Chose to play the Russians as passive defenders as much as possible simply because the position is of their choosing and they have fortified defensive works (fleches and redoubt) erected to assist in their battle plan. Decided that all the aggression would be coming from the French. But as the game will unfold, that will change of course.
The fleches
Anyway, began the Russian turn on the main table at the fleches instead of at Table 2 (more on that situation later). Situation around the fleche is requring of careful maneouvring. v. Mecklenburg thought to retake the southern fleche and sent in Levin's grenadiers first up.
Unfortunately, the French there prove as tenacious in defence as they are aggressive in attack. Levin's troops are repulsed much to everyone's surprise.
The lone gun in the north west fleche meanwhile continues to perform excellently forcing back any French formation foolhardy enough to sit there. Borozdin, however, decides to reinforce that position with one of his remaining Jager units. Not much but it's all he can afford as v. Mecklenburg's grenadiers are busy in their front. Borozdin readjusts his position now that Guard reinforcements have arrived.
Starvitsky's musketeers to the immediate north of the fleches manage to open fire and force back d'Henin's brigade lingering in close proximity. But then their stirling effort is quickly undone when d'Henin's veteran return fire suddenly sees the Starvitsky's troops break.
Lost: Russian Starvitsky's brigade - Orel and Tarnpol IR
Readjusting the defensive line takes place south of the fleches.Two Guard infantry units and two Guard artillery batteries should strengthens v. Mecklenburg's thin line.
Grand Redoubt
The Russian guns defending the redoubt again proved their worth forcing back as they pelt the lingering French infantry close by even breaking one of the French brigades.
Lost: French Marion's brigade - 46 Line
The one time the Russians have the option to go on the offensive is immediately cancelled due to the complications that would arise by leaving a hole in the defensive line when there is no-one suitable enough to fill-in. And the area north of the GR is being hotly contested. Any success envisaged would be short-lived as the French forces are massing in large numbers.
The Russian artillery of Dokhturov's corps are scoring hits but not devastatingly so.
The wrestle for control of Gorki continues with neither side yielding. And will continue into the next turn.
While all this is happening, Baggavout continues his race to help Tuchkov. But will he make it in time is the sixty-four dollar question.
Table 2 - Utitsa
Not a good position at the moment for the remnants of Tuchkov's sole Corps. Duka's help was non-existent to put it mildly. Tuchkov's command comprises just three remaining infantry formations - jagers, muskets, and grenadiers. Along with the two separated units of Cossacks these are all that remain to stem the collapse of this flank. Any Polish/French/Allied unit that reaches the table edge along the Old Post road will win the French the flank. For beyond the objective stands Makarov's largely unarmed and untried militia. And after that, a straight run to Moscow.
The Old Post Roads lies open to the French if they can reach it with any of their units. And they seem to have the advantage as the photo below shows.
Summary
I will tally up before commencing Turn 9. Like I've stated in my last post, it is becoming interesting. Cheers.
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