St. Michael-Leoben - 25 May 1809
Historical Background
Following the Austrian defeats in Bavaria and Northern Italy, Archduke Charles ordered Jellacic’s isolated division at Salzburg to join Archduke John’s retreating forces at Graz. At the same time, Eugene’s French army was marching northeast with the dual mission of pursuing Archduke John’s army and joining with Napoleon. Jellacic’s route intersected with Eugene’s. The race was on to see if Jellacic’s division could be trapped and destroyed. Grenier’s command was ordered to intercept Jellacic and his baggage train before it could reach St Michael and the river crossing. When the leading division of French under General Seras arrived on the field, the Austrians already held the key terrain. Jellacic knew his baggage train would take time to reach and cross the river. He now committed a fatal error. Instead of sacrificing his baggage train and escaping with his troops, he prepared to make a stand. His light troops had held off the French Advance Guard, but both French divisions were now on the field, so Jellacic deployed his outnumbered forces into a ragged line, taking advantage of the landscape. With numerical superiority, Grenier planned to attack the center and both flanks simultaneously. His plan worked, for when Jellacic weakened his center to shore up his right flank, the French broke through in the center. A rout ensued, with French cavalry pursuing Jellacic’s survivors for 20 miles and capturing thousands. The next day Jellacic joined John with but 2,000 disorganized survivors out of the 9,000 he had committed to battle.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?
Set-Up Order
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Battle Notes
Austrian Army
• Commander: Jellacic
• 5 Command Cards
• Optional 2 Tactician Cards
5 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
French Army
• Commander: Grenier
• 5 Command Cards
• Optional 2 Tactician Cards
• Move First
11 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Victory
6 Banners
Special Rules
• The Austrian Baggage Train moves one hex along the Austrian baseline each turn during the Austrian player’s movement phase. Use an Austrian leader block to represent the baggage train. It may not move through any unit, but may move onto terrain. It may not be engaged in combat. When the baggage train reaches St. Michael, the Austrian player gains 2 Victory Banners (Permanent Victory Banner)
• The bridge is a Temporary Victory Banner worth 2 banners for the French player, when occupied at the start of the turn (Temporary Victory Banner Turn Start)
• The Mur River is impassable except at the bridge.
FAQ
When the baggage train block reaches St. Michael is the block removed?
Yes, the Austrians receive 2 VP and the baggage train block is removed.