Howdy,
Did a walk through – no terrain set-up, trying to explore how the scenario might play – for my "Crossing the Sambre – August 1914" game. I have a playtest planned in March with the Potomac Wargamers. Aiming for Historicon.
A few photos captioned below. The game to be played using Frank Chadwick's in-development rules, Breakthrough – Decision in Europe. My unsanctioned mod for 1914.
"Breakthrough" is written for WW2 with units as battalions, but artillery as regiments.
My mod, for 1914 WW1, has all units as regiments. As no tactical radio in 1914 maneuver battles, those calling an artillery barrage must be within 6" of the the artillery unit, or the artillery must be able to see the target. Six-inches (2 miles) too far, but seems to work for the game. I first tried 3" but that did not work well. Same for support.
German OB
Guard Corps – w/1st & 2nd Guard Infantry Divisions (from 2nd Army)
XII Corps – w/ 23rd & 32nd Infantry Divisions (from 3rd Army)
French OB
1st Corps – w/1st & 2nd Inf Divisions
4th Grand Division – w/ 53rd & 69th Reserve Infantry Divisions (a Corps without Corps HQ & supports)
Photo 1 – French 4th Grand Division on the march north.
Photo 2 – Germans Guards begin to cross the Sambre.
Photo 3 – French 1st Corps on the march.
Photo 4 – German XII Corps has a bridgehead at Dinant.
Photo 5 – German Guards defend their bridgehead on the Sambre.
Went through 7 game turns (a day is divided into a morning, afternoon, and night turns). The French on the Sambre would need to begin withdrawing as XII Corps had crossed the Meuse and was threatening their lines-of-communication.
I think this will be fun scenario.
Ponder on,
JAS