Nap Campaign: Battle of Grazzbenn 2nd April 1808 : Turns 1 - 10

 Turn 1

The Prussians gained the initiative in turn 1 and had the privilege of firing the first artillery salvoes at the French. A single 6pdr scored a double 6 on an Old Guard 6pdr battery knocking out one of its guns and forcing the battery to retire. Otherwise it was rather uneventful with a sprinkling of French casualties along its front line.

The French response was rather underwhelming given their numbers. Casualties were inflicted on many Prussian units but mostly singles.

Turn 2

Scouts report to Napoleon that a Prussian force is moving towards their rear and expected to arrive early afternoon on their left flank. He therefore does not have the luxury of pounding the Prussians relentlessly utilising their advantage in artillery. 

Having won the initiative this turn, the French artillery open up again on the Prussians but with a repeat of turn 1 (poor dice rolls) Prussian casualties are relatively light. Earlier than he would have liked, the Imperial Guards were ordered to form attack columns ready to move out. The French plan being to deliver a right hook with the guards to be followed up by a blow to the centre with Vandamme's Corps.

Continued -

Prussian artillery fire proved more accurate once again. A 12pdr battery rolled a double 6 knocking out an Imperial Guard 12pdr and forcing the battery to retire (middle right). Worse was to follow with the brigade commander, Dufour from Vandamme's Corps, being fatally wounded.

Turn 3

Napoleon despatches an ADC to take over command of Dufour's brigade. At the same time he sends a messenger to Drouot ordering him to commence his attack on the Prussian left. To his dismay, Drouot remains static. Here, Napoleon and his entourage are galloping furiously towards Drouot to ensure he makes his advance.

In the meantime the artillery duel continues and casualties continue to mount on both sides although the Prussian infantry fares the worst. 

Turn 4

Another order is sent to Drouot and he again fails to move. An incandescent Napoleon rapidly approaches Drouot (bottom left). The French attack is now half an hour behind schedule (each move representing 15 mins) and needs to make serious headway before the arrival of Prussian reinforcements.

The continuing artillery salvoes lead to batteries on both sides running low on ammo. The Prussian units continue to hold their ground despite mounting losses. The French are not unscathed with some of their artillery in particular receiving a mauling.

Turn 5

Napoleon did an about face to return to his original position when a messenger finally got through and Drouot ordered his units to attack the Prussian left. The Middle Guard lead the way followed by the Old Guard with the Heavy Cavalry in support.

Artillery fire continued to erupt along the whole length of both forces. The Prussian infantry commanding the heights on their right flank withdrew onto the reverse slope as a counter to the increasing losses to French cannon fire. 

Elsewhere casualties were fairly evenly matched as the Prussian artillery gave as good as it got.

Turn 6

The Grenadiers of the Middle Guard form the right of their attack with the Chasseurs the left. Most columns succeed in passing through the artillery without becoming unformed. Skirmish fire is exchanged with their Prussian opposite numbers with only the French suffering a casualty (this is done in the abstract - I decided to reintroduce skirmishers in this game).

Gaps begin to appear in the Prussian lines as the massed French artillery takes its toll. This generated the first morale test of the game on a battalion of the Prussian 10th Infantry who sustained 3 casualties (lower middle left of the single cannon). This was passed with no difficulty.

For the first time the Prussian 6pdr battery positioned on the fortification battlements opened fire at the limit of their range but failed to make an impact.

Turn 7

The Imperial Guards continue to converge on the Prussian left flank with most columns successfully remaining formed having interpenetrated the artillery. Skirmishers on both sides continue to exchange fire. 

Turn 8

Skirmishers on both sides are recalled and as the Imperial Guard columns approach the Prussian line fire erupts along its length. Several Guardsmen are knocked down but insufficient to test their morale.

Middle Guard Chasseurs emerge from the sunken road in line formation and immediately come under fire from the lone Prussian cannon on the left who fails to register any hits.

Vandamme's Corps now form attack columns in preparation for the order to advance. 

The single Grand Battery in the French centre have split into two and concentrate their fire on the Prussian artillery successfully knocking out one of their guns.

An overview at the end of turn 8.

Turn 9

The attack goes in! No less than 6 Imperial Guard battalion columns charged towards the Prussian line. 4 of them successfully took the punishment from Prussian volleys and struck home. Shockingly, the 1/1st Grenadiers of the Old Guard faltered (bottom right). 

The Prussian artillery though inflicted the most damage rolling a double '6'. The canister blast from both cannon caused 7 casualties on the 1/4th Grenadiers of the Middle Guard. Friant also sustained a light wound and had to retire to seek medical attention.

The 1/11th Prussian infantry (middle right) faltered as the 2/4th Grenadiers of the Middle Guard piled into them. The Prussians were unable to withstand the assault and routed with heavy casualties.

The 2/11th Infantry (top left) stood firm as 3 battalions struck them. They were joined by Reichenbach to stiffen their resolve. 

On the right of the photo, the 1/3rd and 2/3rd Grenadiers and the 2/4th Chasseurs of the Middle Guard gave the 2/11th Prussian Infantry a severe mauling inflicting 11 casualties for the loss of only 2 and killing Reichenbach. This generated a Brigade morale check which saw both battalions of the 11th Infantry flee the field.

On the left of the Imperial Guard formation, the Chasseurs continued to advance in line receiving the first Prussian volleys at long range. The two lead battalions lost a couple of figures each. 

Napoleon joins Vandamme. He is taking no chances this time ensuring Vandamme begins his attack when ordered. Nervously looking over his shoulder he is acutely aware of the approaching Prussian reinforcements and time is of the essence. He hoped to launch Vandamme's attack as the Guards rolled up the Prussian flank but it looked increasingly likely that attack would have to be ordered sooner.

Turn 10

The Prussian battery of the 14th Brigade routed from the field when charged leaving space for the Imperial Guard to surge forward unopposed. All that remained of the 14th Brigade was their commander, von Ryssel, and a small squadron of Silesia Landwehr cavalry.

On the Imperial Guard left, a charge by the 1/3rd and 2/3rd Chasseurs was met with steady fire from the defending Prussian battalions. Unfortunately for the French, the sole 6pdr of the 13th Brigade rolled its second double 6 of the game. The 1/3rd Chasseurs suffered badly losing 4 casualties and forcing it to retreat (middle right). Only a French battalion column charge allowed them to save face forcing the 1/10th Infantry to retreat (off camera to the left). 

A Guards horse artillery battery quickly deployed and fired a salvo towards the lone Prussian cannon but failed to score any hits.

The Prussian right flank enjoyed some success with their artillery duel with the French 2nd Corps. They badly damaged the French 6th Division 6pdr battery causing it to disperse from the field (the gap in the line near the trees in the photo). This adversely affected the morale of nearby units with a couple faltering and one retreating.

An upset for the Prussians in the castle. The 7th Brigade 6pdr foot battery positioned on the ramparts, already low on ammo as a result of a double 1 thrown earlier, rolled another double 1 meaning it was now out of ammo and had to retire from the field. Infantry on the ramparts shuffle along to fill the gap left.

Major Sack tours the castle settling the concerned troops concerned about the loss of their artillery.

TO BE CONTINUED