Campaign Eckmuhl 1809

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.



Screen 10.

8.00am. IX Corps Sector.

The weather has improved considerably. The Polish troops of Girard's Division make last minute checks on their weapons. They can now clearly see that Russian guns are being brought forward with some support infantry. A French battery of guns placed on the Studienka height test their range with an opening cannonade. The Polish infantry listen intently as the booming behind them is replaced by a high pitched whistle and then a group of muffled explosions. A couple of balls had found their mark amidst the enemy.




Screen 11.

8.00am. II Corps Sector.

Russians moving along the Lyachovka road are suddenly targeted by French artillery crews who take good advantage of the sudden lift in visibility. A regiment of cossacks and formed infantry scatter as shells begin to blast into them. Another enemy formation marching up the Brill road further north, made up of cavalry and infantry, meet the same punishment, but are lucky enough to be at a further distance.
The brief cannonade is noted by Napoleon, who is riding slowly from his headquarters to Brill.



Screen 12.

Victor's IX Corps.



Screen 13.



Victor's IX Corps. (2)

 

[Marshal Lannes]

Slight adjustment...........Dammmmmiiiiiit !

View attachment 50729

Lower case von Low.....

View attachment 50730

Top left hand corner border blacked out.............

View attachment 50750

s - in word against.........

View attachment 50833

this,...the correct one............

 

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.



Screen 14.

8.15am. II Corps Sector.

Continuous build up of enemy forces along the main roads. The Horse artillery batteries covering the Lyachovka road have proved exemplary in their performance, as they have destroyed 3 Russian guns with ease and have blasted an enemy formation to cowering , prone figures in the heavy snow, amongst the trees, to the left of the road. A Russian battery has responded with deadly accuracy.




Screen 15.

8.15am. IX Corps Sector.

The Polish infantry company left isolated in the wood, has quickly run back, after only downing 2 enemy horsemen. They were met with a volley from Russian infantry to their front and suffered one dead and one wounded from a total of only 54 men. Marshal Victor rides up to the edge of the German Berg brigade to observe the Russian positioning and find out what Girard's guns are firing at...........

( Ooops ! Forgot to Mod the dead figures thingy - done it now.....I have not modded the 3D unit symbols because the originals look barer and better reflect the puny size of battalions and regiments ).........

 

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.


Screen 16.

8.30am. II Corps Sector.

French guns continue to play havoc against Russian troops, who seem to be led by inneffectual mid-rank officers, who were not worthy of selecting for the main armies in the centre and northern theatre of operations. Their only response is to move into the trees and behind higher ground. Another Russian gun is obliterated on the Brill road. The Enemy are spreading their forces along a wider frontage.



Screen 17.

8.30am. IX Corps Sector.

On the far left of Marshal Victor's defensive line, guarded by a lone Saxon regiment; a large body of Cossacks has made an unwelcome appearance. No doubt looking for easy prey on this flank. They have forced the Saxon regiment to turn and face them, but look unwilling to progress further. This incursion is spotted early by Brig. General Fournier, who has 350 Baden and Hessian troopers available to him. He quickly decides to run them off. The charge is handled well, but achieves little gain for a slightly greater loss. The Cossacks remain steadfast......

A Saxon skirmisher detachment has been forced to rout back in disarray, after having been assaulted in woods by a Russian, regular cavalry unit. The loss of only one combatant on each side is testimony to the deepness of the snow drifts in this area. The enemy are deploying gun batteries further south; a presage to a main assault.



Screen 18.

Studienka House..............

 

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.


Screen 19.

8.45am. IX Corps Sector.

Brig.Gen Fournier's cavalry attack has proved belatedly effective ( Inset ). :horse:........ Two cossack regiments break and gallop away to the north-west. The remaining group retreat to the south-east. Fournier allows his German horsemen to rest their blown horses.

The Polish infantry of Ouvillier's 1st Brigade are coming under fire from enemy skirmishers, and are also being targetted by deployed Russian guns. Russian infantry begin to show themselves in force as they move up.




Screen 20.

8.45am. II Corps Sector.

Another 3 Russian guns have been destroyed, as well as a good number of infantry. The French gun batteries show their superiority to dominate the field here for the moment. The enemy are kept in a state of disarray.......



Screen 21.

Victory Point Dialog. 9.00am.



One d in and.........

 

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.



Berezina Operational Map.............

Screen 22.



Screen 23.

9.00am. IX Corps Sector.

Russian guns pound the Polish infantry line as their infantry slowly advance across the unspolt canvas of fresh snow. The build up of enemy force continues along Victor's front. The Russians come out of woods and low-lying ground to present a formidable array of arms. Brig.Gen Girard watches the steely nerve of his Polish troops; knowing full well , that they will not flinch against their age old enemy.
The Berg brigade skirmishers are already being blasted by shrapnel from a newly arrived Russian battery, covering the advance of infantry columns. Marshal Victor sends a message to Napoleon informing him that the Russians are mounting a major assault on the Studienka plateau with 8-10,000 men, and would request some support.........




Screen 24.

9.00am. II Corps Sector.

French guns have worked magnificently to disrupt enemy attacks. The enemy have mostly sought cover to regroup while some of their artillery continue the battle alone.

 

[Marshal Lannes]

Life a bit hectic and problematic at the moment..................Intermezzo...........:OHNO :

 

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.




Screen 25.

9.15am IX Corps Sector.

Duchy of Berg artillery relentlessly pound the enemy lines moving forward against the left side of Ouvillier's 1st Brigade. Russian guns add their own support to their attack. Men on both sides start to drop as cold hands discharge and reload muskets with haste. A newly arrived battery of enemy guns opposite the Studienka plateau show their experience by sending rounds of shell amongst Berg infantry with total accuracy.





Screen 26.

9.15am II Corps Sector.

Russian guns have finally claimed their firrt French gun. Some would say it was luck and not accuracy. A desperate fire-fight has begun in a wood south of the Lyachovka road. Russian cavalry trying to find the flank of the French defensive line walk straight into musket fire and cannon strikes which punish their misguided air of nonchalance.

 

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.



Screen 27.

9.30am IX Corps Sector.

The Polish infantry line has been breached. Two nominal strength battalions have fled to the rear. They were assailed by 4-500 Russian militia and overwhelmed by sheer number. General Girard rides quickly to steady the nerves of the 7th regiment sister battalion. He directs an aide to ride to General Fournier with a direct order to bring his German horsemen to bear against the Russian miltia who are regrouping. The Saxon regiment with Fournier is already moving back to shorten the line and protect the Bergese gun battery, behind it.
( A couple of Polish skirmishers have also routed in the previous turn - not neceassary to put that in.....



Screen 28.

9.30am II Corps Sector.

The artillery duel continues in the II Corps sector. The enemy have moved up more troops to the North-east ( Off-Map ), so are preparing something.




Screen 29.

Napoleon receives Victor's request and crumples the paper into his jacket pocket..................

 

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.



Screen 30.

View attachment 51165

Screen 31.

9.45am. IX Corps Sector.

Brig Gen. Fournier has moved his German horsemen directly behind the Berg battery of guns. Sabres are drawn to waist side. The smoke from the Berg battery has hidden him from sight of his intended target who are engaged with a Polish battalion to their front. Colonel Laroche points out a formation of Russian cavalry who are moving towards the breach in the line. His troopers will have their work cut out for them. Bugles are blown as the horses begin to trot forward in the snow; their nostrils flaming small clouds of warm exhalation as they jerk their heads to try and loosen their mouth bits from the tight , frozen handed grip of their riders. Fournier is unaware of enemy cavalry to the north-east, who have ridden over a detachment of saxon skirmishers with ruthless abandon.

The Baden brigade before the village of Studienka are starting to engage ever increasing Russian numbers, so making Victor's entire line of defence to be pinned. Napoleon watches what can be seen and is anxious at the enemy movement towards the village. He asks for Ney's presence , immediately........



Screen 32.



Screen 33.

9.45am. II Corps Sector.

The left flank of Oudinot's Corps is under assault, as the Russians probe for weakness. The loss of 2 French cannon is worrying as Russian batteries become more numerous and effective. The fighting in the woods , south of the Lyachovka road continues with stubborn ferocity by both sides. One French battalion has been forced back,as the defenders show little lack of spirit.

 

[Old Dog]

Excellent...as usual, Marshal

 

[Marshal Lannes]

Hey Old Dog !....... How's it going ? .......Have you mastered the Chancellorsville Campaign yet ?...... From what I remember, the A.I. likes to mass the Union side about the Perry House ,and then walk out into the open into rebel artillery fire like Lemmings to the slaughter.

Got a refurbished Windows XP Tower Unit just to play these games.......amazingly cheap. Got used to Windows 7 too. I am never going to waste valuable time fixing problems with a corrupted computer system.............ever again - never realised that refurbished stuff is so cheap....good to know....

Unable to do a lot game-play at the moment because of personal issues......Hope the weather is Ok for you in New England;..............it's surprisingly warm and sunny for the time of year in Old England..........which is great, an elongated summer......................

Whoopee ! - I have been promoted to Commando........

 

[Marshal Lannes]

To celebrate my Commando status- time for a laugh - anybody that does not find this funny suffers from depression - it cracks me up every time..........:laugh::laugh:

[video]https://youtu.be/-AMgagxCvZQ[/video]

 

[Old Dog]

Hiya Marshal !
I'm glad to report that I'm still able 'to sit up and take nourishment'. ; - )
I hadn't looked at Chancellorsville yet. I'll have to give it a look.
Glad to hear that you're having pleasant weather. We've had an extended spell of really nice weather here too. We could use some rain, I think.
Got a Civil War book recommendation for you: "The 20th Maine" by John Pullen. If you haven't read it yet. I think I've worn out two copies. ; - )
Take care and be well !

 

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.



Screen 34.



Screen 35.

10.00am IX Corps Sector.

Fournier's mass of horsemen, numbering 320 troopers move forward until they are 80 metres from their opponents. They are picked at by Russian skirmishers, who only unhorse 3 riders. Fournier raises his sword arm and points forward, as all swords of the lead Baden hussar regiment follow suit. The horses are spurred into full gallop and rush seamlessly into the enemy infantry formation. :horse: The Russian militiamen surprisingly only break their ranks on their left side, leaving a solid mass on the right and small huddled groups on the left, desperately pointing their musket blades to ward off the heavy blows of the cavalrymen's sabres.

The fighting is bloody and for the most part, inconclusive for the first 2 minutes; that is until the arrival of the second regiment of Hessians under Colonel Laroche, who hack their way into the more formidable Russian mass on the right side. The Russians hold for only another 3 minutes and then withdraw 80 metres to the rear.

Brig.Gen. Fournier is unable to continue the assault due to the presence of nearby Russian cavalry; the bugles are sounded to reform. Routed Polish battalions have been given valuable time to reform and are returning to the fight.

Marshal Victor has ordered the Berg Horse artillery battery to move further south to the Studienka plateau. Prinz Wilhelm's 2nd Baden Brigade are starting to receive shell blasts from Russian guns while watching nervously at the numbers approaching them.



Screen 36.



Screen 37.

10.00am II Corps Sector.

The artillery duel continues along Oudinot's front. Two French battalions have broken but the overall defensive line holds firm. A furious assault by a Russian Jager battalion gains little, and has walked into a French gun battery , who will roast their cold behinds for them......

 

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.



Screen 37.

Marshal Ney receives his orders................:hail:

 

[Marshal Lannes]

Bear with me - romance is taking a bit of precedence...........

[video]https://youtu.be/_ysVoV3x5Zo[/video]

Yep - southern border illegal immigration is a real problem.....:laugh:.....only kidding..................

 

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.


Screen 39.



Screen 40.

IX Corps Sector. 10.15am.

Russian cavalry have arrived in numbers on Girard's eastern flank. These consisting of both regular and irregular formations. The Saxon Von Rechten regiment brace themselves for the inevitable assault. They fortunately have still, a steady amount of cartridges to fire with, unlike the Von Low regiment , under Major Kleingel, who are totally spent.
The Russians lose little time in assessing their chances, and launch a furious assault against the right of the Saxon line. Three regiments of horse are thrown into the charge against the 2nd Saxon Von Rechten battalion. The order is twice given to fire muskets, resulting in 16 horsemen falling. The steady onrush of enemy cavalry finally closes; it's lead, being a Polish detachment of Uhlans;......... ( these traitorous dogs who betray honor for appeasement and a handful of gold) who crash into the Saxon defenders.

The Saxon triple line baulks at the initial impact line of lances projected vigorously into them; the screams of the skewered rending the air, which is more than enough to encourage the rest to break away and finally abandon their position. They run headlong to the left and north-west, away from their assailants. The ground is sodden with 84 bloodied, white uniformed corpses. The Russians let out a wild cheer and spur their horses onward towards a lone battery of Berg guns, who are meted out the same fate , as the hapless Saxon infantry.

The ferocity of untempered blood-lust continues. None of the artillerymen are spared to the thrusts and cuts of lance and sabres. The Cossack regiment in the rear of the charge make sure of the wounded , as is their way. The Russian horsemen are for the most part spent after this second melee , but a group of 30 or so, see the departing Berg Light horse battery, and disobey orders to try and chase them down.The rear limbered gun and it's crew meet the same fate as the Berg foot battery.

The enemy cavalry charge has been quite fruitful; as General Girard is forced to order 2 of his Polish battalions into square formation. The loss of 7 cannon will be the most damaging result.

Further south; the 1st battalion of the 2nd Berg regiment, numbering only 70 men is pushed back by an onrush of enemy militia who outnumber the defenders by 5 to 1. The Berg infantry show good resolve as the melee shows little value for the Russians. Marshal victor rides into their ranks to encourage them to hold further.

Prinz Wilhelm's Baden guns continue to blast away at any formed enemy troops but the resolve of the infantry is wavering. Already 2 battalions and a skirmisher company have fled from sustained enemy fire. The Baden soldiers before studienka are forced back into the tree-line by volleys of Russian musketry. A battery of Old guard 8lbs start to provide support fire from across the Berezina. Marshal Victors position is starting to worsen........cavalry support may arrive within the hour, but infantry may take 2 hours ......!



Screen 41.



Screen 42.

II Corps Sector 10.15am

Marshal Oudinot's extreme left flank has been relatively quiet.; being defended by Young Guard units and General Razout's 11th division. The Russians have taken their time and now start to stream out of the trees in force. Their lines extend to before the Zawinki redoubt. Further enemy formations are coming into view to the south east and offer an easy target for the French batteries who make a hellish blasting of their slow trudging columns;p hopefully , they will break and withdraw.

The situation, south of the Lyachovka road has stabilized as Russian cavalry seem only to be able to demonstrate. Marshal Oudinot has issued orders for some French battalions on the extreme right to move across and back of the main line.......

 

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.

View attachment 51722

Screen 43.

View attachment 51723

Screen 44.

IX Corps Sector. 10.30am.

Major Kleigel's Saxon infantry have retaken the Berg Foot artillery guns and are already firing them against the enemy. To the north-west, the routing Von Low battalion has regained order and are firing into a lone cossack regiment who cease to harass them. General Girard has moved his square formations 100 metres to the rear to close up the Russian cavalry nearby, who are desperately trying to re-order. Brig.Gen Fournier's German cavalry are forming up nearby and may punish the Russian cavalry, if they re-order too slowly or move away. They have to be driven off , so that the Saxon Von Rechten regiment can be re-supplied with cartridges.

The 1st Berg brigade have performed outstandingly, levelling their muskets with a precision and deadly effect to match any elite unit in the French army. The Russian loss before them is heavy. The Baden brigade may be the weak link in the line; as their officers have to doubly encourage resistance. Marshal Victor looks to the south-west, wondering whether the Emperor will send him some aid. There is nothing to see...............

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Screen 45.

View attachment 51725


Screen 46.

II Corps Sector. 10.30am.

Fighting before the Zawinki redoubt has intensified. The Russians have greater numbers and are intent to close and roll over the defenders. Further south; French artillery continue to dominate and blow gaping holes into any visible Russian formation who easily disorder. Any attempt by the enemy to control a co-ordinated attack seems ineffective. That said, the Lyachovka road is swarming with new arrivals who look intent to clear the roadway........the woods give them some protection.

 

[Marshal Lannes]

The Battle of the Berezina.




Screen 47.



Screen 48.

IX Corps Sector 10.45am.

The isolated Saxon Von Low battalion to the north-west of the main line has broken under a brutal assault by the cossacks, who showed surprising valour for an irregular unit. The sister battalion of Saxons located on a hill nearby took some shelling and decided to break and run also. Russian infantry fire put paid to any defence by the 1st Von Rechten infantry, who readily joined the flight. Only one Saxon formation remains, in square and with ammunition.

The air of misfortune continues as General Girard is forced to move his Polish square formation to cover the Berg guns. In doing so; he is assailed by cannon fire and a enemy infantry assault. The square holds well by his direction but a Russian sharpshooter with determination, eyes him greedily and makes good his mark. Girard is hit in the right lung by a musket ball, that immediately severs a main artery . He dies within 30 seconds, choking on his own blood. His loss may prove very costly.........Brig. Gen . Fournier watches events with exasperation and loses no time in spurring his cavalrymen to the attack. They rush upon the Russian horsemen but fail to get a decisive result.

Marsha Victor is as yet unaware of the situation on his left and is totally committed to preserving the centre of his line. He can readily see the Badens on his right being sorely tested. He will soon have little choice but to shorten his line of defence. The Baden infantry show some resolve to stand but cannot hold back such numbers before them for long. The enemy are being held before the lone battery of guns, but seem to be intent on pushing forward along the Studienka road which will unhinge the line. Two fleeing formations of infantry in Studienka have regained order and are moving back to the fight.

Napoleon can readily see the mass of green approaching Studienka.............he pats his horse and merely looks at his pocket-watch momentarily..............as his horse neighs in a resigned fashion and shakes it's head to and thro for a while...............



Screen 49.

The death of General Girard.............................:upset:


Oops !