"Cavalry at St. Privat (FPW scenario question)." Topic

Greetings all. After a long time away I'm back to working on a Franco-Prussian War Scenario for the battle of St. Privat.

Maps and Orbats are not really a problem as the greater battle of Gravelotte-St. Privat is well documented.

In putting together the army lists I came across one question that had not been answered by the history books. That is, how much Cavalry participated in the battle on either side.

Historical info: Most historical maps I've seen show that the Prussian Guard Corps, the Saxon 12th Corps and the French 6th Corps all had access to approximately 1 Division of Cavalry available before the battle.

These units were theoretically available for the battle but were not necessarily involved directly in it.

In historical accounts I have not seen any accounts (that I recall I should say) where Cavalry took part in the battle.

Wargaming scources: So I have 3 wargaming sources for the battle and each one took the position of including a few Squadrons of Cavalry (or even a Regiment or 2) in the Scenarios, but not full Cavalry Divisions.

I'm curious to hear what the more learned FPW Fans have to say about the matter.

Thanks in advance for any tips, suggestions & corrections.

This battle saw many large scale German infantry assaults, but no cavalry actions in any of the accounts of the battle that I have read. The cavalry of both sides had been pretty roughly handled at Mars-la-tour two days earlier, and may not have been in much shape to do anything major. Also the French defensive position was extremely strong and discouraged any cavalry actions. Neither side was willing to recognize the limitations of cavalry in the face of rapid-fire rifles, but Gravelotte did not see any major cavalry action that I am aware of.

I would agree with Perris0707 on this. I would not include them in an OB for this battle – because wargamers will commit everything they can, if there is even a minimal chance of success.

I believe on the Prussian side there was limited action by 1st Cavalry Division (General von Hartmann) committed by Steinmetz at the Mance Ravine (2 units plus horse artillery. One source indicated only the guns and 1 regiment 4th Uhlan made it through the ravine.

PDF link Page 247

I also believe the 1st Reserve Cavalry Division (General du Barail) may have been engaged as well – dont have a citation for this handy

Yeah. That is pretty limited. The Uhlans deployed, took a look at the French position, and left. Smart officers.

I used the scenario in Bruce Weigle's 1870 rules. I remember there being plenty of cavalry, but little of it saw action. The changes in the combat value of cavalry between 1815 and 1870 were evident in the lack of enthusiasm among the German players when whole divisions of cavalry reinforcements arrived.

The cavalry were there and Steinmetz did get a lot of his killed, demonstrating what would have happened to any other cavalry formations that attempted a frontal assault against the amount of firepower both sides had. However, if you omit them from the orbats, you eliminate the possibility of suitably punishing a player who is careless enough to leave an open flank or unguarded gun line – opportunities of the kind that cavalry could exploit.

link

Leonaur have published a book called 'Cavalry in the Franco Prussian War' (probably get it from Caliver). It's really a composite of two books/booklets one French (Bonie) one German (Kaehler), with some nice little maps detailing the various actions. You might find it interesting.