turn to see how many return.





Meanwhile:

LANNES has made no progress
MASSENA is closing with LANNES
DAVOUT is finally concentrated, with NAPOLEON attached, but completely out of position !!
LEFEBVRE is closing with DAVOUT

After the initial battles and failure to break through in invading Bavaria at STRAUBING and LANDSHUT, the Austrian AI retreated to the area around PASSAU and SCHAERDING, but was not beaten and is fighting back, with the possibility to threaten DEGGENDORF from two directions, although I hope that MOUTON's defence has stopped CHARLES on the North bank.

I thought that I was going to split the AI's forces at PASSAU, but now the AI is doing a good job of splitting my forces and the LOC at LANDAU could be under threat if the AI continues to advance, I just have to get my forces in the centre (DAVOUT) moving.

DAVOUT has moved towards the separated units of his corps, rather that staying on the objective and waiting for them to come to him. This was a problem with v3.04 which I thought had been solved in v3.05, which generally seemed to be the case, except for DAVOUT.

The solution is not to transfer, or reattach, separated units until they have been moved under their own independent orders closer to the intended receiving corps.

I think the units that DAVOUT has left on the DEGGENDORF road (Morand stack) should be able to stop the Austrians that are with them in the same hex, although the divisions of Morand and Gudin are brittle, the infantry brigade of Demont and the cavalry of Marulaz are both confident. It will depend on how much the Austrians (Neustadt infantry and artillery Austrian I Reserve Corps) are hurting and this is hidden in FOW.

So it's not just seeing how units are placed on the map, it is also their quality, fatigue, morale and supply which counts, as a large group of units in poor condition will break, when a few good units in good condition can hold.

A lot of supply moving around the map, some computer controlled, some initiated by me, sending 100 points (house rule limit for one convoy) to DEGGENDORF, in case I have to blow the bridge, at least MOUTON will have some supply available on the North bank.

This has been a slugging match in the mud, which has been continuous and on those days that it actually rained, it also reduced the effectiveness of firearms.

The Austrians are retreating into their own territory, but the French are advancing into enemy territory and I have to be more cautious, so the Austrians have probably moved more quickly.

I thought we were moving into a pursuit phase, but that was an error, as the AI has a lot of fight left and has struck back on both sides of the Danube against DAVOUT and MOUTON.

It looks like I picked up the Austrian LOC, which was at PASSAU (had a peek at the Austrian side of a game save), but that happened before PASSAU was captured, so maybe it was intercepted as the AI attempted to evacuate the supply, which ran into my advancing units, although there was no message about a supply capture of this size.

MOUTON ordered (withdraw/regular march) to 33,11 just outside DEGGENDORF, St. Sulpice has set own retreat back towards the LOC at LANDAU, so re-attached to MOUTON, but not sure if that will work. MOUTON, now alone, is faced by many Austrian units on the North bank of the DANUBE and will not be secure until PASSAU is re-taken and the army can unite.

MOUTON has fatigue and stress, whilst some of his units are in poor shape (wavering and shattered).

LANNES ordered to continue the move on PASSAU with an 'engage' stance to encourage him forward to close the escape route of the Austrian units on his front, but he is low on supply (21), although all his units are confident. LANNES had been drawing supply from the depot at BRAUNAU, which is now empty, ordered more supply (100 – house rule limit) to BRAUNAU.

MASSENA has more supply (91) and has the objective of SCHAERDING, he is supposed to be supporting LANNES, but may have to take over the advance. Ordered 'engage/regular'.

DAVOUT also has the objective of PASSAU and ordered 'engage/regular' (he had dropped to cautious by himself) and has NAPOLEON attached to get him moving.

LEFEBVRE has 'defend/regular' orders to follow up DAVOUT to the crossroads at 35,16, from where he could continue to follow DAVOUT, or move to support LANNES/MASSENA.

The Engineers are still at DEGGENDORF, watched by Gency, ready to blow the bridge if things go badly on the North bank

BERNADOTTE should arrive next turn, but will not be used (what-if house rule – Prussians join Coalition).

Are the Austrians retreating, or manoeuvring to fight back ?

So with some trepidation, hit next turn.

[Rasputitsa]

3rd May 1809

Turn Resolution – Weather is clear, roads are muddy

Messages :

Cavalry skirmish 34,11
Enemy Division forced back at 34,11

Two battles !





NAPOLEON and CHARLES meet outside SCHAERDING.

NAPOLEON has a cavalry advantage, but CHARLES has a big artillery advantage, whilst the French Bruyer cavalry is expected to arrive in round 2.

Infantry numbers are about equal and the French are all 'fresh' and 'confident', but what state are the Austrian troops, FOW does not reveal this. What to do, it is a risk to attack against such an artillery advantage, as the French artillery is back down the road, or lost in in earlier skirmishes. However, the Austrians are slipping away and NAPOLEON cannot let them get away unscathed, so decides to attack.

A 'frontal assault' is risky, but a 'quick assault' is even riskier and an 'escalating assault' starts slowly and the Austrian might get away. That is of course if they intend to get away, what if they are attacking, then a 'feint attack' would be safer. All of these possible options are predicated on the earlier movement stance orders to 'engage', a purely defensive battle is not an option with an 'engage' advance.

NAPOLEON decides on an 'escalating assault'. Later, notice that the battle is in the town of SCHAERDING and in a town artillery effect is 0%, negating the Austrian advantage in guns.

LANNES shows excellent execution, backed up by NAPOLEON himself, for the Austrians, LOUIS has 'implementation failure' and HILLER has 'total command failure'.

NAPOLEON begins to feel more confident as he sends orders to 'Begin Battle'.

The battle is a French victory (losses 4/15) with first Lindenau, Nordmann, then Brady, Treunfels routed off the field, whilst the Austrian V Corps artillery arrives late and has no effect.

NAPOLEON ruefully considers that a 'frontal assault' may have done more damage, if only he had considered the effect of the town battle, but the initial battle information panel obscures the map and the battle hex cannot be seen, the info panels only shows where the battle is after the battle option has been chosen.

See next post for the Battle Screen

[Rasputitsa]

3rd May Contd.

The result of NAPOLEON's battle with CHARLES near SCHAERDING :







CHARLES has '11 Arty', but the town terrain artillery effect is 0%. NAPOLEON has cavalry superiority. In open terrain those Austrian guns might have been decisive, NAPOLEON was fond of lucky generals and he was lucky today.

[Rasputitsa]

3rd May 1809

Turn Resolution – Weather is clear, roads are muddy

Messages :

Cavalry skirmish 34,11
Enemy Division forced back at 34,11

Two battles !

NAPOLEON with CHARLES near SCHAERDING
Morand alone in PASSAU





NAPOLEON and CHARLES meet outside SCHAERDING.

NAPOLEON has a cavalry advantage, but CHARLES has a big artillery advantage, whilst the French Bruyer cavalry is expected to arrive in round 2.

Infantry numbers are about equal and the French are all 'fresh' and 'confident', but what state are the Austrian troops, FOW does not reveal this. What to do, it is a risk to attack against such an artillery advantage, as the French artillery is back down the road, or lost in in earlier skirmishes. However, the Austrians are slipping away and NAPOLEON cannot let them get away unscathed, so decides to attack.

A 'frontal assault' is risky, but a 'quick assault' is even riskier and an 'escalating assault' starts slowly and the Austrian might get away. That is of course if they intend to get away, what if they are attacking, then a 'feint attack' would be safer. All of these options are fixed by the earlier movement stance orders to 'engage', a defensive battle is not an option.

NAPOLEON decides on an 'escalating assault'.
Had not noticed at first, but the battle is in the town of SCHAERDING and in a town artillery effect is 0%

LANNES shows excellent execution, backed up by NAPOLEON himself, for the Austrians, LOUIS has 'implementation failure' and HILLER has 'total command failure'.

NAPOLEON begins to feel more confident as he sends orders to 'Begin Battle'.

The battle is a French victory (losses 4/15) with first Lindenau, Nordmann, then Brady, Treunfels routed off the field, whilst the Austrian V Corps artillery arrives late and has no effect.

NAPOLEON ruefully considers that a 'frontal assault' may have done more damage, if only he had considered the effect of the town battle, but the initial battle information panel obscures the map and the battle hex cannot be seen, the info panels only shows where the battle is after the battle option has been chosen.

See next post for the Battle Screen

[Rasputitsa]

Battle of SCHAERDING 3rd May 1809:





Although this battle screen shows where the battle is taking place, the earlier screen where battle strategy has to be chosen does not indicate where the battle is, except for a hex number which you cannot see as it is hidden by the battle screen, so you cannot judge the terrain effects in you decision.

[Rasputitsa]

Here is the opening battle screen for NAPOLEON's battle with CHARLES, where the player must choose the battle strategy, but there is only a note of the battle hex, not the actual site information, or terrain detail, which might affect your strategy decision.

[Rasputitsa]

Meanwhile Morand infantry from III Corps has reached PASSAU ahead of the other French units and faces a battle with Austrian forces pouring into the town led by HOHENZOLLERN, who has all the advantages of more infantry with cavalry and artillery available. Again the battle is in a town and the Austrian artillery should be neutralised, but Morand's men are already brittle after previous combat to reach the town and all they have is NAPLOEON nearby to provide a bonus influence. Morand has reached the town with 'engage' orders given to III Corps, but it doesn't look like the rest of III Corps will get there in time. It seems that the safest action is to 'probe' and hope for a low intensity battle, but if the Austrians are in attacking mood it will turn ugly.





Morand is facing element of three Austrian corps, but luckily the Austrians have chosen 'defence in depth', whilst HOHENZOLLERN (Corps) has communication difficulties, LOUIS ( Corps) suffers from slight 'command failure' and LIECHTENSTEIN 'fails to execute a plan'. FOW works both ways and the Austrians are unsure of French numbers and intentions, choosing a safe defensive option, Morand may just survive this day.

Morand fights valiantly routing one of the Austrian units, but more Austrian units (Hessen-Homburg and Neustadt) arrive in round 2 and Morand is overwhelmed and routed off the field.

The battle went through 3 rounds, but stayed at low intensity so Morand is 'shattered' and down to less than half strength, but survives, it might have been worse.

After turn resolution, it is revealed that MASSENA has taken SCHAERDING (ownership has changed, although there are still Austrian units in the town) and Morand is still in PASSAU, but hex stack numbers show that he has up to 8 Austrian units for company and PASSAU is still under Austrian ownership.

The Austrians have escaped from the area between the rivers Roth and Vils, but haven't got much further than SCHAERDING where they are pressed by DAVOUT, LANNES, MASSENA and LEFEBVRE now concentrated with NAPOLEON with all corps having good supply.

MOUTON, near DEGGENDORF, has not been harassed by the Austrians, there is only the infantry division and the cavalry division of Vukassovic (Austrian III Corps) covering his position, whilst he and his units are recovering their composure.

Both armies are now mainly concentrated and now close to each other, for a final showdown.