DBA-HX revised with 3.0
This was a test
game between the Russians of Tsar Peter and Swedes of Charles XII set prior to
the Battle of Poltava. Both armies were nearly identical in composition; 8
elements of foot, 1 artillery piece and 3 mounted elements. Of the three
mounted units, the Russians had one of their number a unit of dragoons (Mtd-inf).
On the Swedish side, all musketeer units were partially armed with pike This reduced their shooting factor slightly,
but they were compensated for this in the combat phase.
Deployment
Russians
deployment has the left flank anchored on the woods and the main battle line in echelon back to the low hill. Cavalry are held back in reserve with a small brigade of
infantry.
The Swedes
had two brigades forward with their artillery positioned between the two. The
bulk of the Swedish cavalry are grouped on the right flank with the remainder
held in reserve with the second line.
Opening round.
Swedish
infantry on the left skirt the woods with the intent to deploy further forward.
The second brigade wheel to their right to open more space for the artillery to
engage the Russians. Russian opening shots bring the Swedish 2nd
brigade in disarray.
After two
bounds it becomes clear to the Russians the Swedes are bringing their reserves forward
earlier than expected and committing their cavalry to a wide flanking turn. The
Swedish column make a rapid deployment from column to line with one battalion
dispatching Russian dragoons out of the wood. While the Russian right wing are
sorting themselves out, Russian guns wreak havoc on a Swedish battalion.
Swedish
cavalry sweep past the woods and are ready to engage their Russian counterpart.
Musketry from the Swedish 2nd brigade put an end to the Russian
cannonade while the Swedish 1st brigade are forcing the Russian back
toward the hill. Russian cavalry bested the Swedes in their fight to bring the
score even 3-3.
By this time
the Russian battle line was in disarray. With the cavalry engaged with the
Swedes, the reserve was not committed as too much time was required to
reestablish proper formations. During the confusion, the Swedish 1st
brigade handily rolled up the Russian right bring victory 4-3.
Notes:
The last stage
of the DBA-HX (3.0) draft required the insertion of battalions partially armed
with the pike. This would allow re-fights of the Boyne and other battles prior
to the general use of the socket bayonet.
Troops so
armed do use a lower factor while shooting, but are compensated with a pursuit
move on an opponent’s recoil, flee or destroyed result.
