Quintus and the battle of Aduatuca

We left Quintus as the revolting Gallic Tribes gathered around his Winter Camp.  The Legatus (called "the Noblest Roman" by Cicero,* possibly in a bout of his characteristic sarcasm) had sent out his scouting parties and was beginning to get a feel for the enemy.

I decided to tempt "the Noblest Roman" further, and sticking broadly with the events of the Great revolt of 53 BC, and the sieges of the Winter camps in the lands of the Belgae, I mixed it up a little with few reports from the legate's deputies:

I then quickly added the information Quints had actually asked for, details of the Fort`s readiness!

In a private meeting with Quilpius Cacophonous: "My dear boy, you are quite right of course, the Eubrones would never dare attack us on their own, it would be madness. I sure they want us off their lands at once to save them from German wrath and who can blame them. Caesar really has made an awful mess of things.

Now we have supplies for 4 months but I do think we should take everything and march west to join Labenius just to be on the safe side. I intend to set out as soon as the Eubrones can provide us with scouts.

There's no place for an old man like me in today's diplomatic world. Go to Prefix yourself and speak with him. Just think my lad, you could be "The Man who saved the Fourteenth". How would that sound in Rome?"

To Prefix of the Eubrones: Quintus Witmorus sends his greetings and thanks you for your invitation to dine. Regretfully he is indisposed due to an undercooked quail but is pleased to send Tribune Quilpius Cacophonous who enjoys his fullest confidence and will speak in his stead.

Once Quilpus has left hold an immediate council of war with my own senior commanders.

"Gentlemen, treachery is in the air. Those of us who were at Axona know what tricky blighters these Belgae can be. Well we're not going to let these treacherous cheese eaters get the better of us. Brave Quilpus has gone to parlay with the Eubrones, in the meantime......"

To Marcus Cadaverus: have a word with your fellow member of the Centurions Union, Dextro Illegitimus and get him on board.

To Gaius Crismus Bonus: Start preparing now for a rapid exit by the west gate at my command. Do it quietly, minimum rations, minimum kit, minimum fuss. Once outside the camp we will deploy in legion square. Half cavalry and skirmishers to the north: half to the south. I want to be able to pivot to use the camp as a secure locus should an immediate threat present itself.

Double the night watch and use the youngest lads with the best eyes and ears. If an asthmatic squirrel moves within half a mile I want to know about it. Bulbus tells me that tonight's moon will be a waxing gibbon, I think the man's been smoking mistletoe again.

The Gallic response didn`t really need me to roll any dice.  Caesar recounts a similar situation in the loss of the camp of Sabienus and Cotta.  There are also echoes of the events of 9AD and the Tuetoberg Wald.   The Roman negotiators are promptly executed to give heart to the nascent rebellion.  It sets the scene for the fighting to follow.

Quintus desire to give battle is just as well for me.  I have hastily built a Roman fort, with only some finishing touches left to complete.  For rules I turned to Sword and Spear.  Game on...

By marching out of the west gate the Romans wrong foot the Gallic ambush, which had been fooled by Quintus into thinking that he was going East.  The tribesmen actually facing the Romans at the west gate amounted to no more than a quarter of the Gauls.   These refused to unleash their famous charge, and skulked outside the woods, whilst the rest of the tribesmen attempted to join them.

Quintus threw good command dice, activating his units again and again.  It was quite a demonstration of regular Roman Phlegm.

The Romans withdrew their cavalry and light troops to the rear.

Quintus now formed a double line and advanced, forcing the warbands facing him to fight.

Limited local success by the tribes was rewarded by the death of the Sub Chief Suffix, whilst the Romans virtually annihilated the wing of the Gallic army facing them.

Note that Quintus lurks in the rear forming a group of four cohorts.  This is an old trick he learned from his Republican days!

The remaining tribesmen charged into contact, only to have Quintus himself lead four cohorts onto their flank.

With half of the Gallic army gone the Romans could now push on and capture the all important hillfort.

The rebellion in this part of Gaul had been stamped out before it flared up into something far more serious.



From Wikipedia:

Gaius Crismus Bonus became famed as a landowner in southern Gaul.
Quilpius Cacophonous ended his career as a skull on display in the Gallic hillfort.  He is less noisy these days.
Quintus Witmorus went on to even greater glories as the subject of a heroic poem by Cicero the skinny and less well known, a cousin of the more famous Marcus Tullius Cicero, Orator and poet.

* Marcus Tullius Cicero aka "Chubby Sissy", whose most famous poem begins "there was a young man called Labenius, who was equipped with a very large..."  He never could pull off a decent rhyme.

Quintus and the Great revolt

The Proconsul, Caesar, has spent the summer gloriously invading Britain.  Autumn is now ending, and he has returned to the mainland.

At this time, the Roman Proconsul had eight legions under his command, but the harvest in Gaul has been bad. He has been forced to divide up his legions and send them into different parts of the province. His military headquarters is in Samarobriva on the frontier between Gallia and Belgica. Four legions will be quartered among the Belgae. 

One legion has been sent out in winter quarters in the territory of the Morini at Portus Itius. Another legion is billeted with the Nervi and one in the territory of the Remi.  Finally one legion, supported by an extra 5 newly recruited cohorts, totaling about 7.500, has been sent to Atuatuca - in the centre of the Eburones’ territory. 

As the legions march towards their winter quarters, Caesar decides to stay at his headquarters in Samarobriva until he receives the message that all troops have reached their destinations and fortified their camps.

Legio XIV Gemina, has had it`s original commanders removed. The Legion is now commanded by the legate Quintus Witmorus, a veteran soldier and originally a protege of Pompey the Great, now one of Caesar`s inner circle. 

The half legion of recruits is commanded by the political Tribune Quilpius Cacophonous, known for his loud voice and strong opinions.  Senior Centurion of XIV Gemina is Marcus Cadaverus.  He has concerns about those recruits but believes that the camp is well sited.

In the territory of Belgea all seems quiet. The tribes were beaten in battle by the proconsul three years ago, and 60.000 were slain, although he showed himself a merciful general by letting the families return to their homeland. The rebellion was brought to a successful close and Roman rule in the area was preserved thanks to the pro-Roman parties that were given power among the tribes. 

The revolting Gauls

In the Oppidum of the Eubrones are the Chieftain Prefix and his brother Suffix.  They have been very worried about having a Roman camp on their doorstep.  After two weeks Prefix reveals to the Romans that there is a barbarian conspiracy afoot.  An army of German mercenaries have crossed the Rhine and are on their way here.  The Belgae intend to rise up in rebellion and attack the four Roman camps within their territory simultaneously.  They ask you to leave Eurbrones territory. 

Quintus has a choice:

1. Stay in camp and hope for the best, 
2. March out and attack the Eurbrones Oppidum, 
3. Send out scouts, 
4. March to join Labenius in the territory of the Remi, 
5. March to join Cicero in the territory of the Nervii,
6. Call a council of war and listen to the views of your subordinates

The Primus Centurion tells you his views privately.  These Gauls are liars and planning to ambush you.  He thinks that these Belgae have form for hiding in woods and striking out suddenly. 

Your Tribunes however can`t believe this, thinking that these Eurbrones would not dare to attack Rome on their own, and therefore their story must be true. 


The Roman Commander Quintus responded in the traditional manner...

By Jupiter's Mighty Arse! I expecting trouble from these benighted heathens and I wasn't wrong. An army of Germans have crossed the Rhine at this time of year? Sounds highly unlikely to me but I guess stranger things have occurred. Also the Meuse is no paltry river itself at the moment. In order to join Labenius I should have to cross it myself, twice, so that is a last option at the moment. In fact I will not be going anywhere until I have more information.

Have the speculatores carry out reconnaissance to the east across the Meuse bridge and also to the west and south-west either side of the road. I presume that if any trouble is coming it will be from the high ground to the south which is well within view from our vantage.

The XIV Legion readies itself in 6mm!

Put the Legion on alert. I want those new recruits put through their paces, extra drill, kit inspection, the works. I presume that the good Tribune has no objections to a spot of discipline?! Old Pompey used to say that the best soldier was far more terrified of his centurion than he was of the enemy. Also a full report on the state of the fort, its defences, supplies etc.

In the meantime please have my personal priest, Bulbus consult the auguries. It would be nice to see if the Gods at least are on my side.

Quintus Witmorus

During the night the Primus Centurion of the Gemina carried out his orders:

Bulbus Priest of Jupiter’s Mighty Arse, has inspected the testes of a Ewe. One suspects his eyesight is failing.  He declares that the auguries are good but the senior Tribune, Quilpius Cacophonous, has been stirring it up around the camp.  The Centurions are unhappy that the young gentleman is talking doom, and blaming Caesar.  As a result his command, the five cohorts of recruits are in a state of unrest.  He is demanding a council of war.  He has done nothing to implement your orders for extra drill.

 

Is it just me or is that a 10mm hillfort not a 6mm one?

Scouts have returned.  There are no signs of any Gauls in the fields.  The Meuse is already high from the autumn rains,and the route to the Legatus Titus Labienus at Bibrax is heavilly wooded and mountainous.  The route to the poet's brother Legatus Quintus Cicero is one of rolling valleys and lighter woods.  If there are German mercenaries out there they would have to come across the Meuse. 

 

The Primus Centurion believes, as you do, that the Gauls are in the high ground and woods to the south and around the Oppidum.  There may be as many as 20,000 of this tribe.  With your light troops you can probably muster  half that. The Centurion also wants to arrest and execute the Tribune Quilpius Cacophonous, but then the centurion is not a subtle fellow.  He claims that the Proconsul told him that he should divide all Gauls into three parts. He has had the entire Legio Gemina up, since dawn, inspecting kit and sharpening weapons.

A late morning report by the Senior Tribune of the XIV Legion, Gaius Crismus Bonus, had a similar theme:

Legatus Quintus,

 

Additional information is reported in.

 

The Senior Military Tribune of the XIV Gemina, a solid type named Gaius Crismus Bonus, reports that the Camp is fully in order as far as the Legio Gemina is concerned. 

 

Supplies for three weeks have been gathered. 

You have 1000 Gallic cavalry, mainly from Cisalpina and hostile to these local Belgae tribes, serving under a Tribune of Auxiliaries, Bilious Vexatious .  There are also 1000 light troops, paid mercenaries, who are a mixture of Gallic tribes.  The XIV Gemina was recruited in the Province 4 years ago, so is not the untrained formation that the proconsul seems to think.  After all it has been entrusted with the most northerly and isolated outpost, and did good work at the battle of the Sambre three years ago against these same Belgae.  Morale is good, mainly due to the fact that they are all terrified of the Primus Centurion.

 

The half legion of recruits has more issues.  These were raised in Central Gaul, and their Military tribune is not present, the Junior Political tribune serving in that role.  That young gentleman has been weeping in sight of his men and writing farewell letters to his fashionable friends in Rome.  The Senior Centurion of the Recruits, Dextro Illegitimus, is very unhappy with his commanding Tribune but will not come forward out of a sense of loyalty to this newly formed (Half) legion.

 

The camp has a solid rampart and ditch and is much stronger than an ordinary marching camp.  It is on slightly higher ground than the surrounding plain, but clearly not as high as that Gallic hillfort on the hills to the south.  There is a strong spring inside the walls so that water is not an issue. 

6mm Kriegspiel Game 3: Poupe up against the wall

Gamed on a 500% sized section of the Kriegspiel Meckel map the three games in this series used detachment sized forces of Adler miniatures 6mm Napoleonics.  The game is an Imagi-Nations wargame, set in an unspecified period of European History, and while games are done as solo wargames the unplayed side was programmed by members of the Marshal Petain Gentlemen's Club.

Poupe on the Loose
Orders to the Margrave:

The notorious Major General Gui von Poupe, commander of a Dragoon Brigade in the army of the Grand Duchy of the Blau has once again been raiding into Cinnabaria.  He has encamped on Das Neue Feld with at least four squadrons of the Poupe Brigade, and a half battery of horse artillery.  He has no infantry since this is a quick moving raiding force.  Your information is that he is encamped, counting his loot.  The Blau is to the North and West, so Poupe can’t retreat eastward. 

The Margrave Flatulenz has three battalions of Infantry, three squadrons of Red Dragoons, a foot battery of 6pdr guns, and a battalion of Black Jäger.  He has caught the Dragoons unaware, and is moving in to trap them at dawn. 

As Blue player I have already written my battle orders for the Dragoon Brigade, and would ask if you can write some for the Red.  The Margrave can use any three of the roads leading onto the Kroppen map, and may divide his command into three under his regimental Officers.  This time it s the Red who have overwhelming force, but to win you have to trap the Major General himself. 

(unfortunately I was insufficiently clear and needed to re-specify.  I am of the firm belief that the excellent local Cypriot wine is to blame for this.  Bought in 10 litre plastic containers from the local butcher, whose brother owns the vineyard, it is just one more reason I'm in Cyprus, even if it does make me garble my prose)

Further explanation needed. 
"Yahhh, the typical Cypriot Wargamer garble about directions of retreat...

Das Neue Feld is too close to the eastern side of the map, so it would be too easy to go that way in the game from the Blue camp.  South looks pretty doubtful too, so the only ways that the Blue should be able to get away are to the North and West.  That make sense?  I`m trying to restrict my moves to make it a real problem.

That also gives you a clue to what I`ve ordered...  The Major general has been awakened and told that he is surrounded by the red and has to fight his way out...  I`ve planned my way out, but obviously that will be scuppered by the Red Orders."

 The Margrave leads his Dragoon Squadrons onto the tabletop.

Red begins to surround the Dragoon Brigade camp.

 Major-General Poupe begins to rally his forces. 

The Blue can muster six Squadrons of Dragoons here.  As per orders he sends two out on foot to the camp perimeter in skirmish order.  The remainder are to form for a charge to the westward.  Von Poupe intends to abandon a third of his command, and all the loot.

 The Margrave completes his encirclement.

Von Poupe sends rather than leads a gallant charge.  

 Only one of the Blue Dragoon Squadrons wins through.  Cleverly von Poupe follows behind and moves to escape the trap.

 But the Blue encampment is now surrounded.  The loot of the Dragoon's raids protected only by the diminishing numbers of dismounted skirmishers.

As the Cinnabarian Black Jager close in Blue has lost five dragoon squadrons.  It seems clear that Von Poupe has escaped the firing squad that the Margrave had in mind, but the Grand Duchy of the Blau is equally unforgiving and it may be that von Poupe will end up against the wall after all.

6mm Kriegspiel, the Bridge at Kippringen.

The second of my three 6mm Kriegspiel games, again using the Meckel map, but this time blown up to 500%.

Colonel Inkontinenz,

The frontier  between The Grand Duchy of the Blau and Cinnabaria is the River of Der Selz Fluss, and the vital bridge at Kippringen is one of only a handful of places that can be used to cross.  Kippringen is a small town, with gardens and hedgerows on the lower flood plain, and stone built buildings above.  The bridge is old, thought to be Roman in origin.  It’s well built.

 Intelligence suggests that the Blau have garrisoned Kippringen with a single battalion,  their 1^st Voltiguers.  These are a new type of light infantry similar to the Black Jäger of Cinnabaria, but lacking rifles.  These Voltiguers have only the old pattern musket.  They are however said to be well trained by Mercenary Officers from the Kingdom of Albion who learned their Light Infantry skills fighting savages in the New World.

A report from yesterday indicates that a senior Blue Commander, old Pumphosen and Major General von Poupe were seen in Kippringen during the evening.  They were probably visiting the Whippet Inn to sample the apricot tart.  Then again... 

As Count Inkontinenz, commander of the Red V Rgt you have set up an observation post at Siebel Hoff. (literally “the screened farm”)   It can be used as a staging post to attack the bridge.   If you could sieze Kippringen for the Red it would give your career a Boost.   How does Major General Inkontinez sound?  You will probably have to lead the assault across the bridge to earn it.   

The Red have allocated the 5^th Regiment,  of  three battalions, and a battalion of Black Jäger.  Two squadrons of Heavy Dragoons are also available under a Major Feucht, and a provisional half battery of three guns.  The King will be allocating a General Officer to take command on this front, so it is important to take action before he arrives. At midnight Colonel Urin Gelb of the Black Jäger wakes you.  His men have found a ford at the bend of the river south of the town!  Perhaps you won`t need to lead an assault column after all.

You assemble your staff and give your orders.

This is the last of three games taken from the biography of Major General von Poupe, “Poupe against the Thin Red Line,” in which the Dragoon General recounts his successes and failures.  

Good Luck Colonel.

The Red player programming this for me sent his battle plan as a statement of intent.

"I shall mount a fast horse and accompany Colonel Gelb to the ford. If the ford is indeed practicable the Dragoons and the jager will cross the ford at night and make their way on the road north, aiming to be in position to attack the town at dawn.

The guns will take up position on the summit south of Siebel-Hof in order to cover the bridge crossing.

At dawn I will lead the 5th Regiment to the bridge. I will send out the usual skirmish screen but the 3rd battalion will deploy wholly as skirmishers. This reinforced screen will take up position along the river bank both north and south of the bridge with the intention of sweeping the Blue approaches to the bridge. When I feel that the defences are weakening I shall storm the bridge at the head of the 1st battalion. The 2nd battalion will remain in column as a reserve ready to storm the bridge in support.

However, should the crossing prove impracticable, both the jager and the dragoons will remain with the main attack at the bridge. Should this prove to be the case, then the jager will replace the 3rd battalion in the skirmishing role, whilst the latter will join the reserve along with the 2nd battalion.

The two squadrons of dragoons will position themselves either side of the 2nd battalion, ready to charge across the bridge in support of the 1st battalion, should their attack prove successful.

Inkontinenz"

Narrative of the Battle. 

The Red found the ford practicable and accordingly sent their Jager and Dragoons across.  I had emphasised the cover on the map using "panscrub" hedges.  The Grand Duchy of the Blau voltiguers occupying the town of Kippringen were ready, and The Poupe Dragoon Brigade made its apperance on this flank.  Things were set for a skirmish and Cavalry battle.

 Inkontinenz leads his Dragoons to the ford in person.

 In the town of Kippringen Old Pumphosen has only a single battalion of newly raised Voltiguer.  He summons his second battalion into the town.

 The Light Companies of the Inkontinenz Brigade (can these be regular troops?) descend to the river bank and engage in skirmishing with the voltiguers.

 The Red Dragoons ford the river and begin to deploy to attack the town.

 Major-General Poupe, (for it is he) dismounts two squadrons of Dragoons and uses the hedgerows as cover.  The carbines of the Dragoons are effective against the mounted Red Dragoons.

 Inkontinenz leads his battalions down onto the bridge.  The Colonel, on his flashy trademark white charger will soon dismount and lead the assault.

 The assault column crosses the bridge.  Colonel Inkontinenz takes a musket ball between the buttocks.  That has to sting!  The redcoats are subjected to cannister from a well sited Blue 6pdr cannon.

 The end of the game, Colonel Urin Gelb and his Black Jager force the dismounted Dragoons to retreat.  The Poupe brigade dragoons fight well, but with the Jager in the town old Baron Pumphosen is outflanked.   Moving swiftly the Fat Baron orders the retreat, and his carriage departs.  The Voltiguers are routed from the bridge and Red capture the 6pdr gun.  The bridge at Kippringen is now in Red hands. 

  Colonel Inkontinenz sits delicately astride his white prancing stallion.  Is it my imagination or does that miniature actually look like its been shot in the buttocks?

To Major-General, Count Inkontinenz,

Sir, we are happy to confer upon you the appointment and rank of Major-General. You are ordered to take command of such forces now at Kippringen.

God save the Red.

Judas Zebadiah Quilp

Secretary to the Horse Guards

Cinnabaria.

The Grand Duchy of the Blau, Kriegspiel Scenario Part 2

From “My Travels on the Continent,” by Sir William Bryson

The Grand Duchy of the Blau is one of the Elector states, and boasts one of the most inbred and mad Royal houses on the continent.  The Grand Duke has been confined to a remote schloss, in reality an “Asylum” under the care of Dr Sigmund Freund.  The Duchy is ruled by the Prince Regent, who has exiled his brothers, only to see them repeatedly seek foreign aid to invade the Duchy.  The High council of the Blau is called the High Vank, and comprises the nobility and important Officials of the realm.  The Council sits every three months.

Important Citizens of the Blau inclued the world famous Wolfgang Elton Amadeus, who often plays the harpsichord to entertain the Nobility.  Court life centres around the Regent’s Palace in Altmark, nicknamed “das rathaus,” where the Dowager Baroness seduces young Cavalry Officers. 

Sausage is the most important  national dish of the Blau, with the Royal Sausage as the ultimate in cuisine.

The Blau military is organised on Prussian lines, with the Prince Regent as Commander in Chief, and various nobles in command positions.  As such these inbred and peculiar Royal Gentlemen are rarely fit for command, and generally speaking "cock it up" all too often.

The fattest member of the Blau nobility is of course the Baron Pumphosen, an epicure who has been known to halt a campaign in the interests of finding a new sausage or pie.  His military skills have frequently been questioned, however his patriotism is such that he is seen as “loyal,” which recommends him to the High Vank.  Pumphosen has a terrible home life, with a new Baroness (and two ugly step daughters) causing him to neglect his only child, Cinderella Pumphosen, the true heir to the Pumpen-Schloss.

06.20

Your reconnaissance parties are underway: the Hussars passing beyond Golberger Feld and the Uhlans moving SW to Nennweiler Station.

You arrived at the head of the advance guard column to find an obviously inebriated Captain Phillips and a somewhat dishevelled smuggler's daughter. Naturally you demanded to see the offending melons, whereupon Captain Phillips exclaimed 'I say, ding dong!', before falling off his horse. With much cajoling and waving of the Pumpenschtick you eventually succeeded in getting the column moving again.

You are currently on the northern outskirts of Neu Goldberg, where the rear of the jager battalion is entering the town.

Your main body is waiting on the road SW of Neu Golberg and the artillery and baggage are still encamped on the heights around Villa Schonblick.

Phillips to be sent back to the rearguard to sober up.  I will deal with him tonight.

I shall steer my mare Esmerelda back to the Bridge leading the Jagers of the Advanced Guard and see them across.  I will leave my ADC at the Bridge and take myself up into Alt Goldberg to overlook the Goldberg Feld to the South and satisfy myself that I haven’t got Flatulenz coming on.

My intention is then to return to the Bridge to supervise. 

The Baron

The View South

Clear

I will send word back to Major Fahrtgasse to bring the main body on as ordered.  I will ride Esmerelda up to join my cavalry patrols on Pt136 (is it called “Aus dem Kipning?” On the Kipnings?  that would make these two hills the Kipnings.  Anyway I`m off up to the left nipple to see if I can spot any stiffening of the red further south.

Ahem...

Pumphosen

0630

Pickets are ordered South onto Die Wiesse Burg and Der Rothe Burg summits

My compliments to Oberst Von Trotha

His advanced Guard are to occupy the heights of Die Wiesse Berg (the white Mountain.)

The Jager will occupy the Rothe Burg overlooking Nennweiler to their West, Cavalry patrols to lead the way, and inspect Nennwieler.

I will return to my main body to bring it forward.  As ordered V regiment will march straight down the Nennwieler road following the Advanced guard.

I will divert the VI Regiment to take the Under construction railway line, taking the road west before the woods south of Alt Goldburg. (Shades of Mannassas Junction and 1st Bull Run here)  They will be following the cavalry Squadron already on this road.

I will also swap mounts with Farhrtgasse to rest Esmerelda.

1.  The Advance Guard Cavalry to occupy Der Wiesse Berg.  patrols forward into Nennweiler.

   The Ulhans who have fallen back onto the crossroads are ordered to advance on the road towards Sunderhof and then turn south towards Altstedten.

2.  The Jager battalion push forward across the stream into Nennwieler

3. Main Body

V regiment to continue to march south on the Nennweiler road as ordered.

VI regiment to turn onto the under construction railway line and march SW towards Station Nennwieler

Artillery should be following VI regiment

My intention will be to deploy VI to the right or West of the railway line and advance to clear Station Nennwieler.

My compliments to Colonel Von Trotha

Two squadrons to attack the Red cavalry on the Rothe Burg.  Charge them and see them off.

V regiment deploy into line  and advance onto Die Wiesse Burg

Jager to deploy in line between Die Wiesse Berg and the stream to the west.  They will be supported by my cavalry on De Wiese Burg.

For now I will remain with the cavalry on Die Weisse Burg

I will also ride around waving the Pumpenschtick.  If he sees me here he may not expect VI regiment to be on the other road.

Orders for VI regiment

The enemy are in Station Nennweiler to your SW.  Deploy into line on sighting them and outflank the position to the West.  Two battalions forward in line, one behind.

Orders for my Uhlans

The Enemy are at Station Nennwieler.

Progress south and work around to the rear of their position.

I don`t think I`ve ever seen cavalry holding the centre of a position before.  This may be all he has.  Still, his guns may be coming up from the rear.

Glory or a tomb in Altburg Abbey.

 

1.        Message to the Uhlan Squadron at Neu Sellhiem:  Redeem yourselves.  Forward to protect the right flank of IV regiment from Enemy Cavalry.

2.       The Hussars on the Wiesse Burg to charge the enemy Cavalry and drive them off to the Westward.  Pursue them beyond and behind the Nennwieler position.  The Baron Pumphosen will be charging with you.  Forward the Pumpenschtick.  Glory or a tomb in Altburg Abbey.

3.       Hussar squadron on Der Rothe Burg support the charge of the Hussars.  Your Baron will be leading them. (I`ve lost track of which of these squadrons are the Uhlans.) 

4.       Jager to support this charge and sent skirmishers down to the stream.  Pick off any Red Cavalry Officers.

5.       Uhlans on Der Rothe Burg.  Pursue the Red Dragoons just defeated.  Drive them as far south as Gross Hagen.

6.       Two leading Battalions of V Regiment.  Advance to the summit of Der Wiesse Burg.  Red has occupied Nennwieler, and the Chateau, but we will leave him there for now.  You will act as a Blocking Force.

7.       Remaining battalion of V regiment, once you cross the stream behind the Weisse Burg deploy in line and move South Westward towards Station Nennweiler.  If charged by Cavalry give them a volley to your front.

8    VI regiment, deploy into line and advance to flank Station Nennwieler to the West. Two battalions forward, one in support.

9.       To my personal Imperial Chef with the baggage.  Some Royal Blue Sausage tonight Herr Ramschtick, and plenty of that veal and port sauce.  I will finish off with a bottle of the red Neuberg 79 and a big slice of Apricot pie.

I place myself at the head of the Hussars, Pumpenschtick aloft shout, “Come on you Heroes of the Blau, let’s have these red Hundehaufen,” *  and ride at the enemy with some enthusiasm for working up an appetite.

*Turns out that the lads love a bit of swearing from the Baron.

 7.50

Unpacking your breakfast hamper you settle down to enjoy a quality Blue Sausage. You are soon joined by your ‘missing’ cavalry squadron who report that Altstedten is clear of enemy forces.

Your jager continue to harass the red infantry but they have now been joined by the 3rd battalion Vth regt. who are attacking Station Nennweiler.

 8.00
As you watch the progress of your jager and wipe the breakfast crumbs from your uniform (seems your aide packed an apricot tart after all) you see 3 squadrons of Red cavalry appearing on your flank on Alstedten hill.

What do you do?

What! I have to abandon breakfast?  And my morning Kaffé, interrupted?  I lay down my spoons and take up my family heirloom, the Pumpenschtick (the Fat Baron always uses two spoons at breakfast, simultaneously, in his trademark lightning shovel technique.)

I will direct the skirmishers on my left to move quickly into the rough ground to their front (looks like bushes to me) to threaten the enemy cavalry flanks, put skirmish fire into the enemy Cavalry from that position.

Following this my Cavalry will charge by squadrons around the rough ground, two Hussars followed by the third Hussar and the Uhlans.  At least I have rested these boys a little, as well as having had some breakfast.

In my champion Yodelling voice I order the charge westward, pointing the Pumpenschtick at my enemy, and calling them “Hundenhaufen”
It’s glory or that tomb in Altmark Abbey again.
 

It's all over bar the shouting. In the centre the Blue jager have been pushed back down the hill with heavy losses. Red 2nd battalion, no longer under threat from cavalry deployed back into line and sent out it's own skirmishers, this plus a hail of canister from the Red battery was too much for the Jager. On the flank the Red cavalry have been routed by their Blue counterparts; outnumbered and in awe of the Fat Baron leading the charge with a Pumpenschtick, it was only a matter of time really. The Red Jager in Station Nennweiler atttempted to contest the wood lining the road but were repulsed by Blue skirmishers.
As the Blue VIth regiment, in columns, with artillery support, close in on the Red left flank the latter are pretty much in an untenable position.
More importantly this may mean that the Blue Sausage is saved - surely a good thing!