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Tabletop Gaming, Models, and Minis => Forum-Based Games => Six Days in October Archives => Topic started by: Hatricvs on May 18, 2018, 01:02:32 AM

Title: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 18, 2018, 01:02:32 AM
This is to record the corespondence of the Commander in Chief of the Prussian Armed forces during the  Campaign fought during October 1806 against the French under Napoleon Bonaparte and his Marshals of France.

Noting to see yet but it will be here very soon indeed!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: JasonPratt on May 18, 2018, 08:51:45 AM
AND THAT WAS DAY ONE!  :D {rimshot}

...maybe also Day Two.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 02:50:53 AM
Yeah Jason...most of the campaign actually!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 02:54:10 AM
This then is the collected missives and reports received and orders given to Brunswick in the October 1806 Campaign. I was thrown in the deep end a little in that I went from being on the subs bench as an observer to gaining command and then almost overnight becoming Brunswick....quite shocked me that did given that I was new to Kriegspiele and had not do anything quite like this before!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:01:35 AM

So early doors the information received and the general feel for what was about to happen and then into the actual campaign.

From the Umpire:
Unlike the French forces, you are all a bit more of a two-headed monster.  Brunswick was, historically, in nominal command of your forces, but Hohenlohe had strong ideas of his own and pursued them as he saw fit.  Ruchel and Blucher were honestly the only two to emerge from this campaign without their fitness to serve being questioned, but they were subservient, at least by rank, to the other two.  The bottom line for Brunswick, though, he'll HAVE to delegate troops to Blucher to have any hope of maintaining command.

So straight away I needed to decide what I should give Blucher to command. Like the French we also had a period of preparation to work out what it was that we wanted to do and what it was that we were trying to do. I was never totally clear on what constituted a victory for the Prussian's but, we did have the basic idea that we must protect Berlin and not lose our forces. To me this meant that a delaying game was the best idea and I liked the idea of trading space for time. The following missives prior to actual game start gives the flavour of what the Prussian's discussed. Initial progress was impeded somewhat as I had not checked back on the joining instructions board and only belatedly found out that I was now Commander-in-Chief, consequently nobody knew who I was and there was already an air of dissension given that nobody had heard from me in the earliest stages of setting up....my bad!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:03:17 AM
From: Brunswick
To: All Prussian commanders prior to the start of the 6 days campaign

Good Morning Gentlemen,

I have just discovered that I am nominally in charge of this shooting match and I realise that I now have a lot to do and think about...please bear with me and I will try and get something together. Advice from veterans will be most welcome given I have no experience of this process in this game....so a lot to learn in a very short time!

Cheers
Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:09:59 AM
From: Ruchel
To: Prussian Commanders
Sir! I think we're all a little in the dark on this one... it's a first for me as well. Work out a plan and we'll hash it out. Cordially, Ruchel.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:10:48 AM
From: Hohenlohe
To: Prussian Commanders

Duke of Brunswick . . . No worries, I think we are all new here in this type of game, I think the likely route of advance in my sector is through Hof, on the flank. In case you need it . . .

Prince Hohenlohe > Headquartered at Schleitz.
AG Louis > Encamped at Iena (with 12 Guns) Will act as my reserve but also be in a position to march to support Brunswick as needed.
1st DIV Grawert > Encamped at Neustadt (with 25 Guns). Preparing to march west through Posnech and on to and occupy/defend  Saalfeld (and the Saale River crossing there).
2nd DIV Zechwitz > Encamped at Schleitz (with 20 Guns). Will act as my personal reserve ready to react to reports of contact.
3rd DIV Prittwitz> Encamped at Schleitz (with 20 Guns). Preparing to march southwest to and occupy Lohenstein.
Flanc Taunzien > Encamped at Hof (with 35 Guns). Occupying Hof and defending the Saale River crossing.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:19:13 AM
From: Brunswick
To: Blucher

Command being given to your goodself. I intend you to take control of:

Arnim's 2nd Res
Scharnhorst's 3rd Division
As well as your own division of course.

I hope this suits and that it will give you the capability you require.

Any comments upon this, please send by return.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:20:54 AM
From: Brunswick
To: All Prussian Commanders

Gentlemen,

I am in receipt of a number of troops dispositions which are of interest and I am looking them over now. I have already given command of a significant part of my force to Blucher to ensure that we have some flexibility in our approach.

Now what do we jointly think our overall strategy should be. It strikes me that we can go one of two ways with this. We could contest the routes through the Forest and/ or the areas around Hof/Jena.

Or we could create some distance between ourselves and 'The Invaders' and take up a more defensive role further north contesting the major river crossings and forming, let's call them 'stop lines' around Halle, Leipzig, Nordhausen and the high ground in that vicinity. And a last line of defence around Vittenberg, Dessau, Magdeburg an Elbe Line.

What are your thoughts do we fight where we currently stand and perhaps face flanking actions or cause the enemy some consternation by not being where he expects us to be?

Any suggestions welcome

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:22:01 AM
From: Ruchel
To: Prussian Command

Either is fine with me. I do think we need to leave token forces along the routes of advance to act as early warning tripwires. Not sure if we can break down divisions or they have to maneuver as a whole force?
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:24:22 AM
From: Brunswick
To: All Prussian Commanders

Agreed, we need to know where the enemy is and in what strength. If we can guesstimate his probable line of advance this would help. The obvious is up via Hof as it is the easier and most direct route.   If the French get to Naumbourg or Altenbourg we will have significant problems. However the French may go for the less obvious and approach from the south west or even west. We have to look for places where the French can converge and concentrate overwhelming force against us.

I have it in mind to deny the French the luxury of dealing with us in small packets and by a policy of orderly withdrawal make room for our forces to more effectively converge whilst limiting what the French can bring to bear.

I see a potential withdrawal route for Ruchel's forces as being from Eisenach via Gotha and then north either via Erfurt on the road heading toward Eisleben or north via the road to Musshausen and onward to the high ground around Sondershausen/Nordhausen with a view to holding the high ground or defending the north bank of the river crossing at Nordhausen.

Blucher and myself could utilise in a similar fashion the route north-East from Weimar toward Naumbourg and onward to Halle or Lepizig as we see fit and once some indication of the enemy's main effort is being employed.

Hohenlohe's forces could fall back northward toward Gera and then either join with me in the area of Naumbourg or head towards Altenbourg depending again on what we know of the French effort.

I think key to our survival will be ensuring we stick to the roads as best we can and ensuring that our locations are well connected by road so that we can converge at need. We have to protect our supply from Magdebourg from being cut ...so a direction of fall back needs to keep in mind both preventing ease of access for the enemy toward Berlin and maintaining close proximity of our forces in a northerly and easterly direction.

Is this too defeatist in thought?

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:27:54 AM
From: Brunswick
To: All Prussian Commanders

Ok we are getting close to the deadline for orders are we all ok and understand where we are at...I have not really heard back from you all re possible plans and strategy. Blucher are you happy with the allocated force I have given you...in addition take 70 guns in artillery from our pool. Can you indicate your initial dispositions please so I can get a view of where you are. Currently my 3 divisions with 97 guns are all in Weimer. I have assumed that you will be located in Goth...is that correct or are you planning on being elsewhere? I am happy with the other dispositions . Do we know what we intend for our first orders or are we playing a wait and see?

Brunswick

Note: This was my first indication that I was unclear about Blucher and what he intended to do. Hohenlohe and Ruchel had already intimated their proposed locations but I was really in the dark with the proposed start location of Blucher.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:28:56 AM
From: Ruchel
To: Prussian Command

The more I think about this the more concerns I have. If we are moving away from the French then our tails might get caught by them. Which means we'd need to have troops or cav at the tail end and the wagon trains in the middle or the front.... which would slow us down making it a surety that our tails get caught...

Still need to look at a map but maybe we don't want to backup or at least not too far...

Any thoughts?
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:30:14 AM
From: Brunswick
To: Umpire

Initial deployment of Brunswick forces:
Brunswick at Weimar
1st Res Kuhneim at Weimar
1st Div Orange at Weimar
2nd Div Wartens at Weimar

Blucher has the following:
AG Blucher
3rd Div Scharnhorst's
2nd Res Arnim

Currently I do not know their position but expect it to be Gotha...Blucher will confirm.

Corps commanders have a strategic orderly withdrawal order that has been suggested but as yet not fully confirmed...I sense there could be a little chaos early on!

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:31:36 AM
From: Ruchel
To: Prussian Command

OK Looking at the map I think, for my troops, any plan needs to have me move towards Gotha and Erfurt. Eisenach is just too far out of the way to be useful. If the French happen to march that route they'll have to turn and come through Gotha anyway.

So how about this for my initial movements:
We march for Gotha and deploy there. I'll send my Advanced Guard forward to Ohrdurf to see if the French come over the Thuringe that way.

Nappy is a crafty bugger and just might take the difficult route over the Thuringe rather than march the gap at Hof. And there are only 2 easy ways over that range: Ohrdruf and south of Saalfeld.

That's my 2 reichsthaler anyway.

Ruchel.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:32:58 AM
From: Brunswick
To: Ruchel

Completely concur this achieves two things consolidation and a recce of the French intentions in your sector. Staying at Eisenbach would separate you from the main body of our forces, it seems untenable!

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:34:56 AM
From: Blucher
To: Brunswick

Sorry for the radio silence.  Been on vacation this week and had a few things unexpectedly shake loose.  Read all of your e-mails.  A concentration of our forces after determining the French line of advance would be key to our winning this thing.  From what I see, there are four ways in, Eisenach, Ohrdruf, Saalfeld, Hof and Zwickau via Eger.  Knowing the enemies movements will give us a better idea of what he is going to do. 
To that end, can we set up our Inf. Divisions in say, Eisenach, Ohrdruf, Saalfeld, Lohenstein and Hof and send Cav Divisions south on the roads leading to our Infantry?  Recon with the Cav with orders to fall back to your Infantry upon contact with the enemy?  Possibly set a drop dead date for each of us to move North, drawing the French after us and choose a place to combine our forces and make a stand?  Not really sure how all this works.
Or maybe, looking at the map, converge on Bamberg and hit the Sicilian ogre where he hurts?  They have a much easier setup than we do.  They can only be in so many places.  Still looking at the map, the Bamberg and Bayreuth roads cross south of Hof.  There is a town south of Lohenstein, Kronach(?), then further west at Cobourg and Morningen.  Four towns that expect to have troops advancing through them.  Do we set up there and contest the movements?  And I forgot Eger.  Damn.
I am for setting Sharnhorst's 3rd Division Infantry in Hof and his Cav at the crossroads south and west of there on the Saale.  Blucher's Infantry at Lohenstein and Cav ranging towards Kronach and Arnim's 2nd Division Infantry and Cavalry at Schleitz.  Although I seem to think I saw someone already set up there.
Anyways, somebody let me know
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:36:05 AM
From: Brunswick
To: Blucher

I think the force that I have given to you have to start somewhere between Gotha and Weimar. I had assumed Weimar...we already have Ruchel withdrawing from Eisenbach toward Gotha and I thought you might withdraw from Gotha to Erfurt and then Northward.

There are two ways of doing this...we contest the entree points via the forest roads/ gaps and perhaps hold the French or get destroyed in detail or withdraw and create some space and then consolidate against a French army that is unclear where we actually are. I have opted for the later and have given out suggested orders to enact that view.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:37:04 AM
From: Blucher
To: Brunswick

Very well then.  Scharnhorst, with the full forces at his disposal, shall be stationed in Gotha itself.  Arnim will hold Erfurt with his Infantry and Cav.  Blucher will station his Infantry in Ohrdruf and personally lead the Cavalry on a recon in force toward Hildburghausen then move northwest, taking the first northeast road if he is pursued, the second if he is not, to rejoin his troops and start the retreat north.

Blucher
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:40:24 AM
So based on the information I had received and the general feel for what was the initial plan at least the first orders went out to the Prussian commanders based on the above communications:

From: Brunswick
To: Ruchel

Orders:
Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: Now
Recipient: Ruchel
Time Received:
Unit Marching: Entire Force 3 divisions and associated cavalry and guns.
Route of March: Eisenback to Gotha to Erfurt/ Ohrdruf via road.
Time to spend Marching: until positions reached.
Expected Objective: Withdraw from Eisenback to Gotha and then on to Erfurt.
Rules of Engagement: Some scouting with cavalry around Ohrdruf to establish French advance position. Do not engage.
Dispatches: Withdraw as agreed. Await further orders when done. Try to keep adjacent to rest of Prussian army.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:42:11 AM
From: Brunswick
To: Blucher

Orders:

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: Now
Recipient: Blucher
Time Received:
Unit Marching: Entire Force 3 divisions and associated cavalry and guns.
Route of March: Assume you are located in Gotha. Gotha to Erfurt then North along road to Weissensee.
Time to spend Marching: until positions reached.
Expected Objective: Withdraw from Gotha and then on to Erfurt and then along road to Weissensee.
Rules of Engagement: Do not engage.
Dispatches: I do not have a location for you. I assume you are in Gotha. Effect orderly withdrawal as best you can.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:44:07 AM
From: Brunswick
To: Hohenlohe

Orders:

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: Now
Recipient: Hohenlohe
Time Received:
Unit Marching: Entire Force and associated cavalry and guns.
Route of March: Head toward Gera with outlying forces use road net to cover ground quickly.
Time to spend Marching: until positions reached.
Expected Objective: Orderly withdrawal from original positions head towards Gera and then onward to Altenbourg. Scout French positions if it appears they are closing with you.
Rules of Engagement: Some scouting with cavalry. Do not engage.
Dispatches: withdraw as agreed. Await further orders when done. Try to keep adjacent to rest of Prussian army.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:46:12 AM
From: Brunswick
To: Umpire

Orders:

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: Now
Recipient: Umpire
Time Received:
Unit Marching: Entire Force 3 divisions and associated cavalry and guns and myself
Route of March: Weimar to Mattstedt via junction on Weimar/Jena road then on to Naumbourg along road in column with baggage in middle and cavalry screening the withdrawal from rear.
Time to spend Marching: until positions reached.
Expected Objective: Orderly withdrawal along roads to Naumbourg.
Rules of Engagement: Do not engage.
Dispatches:
I will be with 2nd Division Warten's on the orderly withdrawal from Weimar on the way to Naumbourg.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:50:05 AM
From: Umpire
To: Brunswick

OK, you've begun your march.
However, given the relatively slow pace of your troops (3 km/h) an eight hour march puts the nose of your column just to the West of Auerstadt.  Your stated objective is ca. 20 hours away.  I can march your lads that hard but the fatigue cost would be brutal.  On the other side of it, because eight hours only gets them 24 km out, your two rearmost divisions haven't yet left Weimar.
In the spirit of learning the game, I don't think it amiss that I've stopped your lads after an 8 hour march and now would await some further direction for the remainder of October 10.


Note: Thanks to Jim's intervention it began to dawn upon me just how much I was asking of my troops so early in the campaign. This was the first real time that I discovered just how clogged a road could get and just how long a column would take from getting from A to B in this game system. It was an error that I would make more than once!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:51:24 AM
From: Brunswick
To: Umpire

Yes I realised I was asking an awful lot of my troops to march to the destinations I had quoted. It was only the other night and I actually had a set of dividers out on the map and the penny dropped just how far away everything is...oops!!! Anyway can I look at the situation and come back to you...I most certainly do not want them over marched and badly fatigued. I also realised that I had left no one behind to notify any potential messenger where my intended location was to be....I assumed that I may well have just cut myself off from all means of communication. I 'll get back to you soon regarding a revised position and order of March if that is ok?

P.s. I will keep a log of all the f ups a noob can make and lessons learned...this game has already got me hooked and I am so grateful to be able to play. Even though very little has so far unfolded for me; this game is truly filling my waking hours just thinking about the problems, issues and plans...what a great game!

Cheers

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:53:47 AM
From: Brunswick
To: Umpire

Can I just check the situation with you?

I have 1 division just west of Auerstadt
1 division strung out along the road between Weimar and Auerstadt
1 division still in Weimar

So can the 1st division stop and set up camp where they are west of Auerstadt allowing the division to concentrate on that location.
Can the 2nd division stop at Mattstedt again allowing the division to concentrate on that location.
Can the 3rd division stop at Apolda?!? Can't quite make out the name but it the village/town a little north of the road junction with the Weimar-Jena road.

As I was stupid enough not to give an order of March can you please tell me which division is where please?

So I have Warten's 2nd Division
Orange's 1st Division
And Kuhneim's 1st Reserve

Also can I send out some messengers to establish the whereabouts of each of my sub commanders forces please to ensure that they are indeed following a policy of ordered withdrawal and for me to establish their respective progress towards their target locations.

Wow never realised command could be so tricky?!

Who would of thunk it!

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:59:39 AM
With all of that out of the way it was now time for our 6 am orders for the 11th October 1806 and this is where the flow of the game started to reveal itself more fully with messages coming in from other commands etc.

I have tried to post the following in the order I received them so quite often I will have written something only to have a report come in, written hours or even days earlier, that I would then respond to. Once again the realisation of just how large an area we were dealing with and just how long it took information to be received and replied to really hit home. It was quickly apparent that most times I could do little about the information that I had received as the situation was already several hours old and would take a similar time to respond to. Another interesting lesson!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 04:02:30 AM
06.00 Hours 11th October 1806

From: Brunswick
To: Umpire

Orders for 6 am 11th October 1806

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: During night of 10th/11th October 1806
Recipient: Umpire
Time Received:
Unit Marching: Entire Force 3 divisions and associated cavalry and guns and myself.
Brunswick will March with Warten's Division.
Order of March:
Orange start out 6 am and March to Naumbourg or if it takes longer than eight hours encamp at that point in bivouac.
Wartens start out 7am and March to Naumbourg or if it takes longer than eight hours encamp at that point in bivouac.
Kunheim start out 8am and March to Naumbourg or if it takes longer than eight hours encamp at that point in bivouac.
Brunswick's Artillery start out at 9 am and March to Naumbourg or if it takes longer than eight hours encamp at that point in bivouac .
Route of March: Auerstadt  to Naumbourg along road in column with baggage in middle and cavalry screening the withdrawal from rear.
Time to spend Marching: until positions reached or eight hours clear March whichever the earlier.
Expected Objective: Orderly withdrawal along roads to Naumbourg.
Rules of Engagement: Do not engage.
Dispatches: Send messengers to establish the location of the other Prussian commanders and their current locations and general direction of travel. Also to relay any information available from them as to the whereabouts of the French Army.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 04:05:46 AM
11.00 Hrs:
From:Umpire
To: Brunswick

My Lord of Brunswick,
After a light march of five hours, your corps has arrived at Naumbourg.
No enemy has been sighted.
S!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 04:07:36 AM
14.00 Hours

Additional Orders 11th October 1806

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 14.00 11th October 1806
Recipient: Wurtemburg
Time Received:
Unit Marching: Messenger to relay orders to Wurtemburg.
Order of March:

Route of March:
Time to spend Marching: until Wurtemburg receives order.
Expected Objective: Wurtemburg's division to march from Magdebourg to Halle Break March where appropriate with perhaps an overnight stay at the small unnamed village at the crossing of the River Saale about half way along the road to Halle from Madgebourg. Once Halle reached await further orders unless ordered otherwise by myself.
Rules of Engagement: Do not engage.


Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 04:11:42 AM
14.00 Hrs:

Additional Orders 11th October 1806

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 14.00 11th October 1806
Recipient: Ruchel
Time Received:
Unit Marching: Messenger to relay orders to Ruchel.
Order of March:
Route of March:
Time to spend Marching: until Ruchel receives order and then return with message from Ruchel as directed.

Expected Objective:
Locate Ruchel. Pass on order for Ruchel and his Corps to concentrate in the area of Erfurt with a view to withdrawal along the road to Tennstadt, Weissensee and eventually Eisleben. Inform Ruchel that Brunswick and his three corps are currently at Naumbourg and wishes Ruchel to close the gap between our forces at earliest opportunity. No French activity has been noted in our vicinity to date but expectation that a fight in the area around Naumbourg or Leipzig a possibility.

It is imperative that our forces are close enough to be able to offer assistance if the French are encountered, so closing the gap between our forces is essential. However, it is also essential that your withdrawal protects our line of communication to Magdebourg.

Please respond directly via this messenger to inform present location of your force and how long before you will be able to establish your force at Erfurt? Is it possible for you to disengage or limit the extent of your engagement with the French. Any indication of whom you are in close proximity with? And what strength the opponent is in?

Rules of Engagement: Do not engage or if needed, limit the engagement where practicable. Ensure that I am fully informed of any change in your status and line of withdrawal if required.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 04:13:48 AM
14.00 Hrs:

Additional Orders 11th October 1806

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 14.00 11th October 1806
Recipient: Hohenlohe
Time Received:
Unit Marching: Messenger to relay orders to Hohenlohe
Order of March:
Route of March:
Time to spend Marching: until Hohenlohe receives order and then return with message from Hohenlohe as directed.

Expected Objective:
Locate Hohenlohe. Pass on order for Hohenlohe and his Corps to concentrate in the area of Gera or if already compromised, Zein adjacent to the river Klster crossing . Inform Hohenlohe that Brunswick and his three corps are currently at Naumbourg and wishes Hohenlohe to close the gap between our forces at earliest opportunity. No French activity has been noted in our vicinity to date but expectation that a fight in the area around Naumbourg or Leipzig a possibility.

It is imperative that our forces are close enough to be able to offer assistance if the French are encountered, so closing the gap between our forces is essential. Please respond directly via this messenger to inform present location of your force and how long before you will be able to establish your force at Gera?

Rules of Engagement: Do not engage if at all possible.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 04:15:51 AM
 
14.00 Hrs


Additional Orders 11th October 1806

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 14.00 11th October 1806
Recipient: Blucher
Time Received:
Unit Marching: Messenger to relay orders to Blucher.
Order of March:

Route of March:
Time to spend Marching: until Blucher receives order and then return with message from Blucher as directed.

Expected Objective:
Locate Blucher. Pass on order for Blucher and his Corps to concentrate in the area of Auerstadt. Inform Blucher that Brunswick and his three corps are currently at Naumbourg and wishes Blucher to close the gap between our forces at earliest opportunity. No French activity has been noted in our vicinity to date but expectation that a fight in the area around Naumbourg or Leipzig a possibility.

It is imperative that our forces are close enough to be able to offer assistance if the French are encountered, so closing the gap between our forces is essential. Please respond directly via this messenger to inform present location of your force and how long before you will be able to establish your force at Auerstadt?

Rules of Engagement: Do not engage.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 04:20:50 AM
14.00 Hrs:

Additional Orders 11th October 1806

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 14.00 11th October 1806
Recipient: Umpire
Time Received:
Unit Marching:
Order of March:
Route of March:
Time to spend Marching: none just resting up and prepping for the morrow!

Expected Objective: Rest up and receive Intel. Brunswick and his three divisions will remain encamped at Naumbourg for the time being to rest up after two days worth of marching about. This will hopefully also allow for any messengers to catch up with us and impart any intelligence so far gleaned by the other commands

Rules of Engagement:

Brunswick

Note: There followed a characteristic Brunswickian lull where I hoped information would start to arrive because I was totally in the dark as to what was happening and where. I realised that I was lengthening my lines all the time and thus making communication with me difficult. And consequently I was blind to what was unfolding on the battlefield.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 04:41:15 AM
22.00 Hrs:

Sent: 13.00 Hrs
Received: 22.00 Hrs

From: Ruchel
To: Brunswick

Sir! We have enemy cavalry sighted south of Ohrdruf around 1200 hrs Oct 11. At least division strength. Advanced Guard at Ohrdruf. Will attempt to delay. Sending Weimar Division to reinforce.
Awaiting further orders.

Note: first indication that the French were already at us and that Ruchel had not yet started to withdraw northward.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 04:44:56 AM
23.00 Hrs:

Sent: 10.00 Hrs
Received: 2300 Hrs
From: Hohenlohe
To: Brunswick

As of 9:00 AM, my farthest left flank force under Flanc Taunzien has made contact with French forces advancing on Hof. Their total force size is unknown. I have marched both the 2nd Division and the Artillery Division to Hof to assess the situation and delay the French from moving up the Plauen - Zwickau - Altenburg road and outflanking us. I do not intend to engage in a fixed battle but will attempt to delay their advance, determine the force size and then withdraw northeast towards Plauen, Zwickau and then on to Altenburg. 1st Division, 3rd Division and AG Louis are enroute to Altenburg as ordered.

Note: First indication that both flanks were being probed by the French and that the possibilities of orderly withdrawal were under difficulties.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 04:59:43 AM
06.00 Hrs October 12th 1806

Orders 12th October 1806

From: Brunswick
To: Blucher

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 0600 Hrs 12th October 1806
Recipient: Blucher
Time Received:
Unit Marching: 
Order of March:
Dispatch:
I am moving my headquarters to an unnamed small town at the River Saale crossing on the Mersebourg to Zeith road, North East of Naumbourg. I hope to be in a position to be able to link up with Hohenlohe's forces to protect Leipzig from The French.

I need you to extricate your forces for your current location and link up with my forces. I have heard nothing from you as to what you are doing or where you are located. I need Intel about where you are immediately. Your lack of information is putting our forces and venture in to jeopardy. I need regular Intel from you to ensure we can jointly enact a cohesive response to any French advance.

I want you and your forces to locate themselves at Naumbourg where they will be able to link up with the remainder of the army. If you are unable to do this then, as a matter of urgency, inform me of why and where you are otherwise I will expect you at Naumbourg in around two days from now. Make it happen!

Route of March: depends upon your current location but suggest Weimar- Apolda-Auerstadt along the road and encamp there. Next day Auerstadt-Naumbourg.

Time to spend Marching: Until you reach Auerstadt on first day and then Naumbourg on second day or further orders received that countermand the above.

Expected Objective: Wo it's Blucher? Find him!

Rules of Engagement: Use discretion but be advised there is no support available to you in your current location.

Brunswick

Note: even at this early point in the campaign my lack of knowledge about where Blucher was and what he was doing was playing on my mind. I was desperate to know that he had withdrawn from the Weimar area and was moving toward the bulk of the Prussian army but I had no information as to his whereabouts. I was becoming more and more concerned that a huge gap was opening up between Ruchel, Blucher and me and Hohenlohe.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 05:04:17 AM
 
06.00 Hrs:

Orders 12th October 1806

From: Brunswick
To: Ruchel

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 0600 Hrs 12th October 1806
Recipient: Ruchel
Time Received:
Unit Marching: 
Order of March:
Dispatch:
I am moving my headquarters to an unnamed small town at the River Saale crossing on the Mersebourg to Zeith road, North East of Naumbourg. I hope to be in a position to be able to link up with Hohenlohe's forces to protect Leipzig from The French.

I need you to extricate your forces for your current location and withdraw from your advance positions and move to a more central or north easterly location. Suggest that you gather your force at Erfurt and then withdraw up the road towards Eisleben in stages. This is a long march but will eventually put you in a position to either defend our lines of communication with Madgebourg and/or assist with the defence of Halle or Leipzig depending on the French line of advance. This is likely to be a two day March so break your March where appropriate.

Also do you have knowledge of where Blucher is as we have received no knowledge as to his current location. Last known location Weimer on 10th October! Keep me informed of your progress towards Eisleben and please be careful about recording such details just in case enemy eyes capture your missives!

Route of March: as stated above.
Time to spend Marching: Until objective reached and/ or further orders received that countermand the above.
Expected Objective:
Rules of Engagement: Use discretion but be advised there is no support available to you in your current location.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 05:07:03 AM
06.00Hrs:

Orders 12th October 1806

From: Brunswick
To: Umpire

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 0600 Hrs 12th October 1806
Recipient: Umpire
Time Received:
Unit Marching:  1st Reserve, 1st Division and 2nd Division.
Order of March:

I will be located with Warten's 2nd Division.

1st Reserve Kuhneim leave Naumbourg  at 7 am. March to unnamed small town at the River Saale crossing on the Mersebourg to Zeith road, North East of current location. March along road and deploy at that location until further orders received.

Calvary element of 1st Reserve Kuhneim advance/scout further afield from this location (small town on Saale) toward Zeith to attempt to locate enemy units or friendly forces in vicinity. Report back via courier regularly as to progress made.

1st Division Orange  leave Naumbourg  at 8am. March to unnamed small town at the River Saale crossing on the Mersebourg to Zeith road, North East of current location. March along road and deploy at that location until further orders received.

2nd Division Warten's  leave Naumbourg  at 9 am March to unnamed small town at the River Saale crossing on the Mersebourg to Zeith road, North East of current location. March along road and deploy at that location until further orders received.

Route of March: as stated above.
Time to spend Marching: Until objective reached and/ or further orders received that countermand the above.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 05:12:28 AM
08.00 Hrs:


Sent: 19.00 Hrs , 11th October
Received: 08.00 Hrs 12th October

From: Hohenlohe
To: Brunswick

As of 19:00 PM, French forces are massing in the vicinity of Hof. Their force includes at least Soult's IV Corps, unknown if others. I am marching Flanc Taunzien, 2nd Division and the Artillery Division from Hof northeast towards Plauen, Zwickau and then on to Altenburg. 1st Division, 3rd Division and AG Louis are enroute to Altenburg (through Gera).
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 05:15:01 AM
13.00 Hrs:

Sent: 12.00 Hrs  12th October
Received: 13.00 Hrs 12th October

From: Kunheim
To: Brunswick

My Lord of Brunswick,
Beg your patience to report we have arrived at the unnamed town on the Saal as directed.  I have deployed my cavalry to the South towards Zeith.  All other units are in order and there is no enemy in evidence.
I Salute You!

Kunheim
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 05:17:30 AM
14.00 Hrs:


Sent: 05.00, October 12th
Received: 14.00 Hrs

From: Ruchel
To Brunswick


Sir! As of last evening of Oct. 11 we still had no engagement with the enemy spotted to our south. Full identity of enemy forces unknown and initial strength estimates of a division of cavalry still best guess.
Currently my Advanced Guard and Wiemar divisions are at Ohrdruf blocking the way to Gotha. I am located at Gotha with my Saxe division.

I shall order moves, in succession, of Saxe to Erfurt and Weimar to Gotha. When Weimar reaches Gotha they shall continue on to Erfurt to join me and the Advanced Guard shall withdraw to Gotha.  Total movement should take all of this day Oct.12, 1806.

Awaiting further orders.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 05:24:57 AM
18.00 Hrs:

Sent: 16.00 Hrs 12th October
Received: 18.00 Hrs

From: Kunheim
To: Brunswick

My Lord of Brunswick,
Beg leave to report that our cavalry piquets have gone as far South as the outskirts of Zeith.
No contact with the French to report.


Note: This was a relief as I was beginning to see bugbears here, there and everywhere and I was convinced that the French were moving very fast and ground was being lost and that the French were going to get between the varied components of the Prussian army.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 05:28:31 AM
21.00 Hrs:

Sent:13.00 Hrs 12th October
Received: 21.00 Hrs

From: Ruchel
To: Brunswick

Sir! As of 1300 this day Oct. 12, my Advance Guard was withdrawing from French advance in the area of Gotha.

Current plan is to move all my troops to Erfurt. Here we shall await further orders.
Blucher is also located at Erfurt for the moment.

There is a chance that we could engage the enemy here at Erfurt or we could try to draw them towards Weimar.

Awaiting further orders.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 05:30:51 AM
23.00 Hrs:


Sent: 15.00 Hrs 12th October
Received: 23.00 Hrs

From: Blucher
To: Brunswick

I have met Ruchel on the road.  He has engaged some French cavalry around Gotha.  I am marching to Weimar to set up a defense in case Ruchel draws the French behind him on his march towards you and the rest of the army.  Once his troops pass through mine, I will march towards Auerstadt myself.  If things escalate around Weimar and extracation is difficult, I will send dispatches to apprise you.

Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 05:57:52 AM
So that ended the 12th October 1806. The French are scouting/ engaging both my right and left flanks. I am unsure exactly where Blucher is and Both Ruchel and Hohenlohe have yet to withdraw as per my initial plan. As we can see the plan did not survive past first contact with the enemy and I still felt very much in the dark as to how to proceed with the campaign.

Onward to the 13th October!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 06:55:56 AM
06.00 Hrs 13th October 1806

Orders:

06.00 Hrs:

From: Brunswick
To: Ruchel

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 0600 13th October 1806
Recipient: Ruchel
Time Received:
Unit Marching:
Order of March:
Route of March:
Time to spend Marching:

Expected Objective/Dispatch:
I have re-considered our positions and now wish to ensure that we defend as far as possible the line of hills south of Nordhausen. There is a line of hills running east-west to the south of Nordhausen with a river on either side of the central ridge. If we can occupy that ridge line and site our guns and troops so that the road crossing to Nordhausen can be contested, then I think we could hold the French at bay.

Therefore I now ask that you extract your forces using the same route as previously mentioned. If feasible deny the enemy any room for advance by blocking the road north from Weissensee on the north bank of the river routes there. Do not get stuck behind the river if a quick exit needs to be made.

Also is there any way that you can concoct a way to withdraw some force toward Muhchausen along that road. A small force just to again hold up any potential enemy advance? We need to withdraw and at the same time contest and bottleneck any French developments along your line of withdrawal wherever practicable. I think holding the ridge would be beneficial if practicable. The crossroads at Nordhausen is key to our position so ensure it is covered at all costs.

Brunswick

Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 06:57:53 AM
 
06.00 Hrs:

Orders 13th October 1806

From: Brunswick
To: Umpire

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 0600 Hrs 13th October 1806
Recipient: Umpire
Time Received:
Unit Marching:  1st Division Orange
Order of March:
Dispatch:

Route of March: from Unnamed town on Saale to Leipzig along road running north east from unnamed town via another unnamed town at the confluence of two rivers.

Time to spend Marching: Until you reach Leipzig

Expected Objective: Base force at Lepizig and screen for any enemy activity along routes leading south from Lepizig. Report back to me via courier once located at Lepizig or before if circumstance changes.

Rules of Engagement: Use discretion but be advised there is no support available to you in your current location.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 07:04:26 AM
06.00 Hrs:

Additional Orders 13th October 1806

From: Brunswick
To: Umpire
Countermand to prior order given. Instruction for Division is now:

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 0600 13th October 1806
Recipient: Orange
Time Received:
Unit Marching: 1st Division
Order of March: 1st Division

Route of March: If not already on way to Leipzig then Cross River Saale and take up defensive position on the north bank of the river. If already on route to Leipzig return to unnamed town and then cross the river Saale once 2nd Division has crossed and is in place.
Time to spend Marching: until positions reached.

Expected Objective: Take up position north of river Saale. Wait until 2nd Division has cleared out of the town and deployed across the Saale. Defend bridge and road communication leading from the unnamed town across the river Saale from the north. Deny enemy activity from taking control of the bridge. Deny enemy the ability to cross the river Saale. Dig in and make defensive positions on north side of River Saale. Await further orders. Position Division to the left of 2nd Division Orange.

Brunswick

Note: I had an almost immediate change of heart at this point. I decided that the small tow. Astride the road running north south over the Saale was critical to our position and that I needed to contest any push from the south against this location. I decided to put in a significant effort to hold this against the French and to allow my force to go either west to assist the right wing of the Prussian army under Blucher and Ruchel or left to secure Leipzig and assist with what Hohenlohe was dealing with in eastern theatre.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 07:06:43 AM
06.00 Hrs:

Additional Orders 13th October 1806

From: Brunswick
To: Warten's

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 0600 13th October 1806
Recipient: Warten's
Time Received:
Unit Marching: 2nd Division
Order of March: 2nd Division
Route of March: Cross River Saale and take up defensive position on the north bank of the river.
Time to spend Marching: until positions reached.

Expected Objective: Take up position north of river Saale. Defend bridge and road communication leading from the unnamed town across the river Saale from the north. Deny enemy activity from taking control of the bridge. Deny enemy the ability to cross the river Saale. Dig in and make defensive positions on north side of River Saale. Await further orders.

Rules of Engagement: Defend crossing point. Defend north bank of river Saale.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 07:08:42 AM
06.00 Hrs:

From: Brunswick
To: Ruchel

Ruchel,

A concern that I have is the route which runs north east of Nordhausen toward Madgebourg. I am concerned that enemy activity along this road could cause us difficulties, therefore I ask that before your force completes its mission to Eisleben you break off some cavalry to screen/ scout the road that branches eastwards from the Weissensee-Eiseleben road. I do not wish to see an enemy force slip through this critical 'back door' behind our lines. Please ensure that this route is covered and prevent an enemy exploiting a gap here. Report back the success or otherwise of this action please.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 07:11:48 AM

06.00 Hrs:

From: Brunswick
To: Hohenlohe

My dear Hohenlohe,

I thank you for your report.

Can you give me any update on your current dispositions. Last I heard from you, you were marching toward Altenbourg from Gera and a separate force was withdrawing via Plauen-Zwickau. I need you to defend Altenbourg and screen any enemy development on the roads northward allowing the enemy access to the area north of Altenbourg. The road junction to the east of Altenbourg appears to be critical and needs to be observed and contested if required.

I am currently in position around a small town south of Mersebourg on the river crossing of the Saale I have an advance cavalry screen positioned at Zeith.

I have informed Blucher to make make for Naumborg from Erfurt/Weimar area and Ruchel to make for Eisleben from the Gotha/Erfurt area.

My intention is to form a perimeter defence in the satellite positions south and west of Lepizig to prevent the French from breaking through in this area and making northwards toward the Elbe.

Keep me informed of your current position and estimate of arrival for your forces at Altenbourg and any enemy activity encountered.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 07:17:10 AM
06.00 Hrs:

From: Brunswick
To: Blucher

My dear Blucher,

So good of you to report in with your current position!

Regarding your communication of the 12th October. It is imperative that you withdraw up the road north east of Weimar. I want you and your divisions to march up the road toward Naumbourg via Apolda and Auerstadt.

Our forces are gathered in the area Halle-Naumbourg- Altenbourg with the intention of forming a perimeter defence against the enemy and with both good internal lines and withdrawal options if required. I need your forces to be in the Naumbourg area as quickly as you can make it without over exerting your troops. I want Ruchel to withdraw and screen the route North of Erfurt.

It is essential that the French do not breach that road and have access to our lines of supply. I am happy for you to cause delaying actions against any French you encounter but do not become entangled in a broader engagement as there is nobody available to directly support you in the near vicinity.

Please continue to report both your progress and any actions of the enemy known to you.

My dear Blucher it is imperative that you keep in constant communication with me as a lack of information from you may allow the enemy to interpose himself between our forces.

Brunswick

Note: This indicates my continued frustration that I could not gain regular communication with Blucher and that I still had no knowledge that he was actually making any attempt to withdraw from the Weimar area and get further north nearer my own location. I was even beginning to think how I could request his replacement in command, although this was never a possibility in actuality.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 07:19:34 AM
06.00 Hrs:

From: Brunswick
To: Ruchel

Dispatch to Ruchel from Brunswick

Re the information you have sent me as of 1300 October 12th.

Do not move to Weimar.

Extricate yourself and forces north from Erfurt along the road which eventually leads to Eisleben. Keep to the road. If followed by the French then try and hold them in the valley's and passes around Weissensee area or if needed around the river crossings at near Tennstadt. It is imperative that the enemy do not get a free run up that road or it could compromise our line of supply from Madgebourg. I aim to have Blucher withdraw via the road running from Weimar-Auerstadt-Naumbourg. The majority of the army is in this sector defining a defensive circuit in the vicinity of Halle-Naumborg-Altenbourg. To aid in this your presence in the vicinity of Eisleben would be advantageous.

Stay in contact and keep me informed of any advance of the French in your vicinity.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 08:06:34 AM
This is a picture of my map set up on the wall that I had to trace what I knew, thought I knew and wanted to do. I think this was taken mid December 2016. The green blocks represent Prussian Divisions. The blue blocks French and the black blocks fall back routes or stop-lines that I was aiming to reach or work towards.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 08:09:20 AM
Some more detailed shots of what my 6 am positions were on the map as far as I could see them at the time.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 08:15:25 AM
 14.00 Hrs:

Sent: 06.00 Hrs, 13th October
Received: 14.00 Hrs

From: Ruchel
To: Brunswick


Sir! My troops are pulling back towards Erfurt. When all are gathered here we shall start the trek northward.
French Cavalry spotted in Gotha, moving east towards Erfurt! I plan to use my Advance Guard's cavalry to harass and try to ascertain the identity of the command/unit.
Awaiting further orders.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 08:18:27 AM
17.30 Hrs:

Sent: 0900 Hrs 13th October
Received: 17.30 Hrs

From: Ruchel
To: Brunswick

Sir! My troops are pulling back towards Erfurt. When all are gathered here we shall start the trek northward.

In addition to the French Cavalry spotted in Gotha, moving east towards Erfurt, we have sighted more enemy cavalry coming north from Arnstadt. Identity of the formations is unknown.

My troops continue to withdraw to Erfurt where we shall then turn north.
Awaiting further orders.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 08:22:05 AM
 20.00 Hrs:

Sent: 12.00 Hrs 13th October
Received: 20.00 Hrs

From: Ruchel
To: Brunswick

Sir! My Weimar division is under attack... or so I believe. There are sounds of conflict to the west of my position at Erfurt. Weimar has not reported to our location yet given their orders to do so.
I do not know what forces assail them but we are hold our position here as per your orders not to get heavily engaged.
I have riders out trying to ascertain the size and nature of the battle.

Awaiting further orders.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 08:26:03 AM
21.00 Hrs:

Sent: 18.00 Hrs 13th October
Received: 21.00 Hrs

From: Wurtemburg
To: Brunswick

My Lord,
We have arrived at Halle after an easy 13-hour march.  We are preparing camp for the evening.
Your Servant,

Wurtemburg


Note: I am picking up a certain level of sarcasm here from the Umpire...or admonishment that I might be abusing my forces somewhat on the March!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 08:46:25 AM
14th October 1806


04.00 Hrs:

From: Umpire
To: Brunswick

My Lord of Brunswick,

It is with great sorrow that I must report that General Hohenlohe has been wounded most grievously by a musket ball to the chest.  Despite the doctor's best ministrations he remains insensate, rambling out fine times spend at Spa in his youth.

Forgive the bloodstains, but I felt it prudent to forward all his most recent communications to you for your information.

With night having recently fallen, we eagerly await your instructions for the morning march.

S!

Note: This is what Jim wrote just prior to this information about Hohenlohe.

"I had hoped it wouldn't come to this for this game, but we seem to have lost Hohenlohe.  What follows is my best approximation of how to move forward. I'll obviously give you a couple days to sort out orders.  You may imagine that the below missives are received on the evening of the 13th so that you have time to respond. --  Jim"

To say I was knocked back by this news is an understatement. I had started this campaign with too many troops under my command and it had been stated that I would need to divide my force and ensure that some of the command went to Blucher as there would be just too many to command. Now with the incapacitation of Hohenlohe, I found myself once again commanding way too many troops for my own good and the difficulties in controlling who was where and doing what increased exponentially! However it did give me a chance to get these boys marching at the double-quick so that they could be brought to where I wanted them in the first place.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 08:51:17 AM
Accompanying the rider who came with news of Hohenlohe's fall, I received some papers which had come to him just prior to this event and which threw some light on what was going on in the eastern sector.

02.00 Hrs:

From: Von Tauentzien
To: Hohenlohe

Sent 00.00 14th October
Received: 02.00

My Lord Hohenlohe,

We have been approached by enemy cavalry that appears to be deploying for the attack, although it be night.  We are withdrawing in haste to Zwickau.

S!

GM BFE Von Tauentzien
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 08:55:11 AM
04.00 Hrs

From: Brunswick
To: Umpire

Orders for the three units currently located at Altenbourg.

All will move via road to Lepizig by most direct route.
Louis departs 7am
Grawert departs 9am
Pritwitz departs 10am

Leave Calvary to screen the withdrawal from Altenbourg .
All units to march until Leipzig is reached.

Hope this will suffice to get things moving in the game again. I will refine once the day gets underway.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 09:00:16 AM
Oops in all the excitement this missive was posted out of order with the rest. It should have been shown here prior to receiving the information about Hohenlohe!


01.00 Hrs:

From: Brunswick
To: Ruchel

Time: 0100

Date: October 14th 1806

My Dear Ruchel,

The activity in your area is of concern as is the fate of your lost unit. In terms of orders I still think our best policy is to fall back. I am still in the vicinity of Naumbourg adjacent to a small town on the river Saale.

Continue with the extraction of your forces to Eisleben if practicable. You really ought to have been much further on towards that goal as I think it is becoming less likely that we will have the luxury of putting together the line that I aimed to hold now due to enemy movements.

Please convey to Blucher my displeasure that he singularly seems to not only fail to make good his orders but, also fails to keep his commander up to date with either his actions or his whereabouts! Our forces are now scattered due to his lack of alacrity in moving his forces north!

I also have to inform you that I have also had ominous silence form Hohenlohe's sector too. I have to assume that the enemy has also been involved in his area although I have no direct knowledge of that being the case.

Given the situation and proximity of Blucher's force to yours it may well be that you will have to work in tandem especially if the enemy force you face is significant. As previously stated my desire is for your forces and Blucher's force to extricate themselves and for you to effect a link up with my forces further north. If this is no longer feasible then so be it but, be aware that I am too far away from you to assist or aid you.

Yours Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 09:06:06 AM
04.00 Hrs:

From: Umpire
To: Hohenlohe

My Lord of Hohenlohe,

Reports have come from your piquets that the men of Zechwitz's Division have begun arriving in Zwickau.  Their account seems confused, but they seem to be saying that the men of Taunzien's Division were engaged earlier in the morning and, in conducting an orderly retreat, have pushed Zechwitz's men before them.  There is, at present, no sign of Taunzien's men, however.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 09:07:28 AM
From: Umpire
To: Brunswick

To put a bow on the evening, the patrols you send out reported back at the following times:

1.  Naumbourg -- 0200

2.  Zeith -- 0400

3.  Leipzig -- 0500

All report no contact with the enemy.

S!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 09:10:00 AM
06.00 Hrs:

Orders:

Sender : Brunswick
Time Sent: 0600 14th October 1806
Recipient: Zechwitz
Time Received:
Unit Marching: Any that you currently have located in your area

Time to spend Marching: until Altenbourg is reached or at your discretion depending upon location of hostiles.

Expected Objective/Dispatch:

Given the incapacitation of Hohenlohe I am now directing you to fall back toward Altenbourg. This was my plan all along and yet for reasons unbeknownst to me Hohenlohe appears to have taken little opportunity to carry this out.

Therefore I order you to fall back to Altenbourg, at pace, and once there report back to me regarding the condition and location of your force. If practicable use cavalry to screen your withdrawal and hold up any pursuing French where possible. Send out scouts to ascertain your freedom of movement toward Altenbourg.

If you feel the position has already been compromised then protect our left flank as best you can by executing a withdrawal via the vicinity east of Zwickau along the line of the River Mulde in an attempt to gain a position in the area of Grimma.

What knowledge do you have regarding the location and condition of Hohenlohe's other forces and whereabouts?

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 09:11:28 AM
08.00 Hrs:

Sent: 02.00 Hrs, 14th October
Received: 08.00 Hrs

From: Zeichwitz
To: Brunswick

My Lord of Brunswick,

My division is being hotly pursued by troops in the service of the Corsican barbarian's IV Corps.
Although we are sustaining losses, we will continue our withdrawal to Altenbourg where we pray for succor!

Your Obedient Servant,

Zechwitz
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 09:20:26 AM
08.00 Hrs:

From: Brunswick
To: Kuhneim

Orders for 1st Reserve Kuhneim

0800 am 14th October 1806

Immediate effect.

Detach cavalry arm from your Division and send it forth to the following locations:

2000 cavalry leaving as soon as possible from Halle to Nordhausen along road via Eisleben. Leave a few capable, say six to eight, riders at equidistant points along the road between Eisleben to Nordhausen in the role of pickets. They should be positioned at approximately two hour ride points along this route. They are to provide a round the clock 'early warning' relay service. If needed messages of dire need regarding the location of the enemy can be transmitted at pace down this line with fresh horses and fresh riders taking the role from each staging point.

Once the main body of cavalry is at Nordhausen take up a defensive position around the town and guard the key junction running North toward Magdebourg/Halberstadt. Once established scout forward in particular along the road running South West of Nordhausen.

If the need to retreat occurs then take the route North toward Madgebourg.

2000 cavalry leaving two hours after the first group from Halle to Eisleben along the road. Leave a few capable, say six to eight, riders at equidistant points along the road between Halle to Eisleben in the role of pickets. They should be positioned at approximately two hour ride points along this route. They are to provide a round the clock 'early warning' relay service. If needed messages of dire need regarding the location of the enemy can be transmitted at pace down this line with fresh horses and fresh riders taking the role from each staging point.

Once at Eisleben take up a defensive position around the town and key junction running North toward Magdebourg/Halberstadt.  Once established scout forward in particular along the road running West-South-West of Eisleben around the junction with the onward road to Nordhausen. Scout forward of this location on the road running South of this point toward Weissensee. Use judgement as to the level and frequency of such scouting patrols in that vicinity.

If the need to retreat occurs then take the route North toward Magdebourg

Keep me informed of what occurs with either of these forces at your discretion.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 09:23:18 AM
16.00 Hrs:

Sent: 07.00 Hrs, 14th October
Received: 16.00 Hrs

From: Ruchel
To: Brunswick

Sir!

Our way North is blocked by unknown enemy troops! With other enemy formations approaching Erfurt I have no choice but to fight!

I shall endeavour to prevail in this combat and continue our march north.

We shall prevail!

As always, your servant.




Sir!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 09:28:50 AM
16.00 Hrs:

Sent: 10.00 Hrs 14th October
Received: 16.00 Hrs

From: Blucher
To: Brunswick

My Lord of Brunswick,

It's been a day and a half with no word from you.  Ruchel has been engaged at Erfurt.  I do not know the outcome as I have had no word from him either.  In light of that, I am ordering Scharnhorst to Weimar immediately.  Once he arrives, we will leave for Naumbourg before first light of the 15th.

Note: This was news to me, had I missed something? Were our communications being intercepted or captured along the way between Blucher and I. Now I really started to questioned what had got through, to whom and when. The information gap seemed to be opening up wide and really made me think there might be a lot of French situated between our two positions.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 09:42:22 AM
19.00 Hrs:

Sent: 11.00 Hrs 14th October
Received: 19.00 Hrs

From: Ruchel
To: Brunswick

My Lord of Brunswick,

Sir!

We are in battle! Reports are the cavalry are under the command of General Grouchy, Marshal Murat is rumoured to be in the area as well. So far we are doing well, though the enemy is not fully engaging. My guess is they are waiting for reinforcements to arrive. Three more divisions of cavalry are starting to join the battle. Numbers are still on our side and we are giving much worse than we are receiving.

My plan is to press on and break through to the North.

We shall prevail!

Hoping this message actually finds you.

As always, your servant.


Note: I really loved this report, not because one of my commanders was being beaten up but because it gave really good Intel about who he was facing and from where. This got me trying to extract detail from the other reports that I had already received and would receive and try to locate all known units from the French order of battle on my wall map in the vain hope I might just start to put together a more clear picture of who was where and more importantly who I had not yet heard about...later this will lead me to believe that I had accounted for the vast majority of the French Corps....oh how wrong can a commander be!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 10:41:07 AM
Phew I am finally sort of up to date with the AAR's and am almost in alignment with it. That was an epic session to get this done and I have most probably forgotten some bits and bobs along the way but, generally I think this pretty much captures most of the correspondence that I both sent and received to date in the game. Hopefully the next instalment of the AAR will not be too soon in being published as I need to go and have a lie down!

Listened to the latest episode of the Grogcast last night all about this Kriegspeile and it was really great to get to hear some of the voices behind the commanders in the game. It was also very interesting to hear that we all had very similar issues and confusions with regard what to do and how to do it and just what did victory look like! Really interesting to hear everyone's views on that one!

I was also Really excited to hear that there will be another Kriegspeile planned for July 2018; battlefield yet to be confirmed. As stated previously I was a newb to Kriegspeile and was really grateful to be able to take the opportunity to be a part of this amazing experience. It is something I have always wanted to do and it was a pleasure to be part of and, like others, discovering the realisation of just how much fun it all actually is.

I would dearly love to be part of another campaign if Jim can put up with a Brit messing around with his game and causing issues with time differences in the dispatch and receiving of orders and reports. If you do let me play again Jim, maybe this time I could just command a corps or division instead of being the so-called Commander-in-Chief of the army; I think I might be more comfortable in that type of role!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: JasonPratt on May 19, 2018, 03:12:38 PM
This thread has been of particular interest to me!  :notworthy:  O0

We can know now, from comparison with the video AARs, that no French were anywhere remotely close to intercepting couriers back and forth from Blucher, so did you ever find out what happened there? -- he wasn't getting couriers from you either, evidently!

Don't feel too bad about seeing bugbears everywhere; I was delaying a bit trying to ascertain whether your Prussian marshals had left behind any ninja non-player divisions hiding out in Thuringia with time-delayed orders to mess with us!

Your experience demonstrates why I designed a plan which effectively split us into three smaller armies working on their own recognizance under the flexible framework of a larger plan. You had interior lines, better than we did, and still were suffering from lag time in managing everyone. I don't want to imagine the nightmare of trying to pass orders over to our West Wing while also managing center and East wings. (I did my best not to manage East wing either! -- possibly to our sorrow late in the game...)


An inescapable part of your problem was that you were randomly assigned CnC at a late date, so had less time to coordinate and develop battle plans than we did. All things considered, you pulled together well once you pulled together with each other. (Too late? -- remains to be seen but very possibly not too late!)


I was highly gratified and amused to learn that no one seems to have imagined we might make substantial surges through ALL THE PASSES!  :D :D :D While that wasn't very Nappy of me at all, I feel a bit nappish in coming up with a somewhat unexpected plan. (Though really it wasn't me so much as just finding a way to synthesize together the suggestions I received from all the marshals into one grand initial plan. They deserve most of the credit even for that.  O:-) O0 )
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 10:40:49 AM
14th October 1806 (continued)


20.00 Hrs:

From: Wurtemburg
To: Brunswick

My Lord of Brunswick,
Only a note to your grace that we are assembled here at Halle.
We await your patience.
S!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 10:43:02 AM
22.00 Hrs:

Sent: 18.00 Hrs 14th October
Received: 22.00 Hrs

From: Louis
To: Brunswick

My Lord of Brunswick,
My men have arrived at the "T" intersection just East of Leipzig.  We have marked throughout the day and must needs rest until dawn.
We await your patience.
S!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 10:46:01 AM
22.30 Hrs

Sent: 15.00 Hrs 14th October
Received: 22.30 Hrs

From: Zechwitz
To: Brunswick

My Lord of Brunswick,
We have arrived at Altenbourg after a very long march.  We will encamp here and rest awaiting your further orders.

Zechwitz
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 10:54:24 AM
These last three missives were my first real evidence towards what was going on on my eastern flank and I asked for additional information from Control so that I could get a grasp of the situation and give out some new orders for the units concerned. There follows a sitrep from Control for each of these forces and then a new order for immediate dissemination to each force. This gets a little confused but I think it can still be followed.

From Control:
3.  Hohenlohe, Zechwitz, and Tauntzien are now gathered around Altenbourg.  The former two are in fair shape, but the latter, as will be shortly revealed to you, was the one most harassed by the French during his withdrawal to this position.

From: Brunswick
To: Umpire recHohenlohe's forces at Altenbourg

Sent: 23.00 Hrs 14th October 1806

Conduct defensive operations to secure Altenbourg for the Prussian forces. Rest and recoup where possible. Report back immediately there is any continued French advance against our position. Dig in and hold position until a better sense of where our enemy lies. Choose good ground and defend with breastworks and keep communication lines open at all times with Leipzig and my current location. If in need due to continued harassment by the French, and practicable,  fall back on Leipzig where other Prussian forces await you. Unite with them and inform me immediately of any withdrawal.

Brunswick


Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 10:57:01 AM
From: Control
To: Brunswick

1.  Kunheim, Wartens, Orange, and the Artillery reserve as very much where they've been resting, at the unnamed village South of Mersebourg.  It harms nothing when I tell you that your cavalry reconnoitre would have returned later this evening and reported no contacts with the French.  This group is reasonably well rested.

From: Brunswick
To: Umpire

Sent: 23.30 Hrs 14th October

All of the above forces to maintain their position and continue to ready themselves for potential action, either in the defensive role as assigned or , indeed, have the flexibility to be on the move in the short term. Key is still to hold the northern crossing of the bridge against any French advance that may develop.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 10:58:53 AM
From: Control
To Brunswick

2.  Louis, Grawert, and Pritwitz are either at (Louis) or approaching Leipzig.  They've put in quite a bit of marching.

From: Brunswick
To: Umpire

Sent: 23.30 Hrs 14th October

Once arrived at Leipzig, stop, rest, gather forces and report back to me on status and readiness to march in the short term. Otherwise conduct defensive operations to secure position until the arrival of other Prussian forces.

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 11:01:22 AM
From: Control
To: Brunswick

The remainder are commanded and under arms.  I will go so far as to say that they are all in the rough area surrounding Erfurt - Weimar.

From: Brunswick
To Umpire:

Sent 23.30 Hrs 14th October

Will those forces ever get out of that area....they should be miles and miles North of this position....I blame Blucher....Gott und Himmel!

Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 11:06:21 AM
15th October 1806

October 15th 1806

01.00 Hrs


From: Tauntzien
To: Brunswick

Sent:  16.00 Hrs 14th October
Received: 01.00 Hrs 15th October

(FORWARDED)
My Lord,
The French seem to have called off their pursuit of my forces.  We will march until we reach Altenbourg or until nightfall arrives, whichever comes first.
Your Servant,
Tauntzien
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 11:08:59 AM
06.00 Hrs:

From: Ruchel
To: Brunswick

Sent: 20.00 Hrs, 14th October
Received: 06.00 Hrs 15th October

Sir!

We have been in battle for almost 12 hours straight. It has been a very hard day and yet our spirits are still high.

Unfortunately the remains of Weimar Division have been driven from the field and our Advanced Guard Division has surrendered to the French after fighting valiantly for most of the day.

Our Saxe Division is still in fighting form and have held their own against overwhelming numbers of French.
We are breaking off combat for the evening to get some well deserved rest and shall try again in the morning to break away to the North.

Over the course of the day we have identified elements of the French III Corp, V Corp and Murat's Reserve Cavalry. Hopefully we have reduced their numbers and delayed them enough for the rest of your forces to gather and consolidate.

Hoping this message actually finds you.

Your Servant,

Ruchel
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 11:11:25 AM
06.00 Hrs:

From: Brunswick
To: Ruchel

My Dear Ruchel,

There is little that I can do or assist with given my location. If practicable then continue toward your previous ordered location with all that you can. I will say no more here due the distinct possibility that this communique may be intercepted. If you can no longer achieve your previous instructions then make your way northward by any possible means and route!

Yours Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 11:14:50 AM
06.00 Hrs

From: Brunswick
To: Blucher

DISPATCH -06.00 Hrs 15th October in response to his dispatch to me on the 14th.

My Dear Blucher,

Good, March, quickly and get to Naumbourg. If followed by French then delay them as best you can but ensure that your main force re-unites with the Prussian army. I am still awaiting your force in the location that your courier found me. Ruchel has orders and will have to see to his own defence, I do not wish to have several fragmentary battles all on -going at the same time and on ground favourable to the French.

Yours Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 11:18:06 AM
At this point I was very concerned for my whole western flank and I feared that it was all too late for Ruchel and that he was almost definitely lost to me. I also feared that Blucher would go the same way especially if he interceded in the action and became embroiled in it. The time delay between our forces was really beginning to bite now as in reality it was taking almost ten hours to relay information to eachother, so I thought that in all possibility the western flank may well have been lost at this point!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 11:30:38 AM
16.00 Hrs:

From: Pritwitz
To Brunswick

Sent: 13.00 Hrs 15th October
Received: 16.00 Hrs

My Lord of Brunswick,
The men of Grawert's, Louis', and my own division have arrived at Leipzig without incident or sight of the foe.
We await your pleasure.
S!
Pritwitz
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 11:34:51 AM
18.00 Hrs

From: Tauntzien
To: Brunswick

Sent: 10.00 hrs 15th October
Received: 18.00 Hrs

My Lord Brunswick,

We have entrenched as ordered, having arrived in good order. A division of cavalry has been detected advancing from the south. I fear it may well be the same forces that have harried us these many days.

Tauntzien

Note: I don't appear to actually have this email any more and this is just a transcript I made at the time. Hopefully I have got the timing correct and the content accurate.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 11:39:09 AM
21.30 Hrs:

From: Tauntzein
To Brunswick

Sent: 14.00 Hrs, 15th October
Received: 21.30 Hrs

My Lord of Brunswick,

We may soon have to remove ourselves from our present positions around Altenbourg.
We can see to both our West and South French troops approaching.
Those to the West appear to be those of Colbert's division.
Those to the South are certainly those of Guyot's cavalry.
We have made preparation as directed, however.
Yours in His Majesty's Service!!

Tauntzein
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 11:42:16 AM
21.30 Hrs:

From: Brunswick
To: Tauntzein

Sent: 21.30 Hrs

My Dear Tauntzien,

Excellent work and information. Your position at Altenbourg is untenable and so you must move to link with the army at Leipzig. Move North at haste and avoid any encounter with the enemy; I think the time for a show down is fast approaching!

Take the fastest route and make haste to rejoin the army at Lepizig. Once there report back and we will make moves to expel the invader together!

Yours Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 12:46:17 PM
23.00 Hrs:

From: Brunswick
To: AG Louis

Sir,

Sent 11pm 15th October

Effective 3am 16th October.

Deploy a small light cavalry force to reconnoiter the road east from Lepizig to Grimma, say a force of 500 light cavalry. Position your force at Grimma and report upon any enemy activity noted. Hold Grimma until otherwise ordered.

Yours Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 12:48:36 PM
23.00 Hrs

From: Brunswick
To: 2nd Division Wartens

Sent: 11 pm 15th October

My Dear Sir,

With immediate effect, select a strong body of light cavalry, say 1000 and scout/patrol the road and adjoining area south west of your present location towards Naumbourg and onward down the road to Awerstadt, Mattstadt, Apolda upto, but no further than, the T junction with the Weimar-Jena road. Link up with any Prussian units located along this line and report hourly upon progress and incidents. Go no further that this junction!. Pay particular attention to indications of enemy movements. Send regular hourly reports of any and all enemy activity in the vicinity.

Yours Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 12:50:11 PM
23.00 Hrs

From: Brunswick
To:  1st Division Orange 

Sent: 11 pm 15th October

My Dear Sir,

With immediate effect, select a strong body of light cavalry, say 1000 and scout/patrol the road and adjoining area south of your present location towards Zeith. Pay particular attention to indications of enemy movements and leave a small force, say 200 troops at Zeith as an advance party to indicate hostile activity and inform their commander. Send regular hourly reports of any and all enemy activity in their vicinity.

Your Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 01:07:00 PM
16th October 1806


05.00 Hrs

From: Brunswick
To: Zeichwitz and Tauntzien and associated Prussian forces at Altenbourg

Sent: 05.00 Hrs 16th October 1806

Gentlemen, I think your current location is becoming untenable. I would ask that you withdraw from Altenbourg and gather north of the small river on the road to Leipzig.

Tauntzien should continue north to Leipzig to seek succour there. 'Hohenlohe' and Zechwitz to hold the line of the river and make preparation for the destruction of the crossing once all Prussian forces have moved north of that point.

Screen your withdrawal with available cavalry forces as you see fit to allow a well ordered withdrawal to your new positions.

To be clear the river crossing I am referring to is the river crossing south of Leipzig which forms the main route from Lepizig to Altenbourg, the river runs east from this bridge to Grimma. Do not confuse this with the small bridge just immediately North of Altenbourg. The Altenbourg crossing can be sacrificed and rendered unusable by the enemy if time allows.  I want you to gather your force at the bridge across the river Grimma and contest/ hold it against the enemy if he deploys against you.

Being located at this bridge will bring you close to a significant portion of the Prussian force and allow aid to be given if/when French forces attempt to breach our line. Hold this river line if practicable but not at heavy cost. Report back to me on any sightings of the enemy at haste. Also ensure that the enemy cannot work around your left flank (when facing south). If pushed then falling back to Grimma or Leipzig will be your line of retreat.

Report when you arrive and have achieved your objectives. Ensure all subcommands know what they need to do.

Yours Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 01:10:48 PM
05.30 Hrs:

From: Ruchel
To: Brunswick

Sent: 22.30 Hrs 15th October
Received: 05.30 Hrs 16th October

Sir!

We have withdrawn from combat and moved off the main roads after fighting what I believe to be the main force of the French Army! We did give good account of ourselves during the fight but were overwhelmed by numbers and not skill.

The French we encountered are definitely making their way North from Erfurt. Marshals Davout and Murat Corps definitely among them.

Our Advanced Guard has unfortunately surrendered the previous days fighting and Weimar Division has fled and not been heard from.

I am currently with Saxe Division. We are making our way towards you, how I will not put into words in this dispatch as I am unsure how secure it is yet in the vicinity.

Regards,
Ruchel
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 01:14:45 PM
08.30 Hrs:

From: Blucher
To: Brunswick

Sent: 02.00 Hrs  16th October
Received: 08.30 Hrs


My Lord of Brunswick,

Your rider, sent at the behest of General Wartens, has found me and my corps at Auerstedt.

I will scout the road SW as far as Weimar while awaiting further orders from you.

Gen. Blucher

Note: At last something from Blucher and I now know where he is!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 01:17:51 PM
11.00 Hrs:

From: Zechwitz
To: Brunswick

Sent: 07.00 Hrs 16th October
Received: 11.00 Hrs

My Lord of Brunswick,

We are under savage attack from at least two French Corps.

We prepared the emplacements as directed, and continue to resist, but our escape has been circumscribed by cavalry to our rear.

I fear we must resist to the best of our ability or risk destruction.

I have recalled the artillery which had previously begun the march North to our aid.

Ever Your Servant,
Zechwitz
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 01:20:49 PM
11.30 Hrs:

From: Blucher
To: Brunswick

Sent: 10.00 Hrs, 16th October
Received: 11.30 Hrs

My Lord of Brunswick,

I am at Naumbourg.  I am at a complete loss as to your position.  I am heading for the crossroads on the Saale along the road to Leipzig.  Once at the Saale crossroads, I will await orders from you.

Your Servant,
Blucher
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 01:26:24 PM
14:00 Hrs

From: Control
To: Brunswick

Sent:  14.00 Hrs  16th October
Received: 14.00 Hrs


General Blucher has arrived at the unmarked city at the crossing of the Naumbourg - Leipzig Road and the Meersbourg - Zeis Road.  I believe this to be the modern Weissenfels.  In any event, as fate would have it, this is where General Brunswick has made his HQ.

You are in range and make speak to one another directly.

S!

Note: Joy of joys! I finally get to speak with Blucher and in direct meetings. This is a momentous point in the campaign because I have been trying to find/talk with Blucher almost since the beginning of the campaign and finally after six days here he is....huzzah!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 01:57:06 PM
This is a major turning point in the campaign from my perspective. Up until now I have conducted the campaign in a defensive manner with my whole intent centred upon a policy of orderly withdrawal, denying the French, where possible, the ability to destroy the Prussian army enmass. The conversations with Blucher recorded below over the next couple of posts will have profound implications for that policy going forward and will set intrain a series of events that I am still unclear what the results were and how this impacted the campaign til the end!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 01:58:44 PM
Blucher to Brunswick

So, what's the plan?  The only troops whose whereabouts I am totally familiar with from the beginning are mine.  I also know that Ruchel is out, so, holding any hope for him will not bear fruit.  There have been numerous reports of battle for this day and it's not happening to me or Ruchel, so it has to be something you are involved with or aware of.  So tell me, what is going on and how do you want to respond?
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 02:02:56 PM
Brunswick to Blucher

Well Blucher, I can assure you that I still have not had sight or sound of any Frenchman here....my only concern is that somehow the French have worked themselves up from Altenbourg to Leipzig....I have no knowledge to support this and I would have thought that I would have had some knowledge of battle fought at such close range especially as I have a myriad of riders out and about who's specific task is to supply me with info and data.....which I am just not receiving! To be brutally honest I am almost at the point of just marching out southward and will not stop until we engage the enemy!

Our directive is to protect Berlin and presumably survive the battle. Should we consider yet another move this time towards Leipzig in the hope that we will either engage the enemy or interpose ourselves between him and Berlin?

I am at a loss to know what to do given I still have no firm information as to the whereabouts, strength or intent of our foe.....baring blindly marching about in the wilderness I really do not know what best policy is...I may yet release the entire army to your goodself and remove myself to one of my schloss in the country as this war, fought in this way is an enigma to me!

So suggestions from your good-self are most welcome
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 02:04:35 PM
Blucher to Brunswick

Other than mine and yours (and Ruchel's, who are no longer in the fight), are there any troops detached?  Didn't you say Hohenlohe was in Leipzig?  It's 40km between here and there.  My troops are well rested (shouldn't have any fatigue).  I say we leave an Inf and Cav division where we are, and march east for Leipzig.  Leave another Inf and Cav division at the halfway point and bring the bulk of our troops to Leipzig.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 02:07:46 PM
Brunswick to Blucher

I concur, if we move to Leipzig it concentrates our forces and it shortens our lines in terms of a deflection of enemy attention from the route to Berlin. I have some satellite forces on patrols to ascertain enemy activity and I have a division at Halle to protect that route across the river. To be honest I am sick of sitting on my butt in this small town and welcome some activity even if it results in unlooked  for attention.

I will give the order for my units to move out first as they are totally fresh and will move on to Leipzig. You should occupy my positions here and then gradually follow on as time and space permits. I will set my people off at 6 am and move in hourly increments. You can follow on after that in a similar fashion starting at say 10am. We will establish a new base around Leipzig. Can I ask you to provide some rear guard units for our current location and an appropriate halfway point/junction.

I am fed up of being passive,  let us take fthe fight to the French!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 02:10:46 PM
Now back to the main chronology...

20.00 Hrs:

From: Tauntzein
To Brunswick

Sent: 12.00 Hrs, 16th October
Received: 20.00 Hrs

My Lord of Brunswick,

My men at Altenbourg have been overwhelmed by the combined forces of Marshals Ney and Soult.
They flee North and I must after them in the hope of reassembling them.

I salute you!

Yours in Haste,

Tauntzien
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 02:12:59 PM
21.30 Hrs

From: Zechwitz
To: Brunswick

Sent: 14.00 Hrs, 16th October
Received: 21.30 Hrs

My Lord of Brunswick,

Our defenses at Altenbourg have held!

We have driven back three enemy divisions. Only one stands before us.
My men, however, are very weary from the fight and I fear we may not have heard the last of our foe.

Yours In Haste,

Zechwitz
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 02:18:42 PM
Night 16th October 1806

Orders:

From: Brunswick
To: Louis, Grawert and Pritwitz

Sent: Night of 16th October for the morrow!

Orders for the 17th October 1806 for the immediate dissemination to Louis, Grawert and Pritwitz.
Louis, Grawert and Pritwitz to move forward from Leipzig and to contest any potential French crossing of the small river that runs south of Leipzig toward Grimma. Array for battle and hold the north side of this river.

Allow friendly forces to retire through positions unless it would compromise your security of tenure due to proximity of enemy forces.

Deny crossing by any French forces and defend and hold at all costs. I expect this line to be contested and held against advancing French forces.

Support will be making its way to you in the near term. There is likely to be a very significant engagement at this point during this new day. 

Advance and take possession of this river line as soon as this order has been received.

Do not delay and engage any who oppose.

Yours ever Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: JasonPratt on May 20, 2018, 02:19:35 PM
Quote from: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 02:07:46 PM
I am fed up of being passive,  let us take fthe fight to the French!

Despite being the first citizen of the French people, I cannot help but cheer this decision!  :bd: :clap:
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 02:23:29 PM
Night of 16th October

From: Brunswick
To: Orange, Kunheim and Wartens

Sent: Night of 16th of October

Orders for 17th October 1806 for forces currently under my direct command at town crossing of Salle.

Wartens to march out from present location and march by road to Leipzig. Force to move out and be prepared to face hostile action enroute. Leave at 06.00 and make good time. March with flankers and advance cavalry to scout potential enemy activity. Imperative that you reach Leipzig in good time and be in a position to either fight there or advance to sound of the guns. Close with enemy forces and aid or consolidate our position south of Leipzig.

Orange same routine but leave at 07.00 and follow on from Wartens. Keep forces moving and do not bunch up. Allow space to deploy and do not get enmeshed with Wartens forces if he is engaged or is unable to advance as quickly as you. Use your judgement and assist Wartens in his mission if required. Your aim is also to reach Leipzig in good state and good time. Be prepared to fight to get there if required.

Kuhneim same routine but leave at 0.900 and follow on from Wartens and Orange. Same drill as above.

All forces to be vigilant and ever watchful regarding enemy activity. The time has come and we must commit and fight a battle in this area over the next day or so. I expect a significant engagement in the vicinity of Leipzig and I want the area secured for us and aggressive action to ensure the enemy are aware that battle will be joined.

Brunswick

Note: Boy has Blucher changed my outlook on this campaign...over night I have gone all gung-ho!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 02:26:29 PM
Orders 17th October 1806 immediate dispatch
Night of 16th October 1806

From: Brunswick
To:

Sent: Night of 16th October

Brunswick to commanding officer of reserve at Halle.

I am moving to Leipzig to engage the enemy. I am expecting a significant battle to be fought in that area in the immediate future. I ask that you hold your current position and be watchful and note any enemy activity nearby and contest forcefully any attempt by the enemy to cross the bridge at Halle. We need to ensure that French forces are unable to be able to outflank our forces so that we can concentrate on Leipzig and destroy some of the enemies corps if possible.

Yours Brunswick
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 02:28:58 PM
Night of the 16th October

From: Brunswick
To: Umpire

Orders:

Orders for 17th October 1806 immediate dispatch

In addition to the orders already sent out I ask that a recall order is made for all outlying forces previously ordered to hold and or patrol at distance from the main body of our forces. I ask that any detached forces are immediately recalled to their parent organisation with immediate effect and that they are made ready to unify with their parent commands at the earliest opportunity.

Brunswick to his staff office and secretariat
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 20, 2018, 02:35:46 PM
Brunswick to Blucher

Night of 16th October 1806

My forces are departing for Leipzig in the early morning. We will March by road and make ready for battle in the vicinity of Leipzig.

I ask that you follow no later than 12.00 after you have taken over the defences we have provided. Leave a small to medium holding force to deny any potential crossing by the enemy. Concentrate the majority of your force upon Leipzig with staggered advance times.

Either we will have a decisive battle near Leipzig tomorrow or the next day. We will reassess the situation once we have further information about the enemy's strength and exact whereabouts.

It goes without saying if you believe that I am heavily engaged then make good speed to assist and March to the sound of the guns.

Brunswick

Note: So there we have it, a complete about face in my policy and all out response to the French. All Prussian forces marching and making ready to contest the action in or around Leipzig....it would not be long before all this changed yet again when news started to flood in from my commands.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: James Sterrett on May 20, 2018, 07:01:48 PM
It's very interesting to see all of this from the other point of view!  :)
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 21, 2018, 02:55:23 PM
17th October 1806

00.00 Hrs

From: Zechwitz
To: Brunswick

Sent: 16.00 Hrs 16th October
Received: 00.00 Hrs 17th October

My Lord of Brunswick,

I regret deeply to report that my division has been routed from the field.  Not long after my last missive was sent, the fresh forces of Marshal Ney arrived on my flank and cracked the resolve of my men.

I fear the fierce French pursuit and must now march quickly North to defend our line of withdrawal.

Yours in Haste,

Zechwitz
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 21, 2018, 02:59:13 PM
03.00 Hrs

From: Taunzien
To: Brunswick

Sent:  00.00 Hrs, 17th October
Received: 03.00 Hrs

My Lord of Brunswick,

My division has arrived at Leipzig and have here found the men of Grawert, Louis, and Pritwitz's division.  My men fought bravely throughout the day yesterday, but are now a spent force.

S!

Taunzien
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 21, 2018, 03:03:50 PM
08.30 Hrs

From: Ruchel
To: Brunswick

Sent: 05.00 Hrs , 17th October
Received: 08.30 Hrs

Sir!

My last intact division and I are currently traveling North toward Naumbourg.
We will travel with as much haste as is possible. We are currently in the vicinity of Mattstedt.
Since our last contact with the enemy we have not seen nor heard of them.
My guess is they are continuing north from Erfurt.

Regards,
Ruchel.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 21, 2018, 03:06:21 PM
13.30 Hrs

From: Grawert
To: Brunswick

Sent: 09.00 Hrs, 17th October
Received: 13.30 Hrs

My Lord of Brunswick,

We are entrenching along the river line as ordered.

Beg leave to report that a French division, as yet unidentified, is approaching our position in march column.

Your Servant,

Grawert
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 21, 2018, 03:08:59 PM
15.30 Hrs

From: Grawert
To: Brunswick

Sent: 11.00 Hrs, 17th October
Received: 15.30 Hrs

My Lord of Brunswick,

The forces before us have increased.

I believe the men of General Guyot's cavalry division have joined those of Colbert.

They are making no move to attack.

I have been reinforced by the division of General Pritwitz.

Your Servant,

Grawert
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 21, 2018, 03:11:12 PM
17.00 Hrs

From: Wartens
To: Brunswick

Sent: 14.00 Hrs, 17th October
Received: 17.00 Hrs

My Lord of Brunswick,

We have arrived in good order at Leipzig.

No sign of our foe.

Your Servant, &c.

Wartens
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 21, 2018, 03:14:51 PM
19.00 Hrs

From: Ruchel
To: Brunswick

Sent: 17.00 Hrs, 17th October
Received: 19.00 Hrs

Sir!

I have reached Naumbourg where I have encamped for the night. Saxe Division is here with me and Weirmar has been seen to be approaching the city as well.

In the morning we shall continue our march north.

There are reports of the French approaching Naumbourg from the West!

We shall endeavour to stay ahead of them and avoid direct conflict.

Awaiting any change in orders you might have and any status updates on the campaign at large.

Regards,

Ruchel.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: Hatricvs on May 21, 2018, 03:19:37 PM
20.00 Hrs

From: Control
To: Brunswick

Sent: 20.00 Hrs, 17th October

Prince Brunswick:

You can hear the sound of gunfire from the South and West in the direction of Naumbourg.

S!

Note: And this brings me up to date with the AAR's....battle is in full swing somewhere and with someone.  And another crisis in command is about to descend upon the Prussian's!
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 07:24:08 PM
Quote from: Hatricvs on May 19, 2018, 03:50:05 AM
Note: Thanks to Jim's intervention it began to dawn upon me just how much I was asking of my troops so early in the campaign. This was the first real time that I discovered just how clogged a road could get and just how long a column would take from getting from A to B in this game system. It was an error that I would make more than once!



This is a really key realization for pre-20th century warfare (and really applies even today, but is usually poorly modeled in games). Moving a completely muscle-powered army on roads that are not much more than goat paths takes much, much longer than we moderns are used to! Perfectly reasonable that this would be a surprise to almost everyone playing this for the first time.

Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: JasonPratt on June 02, 2018, 07:45:47 PM
On this point, while I didn't have real-life experience on army (or any such) logistics, I had played quite a bit of SCOURGE OF WAR (and the Take Command games before it), so I was able to keep a bit of mental acuity about whole corps (or even just divisions) on the map.
Title: Re: The Musings of 'Ole Man Brunswick: A reflection on a lost campaign Prussia 1806
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 07:52:12 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on June 02, 2018, 07:45:47 PM
On this point, while I didn't have real-life experience on army (or any such) logistics, I had played quite a bit of SCOURGE OF WAR (and the Take Command games before it), so I was able to keep a bit of mental acuity about whole corps (or even just divisions) on the map.



There's probably no other computer game as good at depicting this than SoW, particularly played HITS.