Victory Results:
 67 %
Record a victory for BOTTOM ARMY  33 %
Total plays 72 - Last reported by RiverWanderer on 2024-09-26 00:16:17

Clash At Pordenone - 15 April 1809

Historical Background
On 10 April 1809, Archduke John’s Army invaded Italy. Aware of Austria’s intentions, Napoleon had already reinforced the Army of Italy and sent many letters to advise his adopted son, Eugene, who had little battle experience, how to best defend Italy. By the 14th, Eugene had amassed a large force near Sacile, but was unsure of his enemy’s strength. John, however, had a clear picture of Eugene’s army and ordered Frimont to attack the French at Pordenone on the 15th. Wetzel led his Grenzer brigade across the Noncello, while Schmidt’s line Brigade attacked the village from the northeast. The French infantry were being pushed hard as Sahuc formed his cavalry, north of town, hoping to catch the Austrians in the flank. But the French cavalry were themselves surprised and routed by Frimont’s cavalry. The 35th line infantry was almost destroyed and lost its eagle. After heavy losses, the French infantry pulled back.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?

 

Set-Up Order

Forest 6
Hill 4
River 3
RiverBend 4
RiverBendBridge 1
Town 3

 

Battle Notes

Austrian Army
• Commander: Frimont
• 4 Command Cards
• Optional 3 Tactician Cards
• Move First

Line Infantry Grenzer Light Infantry Light Cavalry Light Lancer Cavalry Foot Artillery Horse Artillery Leader
2 2 4 1 1 1 3

French Army
• Commander: Sahuc
• 4 Command Cards
• Optional 3 Tactician Cards

Line Infantry Light Cavalry Foot Artillery Horse Artillery Leader
4 4 1 1 2

 

Victory
5 Banners

Special Rules
• The Austrian player gains 1 Temporary Victory Banner for each village hex of Pordenone occupied at the start of the turn (Temporary Victory Banner Turn Start)

• The Noncello stream is fordable.

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Pevans replied the topic:
2 months 1 week ago
Time for the re-match between Evert and me an it's my turn as French commander. Initial moves were tentative until I played a "Bayonet Charge" to get a couple of the French infantry into bits of the village while the other two took out the Grenzers right of centre. That makes the score 1:0 to me.

Evert used a "Counter-attack" to come right back at me, taking a village hex. I re-took it straight away. A "Fire and Hold" caused casualties to my infantry. Evert threw some of the Austrian cavalry into the centre to finish off a damaged French Line infantry - 1:1.

I took out one of the cavalry and chased the other out of the village - 2:1. And then my cavalry eliminated the Austrian Lancers centre-left to make it 3:1.

Evert attacked again in the centre, clearing French infantry out of the uppermost village hex - General Seras fleeing to a different building - 3:2. We then started a cavalry fight left and centre where a French Light cavalry and the Horse artillery fell to the Austrians. Suddenly, it's 3:4!

The cavalry battle continued on my left, where I eliminated first one and then a second Austrian cavalry for the win, 5:4. Just over an hour's play for 22 turns - the same as the first game.

So that's two wins for the French (against the odds, as the stats here have the Austrians winning two-thirds of the time), but Evert did better than me with the Austrians and gets the overall win - 8:9.

I’ve also posted this report on my BGG blog (with pictures!): boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/163860
Pevans replied the topic:
2 months 1 week ago
Evert and I have now reached this scenario. Evert takes the French first and his infantry moved into the village, while I worked some of my cavalry into the centre. The first casualty was the French Horse artillery, which fell to Austrian horsemen (it's 1:0 to me).

Evert responded by flinging his cavalry at the remainder of mine on his left, taking out the Austrian Horse artillery, damaging one cavalry and killing General Frimont. Now it's 1:2.

I sent my cavalry into the village to mix it with the French infantry that wasn't inside buildings. The only result was to chase unattached General Seras off the battlefield. I occupied one bit of the village, while Evert ground down the remaining two cavalry on his left: 2:4. (I just had no cards I could use on my right!)

However, the French cavalry was then stuck while I continued to attack in the centre, my Lancers eventually eliminating a French Line. But I had to vacate the village hex, so that's still 2:4.

My cavalry retired from the town, but my Grenzers on the right finished off a French Line that the cavalry had put into square. 3:4

But then Evert was finally able to get the French cavalry back into the action and some lucky, lucky dice took out my Foot artillery to win 3:5.

That was 22 turns in just over an hour and a good win for the French. Can I do better in the re-match? Watch this space...

I've also posted this report on my BGG blog (with pictures): boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/163505
Michalxo replied the topic:
5 years 2 months ago
Played this one with wife, after successful start and destroying 1/2 of French cavalry. After some bad dice on both sides, very aggressive French managed to win 5-4 (by finishing GRZ on their base line). But they were just lucky once or twice. I think French were supposed to lose at least 5-3.
Michalxo replied the topic:
9 years 9 months ago
Having played twice this today, I think it is pretty balanced scenario. Sure, dice and cards could make a big difference. Even turning the tide of battle (few times :D).
Bayernkini replied the topic:
10 years 8 months ago
Ok, after a few games with this scenario, what is my mind about it :whistle:

I think, it´s one of these scenarios, in which the first turn (commandcard & dice) can already decide the game.

Therefore, a Setup with at least one row distance more between the armies, would help :)