Victory Results:
 20 %
Record a victory for BOTTOM ARMY  80 %
Total plays 35 - Last reported by Panzerbird on 2022-03-20 06:23:20

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?

 

Set-Up Order

Forest 7
Hill 8
Town 3

 

Battle Notes

Russian Army
• Commander: Voronzov
• 5 Command Cards
• 3 Tactician Cards

Line Infantry Light Infantry Grenadier Infantry Light Cavalry Foot Artillery Horse Artillery General
6 4 3 3 3 1 4

French Army
• Commander: Napoleon
• 6 Command Cards
• 6 Tactician Cards
• Move First

Line Infantry Light Infantry Young Guard Old Guard Infantry Light Cavalry Cuirassier Cavalry Heavy Cavalry Foot Artillery Horse Artillery Guard Foot Artillery General
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.

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LARS replied the topic:
2 years 1 month ago
The French Heavies rule the day. French win easily 10(12 actually) to 2. Mortier only moved to have a better view.
Hexagoon replied the topic:
2 years 5 months ago
Both victories to the French, 10-3 and 10-7. French weight of heavy cavalry and very tough Infantry are too much for the Russians in this scenario.
tlangston28 replied the topic:
6 years 8 months ago
French 10 banners - Russians 4 banners
Played as the French with tactician cards against TheMP. The battle started on the French right, going back and forth with the French holding a slight lead and able to get the YG into Ailles. I started with 2 Cavalry charges in hand plus 2 break the squares tactician cards so for the next several turns, I tried when I could to get the cavalry in place for a charge. When the opportunity arose, A cavalry charge combined with the 2 break square cards were able to increase the banner count for the french to a point where 1 banner was needed which was won on the next turn by forcing a FA unit to retreat into elimination.

I think I had an extraordinary hand of tact and command cards which ultimately gave me the upper hand. We will play this one again without the tact cards to see what results can occur in a "classic" battle. I think this is a tough one for the Russians but we will see.
Bayernkini replied the topic:
10 years 2 months ago
More informations here

napoleonistyka.atspace.com/Battle_of_Craonne.htm

for those, who want know more about the battle or want use the maps
to setup a "Epic" Craonne :)