Scenario test - Attacking a supply convoy

This scenario has similarities to the previous, “Intercepting Reinforcements”, yet, there are a few significant differences. The attacker need only destroy the supply wagons, though points can be accrued for casualties inflicted. In addition, a die cast will determine the number of wagons in the convoy and lastly, when the time when the attack takes place. 

In this test, the French find a modest size convoy escorted by two Hessian battalions. To overtake the convoy, the French have two units of light troops supported by dragoons entering the table as per the Collision Course variant. All troops are classed as trained.

 

Test one

French cavalry and skirmishers quickly form line and prepare to assault the supply convoy. Light troops, held off table, will head the convoy off and destroy the wagons. Both Hessian battalions deploy to line and meet the enemy. The convoy continue moving keeping out of harm’s way.

Catching the Hessian battalion making their formation change, the French cavalry charge downhill. The ensuing combat puts the Hessians on the back foot, but they do not break. Having failed to make an impression. Successive volleys persuade the French cavalry to retire out of effective range

French light troops finally enter the field in time to see the convoy disappear behind a cloud of dust.

Their objective having slipped their grasp, the French must extricate themselves from a sticky situation. Casualties are light, but the French score no points in this scenario.

 

Test two.

The French revise their plan of attack and send both units of light troops occupy the escorting infantry, leaving the dragoons to intercept and destroy the convoy. Seeing the approach of the French, Hessian infantry deploys in line formation.

French skirmishers engage the Hessian infantry; however, the arrival of the dragoons is too late to intercept the wagon train, nonetheless, a tempting alternative target presents itself.

French attack the exposed flank of the Hessians and French light troops join in the conflict. Despite being disordered, the Hessians stand their ground and repulse both attacks.

The second Hessian battalion have sent their opposition off and now march to assist their comrades. The French claim points for casualties inflicted, but fail their objective.

Observations

In both tests, the supply convoy were able to continue their move and evade contact. A number of adjustments came to mind that would this a grittier conflict.

Contractors for each wagon could dice to determine if they abandon their team, move off road away from the conflict or continue on their route.

Placing the road diagonally would lengthen the distance for the convoy to travel.

The distance between troops and wagons could be varied.

Attackers commanded by a bold general may catch the convoy encamped (dawn raid).

 

Scenario: Intercepting enemy reinforcements

Premise:

You have moved repositioned the army to shorten the supply chain and allow reinforcements to reach you sooner. The enemy advance guard shadows your movement and days later your spies have reported their main army have moved forward. Knowing enemy supplies and reinforcements will travel further, you have devised a plan to intercept an enemy column. A successful raid will set the enemy off balance and delay their campaign efforts.

The Forces:

A mobile brigade, consisting of two regiments of cavalry and two units of jaegers, are assigned the task to engage the column of reinforcements. Spies have reported one such column of brigade strength have departed and will reach the enemy camp in six days’ time.  

 

Test one.

Marching in column, four French battalions are stretched astride a road running the centre of the board. A die cast determines the distance between battalions and the position of the commanding officer.

Behind the wheat fields, Hanoverian cavalry has deployed in to line screened by a unit of jaegers. The movement has not gone unnoticed and two French battalions move off road to form a line.

Forming a line has taken longer than expected (raw troops) and they are overrun by the Breidenbach cavalry. Despite their lack of training, the French offer stiff resistance prompting Breidenbach to pass through and rally further back.

The second French battalion, occupied by the jaegers to their front, were not able to respond to the German cavalry bearing down on their flank.

The rapidity of the attack and loss of half the brigade stunned their commander to call for the remaining battalions to save themselves.

 

Test two.

New terrain was set up for test number two and to balance the game somewhat, the attacking force were reduced by a unit of jaegers.

The ensuing conflict developed in a similar pattern, but this time two French battalions were able to form line. Poor shooting and a subsequent mell put both battalions to rout. The French did inflict casualties.

Observations

Despite the reduction of the attacker’s force, the tests ended similarly. Three of the four battalions were raw troops escorted by one trained unit. Their placement at the rear of the column would serve as a deterrent against desertion (prevalent during the period), nonetheless, their placement in the middle or at the head of the column would certainly improve their situation.

An overview of the SYW scenarios.

The SYW scenarios are in their first draft, two have been tested and these will be posted to the blog later this week. The remainder will follow as time permits. The dozen scenarios simulate events or smaller conflicts occurring during the execution of a campaign. The outcome of each scenario will generate a score for each nation involved, at the moment these are France vs. Hannover, Prussia vs. Austria and Prussia vs. Sweden. 

There are several aspects about the system, no maps are needed to play a campaign, though players may find them useful providing context to their games. Secondly, these are played randomly with the scores of each nation influencing how the subsequent scenario if to be played. Lastly, players alternate the command of each army involved in the campaign thereby distributing the advantage of an experienced player to both armies.    

How do the scores accumulated for each nation affect the subsequent scenario? The difference in scores may offer a general access to optional rules for that particular scenario. As the score totals widen, this represents the attrition leading to an exhaustion experienced by combatants, eventually forcing a major battle.  I recommend reading Savory’s “His Britannic Majesty’s Army in Germany” which has proven a source of inspiration for the scenarios. 

Currently, the scenarios are being tested with France in conflict against Hannover. I have added a few photos, a taste of things to come.