The War of Devolution
lasted two campaign seasons (1667-68), is better known for its conflict in the
Spanish Netherlands and elsewhere. It is in the Franche-Comté where our two
armies shall meet.
The single command is now
expanded to 24 elements and with a few minor exceptions mirror one another in
composition of troop types. The order of battle can be found following the
reports.
Briefly, each side now have
two generals (CinC + subordinate) yet only one die is cast for pip scores. The
subordinate’s role is to extend command and control further and assume command
in the event of the CinC’s demise. The gaming area is also increased (80cm x
120cm) to place our arable terrain. This features a hamlet (chateau), a
vineyard, gentle hills and wood.
Game one
The French positioned
their troops near the Chateau du Amer, but vineyards and wood restrict full
deployment of troops. The Hapsburg, having more open ground, place their
infantry in centre and cavalry covering both flanks. As their infantry advance,
the cavalry to their right keep pace. Under steady artillery fire for nearly an
hour Hapsburg cavalry charge the French left wing. The conflict swung back and
forth forcing the Hapsburg to bring their reserve cavalry into the fight. Supported
infantry companies were also brought up. Things were taking a deadly turn that
that Hapsburg efforts elsewhere came to a halt. After two and half hour’s orders were given to
the Hapsburg infantry and left wing to withdraw from the field as their right
wing was no more, score France 8 – 2.
Game two
Both armies are deployed
in standard two-line formation with the Hapsburgs placing their largest body of
cavalry on their right to match the French.
The opening phase of the
battle have both infantry lines marching forward to the steady beat of their
drums while holding their cavalry in position. This inactivity served the French
artillery well as they mauled the Hapsburg cavalry (2 – 0 for France).
Accurate musket fire from
the French cut the Hapsburg infantry to shreds but not without its cost. Sensing
the moment as opportune, the French Marshal moved the cavalry on the right to
dislodge the remaining enemy cavalry and fall on the exposed infantry centre.
In the centre, casualties
fell steadily on both sides as volleys of musket and artillery fire find their
mark. After two hours (8 turns) of battle France is gaining the upper hand, (6
– 4).
In the centre, the
infantry on both sides fell to accurate musket fire, but the final stroke came
when the cavalry of the right wing engulfed the Hapsburg left wounding and
capturing their general bring the conflict to a close. Final score, 10+sg – 5
for France.
In Retrospect
Game one demonstrated the
folly of ignoring the moment to break off an assault. It was very possible had
the Hapsburg broke off the cavalry assault on the right shifting their efforts
elsewhere would have produced a better game.
Both battles took 11 turns
(55 minutes) to reach a decision which worked well. Looking at the historical
representation, the 24 elements totalled 12,000 troops. In game two, the
cavalry was reduced by two elements to allow more infantry to be placed on the
board. This did bring the ratio of cavalry to infantry at 40% which is accurate
for the period.
France
1 x CinC, 1 x Subordinate
general, 4 x Horse (Kn), 8 x Cavalry (Cv), 1 x Dragoons (Mtd-inf), 8 x Battalions
of Foot (Sh/Pk), 1 x Heavy artillery (Art), 2 x Skirmisher (Ps).
Hapsburg
1 x CinC, 1 x Subordinate
general, 4 x Horse (Kn), 8 x Cavalry (Cv), 1 x Dragoons (Mtd-inf), 8 x
Battalions of Foot (Sh/Pk), 1 x Heavy artillery (Art), 1 x Skirmisher (Ps), 1 x
hussar (LH).
