Battle of Oravais
This is an attempt to simulate the Battle of Oravais with tabletop miniatures.
Version history:
v02 27.10. Akseli AnttilaFrom Valmy to Waterloo
Battle of Oravais
Background
Battle of Oravais
Map of the battle
Orders of Battle
Swedish order of battle
Division of Swedish troops under General Friherre Eberhard Ernst Gotthard von Vegesack
Division of Finnish troops under Öfverste Nils Cedergren
Russian order of battle
Avantgarde division
Division Demidov
Reserve division
“Corps” troops
Set up and reinforcements
Swedish set-up
Russian set-up
Victory conditions
Notes
Troops
Terrain
Organisation and orders
Additional rules
Swedish data sheet
Russian data sheet
Notes
Time track
Background
The Swedish king Gustaf IV Adolf’s singleminded aversion to Napoleon and the resulting foreign policies managed to drive Sweden to a war with Russia, Napoleon’s ally, in 1808. The war started with Russia invading Finland in February without a formal declaration of war. The Swedish high command decided to avoid contact and stay on the defensive until reinforcements could be sent to Finland in springand the armies were ordered to retreat to the north. Great hope was placed in the fortress of Sveaborg (outside Helsinki on the southern coast), which held large parts of the coastal fleet in addition to a sizeable garrison, and could hold out indefinetely. However, the Swedish hopes were shattered when Sveaborg surrendered after skillful Russian diplomacy and relentless psychological pressure on the commander K. O. Cronstedt.
Nevertheless, the Swedes counterattacked, and the Russians who had overstretched their supply lines and were harassed by guerilla forces, had to retreat towards the south.
Reinforcements were now sent to the Russians, who started pushing the Swedish army back to the north. One of the bloodiest battles of this campaign was the “Bloody day of Oravais”, September 14 1808. The Swedish and Finnish troops under Adlercreutz were beaten and the retreat continued. A month long ceasefire was granted on September 29. When the hostilities were commenced again in October, the Swedes had to retreat despite some local successes. The troops were desperate and weakened by disease. After a new ceasefire the army left Finland in November.
In spring 1809 the Russians pushed deeper into Sweden, until king Gustaf IV Adolf was deposed in a military coup, peace was signed and Marshal Bernadotte was seated on the Swedish throne.
The Russo-Swedish war of 1808-09 was a small affair by Napoleonic standards, but the sparsely populated land over which it was fought could not have supported larger armies. The Swedish struggle was hampered by the defeatism and lack of willpower of the high command and poor provisioning and training of the army. Ironically, only after Finland was annexed by Russia was national sentiment born in Finland. Before the war Finland was only one of the Swedish provinces, but under the rule of the czars, the sense of Finland as a separate entity was born and nurtured by Finnish nationalists.
Battle of Oravais
Oravais was the first battle where sizeable formations of mainland Swedish troops took part. It was also one of the bloodiest battles of the entire war, the combatants suffering 30% casualties. It is also said to feature the fiercest artillery bombardment of the war.
The battlefield was characteristic of the terrain in Finland – woods and soft boggy ground. Mounted troops, although present, do not feature in any descriptions of the course of the battle. Both commanders, Adlercreutz and Kamenski, are depicted as impetuous and aggressive commanders.
The battle started with a long fight between the Swedish avant garde and Kulnev’s brigade. After a four hour struggle against overwhelming odds the Swedish avant garde retreated to the main position. The Russian brigades under Kulnev and Demidov attacked, but were beaten back. The Swedes counterattacked, pushing the Russians before them. Adlercreutz overextended his reach and when fresh Russian troops under Ushakov appeared, the disordered Swedes were thrown back to their main position and beyond. The battle ended at nightfall, and the beaten Swedes retreated during the night, leaving the field to the exhausted Russians.
Map of the battle
Orders of Battle
Swedish order of battle
Commander in Chief: General Grefve Carl Johan Adlercreutz (“Corps”)
Division of Swedish troops under General Friherre Eberhard Ernst Gotthard von Vegesack
Brigade
- Swedish Brigade: Öfverste Pehr Brändström
Upplands regiment: ...... 2 battalions 10 figs each
Västermanländs regiment: ...... 1 battalion 10 figs
Västerbottens regiment (from 6. brigade): ...... 1 battalion 10 figs
Österbottens regiment (from von Otter’s 2. brig): ....1 battalion 10 figs
Brigade
Swedish Brigade (Avantgarde): Öfverste Fredrick Christian von Platen
Hälsinge regiment: ...... 1 battalion 10 figs
Combined Jäger battalion: ...... 10 figs
Underlöjtnant von Schwerin’s gun section: ...... 2 x 6pdr
(In reserve position) Hälsinge regiment: ...... 1 battalion 10 figs
1 vargering batt 10 figs
Divisional troops: (von Vegesack)
Lifgardet: ...... 2 squadrons 2 figs in total
Artillery: ...... 4 x 6 pdr
Division of Finnish troops under Öfverste Nils Cedergren
Brigade
- Brigade: Cedergren
Savolax regiment: ...... 2 battalions 10 figs each
Savolax jägers: ...... 1 battalion 8 figs
Karelska jägers: ...... 1 battalion 8 figs
Brigade battery: ...... 2 x 3 pdr
Divisional troops
Artillery: ...... 4 x 6 pdr + 1 x 4”
Russian order of battle
Commander in chief General Count Nikolai Mikhailovich Kamenski
Avantgarde division
Colonel Jakob Petrovich Kulnev
Sevsk musketeer regiment: ...... 2 battalions 12 figs each
- Jager regiment: (Line)...... 2 battalions 8 figs each
Grodno hussar regiment: ...... 2 figs
Don cossacks: ...... 2 figs
Division Demidov
Generalmajor N. I. Demidov’s
Petrovsk musketeer regiment: ...... 2 battalions 12 figs each
Permsk musketeer regiment: ...... 2 battalions 12 figs each
Reserve division
Colonel Ushakov
Mogilev musketeer regiment: ...... 2 battalions 12 figs each
Lithuania musketeer regiment: ...... 2 battalions 12 figs each
25. Jager regiment: (Conscript)...... 1 battalion 8 figs
Grodno hussar regiment: ...... 1 squadron 2 figs
Polish lancer regiment: ...... 1 squadron 2 figs
“Corps” troops
Col Argun’s battery: ...... 1 battery 12 x 6 pdr
Col Ziminsky’s battery: ...... 1 battery 6 x 12 pdr
Set up and reinforcements
The game starts at 07:00 and continues until 21:00.
Swedish set-up
Adlercreutz sets up at point A.
von Platen’s avant garde sets up at point P near the Russian entry point.
von Vegesack’s division, 1st brigade sets up at point V1.
Remainder of von Platen’s 2nd brigade and Lifgardet set up at V2.
Cedergren’s troops set up at point C.
Historical set up for the two divisions’ artillery is as a “grand battery” between the Swedish and Finnish divisions.
Cedergren can cover the front of 2 battalions with abatis and hasty earthworks (2D for infantry to cross. Cover 2 vs all fire, linear obstacle in charge and melee resolution). These works can not be constructed in the soft ground area.
Russian set-up
The battle starts 07:00 with Kulnev’s premature attack on the Swedish avant garde. The russian troops enter the table in 1 coy columns on the road leading to the avant garde in the following order: Sevsk, Jagers, Hussars, Cossacks. Kulnev must start with AT orders.
All other Russian troops enter as reinforcements using the following timetable.
Demidov’s troops: Enter at 08:30
Kamenski and artillery: Enter at 09:00
Ushakov’s troops: Start rolling at 15:00. The russian player adds the result of a d10 every turn to a total, which must reach 60 points for the troops to enter. Kamenski can leave the table to hurry the troops. This adds 2d10 points to the score the following turn only. Kamenski can not re-enter the table without Ushakov’s troops.
Victory conditions
The Swedish win if there are no Russian troops in good order beyond the original avant garde position.
The Russians win if there are no Swedish troops on their side of Fjärdsån and they have at least one division in good order over Fjärdsån.
Notes
Troops
The swedish infantry use 2 deep formations.
Swedes are a linear army for command and control (the division commander must have line of sight in order to have the troops in command). Note – this does not apply to jagers. They do not need to be in the commander’s line of sight in order to be in command. All other open order rules apply normally.
Terrain
The slopes are type 2.
The woods are medium woods, except formed infantry moves at 1/2 speed.
The muddy ground in the central valley represents the wet plowed fields. Artillery and cavalry are practically unable to move in the area unless on road.
The streams are #3, fordable for infantry and open order troops. The small lake is not fordable. Artillery and cavalry can cross the streamsn only by the bridges in road column.
Main road is primary, small track is secondary.
Oravais church is one 100 x 100 m type 1 built up zone.
Terrain / Open / Infantry / Cavalry / Artillery / NotesWoods / -1/4 / -1/2 2D / -3/4 4D / No move / +1/2 formation change
Muddy ground / No effect / 1D / -3/4 4D / No move / Type 2 cover against artillery firing ball
Stream / 1D / 2D / No move / No move
Bridge / 1D / 1 Coy: 2D / Only in Rd col / Only in Rd col / Rd col: No penalty
Hills #2 / -1/4 / -1/2 / -1/2 / -1/2 / +1/2 formation change
Organisation and orders
As this is a small battle by the standards of From Valmy to Waterloo, some adjustments have been made to the order system. Basically what would normally amount to a brigade is here considered a division.
On the Swedish side Adlercreutz acts as a Corps commander. Vegesack and Cedergen act as divisional commanders. On the Russian side Kamenski is the Corps commander with three divisions under him.
The 2. Swedish Brigade (von Platen) is the Avant Garde division. It starts with DE orders, but Adlercreutz can send it any order (frequency time limit applies). von Platen uses von Vegesack’s statistics for order activation. The brigade again becomes part of von Vegesack’s command after it returns to his command radius. Historically Adlercreutz waited a considerable time before sending a WI order to the avant garde. He is quoted as saying that “It will do those butter eating Hälsingers just good to stay in action a while longer.” Please note that the earliest time Adlercreutz can send orders to von Platen is 08:30.
The remaining troops from von Platen’s brigade start out of command in a reserve position. Adlercreutz can send and order for those troops to start marching on the avant garde position (at 08:30 earliest). If von Platen decides to activate a GR order for himself, it does not affect the reserve troops.
Russian artillery can be subordinated to one or more divisional commanders before the battle. The 12 tube battery can be broken up into two half batteries before the battle. If the battery remains under corps orders, it has to be within Kamenski’s command radius in order to (un)limber.
Additional rules
Heroic rule for Underlojtnant Grefve Wilhelm Johan Ludwigvon Schwerin: As long as von Schwerin is alive the avant garde gun section gains +2 in morale. Every time the section is fired at with FV greater than 0 or charged / meleed there is a 30% chance that von Schwerin is hit. If he is hit consult the following table:
1-5Bullet grazes the young count, a drop of heroic blood is spilt upon the altar of Mars. No effect.
6-8A flesh wound. Something to write home to mater. Another flesh wound becomes serious wound (see below).
9Serious wound. The young hero is carried to Adlercreutz’s HQ where he will be applauded for his conduct. The wound will become infected and the count will pass away within a forthnight (historical result).
10Fatal wound. The young warrior passes outright into the hall of national heroes.
Swedish data sheet
Command capability D, 1 coy column. Order frequency 1 hour 30 mins.
Unit / Fi / Fd / Mo / Tr / Mv / PuRe / Col
Cha / 1co
Col / Lin / Squ
Pro / Sk / Rd
Line Infantry / L / 5 / 10 / L / 10 / 10 / 450 / 150 / 100 / 900
Jägers / L / 6 / 11 / L / 10 / 10 / 450 / 150 / 100 / 400 / 900
Häls. Vargering / L / 4 / 9 / L / 9 / 10 / 450 / 150 / 100 / 900
Öster/ Västerbotten regiments / L / 6 / 11 / L / 10 / 10 / 450 / 150 / 100 / 900
Savolax regiment / L / 6 / 11 / V / 10 / 10 / 500 / 250 / 150 / 900
Savolax or Karelska Jägers / L / 7 / 12 / V / 10 / 10 / 500 / 250 / 150 / 450 / 900
6pdr guns / L / 10 / L / 4 / 6 / 400 / 100 / 900
3pdr guns / N / 10 / L / 4 / 6 / 450 / 150 / 1000
Lifgardet / M / 11 / V / 14 / L7 / 500 / 800 / 650 / 850 / 1600
Formation changes: Table D for all arms.
Infantry / E+V / L / C+MLine - Column / 3/4 / 1 / 1
Sk – Lin/Col / 1 / 1 / 1
Sq – Ln / Col / 1/4 / 1/2 / 1/2
Cavalry / E+V / L / C+M
Line – Column / 1/4 / 3/4 / 3/4
Line – Sk / 1/2 / 1 / 1
Col – Sk / 1/2 / 1 / 1
De/Re-attach bases / 3/4 / 1 / 1
Hvy to change formation / 0 / +1/4 / +1/2
Artillery / E+V / L / C+M
Foot to limber / 3/4 / 1 / 1
Foot to unlimber / 1/2 / 3/4 / 1
Horse to limber / 1/2 / 3/4 / 1
Horse to unlimber / 3/4 / 1 / 1
Disruptions
/ E+V / L / C+M2-3D
/ +1/4 / +1/4 / +1/24D
/ +1/2 / +1/2 / +3/4Commanders
Commanders / Range / % / % / % / Ra / Ca / Bo / AbAdlercreutz Corps / 900 m / 85 / 65 / 45 / 2 / 3 / 15 / Good
von Vegesack Div / 450 m / 75 / 55 / 30 / 1 / 2 / Fair
von Platen (Div) / 450 m / 75 / 55 / 30 / 2 / 2 / Fair
Cedergren Div / 500 m / 85 / 65 / 45 / 1 / 2 / Good
Brigade distance / 250 m / Cavalry MA / Fair
Russian data sheet
Unit / Fi / Fd / Mo / Tr / Mv / PuRe / Col
Cha / 1co
Col / Lin / Squ
Pro / Sk / Rd
Musketeers / L / 3 / 10 / L / 10 / 9 / 450 / 150 / 100 / 900
Jägers (Line) / L / 5 / 12 / L / 10 / 10 / 450 / 150 / 100 / 400 / 900
25. Jägers (Conscript) / L / 3 / 9 / C / 10 / 8 / 400 / 100 / 50 / 350 / 800
Hussars / M / 14 / V / 14 / L9 / 500 / 850 / 650 / 850 / 1600
Lancers / M / 12/14 / L / 12 / L8 / 400 / 750 / 550 / 800 / 1500
Cossacks
(evade bonus 600m) / M / 10/12 / C / 12 / C5 / 500 / 750 / 550 / 900 / 2000
Argun - 6pdr guns / L / 10 / L / 5 / 2 / 400 / 100 / 900
Ziminsky - 12pdr guns / E / 11 / L / 5 / 2 / 250 / 50 / 800
Formation changes
Infantry / E+V / L / C+MLine - Column / 3/4 / 1 / 1
Sk – Lin/Col / 1 / 1 / 1
Sq – Ln / Col / 1/4 / 1/2 / 1/2
Cavalry / E+V / L / C+M
Line – Column / 1/4 / 1/2 / 1
Line – Sk / 1/2 / 3/4 / 1
Col – Sk / 1/2 / 3/4 / 1
De/Re-attach bases / 1/2 / 1/2 / 1
Hvy to change formation / 0 / +1/4 / +1/2
Artillery / E+V / L / C+M
Foot to limber / 3/4 / 1 / 1
Foot to unlimber / 1/2 / 3/4 / 1
Horse to limber / 1/2 / 3/4 / 1
Horse to unlimber / 3/4 / 1 / 1
Disruptions
/ E+V / L / C+M2-3D
/ +1/4 / +1/4 / +1/24D
/ +1/2 / +1/2 / +3/4Command capability: D, 1 coy column. Order frequency 1 hour.
Commanders / Range / % / % / % / Ra / Ca / Bo / AbKamenski Corps / 900 m / 85 / 65 / 45 / 2 / 2 / 15 / Good
Kulnev Div / 500 m / 85 / 65 / 45 / 2 / 2 / Good
Demidov Div / 400 m / 70 / 50 / 20 / 1 / 1 / Avg
Ushakov Div / 400 m / 70 / 50 / 20 / 1 / 1 / Avg
Brigade distance / 250 m / Cavalry MA / Good
Notes
Russian artillery unlimbering: The battery must be in the command radius of their division commander and the gamer must roll D10. On 1-5 the artillery may unlimber. Increase chance by 1 for each unsuccessful attempt.
Russian artillery limbering: The battery must be in the command radius of their division commander and the gamer must roll D10. On 1-3 the artillery may limber. Increase chance by 1 for each unsuccessful attempt.
Cossacks use a special D10 chart for their training determination during charge
Cossacks training modifier for charge – roll D10
1 / 2 / 3 / 4-5 / 6-10V / C / C / M / M
-1if outnumber target by up to 1.5 to 1
-3 if outnumber target by more than 1.6 to 1
-3 charging flank or rear
-2 if charging open order Inf or Cav
+2 if self outnmbered by 1.5 to 1
+4 if charging formed Cav
-2 for each D enemy has
Time track
Time / Orders / Notes7:00 / Kulnev enters
7:15
7:30
7:45
8:00 / Russian
8:15
8:30 / Swedish / Demidov enters
8:45
9:00 / Russian / Kamenski enters
9:15
9:30
9:45
10:00 / Russian / Swedish
10:15
10:30
10:45
11:00 / Russian
11:15
11:30 / Swedish
11:45
12:00 / Russian
12:15
12:30
12:45
13:00 / Russian / Swedish
13:15
13:30
13:45
14:00 / Russian
14:15
14:30 / Swedish
14:45
15:00 / Russian / Start rolling for Ushakov
15:15
15:30
15:45
16:00 / Russian / Swedish
16:15
16:30
16:45
17:00 / Russian
17:15
17:30 / Swedish
17:45
18:00 / Russian
18:15
18:30
18:45
19:00 / Russian / Swedish
19:15
19:30
19:45
20:00 / Russian
20:15
20:30 / Swedish
20:45
End game