The Spring, 1707 turn ended with both sides recruiting new units. Recruitment is limited to commanders in fortresses not under seige, so Peter, enbattled in Minsk was unable to recruit. In his stead General Apraskin in St. Petersburg recruited several infantry and cavalry units. Similarly Charles, engaged in the trenches outside Minsk was also unable to recruit so Krassauw in Warsaw did the honors. During the logistics phase only the Russians in Minsk could not be automatically supplied by fortress supplies. The Russians were able to supply themselves surviving a die roll on the variable logistics table.
At the beginning of the Summer turn there were no random events affecting the campaign. During their turn the Swedes continued to concentrate their forces outside Minsk. The Swedish force from Viborg, realizing the St. Petersburg garrison was too strong to defeat, attempted to retire to Viborg but remained outside St. Petersburg. During their combat phase the Swedes attacked Minsk. Both sides suffered 20% casualties but the Russians did not suffer a defeat.
During the Russian movement phase they successfully detected a single Swedish cavalry regiment outside Dorpat which they destroyed during their combat phase. At St. Petersburg General Apraskin gathered up his forces and attacked the Swedes in the outside the fortress.
We'll fight the St. Petersburg battle out using the Carnage and Glory rules. It may take us a couple of weeks to get it scheduled.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Russians Strike Back and End of Turn Activities
Russian Phase of 3rd Impulse
During their portion of the 3rd impulse of the spring turn the main St. Peterburg garrison successfully marched back to the fortress after having marched towards Narva earlier in the spring. The Swedish force from Viborg had struggled to march throught the northern forest and only arrived before St. Petersburg during the 3rd impulse. The during the 2nd impulse the Swedish fleet moved 3 regiments from Abo to the coast northwest of St. Petersburg. During the 3rd impulse this Swedish force failed to march as ordered to join the main Swedish force located north of St. Peterburg.
The Russian force, reunited in St. Peterburg, successfully outscouted the Swedish main force and gathered intelligence on their composition and strength. During the Russian combat phase a portion of the garrison attacked the isolated Swedish force, which was supported by the fleet, inflicting 50% casualties on the Swedes and driving them towards the main Swedish force. The Russians retired back into St. Petersburg. The battle was decided using the On to Moscow combat table.
End of Turn Phase
During the logistics phase all Russian and Swedish units were determined to be in supply, with the exception of the Minsk garrison, which rolled on the logistics table and passed. Both sides also successfully recruited new units.
We now move onto the summer phase.
During their portion of the 3rd impulse of the spring turn the main St. Peterburg garrison successfully marched back to the fortress after having marched towards Narva earlier in the spring. The Swedish force from Viborg had struggled to march throught the northern forest and only arrived before St. Petersburg during the 3rd impulse. The during the 2nd impulse the Swedish fleet moved 3 regiments from Abo to the coast northwest of St. Petersburg. During the 3rd impulse this Swedish force failed to march as ordered to join the main Swedish force located north of St. Peterburg.
The Russian force, reunited in St. Peterburg, successfully outscouted the Swedish main force and gathered intelligence on their composition and strength. During the Russian combat phase a portion of the garrison attacked the isolated Swedish force, which was supported by the fleet, inflicting 50% casualties on the Swedes and driving them towards the main Swedish force. The Russians retired back into St. Petersburg. The battle was decided using the On to Moscow combat table.
End of Turn Phase
During the logistics phase all Russian and Swedish units were determined to be in supply, with the exception of the Minsk garrison, which rolled on the logistics table and passed. Both sides also successfully recruited new units.
We now move onto the summer phase.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Spring, 1707, 3rd Impulse
Last impulse of the Spring, 1707 turn was rather quiet. The Swedes continued to concentrate their forces around the beseiged fortress of Minsk. A force of Swedes from Viborg marched through the northern forests to St. Petersburg where they were joined by the Swedish fleet with reinforcements.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Spring, 1707 2nd Impulse
In the On to Moscow campaign rules each year is broken into four seasons, and each season into three impulses, with each impulse representing the equivilent of a month. We have just completed the Spring, 1707 2nd impulse. The main Swedish force, under Charles XII has completed entrenchments at Minsk, a prerequisite for placing a fortress under siege. Swedish forces have appeared outside the fortess of Dorpat and a Swedish fleet has landed a force of unknown size outside of St. Petersburg. There was no contact between either side during the turn.
*---Disclaimer: This is not a complete description of the action during this turn. In order not to reveal infomation to either side that would betray operational actions of which they are unaware, some details have been left out of the narrative.
*---Disclaimer: This is not a complete description of the action during this turn. In order not to reveal infomation to either side that would betray operational actions of which they are unaware, some details have been left out of the narrative.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Battle of Minsk, Spring 1707
Right out of the box the main Swedish force, under Charles XII’s direct command marched against Minsk. Peter I with the main Russian army immediately sallied out of Minsk to confront the Swedes. In the march up the Swedes detached two brigades of cavalry to move around Minsk and cut the road from Moscow to Minsk.
During their portion of the Spring 1707 1st impulse the Russians attacked the Swedes. For tactical battles we’re using the Carnage and Glory Great Northern War tactical system. Due to the size of the game the infantry units were scaled back to 400 men and cavalry regiments to 600. As the defensive player the Swedes were able to select the tabletop map and deployment area. Since the Swedes also had a pioneer unit they were able to construct defensive works. Total Russian forces included 19,200 infantry, 13,200 cavalry and 8 cannon. Swedish forces totaled 10,000 infantry, 9,000 cavalry and 14 cannon.
The Swedish forces were all rated A or B class infantry and cavalry. Russian forces were much more diverse. Of their eight infantry brigades, two were composed of A rated troops, one C rated, three with a mix of C and D rated and two brigades with D and E rated infantry. Of their 11 cavalry brigades, two included A and B rated units, three with C rated and the remainder a combination of D and E rated units.
Despite being outnumbered on the battlefield the Swedish commander detached three of his six brigades of cavalry on a flank march intended to arrive on the Russian left flank.
With numerical superiority but decidedly lacking in overall quality Peter decided on a risky strategy. He deployed his poorly trained brigades in his first line, supported by the higher quality troops. His strategy was to use the poorer quality troops to absorb the initial contact with the Swedes, and allow the better troops to punch through the weakened Swedish lines. The Russian strategy would only work if they can close quickly enough to avoid a general loss of army morale before they break the Swedish line.
The Swedes were confident that their superior quality would more than make up for their limited numbers and allow them to break the Russian attack, even if their flanking cavalry failed to appear.
The battle began at 11:00 am with a general advance by the Russians. Russian strength, including their cavalry was focused on both flanks with a thinner infantry screen in the center. The two Russian batteries also were deployed in the center. At the beginning of turn 3 the Russian cavalry on either flank moved quickly to the attack, launching several charges, which were met with Swedish cavalry counter charges. The superior Swedish cavalry overwhelmed the Russians, shattering the four dragoon/cossack regiments, capturing one Russian brigade commander and two standards.
The Russian cavalry on the right flank pushed towards the Swedes, constrained by lack of room to maneuver. The Swedes responded by extending their infantry lines and sending a strong cavalry force out to challenge the Russian advance.
The Russian cavalry on the left, having had its forward elements routed during their initial advance continued to skirmish with the Swedes. The Swedish lifeguard cavalry, having thrown back the Russian front line was assailed by fresh Russian cavalry and driven back.
At 12:30 (turn 6) the Russians launched a major infantry assault on the Swedish right/center. This wing was anchored in the center at the redoubt, followed a section of light woods towards the right flank, which was guarded by Swedish cavalry.
6 battalions of Russian infantry threw themselves against the Swedish line, composed of infantry supported by a couple of battalion guns. A firestorm of musket and cannon fire greeted the Russians, stopping their advance at 50 paces. The Russian infantry was rallied and at 12:45 pm (turn 7) advanced to the charge yet again, only to have their charges stopped, with devestating casualties. Among the dead and wounded were several regimental commanders, further erroding the Russian morale and impacting their command structure. At the end of the turn the Russian infantry assualt faltered and several Russian infantry battalions either routed or retired exposing a gap in the Russian center/left.
On the far left of the Russian infantry assault their cavalry enjoyed a minor success against tired Swedish cavalry. On the Russian right their frontline cavalry was defeated by the Swedes and driven back through supporting units. At the same time Swedish commanders were informed that their flanking cavalry was moving towards the Russian left flank and would appear at 1pm (turn 8).
The Russian CiC was told Cossack scouts had deteched Swedish cavalry marching against their left. With the arrival of the Swedish cavalry and the defeat of their infantry attack set the stage for a general Russian withdrawal. The Russian challenge changed quickly from attack to covering their withdrawal.
Six regiments of Swedish cavalry entered the table on the Russian left flank and immediately engaged Russian cavalry. At the same time the Carnage and Glory system determined that Russian army morale was failing and applied a general morale loss to all Russian units. In the center and on the Russian right the commanders ordered an immediate retirement. At the same time the Swedes attempted to transition from defense to offense. The Swedish CiC issued attack orders to his infantry brigades with mixed success. Several of the orders failed to either reach their destination or to be enacted, including one to a brigadier that was entertaining of lady of dubious reputation. The Russian center and right slowly disengaged while the Russian left successfully countered Swedish cavalry attacks by sacrificing several grenadier regiment.
On turn 11, 1:45, the Russians had successfully withdrawn, leaving the field to the Swedes. The battle was declared a major Swedish victory. Total Russian losses after missing and wounded were returned were 4,320, which included 1,622 men taken prisoner. They also lost 4 guns, 11 standards and 4 generals. Swedish losses were 716 men and 1 standard.
During their portion of the Spring 1707 1st impulse the Russians attacked the Swedes. For tactical battles we’re using the Carnage and Glory Great Northern War tactical system. Due to the size of the game the infantry units were scaled back to 400 men and cavalry regiments to 600. As the defensive player the Swedes were able to select the tabletop map and deployment area. Since the Swedes also had a pioneer unit they were able to construct defensive works. Total Russian forces included 19,200 infantry, 13,200 cavalry and 8 cannon. Swedish forces totaled 10,000 infantry, 9,000 cavalry and 14 cannon.
The Swedish forces were all rated A or B class infantry and cavalry. Russian forces were much more diverse. Of their eight infantry brigades, two were composed of A rated troops, one C rated, three with a mix of C and D rated and two brigades with D and E rated infantry. Of their 11 cavalry brigades, two included A and B rated units, three with C rated and the remainder a combination of D and E rated units.
Despite being outnumbered on the battlefield the Swedish commander detached three of his six brigades of cavalry on a flank march intended to arrive on the Russian left flank.
With numerical superiority but decidedly lacking in overall quality Peter decided on a risky strategy. He deployed his poorly trained brigades in his first line, supported by the higher quality troops. His strategy was to use the poorer quality troops to absorb the initial contact with the Swedes, and allow the better troops to punch through the weakened Swedish lines. The Russian strategy would only work if they can close quickly enough to avoid a general loss of army morale before they break the Swedish line.
The Swedes were confident that their superior quality would more than make up for their limited numbers and allow them to break the Russian attack, even if their flanking cavalry failed to appear.
The battle began at 11:00 am with a general advance by the Russians. Russian strength, including their cavalry was focused on both flanks with a thinner infantry screen in the center. The two Russian batteries also were deployed in the center. At the beginning of turn 3 the Russian cavalry on either flank moved quickly to the attack, launching several charges, which were met with Swedish cavalry counter charges. The superior Swedish cavalry overwhelmed the Russians, shattering the four dragoon/cossack regiments, capturing one Russian brigade commander and two standards.
The Russian cavalry on the right flank pushed towards the Swedes, constrained by lack of room to maneuver. The Swedes responded by extending their infantry lines and sending a strong cavalry force out to challenge the Russian advance.
The Russian cavalry on the left, having had its forward elements routed during their initial advance continued to skirmish with the Swedes. The Swedish lifeguard cavalry, having thrown back the Russian front line was assailed by fresh Russian cavalry and driven back.
At 12:30 (turn 6) the Russians launched a major infantry assault on the Swedish right/center. This wing was anchored in the center at the redoubt, followed a section of light woods towards the right flank, which was guarded by Swedish cavalry.
6 battalions of Russian infantry threw themselves against the Swedish line, composed of infantry supported by a couple of battalion guns. A firestorm of musket and cannon fire greeted the Russians, stopping their advance at 50 paces. The Russian infantry was rallied and at 12:45 pm (turn 7) advanced to the charge yet again, only to have their charges stopped, with devestating casualties. Among the dead and wounded were several regimental commanders, further erroding the Russian morale and impacting their command structure. At the end of the turn the Russian infantry assualt faltered and several Russian infantry battalions either routed or retired exposing a gap in the Russian center/left.
On the far left of the Russian infantry assault their cavalry enjoyed a minor success against tired Swedish cavalry. On the Russian right their frontline cavalry was defeated by the Swedes and driven back through supporting units. At the same time Swedish commanders were informed that their flanking cavalry was moving towards the Russian left flank and would appear at 1pm (turn 8).
The Russian CiC was told Cossack scouts had deteched Swedish cavalry marching against their left. With the arrival of the Swedish cavalry and the defeat of their infantry attack set the stage for a general Russian withdrawal. The Russian challenge changed quickly from attack to covering their withdrawal.
Six regiments of Swedish cavalry entered the table on the Russian left flank and immediately engaged Russian cavalry. At the same time the Carnage and Glory system determined that Russian army morale was failing and applied a general morale loss to all Russian units. In the center and on the Russian right the commanders ordered an immediate retirement. At the same time the Swedes attempted to transition from defense to offense. The Swedish CiC issued attack orders to his infantry brigades with mixed success. Several of the orders failed to either reach their destination or to be enacted, including one to a brigadier that was entertaining of lady of dubious reputation. The Russian center and right slowly disengaged while the Russian left successfully countered Swedish cavalry attacks by sacrificing several grenadier regiment.
On turn 11, 1:45, the Russians had successfully withdrawn, leaving the field to the Swedes. The battle was declared a major Swedish victory. Total Russian losses after missing and wounded were returned were 4,320, which included 1,622 men taken prisoner. They also lost 4 guns, 11 standards and 4 generals. Swedish losses were 716 men and 1 standard.
Friday, April 16, 2010
GNW Campaign Map
Here is the theater map we're using for the GNW campaign. Swedish fortresses are highlighted in blue and Russian highlighted in green. All forces begin the campaign in one of the fortresses. I allowed each CiC to deploy their forces as they choose. Interesting neither side modified their deployment substantially from the deployment included in the game.
Campaign Map
Here's the theater map for the GNW campaign. Swedish fortresses are highlighted in blue and Russian in green.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Great Northern War Campaign...the beginnings
The campaign involves 8 players. The On to Moscow game begins in the spring of 1708. Each turn represents a season and is divided into three pulses, each pulse the equivilent of a month of campaigning. The Swedes, led by Charles XII, begin in Poland and fortresses in the Baltic. The Russians, under the command of Peter the Great occupy a series of fortresses opposite the Swedes. The Swedes also have a fleet that can ferry troops around the Baltic.
Movement is of individual units during each impulse is variable, based on time of year and whether they have a leader attached. If a unit attempts to march it might march normally, march with attrition, fall back, forced march or march to the sound of the guns.
Movement is of individual units during each impulse is variable, based on time of year and whether they have a leader attached. If a unit attempts to march it might march normally, march with attrition, fall back, forced march or march to the sound of the guns.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Great Northern War Campaign
We're starting a Great Northern War campaign using the On to Moscow boardgame for the strategic moves and the Carnage and Glory Marlburian computer moderated tactical system to resolve the tactical encounters. We'll begin with Spring, 1707. Each turn represents a season, with each season divided into three impulses. These impulses represent a month of time. In addition to players in the role of Charles XII and Peter the Great there are four players commanding various elements of the Swedish and Russian armies.
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