1. Turenne meets Bournonville (Spring, 1675).

Planning the new season’s campaign from his winter quarters in Lower Alsace, Friedrich Wilhelm, Kurfürst von Brandenburg leading the Imperial coalition needed to distract Turenne from his real intentions, the bridging of the Rhine at a new location to bring fresh troops across. A quick feint at one of the French magazines in Upper Alsace would do to draw Turenne away from the Imperial crossing.

Both sides for this engagement had 25 elements of near equal composition, but the command structure differed considerably. In an effort to demonstrate command quality of Turenne, he is assisted by two generals to face Bournonville accompanied by one. By adding one more general to the French side the extra die would add flexibility and rapidity of movement that Turenne was noted for.  

The French troops.

Right Wing, Turenne (CinC)

2 x Cuirassier

6 x Cavalry

Centre, Comte de Duras

4 x Line Infantry w/pike

4 x Conscript w/pike

1 x Heavy Artillery

Left Wing, François Marquis de Créquy (second in command)

2 x Cuirassier

4 x Cavalry

2 x Light Horse

Note: Demoralization for each command is set at 3 for the right wing, 3 for the left and 2 for the centre.

The Imperial troops.

Left Wing, Alexander Herzog von Bournonville (CinC)

8 x Cavalry

4 x Line Infantry w/pike

1 x Heavy Artillery

Right Wing, Markgraf Hermann von Baden

2 x Cuirassiers

2 x early Dragoons

2 x Light Horse

2 x Enfant Perdus

4 x Line Infantry w/pike

Note: Demoralization for each command is set at 4.

The Battlefield.

The area between the Vosges Mountains the Rhine is relatively flat and dotted with fields and woods. The landscape is further laced with tributaries wending their way toward the Rhine. Turenne meets Bournonville at an open area between tributaries but with the Rhine clearly in view.

Battle.

In the photo, the French are on the left with its infantry command taking a central position and the cavalry deployed on both flanks. The Imperial troops form up with an identical deployment, each commander placing their infantry battalions in line facing the French foot.

The French as defender move first and on the second turn cross swords with the Imperial horse. Turenne, always the firebrand in such situations personally leads a unit of French cavalry and has the honour of dealing the “Germans” their first loss. The supporting cavalry have a different experience but are able to reform (all 3 recoiled) alongside the battalions of foot.  

The Imperial formations were having a difficult time getting off the mark. In two bounds, the Dragoons supported by skirmishers reached the enclosures in time to meet French cavalry.

During bound four, the French Horse under Turenne’s presence dealt the final blow to bring the Imperial left wing to its knees. Those Imperial cavalry not able to hold their position are fleeing.

In that same period of time, the French cavalry on the left had dispatched both Dragoon units and one skirmisher. Another unit followed on the subsequent bound to send the Imperial forces off the field.

Seen here are French cavalry in pursuit of the Imperial cavalry and Bournonville. The Imperial foot, demoralized and facing oncoming French foot and returning French cavalry would lay down arms and surrender knowing that they would be exchanged later in the campaign season.

Epilogue

This was a brisk game which after setup took about 45 minutes to play. A small portion of infantry did see action with the French losing a unit. The use of a third die for the French worked well as Turenne was able to sustain the initiative pretty much on both flanks. For the Imperial troops, one die for twelve elements is standard; however, as the French were able to vent their fury on both flanks, both Imperial commanders were hard pressed to maintain an effective defense.