Honours of War SYW, Spittelwitz scenario full AAR

[DintheDin]

Hi gents,
Last Saturday, Miltiades and I tested the Honours of War Spittelwitz scenario.

The Blue forces were to cross the river. At the other side, a small force of three light infantry units was entrenched as a forlorn hope and the main Red forces were waiting on the hills, further behind. A Red force detachment was guarding the city of Spittelwitz (1 ABP worth). There was also a mixed Blue brigade, trying to surprise the Reds from the flank.

[DintheDin]

The table setup. Spittelwitz at the background. The Blue forces at the left, arrayed in front of the river (passable)

[DintheDin]

The initial setup. I was commanding the Red forces.

[DintheDin]

The mixed Blue legion, ready for its outflanking movement vs the Red right wing.

[DintheDin]

The main Red forces wait on the hills, cavalry in reserve

[DintheDin]

Two Blue brigades start crossing the river

[DintheDin]

They soon engage the small entrenched skirmishing units. I made the mistake to let them stand and fight, better was to start an orderly retreat, as they fought against overwhelming odds and soon melted away.

[DintheDin]

Having dispatched my small light infantry forlorn hope, Miltiades' Blue forces cross the river, receiving ineffective long range fire from my two batteries posted on the hills.

[DintheDin]

One Blue regiment approaches Spittelwitz through the woods and exchange fire with the defenders. Miltiades hesitates to storm the city. Both sides slowly amass casualties. Who will win this game of attrition?

[DintheDin]

The Blues receive gunfire but march steadily against the hills

[DintheDin]

...meanwhile, Miltiades with his Mixed Legion, brings two consecutive sixes, manages to double and triple march and is ready to fall upon the back of my right flank - a real surprise attack! At the nick of the time, I refuse flank detaching one infantry battalion from Spittelberg and engage them with my cavalry reserve.  Miltiades' small light infantry, sneaks into the woods at the right of Spittelberg heights, starting an irritating flanking fire... It took me a lot of time to dislodge them from there, while one more fresh brigade was marching to engage me frontally!

[DintheDin]

The Blues, steadily marching, reach canister range

[DintheDin]

Miltiades' Blues, assault Spittelberg!

[DintheDin]

An overall view of the battle

(to be continued)

[miltiades]

a fantastic AAR ! I think this scenario was not very balanced... I was very lucky [in rolling "6" in several turns and Dinos had a tough luck rolling many "1"] but I still think the scenario favours the Blue force. Looking forward to see what happened next.