Tuesday, July 2, 2013

First Krasnoi AAR

Dutch Hussars await the order to advance
Jerry, Brady and I played First Krasnoi this past weekend. Brady and I were French and Jerry commanded the Russians. It was a very close affair, and we agreed to play this scenario again.
Jerry brought his camera so the pictures are high quality.



Russian Hussars




My favorite miniatures rules


Initial Russian Deployment

The French march on

The forest near Krasnoi



The Russian Right, occupying the hill next to Krasnoi
Cossacks move to support the Russian left
There are special restrictions placed on Cossacks in Volley and Bayonet. They may only attack disordered or routed units from the flank or rear.
Russian Jagers in Krasnoi
The French moved up and began attacking as soon as possible. Their first attacks were defeated and three French cavalry units wound up either Disordered or Routed. Jerry sent his Cossacks in pursuit. Only one of them could contact the closest unit, a routed French Hussars brigade. It routed and picked up in the Morale Phase; thus triggering Cavalry Breakthrough. When a cavalry unit charges and it's target routs or picks up, it has three choices:
Take a free facing change and stay in place
Move back to it's original position
Charge again if it can contact a different target. The charger will become permanently disordered if it does so. Jerry chose to charge again. He contacted a second French cavalry unit in disorder and routed it, causing it to lose it's last strength point. And triggered the second and final cavalry breakthrough movement, which also resulted in a French cavalry unit routing off the table.
Poof, three French cavalry brigades disappeared. They would be missed...



French Cavalry advance through the standing crops

Nansouty's Division prepares to attack the Russian left


The French attack goes in

The French Center, Compans' 10th Division

French attack on the Russian right


The bold Cossacks at the end of their charge


French advance from the Russian perspective




French attack up the hill

The French have cleared the hill in front of the forest
The French were able to force back the Russian left. The Russian launched a counter attack here when their reinforcements arrived. The French were able to throw the Russians out of Krasnoi, but were unable to hold it. The last four turns of the game saw desperate French attacks thrown back by Russian counter attacks. 










Montbrun's French Cuirassiers move to the attack


The final French attack on the Russian right is stopped by artillery





Russian Jagers advance at the end of the game

The last French attack is thrown back
A fun game with good friends. I heartily recommend this scenario.

11 comments:

  1. Those are some great pics and a fine batrep!

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  2. Nice report; looks like a good game. There are relatively few decent scenarios to be had out of 1812, so it's always good to see an idea for another one!

    Peter

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  3. Great looking game and report Mike. Some beaut photos there!

    I reckon that Neverovski's rearguard action is not adequately recognised for the manner in which it blunted Napoleon's brilliant flanking manoeuvre that would, in the absence of 1st Krasnoi, likely have seen Barclay's army get a very bloody nose!

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  4. I really need to pick up a good camera instead of using my iPhone; it really makes a difference. Thanks for the comments.
    1812 is tough for balanced scenarios. Perhaps it's just my lack of understanding of the entire historical period, but it seems that this campaign is marked by a savagery and horror that is lessened in Central Europe.
    Very good point, James. If not for this battle, there would have been another unbalanced scenario to look at.

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  5. Excellent looking game. I particularly like the size and scale of your scenario. Perfect for maneuver and attempts to out think the opponent I would say. A nice match for V&B.

    I love your groundcloth. What is it made of?

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  6. As much fun as the 8-10 player games are, these smaller ones are quite enjoyable as well.
    The cloth is made of cheap faux fur from the fabric store. Some brown and green paints are added and then I hit it with spray adhesive and flock. I am very happy with it.

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  7. Great looking game! A very nice report with beautiful figures and pictures. A great report for a great period!

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  8. Jerry says the cemetery was a great place to deposit
    french cavalry. and the super cossacks agree
    jerry

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  9. Great review and painted figures!

    Greetings
    Peter

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