Battle of Possneck Day Two – Set Up

Tactical map at 0800 15 August 1813

Campaign Background

Both corps have fought the previous day at Possneck.

The result of that fighting was a draw, and both corps held their position

The battle was mainly a cavalry engagement, with medium casualties on both sides

At nightfall the French decided to retreat over the river Saale

The Russians decided to continue the battle the next morning

During the night the French withdrew to the positions shown on the map

At first light they deploy ready to retreat

The Russians deploy ready to advance and attack Possneck

Wargames table at start of battle

Wargames Table

Possneck is the town in the centre of the table

The river Saale is off table to the left

French are on the left

Russians are on the right

French positions at start of battle

2^nd French Corps

Left – 3^rd French division have orders to retreat and find a ford over the river

Centre – 4^th French division have orders to retreat over the bridge

Right – 14^th Westphalian division have orders to move to the centre and form the rear guard

Russian positions at start of battle

3^rd Russian Corps

Left – 9^th division are cramped between the road and the hill

Centre – 7^th division are deployed opposite Possneck

Right - 8th division have the woods to their front

Comments on Deployment

If the French follow their campaign orders 4^th division will escape across the river

3^rd and 14^th divisions will have to fight with their backs to the river

It would have made more tactical sense for the French cavalry with 10% casualties or less to march at the rear of the two retreating divisions, and the front of the advancing one, in order to cover the march

The Russian cavalry have more casualties than the French.   It would  have made more tactical sense for those with more than 10% casualties to march at the rear of the column rather than at the front.   If they lose a cavalry engagement they will cause a lot of disorder to the supporting infantry regiments.

All divisions start the game with their campaign orders

Only corps commanders can change those orders to Move, Hold, Engage or Attack

Divisional commander can change their orders to Halt

Rule 3 deals with command and control

Rule 4 deals with corps and divisional orders

Wargame Rules

Can be found at

http://napoleoniccampaignrules.blogspot.com/