"Great War East - 1914 scenario book update" Topic

Howdy,

I'm deeply into work on the scenario book, Great War East – 1914. Shown below is the current lineup for the ten scenarios.

(1) Stallupoen
(2) Gumbinnen
(3) Tannenberg, East Flank
(4) Tannenberg, West Flank
(5) Tannenberg Mini-Campaign
(6) Jaroslawice
(7) Krasnik
(8) Komarov
(9) Rawa Ruska
(10) Lodz

Churchill called the Great War in the east, the unknown war. Boy, did he hit the nail on the head. Finding source material in English is a pain. Tactical details are lacking in what sources there are. Can you say, Little map, big arrows. Because of this many of the scenarios will be bathtubbed.

Ponder on,

JAS

What ruleset is this scenario book for? What size are the units represented in the scenarios?

The work is badly needed, though. Are you gearing it toward any particular rules system?
Resources are scanty, but I did find a book called "Battles East" for my Kindle that goes into some detail (comparatively speaking): maybe the author or his bibliography could help?
Bob

Howdy,

The scenario book will be for Command Decision – Test of Battle. Sorry that was not clear, the initial post was on the CD board, with an afterthought to cross post.

CD focuses on battalion, regimental and brigade battles.

Ponder on,

JAS

I wonder if Blue Moon is going to make figures for 1914?

Given that next year is the 100th anniversary it seems like a good idea!

I take it you have Solzenhitsyn's 'August 1914' by your bedside!

Tannenberg by Showalter is another great resource. I've read August 1914. It actually is beside my bed. Some parts of that book are really good. Makes you feel like you are there.

That's a nice selection of scenarios. I wish it wasn't bathtubbed since it would appeal to a wider group. But, I understand you're reason for doing so (CD).

Thanks,

John

Very interesting: Holger Herwig: The Marne, 1914 link

Howdy,

I've been working of the scenario book …

Austrian casualties and prisoners for the 1914 campaigns are cited in the vicinity of one million men, some forty percent of which can be attributed to the initial campaigns in Galicia. Russian losses are thought to be somewhat less, but of similar magnitude. German losses ran to about 200,000 men from the Tannenberg, Masurian Lakes, Vistula, and Lodz Campaigns. Interestingly, in comparison – in the west, the Germans began the war with seven armies and also incurred about 200,000 casualties during 1914.

In early discussion of this scenario book, a tentative tittle was "Send in the Clowns." In doing so, I was been thinking of the epic tragedy that was the Great War. However, the typical reaction to this prospective title was, "I fail to see the humor." Alas, in any event a simpler more direct tittle was chosen.

So, what's significant about the Great War in the East? First of all the war in the east never settled into the stalemate that the war in France became. The campaign area was so large, there was always an open flank, or the ability to create one. Another reason often given is the widely spaced rail network did not allow for the rapid redeployment of reserves to meet a breakthrough. Though, overall the poor level of staff work and lack of troop training were likely greater restrictions on grand maneuver. The Germans certainly do not seem to have suffered from a lack of rail lines when attempting grand maneuvers.

Many myths that carry into WW2, seem to have been formed during the Great War. Myths such as the Russian steamroller are not appropriate for WW2, but do have a basis during the Great War. Another myth is the German genius for war; events such as Tannenberg had more to do with Russian shortcomings than any particular genius for war by German command. Consider in comparison, the grand maneuver before Lodz, similar to Tannenberg, yet a great victory was not won. Any German genius for war was more likely exhibited at the regimental level, where they were consistently able to build units to withstand combat and remain effective.

In rating the troops for Great War East – 1914, in looking at the campaigns a seeming hierarchy emerges as a rule of thumb: The Germans could always beat the Russians, and the Russians could always beat the Austrians. While not always true, this sorting does seem a reliable guide for most of the war. Because of this the Germans in 1914 are rated as "Experienced." The same rating as was applied in "The Death of Glory – France 1914." Russian infantry and artillery were generally rated "Trained," and "Regular," respectively. A similar rating was given to the Austrians. With regard to morale: Based on the hierarchy, the higher-rated side was typically assigned a morale of 9, and the lower-rated side a morale of 8; unless a unique situation such as fatigue or lack of supply was applicable.

The biggest issue seen in playing battles of 1914 with Command Decision is the player's use of artillery. The lack of radios and the limited radius for observe-battery coordination makes artillery difficult to use. This dilemma was noted during the war. Two other points along that line: First, hilltop positions with longer lines of sight tend be become more important, and second, setting up guns first is a major advantage, especially at shorter ranges. In the game, having a plan for the use of artillery on the table seems to be the biggest predictor of success. The side that simply reacts to events tends to come up short.

More to come…

JAS

This is my favorite front and time frame of WWI to game. So glad to see Gumbinnen and Lodz were included in addition to Tannenburg.

This book looks like it should be great. Understanably you'll probably have to due some guess work for maps and units present but that is to be expected for this front.

Cant wait to see it. Ill order as soon as its available!

PS. Any chance of Masurian Lakes making it in?

Howdy,

Scenario 3 will portray action around Bishofsburg, while Scenario 4 will be set at Usdau.

Ponder on,

JAS

Howdy,

A draft of all ten scenarios is now done. Although No. 10 still needs some work. No. 10 is the battle between the Russian 6th Siberian Corps and the German XXVth Corps at the start of the Lodz Campaign.

With the exception of some connective text for the scenario section introduction – it's done! I aim to finish up over the holidays. Aiming for publication at Historicon in July 2014.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

JAS

I was very excited for a few seconds when I thought we were going to get eastern lists for Warhammer Historical's The Great War. Silly me :-(

It is done.

Now for the hard work of editing & layout …

Happy New Year,

JAS

Is the scenario book written so that other rules sets can be used? We have a local grown set that we prefer.

Howdy,

You could easily adapt. However, they would not easily adapt to a skirmish-level game.

Terrain is based on actual locations.

Ponder on,

JAS

Howdy,

Scenario location map:

Ponder on,

JAS

Can't wait for this! Almost all of my WWI gaming is Eastern Front. I like the map you've posted too. Please keep us updated on the progress.

Howdy,

Thanks for the encouragement, I hope you like the book.

Ponder on,

JAS

Woohoo!

Ready to move into the layout phase.

Ponder on,

JAS

Howdy,

Due to events beyond my control, the Great War East – 1914 scenario book will NOT be done in time for Historicon.

I'm greatly disappointed. More to come …

JAS

Howdy,

Draft cover for the Great War East – 1914 scenario book at the link below.

testofbattle.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4846&sid=12e03c4751f9fdffd4976efce88e8797

Ponder on,

JAS

Really looking forward to it!

Revised Cover Draft:

Progress is being made.

JAS

Do you have a forecast date for production ?

Howdy,

About half-a-dozen corrections remain in the layout. Looks like it will be available on the Test of Battle website in September. Also at Fall-IN at the Test of Battle booth.

Ponder on,

JAS

Howdy,

Just sent in what I hope are final corrections on the book. Next step, printing.

Ponder on,

JAS

Ok. Keep us posted. Got some figures: link

Off to the printer – JAS

Huzzah!

Would you recommend this to someone brand-new to WW1 gaming? BF and Khurasan's minis are getting very tempting…

This would be a good introduction to WW1 operational-level. A gamer new to WW1 would need to purchase the Command Decision rule book and then choose a scenario book.

For WW1, the scenario books to choose from are *The Death of Glory* which covers battles in France in 1914, or the soon-to-be-released *Great War East 1914*.

They can be found at <testofbattle.com>.

Howdy,

Both the "The Death of Glory – France 1914" & "Great War East 1914" books have a good deal of background info within, as well as an annotated bibliography. So in that area, excellent for beginners. Grumble is correct you need the base rule book to use the scenario books. All are or will be (in the case of GWE) available on the test of battle games website store.

Ponder on,

JAS

Howdy,

My author copies arrived in the mail today!

Hurrah Hooray!!!

Ponder on,

JAS

Howdy,

I hear from Glenn Kidd, he plans to start sales of the new book on November 3rd.

Ponder on,

JAS