EPIC14 Heilsberg (10 June 1807)
Historical Background
After repulsing two days of Russian attacks, Napoleon again resumed his advance up the left bank of the River Alle, while the Russian army retired to a strong position near the Polish town of Heilsberg. On June 10th, Murat attacked and quickly took the village of Launau. His advance beyond Launau, stalled.
Until now the French had only engaged part of the Russian army. Once Bagration's covering force moved out of the way, the French came to the main Russian line fortified with redoubts. There had been sharp fighting since the morning, but it was only after Soult's IV Corps and artillery added their strength in the early afternoon that the French resumed their advance.
Legrand's infantry division left the safety of the Lawden Wood and rushed forward, along with Savary's Guard Fusiliers. Saint-Hilaire seeing this, sent his infantry forward to support the French assault. To match the French, Warneck's Russian Brigade and the Prussian lancers counter-attacked and although General Warneck and numerous officers and men fell, the Russian infantry pressed forward. Legrand's division and Savary's Fusiliers formed squares, and were repeatedly attacked by Russian and Prussian cavalry. They were finally forced to retire. With Legrand's division and Savary's Fusiliers falling back, Saint-Hilaire's and Saint-Cyr's divisions found themselves with an exposed flank. They too began withdrawal.
Darkness was falling and the victorious Russians retired to their redoubts. The battle was over for the night when Bennigsen received information that Marshal Davout's III Corps had been sighted on the Landsberg road. Before midnight Bennigsen finally understood what would be in store for him if he remained, so he ordered his army to retreat and crossed the Alle River and quickly marched away.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command.
Can you change history?
Battle Notes
Russian Army
* Commander: Bennigsen
* 5 Command Cards
* 4 Tactician Cards
French Army
* Commander: Napoleon (Iconic)
* 6 Command Cards
* 6 Tactician Cards
* Move First
Victory
18 Victory Banners
Special Rules
* Each bridge hex is a Permanent Victory Banner Objective worth one banner for the French player when occupied at the start of its turn.
* The French player gains one Temporary Victory Banner for each Russian field works hex that is not occupied by a Russian unit at the start of the French turn. As long as the field works is not occupied, the Victory Banner is retained.
* Each Lawden Woods hex is a Temporary Victory Banner Objective worth one banner for the Russian player when occupied at the start of its turn.
* The River Alle is impassable.
* Pre-Battle Mother Russia Roll rule is in effect. Saber rolls have no effect.
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