DBA-HX 3.0, Seven Years War tests.

Seven Years War tests.

Test three.

With the same composition of armies and some minor adjustments of terrain both sides deployed a strong cavalry wing with a main battle line supported by a second line of infantry. The Prussian infantry formed up in two lines with the fusiliers (conscript) posted to the right of the artillery. Austrians formed up in a similar fashion with a Reichs Armee battalion (conscript) forming up to the left of their artillery.

What was meant to be a test of minor changes for the grenadier performance ended with similar results as the first two tests. The Prussian grenadiers were destroyed and the Austrian combined grenadiers never came into hand to hand combat.

At the end of four turns, another inglorious loss for the Prussians. (2-4)

Test four

In this last test, I brought the main battle lines closer and used only the foot elements of each army. Both lines closed to contact and the grenadiers could now better employ their effectiveness. Without increasing their combat factor, I gave them pursuit characteristics of blade (Bd). Still rendering side support for line infantry and pursuing their opponents these slight modifications brought them closer to what one would expect of grenadiers.

The last step was to test increasing their combat factor to +5. This made them extremely powerful and would require further testing. Historically, not all units titled as such were equal. I doubt if anyone would contest that British Foot Guards or French Imperial Guard were equal to Spanish or Neapolitan Grenadiers.

We must not overlook any changes to factors or combat performance should be valid for the entire range covered by the variant.

The DBA-HX 3.0 tests will continue in two days’ time with the Napoleonic period.

DBA-HX 3.0 - SYW tests

One.

With twelve elements a side including commander, the Austrians took the uncharacteristic step to advance on the Prussian foe. 

On turn one, both sides closed the distance between lines and at the start of turn two the Austrians settled down to serious target practice. (2-0 for Austria). Prussia returned the favour with less zeal bringing the score to 2-1 (the side support by the Prussian grenadiers helped).

Elsewhere, Prussian cavalry on the left flank was frustrated by a unit of Grenzer Hussars. The delay only increased the risk that the Prussian Dragoons and Hussars would be either flanked by Grenzers operating about the woods or the Austrian reserve cavalry would be sent against them.

Turns three and four were typical fire fights with the Prussians recoiling from well-aimed volley fire. Turn five presented the Austrians a moment to end the conflict. This they did by charging some scattered units to end the game. The Prussians for their turn pummeled the Grenzer Hussar bringing the score 4-2 for Austria.

Two.

Using the same elements and same terrain rotating a quarter turn gave the Prussians both hills. Austria as winners were now declared aggressor.

Prussia deployed the majority of foot on the left side leaving two elements of fusiliers supported by Dragoons to hold the right flank. The remaining cavalry formed up on the left side hill as a reserve.

Austria moves forward in a massive infantry block flanked by artillery and supported by heavy cavalry. Grenzer skirmishers in the woods and light horse positioned on the road secure the Austrian left.

Both sides wheeling toward one another create sufficient room for their supporting cavalry to deploy. Score remains even, 1-1.

The Austrian line has been fully extended bringing more fire power on the Prussian line. This brings the score to 2-1.

The Prussians, attempting to restore order launch heavy cavalry supports against the Austrian right. Melee continues for several bounds with a unit of fusiliers in the center of a cavalry fight.

The Prussians lose the cavalry fight and with further loss from artillery and concentrated volley fire brings the score 5-1 for Austria.

Observations:

In comparison to test two, test one move was a very quick game. This was due to a certain amount of maneuvering as the large Austrian formation was deliberate trial to determine the amount of time needed to effectively deploy in line.

This is very risky, as a determined opponent can waive the methodical approach (move and shoot) and close the distance hoping for an overlap. 

Prelude to Poltava 1709.

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 2^nd 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 2^nd brigade put an end to the Russian cannonade while the Swedish 1^st 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 1^st 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.