2. Border Tension (1678)

Following the Battle of Saint Gotthard, a peace treaty was signed between Austro-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire ending the War of 1663 – 1664 and as part of the treaty, the Croat and Hungarian territories occupied by the Ottomans would remain under their control. Denied their promised liberation, many of the noble families in the occupied territories would attempt to undo the peace treaty by taking up arms. In sympathy for the plight of their brethren, Hungarians within the Hapsburg territories took up arms to crusade against the Ottomans placing the peace treaty in jeopardy.

Hungarian Rebel Troops - Colonel Bercsényi

4 x Light Horse                              Lesser nobles or Hussars.

3 x Warrior or Skirmisher             Hajduk levy.

2 x Skirmisher

1 x early Dragoon

2 x Horde, (solid)                            Slav peasants.

Free Hungarian Allies - Colonel Rákóczi

6 x Light Horse                               Lesser nobles and Hussars

Sanjak Arnawud Ibrahim

3 x  Cavalry                                      Roumeliot.

2 x Light Horse                                Delis.

1 x Conscript                                    Janissaries.

3 x Warrior.                                     Slav sharpshooters.

2 x Skirmisher                                 Anatolian sharpshooters.

1 x Artillery                                      Light Artillery.

Moldavian Allies – Hospodar George Duci

3 x Light Horse                                Cossacks.

3 x Warrior                                      Feudal levy.

1 x Skirmisher                                  Feudal levy.

Battle

The rebel force encamped near the village formed their cavalry on the open ground while the rebel infantry took advantage of the cover offered by the village in front and the fields further to the right. The hordes of peasants would hopefully deter the Ottomans by their sheer number. The Hungarian volunteers formed up on the left around the enclosure.

The Ottomans deployed their cavalry to make use of the open field between the village and the heavy woods to the right. Ottoman infantry by seizing the hamlet would secure the left flank while the Janissaries served as a reserve. The Moldavian allies, positioned on the right would face the Hungarian light horse. Having the advantage in cavalry, the Moldavian would make use of the available cover provided by the woods and enclosure.  

The opening moves.

The Ottomans, showing contempt for the rebels, flung their cavalry at the rebel horse. The Ottoman infantry were hard pressed to keep pace, but did maintain a steady momentum.

The rebels, demonstrating a bit more aptitude for the fight, moved only their infantry forward and held their cavalry back in echelon formation thus giving an opportunity for the Hungarian volunteers to fall on the Ottoman open flank.

The Hungarian volunteers however, quickly found themselves in a dilemma as the very nature of the ground did not work to their advantage. An attempt to encircle the Moldavian was foiled by musketeers. After a brief clash, these took a new position in the woods which effectively covered the road. The Hungarian cavalry would be forced to return back the way they came and continue the fight at the opposite end of the enclosure.

The middle game.

The Ottomans now found themselves reassessing the situation. The cavalry assault failed and after losing a unit decided to fall back and reform behind the infantry. The Ottoman infantry, now formed outside the village were firing steadily and pushing the rebels back. The situation was improved as the Janissaries were moved forward and the artillery began bombarding the rebel cavalry.

The Moldavian seemed to have their fight under control as their infantry were moving steadily forward with their cavalry in support.

Rebel infantry and skirmishers, taking advantage of the fields and village, now formed line and poured several volleys taking out a unit of skirmishers. After a long musket duel, took out two more Ottoman infantry bringing the Ottoman losses to break point.

On the Ottoman right, the Moldavian succeeding in stinging the Hungarians into a rash assault. Led by their Colonel, all the Hungarian cavalry were thrown into the assault. The Moldavian infantry were equal to the task and drew their own swords to hamstring the horses and cut down any fallen riders. Three LH died in the attempt and Colonel Rákóczi was also among the fallen.

Epilogue.

The rebels, having beaten the Ottomans paid dearly with the loss of Colonel Rákóczi. The Hungarian volunteers would return across the border and with their departure, the rebel forces would now have to move back to the mountains.

Sanjak Arnawud Ibrahim would report a victory and sing high praises for the Moldavian. Although the rebel leader escaped, he would not dare to come down from the hills again. But that is another story. 

Cheers,