Setting up the Battle of Raab
with Grand Manoeuvre Solo Rules:
For the re-fight of the battle of Raab, firstly the orders for each command were diced for.
The Austrians are on hold (defend) orders, and the French (plus Italian allies) were advancing.
Secondly then, each army’s infantry commands` battle arrays and dispositions were diced for.
In all of the procedures I have shown the die rolls made, listed the relevant modifiers and shown the results quoted from the rules.
As you will see, in this game set up example, the non-player attack by Eugene, with his infantry on engage orders is a more of a hesitant, “wait and see what happens” nature; a probing of the enemy lines rather than the actual attacks initially made on the day and one can think of this as "a pinning" of the Austrian centre with two flank attacks by his mounted wings – the most powerful of which is on the right.
Determining Divisional or Corps Orders –The French.
French Forces at RAAB, 14th June 1809. Battle starts at 10:30.
RAAB: General posture of French/Allied Army: Advancing.
Modifier that applied to the die rolls:
Natural obstacles/defences in front of enemy line: -3 (the stream and banks of the Pándzsa)
On the Right Wing, the line cavalry, Grouchy`s dragoons were rolled for first
Right Wing
Montbrun (Colbert and Jacquinot)
Die roll: 9 - 3 = 6
Result: “Support the flank of command already determined to have assault orders”.
Grouchy (1st Dragoon Division Guérin)
Die roll: 4 - 3 = 1
Result: Assault
Infantry Centre
RIGHT: (Grenier) Seras
Die roll: 7 - 3 = 4
Result: Engage.
CENTRE: (Grenier) Durutte
Die roll: 6 - 3 = 3
Result: Engage.
LEFT: (Baraguey d’Hilliers) Severoli
die roll: 6 - 3 = 3
Result: Engage
Left Wing
Die roll: 3 - 3 = 0
Result: Assault.
Sahuc extreme left
Baden Brigade extreme left rear
RESERVES:
To be diced for when change of situation determines their use.
Pully (Cavalry Reserve)
(Reserve)
Royal Guard
(Reserve)
Pachtod (Infantry Reserve)
(Reserve)
Determining Divisional or Corps Orders - The Austrians:
RAAB: General posture of Austrian Army: Defending.
As per the historical situation, the Austrian orders are very simply; “hold” or be in reserve and do not need to be diced for.
RIGHT WING: (Oberst Emerich Bésán) FML Johann Frimont in command
Hold Orders
LEFT WING:FML Daniel Mécsery
Hold Orders
RIGHT FLANK/COLUMN: FML Franjo Jelačić
Hold Orders
LEFT FLANK/COLUMN:FML Hieronymus Colloredo-Mansfeld
Hold Orders
RESERVE CORPS: FML (Johann Frimont)
Reserve
Orders & Dispositions–The French.
French/Allied Infantry Centre
Battle Arrays:
Modifier that applied to the die rolls:
It is clearly visible to subordinates carrying out the orders that the enemy’s (player’s) first line is deployed. +2
RIGHT: (Grenier) Seras (Engage)
Die roll: 20 + 2 = 22
Result:
19 or more: Engage in line*, preceded by skirmishers, second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns with artillery in close support by battery and any attached cavalry as flank guard.
CENTRE: (Grenier) Durutte (Engage)
Die roll: 9 + 2 = 11
Result:
11-12: Engage in line* with artillery in reserve, second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns and any attached cavalry as flank guard.
Bombardment option normally for Corps commanders only (Eugene):
Die roll: 7
Result: No bombardment.
LEFT: (Baraguey d’Hilliers) Severoli (Engage)
Die roll: 9 + 2 = 11
Result:
11-12: Engage in line* with artillery in reserve, second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns and any attached cavalry as flank guard.
Notes:
* “…having advanced to 400-500 yards in column formation.”
And for cavalry dispositions please see notes at end of file.
Reserve infantry and cavalry formations would most likely have been held in column.
Orders & Dispositions- The Austrians:
Modifiers that applied to the die rolls:
Enemy has numerical cavalry superiority/threat: +10
Army is behind linear obstacle: -5
= +5 net modifier
RIGHT WING:(Oberst Emerich Bésán)FML Johann Frimont in command
Hold Orders (For cavalry dispositions please see notes at end of file)
LEFT WING:FML Daniel Mécsery
Hold Orders (For cavalry dispositions please see notes at end of file)
RIGHT FLANK/COLUMN: FMLFranjo Jelačić
Hold Orders
Die roll: 19 + 5 = 24
Result:
19 or more:All infantry units in [battalion-masse]All artillery to second line intervals. Any attached cavalry in reserve to counter-attack and/or pursueif enemy cavalry is disordered.
LEFT FLANK/COLUMN:FML Hieronymus Colloredo-Mansfeld
Hold Orders
Die roll: 11 + 5 = 16
Result:
15-16: All infantry units held in [divison-masse] screened by skirmishers. Corps artillery in reserve. Any attached cavalry in reserve limited to counter-attack enemy only if one of own lines is broken.
RESERVE CORPS: FML (Johann Frimont)
Reserve
Modifiers that applied to the die rolls:
Enemy has numerical cavalry superiority/threat: +10
Army is behind linear obstacle: -5
Reserve orders: +5
= +10 net modifier
Die roll: 4 + 10 = 14
Result:
13-14: All infantry units held in columns screened by skirmishers.Corps artillery in reserve. Any attached cavalry arrayed to behind flanks.
Notes:
Lineal armies:
Lineal armies are; Austrian to 1805, Prussian to 1807, Russians to 1807. British throughout.
“Engaging in Line”:
When a command is to “engage in line”, unless it is a lineal army, it will advance in column to within 20cms (400-500 yards) and immediately deploy to line.
Cavalry Dispositions:
Lines in brigades would be equalised to result in approximately the same number of men and horse in each line, so there may not be a matching number of units in each line. And so in this case the Austrian left wing will be as follows:
Unit strength/number of bases in brackets:
Hadik`s brigade could then be in 2 lines:
1st Line Heyes(4)/Zemplin(3) (7)
2nd Line: Eisenburg(3)/Neograd(2)/Bars(2) (7)
Andrassy`s brigade could be in 2 lines:
1st Line: EH Nr12(4)/ Vesprim(3) (7)
2nd Line: Eisenburg(4)/Oedenburg(3) (7)
(Hadik`s and Andrassy`s brigades would both have a frontage of 7 bases)
Ghilanyi`s brigade may have roughly the same frontage (8), but a little different with 1 line and a small reserve?
1st Line: Husr Ott Nr5(4)/Pest(4) (8)
Reserve: Barser(3) (3)
Reserve Infantry Formations:
These will not have skirmish screens and only be deployed if within enemy artillery range.
The bombardment option for Corps commanders only:
The reserve formations artillery batteries would be used for the massed battery plus any available divisional artillery which has been designated as being in reserve in the divisional/corps dispositions.
If no single division/corps is leading (in echelon), then the point that massed battery is to be deployed should be diced for (left, centre, or right).
Changes of Situation in the battle of Raab:
The following demonstrates how seven historical changes of situation are tested for a French, non-player in the historical battle of Raab.
Change of SituationNo. 1:
Serras attackis repulsed (after some stubborn resistance at the fortified position at Kismegyer)
Seras` orders are to “engage”
His orders are to:
“Engage in line*, preceded by skirmishers, second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns with artillery in close support by battery and any attached cavalry as flank guard.”
*having advanced to 400-500 yards in column formation.
Page 46of Solo Module:
Section Five (B).
Advancing Non-Player Reactions to Changes of Situation in Tactical Engagement:
ADVANCING: Non-player information:
1. The advancing non-player side has engaged to probe for weaknesses and so the current orders are to “engage”. The combat is in indecisive and in stalemate (this period of “stalemate” should be at least 20 minutes – 5 turns).
ADVANCINGNon-player options (roll one d.10):
4 & less: Withdraw.
5-8: Do nothing continue with existing orders and continue with engage orders. (If necessary, repeat every 5 turns)
9 or more: Change orders to “assault”.
Test modifiers:
Cautious generals: -2
Poor generals: -1
Bold generals: +1
(Seras is rated as a good general):
Die roll = 9 +1 =10 = “Assault” orders issued
Result: Change orders to “assault”.
The level of the assault is determined next:
Page 82of Solo Module:
Delegation of Orders – Minor Missions: Attacking Formed Units in entrenchments and built up areas:
Non-player information:
1. The position/s being attacked by the non-player’s command are hamlets (light B.U.A`s) and is apparently held by light infantry or skirmishers:
Non-player options (roll one d.10):
Selecting the nearest command to the objective to make the assault.
4 or less: The mission is carried out by skirmishers of the first line of battle
5-7: The mission is carried out by a battalion preceded by skirmishers
8 or more: The mission is carried out by a regiment (2-3 battalions), preceded by skirmishers.
Test modifiers:
Cautious generals: -1
Poor generals: -1
Bold generals: +1
Good generals: +1
Excellent generals: +2
D.10 die roll: 7
+1 (Seras rated as a good general)
Net score = 8
Result:
“The mission is carried out by a regiment (2-3 battalions), preceded by skirmishers.”
See notes on battle arrays at Raab: this assault will be carried out by GdB Moreau with the 1st Legere, 35th Ligne.
Change of Situation No. 2:
The French centre and left is repulsed.
Durutte and Severoli both have the following orders:
“Engage in line with artillery in reserve, second infantry lines and reserves to be ployed in columns and any attached cavalry as flank guard.”
Involving two corps, this is an army level decision: the French CinC, Eugene is rated as a good general (+1 to die roll).
Page57of Solo Module:
Non-Player Reactions to Changes of Situation in
Tactical Engagement:
The morale of the Non-Players` commands are badly affected:
Non-player information:
11. The non-player’s centre and left/right wings are broken/or falling back.
Non-player information:
11. The non-player’s centre and left/right wings are broken/or falling back.
Non-player options (roll one d.10):
1 & less: Order general retreat.
2-3: General decides to do nothing.
4-7:
If defending: counter-attack with one wing to protect centre and envelop enemy’s flank.
If attacking: fall back and once rallied to carry out passage of lines and attack/assault again [this has been added].
8-9: As above, but also committing army infantry reserve.
10 or more: As above, but also committing army cavalry reserve.
Test modifiers:
Cautious generals: -2
Poor generals: -1
Bold generals: +1
Good generals: +1
Excellent generals: +2
D.10 die roll: 8 +1 = 9
Result:
“…fall back to carry out passage of lines and attack/assault again. …also committing army infantry reserve [Pachtod/Italian Guards].”
Change of Situation No. 3:
Austrian Insurrection cavalry breaks.
I did not have a specific test for this, so I have used the rule on page 64 as the basis for what do in case cavalry are defeated on flanks of armies. The inserts in brackets show additions to the text.
Page 64of Solo Module:
The Non-Player has some Grand-Tactical Advantage:
Non-player information:
2. The enemy[`s cavalry] is broken on his right/left flanks.
Non-player options (roll one d.10):
3 & less: Do nothing.
4-6: Order pursuit with engaged [cavalry].
7-9: Order pursuit with engaged [cavalry] and [commit cavalry] reserves to engage the enemy’s infantry flanks.
10+: As in a score of 7-9 and If appropriate, the position of the non-player’s [cavalry] reserve is switched inmultiple moves in one game turn [in which they receive their orders]towards the sector of the battlefield where thereis an advantage (3 moves good/brilliant-rated, or two moves for average/poorly-rated generals).
Test modifiers:
Cautious generals: -2
Poor generals: -1
Bold generals: +1
Good generals: +1
Excellent generals: +2
The French CinC, Eugene is rated as a good general (+1 to die roll). No intiative test required as there is a “do nothing” result possible.
D.10 die roll: 8 +1 = 9
Result:
Order pursuit with engaged [cavalry] and [commit cavalry] reserves to engage the enemy’s infantry flanks.
Change of Situation No..4:
French divisions pushed back (and possibly requiring tests of morale).
These divisions are taken to be in poor morale.
Page 53of Solo Module:
Non-Player Reactions to Changes of Situation in
Tactical Engagement:
The morale of the Non-Players` commands are badly affected:
Non-player information:
7. The morale state of all of the non-player’s line is faltering (all commands are at
25% morale affected).
Non-player options (roll one d.10):
4-5: Do nothing: initiatives and reactions may only be carried out by subordinates.
6-7: Once commands rallied, order a passage of lines replacing badly affected sub-commands/lines
8: Commit divisions (parts of infantry reserve) to support all your frontline.
9: Use sub-division of cavalry reserves to counter attack enemy infantry formations.
10+: Use all available cavalry reserves to counter attack enemy infantry formations.
Test modifiers:
Cautious generals: -2
Poor generals: -1
Bold generals: +1
Good generals: +1
Excellent generals: +2
The French CinC, Eugene is rated as a good general (+1 to die roll). No initiative test required as there is a “do nothing” result possible.
D.10 die roll: 5 +1 = 6
Result:
“Once commands rallied, order a passage of lines replacing badly affected sub-commands/lines.”
Change of Situation No. 5:
Johann pulls infantry back to refuse left flank (the Austrian cavalry retreating).
Page 63of Solo Module:
The Non-Player has some Grand-Tactical Advantage:
Non-player information:
3. The enemy [enemy’s cavalry] is broken on his right/left flanks
Or
The enemy has no cavalry on his right/left flanks.
Non-player options (roll one d.10):
4 & less: Do nothing.
5-7: Order pursuit with engaged [cavalry].
8-9: Order pursuit with engaged [cavalry] and [commit cavalry] reserves to engage theenemy’s infantry flanks.
10 or more: As in a score of 7-9 and If appropriate, the position of the non-player’s [cavalry]reserve is switched in multiple moves in one game turn in which they receive their orderstowards the sector of the battlefield where there is an advantage (3 moves good/brilliant-rated, or two moves for average/poorly-rated generals).
Test modifiers:
Cautious generals: -2
Poor generals: -1
Bold generals: +1
Good generals: +1
Excellent generals: +2
The French CinC, Eugene is rated as a good general (+1 to die roll). No initiative test required as there is a “do nothing” result possible.
D.10 die roll: 7 +1 = 8
Result:
“Order pursuit with engaged troops and infantry reserves to roll up the enemy’s flanks + engage infantry with the support of cavalry reserve.”
Change of Situation No. 6:
Austrians withdraw under pressure of attacks on centre (Kismegyer surrenders to French/Allied assaults)
Page 61of Solo Module:
The Non-Player has some Grand-Tactical Advantage:
Non-player information:
1. The enemy is broken in the centre.
Non-player options (roll one d.10):
3 & less: Do nothing.
4: Order pursuit with engaged troops.
5: Order pursuit with engaged troops and infantry reserves to roll up the enemy’s flanks.
6: As above, but with support of any available cavalry.
7+: If appropriate, the position of the non-player’s infantry reserve is switched in multiple moves in one game turn towards the sector of the battlefield where there is an advantage (3 moves good/brilliant rated, or two moves for average/poorly rated generals).
Test modifiers:
Cautious generals: -2
Poor generals: -1
Bold generals: +1
Good generals: +1
Excellent generals: +2
The French CinC, Eugene is rated as a good general (+1 to die roll). No initiative test required as there is a “do nothing” result possible.
D.10 die roll: 6 +1 = 7
Result:
Order pursuit with engaged troops and infantry reserves to roll up the enemy’s flanks….
with support of any available cavalry
AND
If appropriate, the position of the non-player’s infantry reserve is switched in multiple moves in one game turn towards the sector of the battlefield where there is an advantage (3 moves good/brilliant rated, or two moves for average/poorly rated generals).
Change of Situation No. 7:
The final withdrawal of Austrian forces from the battlefield.
Page 66of Solo Module:
The Non-Player has some Grand-Tactical Advantage:
Non-player information:
5. The enemy is broken all along his line.
Non-player options (roll one d.10):
2 & less: Do nothing.
3-4: Pursue with engaged troops.
5-6: Order a follow-up with infantry reserves in support.
7+: As above, but with support of any available cavalry
Test modifiers:
Cautious generals: -2
Poor generals: -1
Bold generals: +1
Good generals: +1
Excellent generals: +2
The French CinC, Eugene is rated as a good general (+1 to die roll). No initiative test required as there is a “do nothing” result possible.
D.10 die roll: 9 +1 =10
Result:
Order a follow-up with infantry reserves in support.
AND
….with support of any available cavalry