"1814 PBEM Campaign in France" Topic

Day 1 – 1st March 1814

Northern France

Napoleon has deployed three armies to hold the river Rhine from Dusseldorf to Strasbourg. A fourth army is posted to hold the Swiss border. The Imperial Guard is held in reserve in Paris.

The allied armies of Prussia, Russia and Austria have concentrated just east of the river and cut all communication with France. The Bavarian army has concentrated at Basel.

Patrols along the east bank of the river have confirmed that the west bank is only lightly held. The French have deployed further to the west with the intention of counter attacking as the allied armies cross the river.

The allied armies move to the river and secure the bridges at Dusseldorf, Darmstadt and Strasbourg.

Southern France

It is almost three months since Wellington drove the French armies from Spain. His Anglo-Allied army has taken the Pyrenees, but halted at the French border. Their advance into France will be coordinated with the major allied attack in the north. Marshal Soult has deployed his army to hold the approaches to Bayonne.

The withdrawal of 5th French army has forced Marshal Suchet to abandon Barcelona and retreat to Perpignan. The Spanish army have followed him at a distance, and halted at the border when it became clear that he was prepared to fight to hold the border.

Now the time is waiting is at an end. Both Wellington and Giron send patrols forward to make contact with the French

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Hello

I tried to reply via the forum for the French command vacancy but it wasn't working and neither was the e-mail link?

F

Hmm. I just posted something on the Yahoo group (campaign forum). Try again?

ferg981

I have not received anything from you

The forum seems to be working ok, other members can post on it.

Are you a member of the forum?

I checked the membership to send you an email but could not find you.

You should be able to contact me via either of the above links.

I still have a French command vacancy if you would still like to take part.

Day 2 – 2nd March 1814 – Battle of Strasbourg

Strasbourg Campaign Area

The first battle of the campaign was fought at Strasbourg

6th French corps had orders to hold the city, which dominated the west bank of the river Rhine. The nearest friendly troops were two days march away, but marching towards the city.

1st Austrian corps were tasked to take the city. They were not aware that the city was held by such a strong force until the battle started.

table at start of the game

There are three bridges over the river in this area. 1st Austrian corps approached on the main Kehl to Strasbourg road. When the French deployed to meet the apparent attack, the Austrian cavalry swung left and crossed at the southern bridge.

The remainder of the corps force marched and reached the bridge before the French could redeploy to meet them.

French cuirassiers charged the enemy hussars holding the bridge, but lost the melee and fell back shaken. Behind the cavalry screen the remainder of the Austrian corps crossed the river safely.

With the loss of their cavalry, and the Austrians established on the west bank, the French abandoned Strasbourg and retreated west.

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Day 3 – 3rd March 1814 – Battle of Neuss

Map

The second battle of the campaign was fought at Neuss

This town commands the main Dusseldorf road over the river Rhine.

1st Prussian corps have been ordered to take the town to consolidate their hold on the west bank of the river.

3rd French corps have been posted west of the town
They have to hold the town to secure their position.

wargame

Both sides deploy their artillery and cavalry in the open ground north of the town
But the battle will be decided by the fighting for the town itself.

The French reach the town first, but the Prussian's counter attack
French artillery fire breaks one of the Prussian support brigades
When the French take the town 1st Prussian corps retreats towards Dusseldorf

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Day 3 – 3rd March 1814 – Battle of St Imier

Atkirch Campaign Area

The Bavarian Army has invaded France from Switzerland. Their first objective is the border town of Atkirch. 2nd corps has been ordered to enter France from St Imier as a diversion, to draw French reserves away from Atkirch. In doing so they have isolated themselves from the main army, and their nearest supports are more than a days march away.
They are aware that 12th French corps is approaching, but not 16th Italian corps as well

Bavarian's retreat

The Bavarian's held their own in a conventional small scale battle until the French reinforcements arrived. As soon as they sighted 16th corps they retreated.

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Day 4 – 4th March 1814 – Battle of Le Boulou

Le Boulou Campaign Area

The fourth battle of the campaign was fought in the eastern Pyrenees between Sixth French Army and the Spanish Army.

The Spanish plan was to pin one French corps and attack them with three Spanish corps.

The arrival of a second French corps disrupted the Spanish plan, and a failure to concentrate before the battle allowed the French to retreat.

The Spanish lost 400 infantry casualties
The French lost no casualties

Spanish attack Le Boulou

The battle started with two Spanish corps attacking one French.
The Spanish called off their attack when a second French corps arrived
The French went onto the attack, but halted when a third Spanish corps arrived
At this stage the French packed in and retreated.

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