Epilogue

At the outset of the campaign, a number of historical authors note Bevern’s force was nearly half that of Konigseck (28,000 strong). For our campaign, we reversed the proportions to favour of the Prussians, not that my war-game comrade would need the handicap, but to allow the our Bevern the possibility of an aggressive march on Prague. Historically, Serbelloni did very little to hinder Schwerin’s linking up with Bevern and in reality it was the threat of encirclement that hastened the Austrian retreat over the Iser.

The actual Battle of Reichenberg is covered in detail at the Seven Year War Project (Kronoskaf.com). I must confess, I stumbled upon this piece of information a week following our battle. The Austrians did make use of ground similar to our own, yet our Reichenberg was random generated. No abatis were used, but the location of Grenzer filled woods would serve a similar purpose to slow the Prussian battle line.

The Prussians were further challenged by having to operate on either side of Jesken mountain, but with our tactical map we were able to track the progress of the two columns and determine the time each brigade would enter the field. This resulted in the Prussians requiring more time to deploy correctly. The alternative was to launching brigades unsupported on a prepared Austrian position which would play into their hands. No, a slow methodical build up was the best course.

The Prussians, historically, won Reichenberg. With a loss of 300 men, they had stormed a defended position and were able to flank the Austrian line with their Dragoons and Hussars. Konigseck withdrew losing 1,000 men and 500 captured. In our game, casualties for both sides were light, but the Austrians were not outflanked or defeated. At dusk, the Prussians would break off further engagement and resume the fight the following morning. During the night however, the Austrians were able to slip away leaving Bevern to hold the field and claim victory.

The following day (22nd) would find our Bevern with two choices; consolidating his victory at Reichenberg and gather the stores left behind by the Austrians or march toward Lindenau on possibly another prepared Austrian position. Our Konigseck had moved some supplies stored at Reichenberg, but did not want to risk clogging the roads to Lindenau if a precipitous retreat were called for. The choice was made to abandon the stores and save the army by stealing a march during the night. Lindenau would provide a better opportunity for battle as the Austrians would be joined by a brigade of Dragoons.