Craonne - 7 March 1814
Historical Background
Napoleon had hoped to defeat Blucher’s army piecemeal since it was strung out in retreat after the series of Allied set-backs, but Blucher’s force recovered more quickly than expected. Napoleon pushed forward and on March 7th caught up to what he believed was the Russian rear guard near Craonne. Blucher, however, had concentrated his forces and was eager to give battle. While his main force attacked up the valley, Napoleon sent Ney with the young guard and Victor’s cavalry to outflank the Russian left and Nansouty’s force to outflank the right. The coordination of the three forces, however, was poor. Ney’s force attacked before Napoleon’s artillery was up in the center and all attacks suffered heavy casualties which included cavalry commander Nansouty. A Russian counter attack was roughly handled and neither commander choose to continue the attack.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?
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Set-Up Order
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Battle Notes
Russian Army
• Commander: Voronzov
• 5 Command Cards
• 3 Tactician Cards
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6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
French Army
• Commander: Napoleon
• 6 Command Cards
• 6 Tactician Cards
• Move First
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2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
Victory
10 Banners
Special Rules
• French line infantry are conscripts and do not receive one additional die in melee when attacking an enemy infantry unit.
• Pre-Battle Mother Russia Roll rule is in effect. Saber and cavalry rolls have no effect.