Borodino Project - The Refight: Turn 6 - Russian response. What's the plan?

Several options are available to the Russian player Turn 6 now that the French have declared their hand and begun their assaults upon both the fleches and the redoubt. After ruminating over how to respond, several plausible options are available:

• Option 1 : Sit tight, do little or nothing, and absorb the French assaults. Reinforce where needed in this turn phase. But do not counter-charge beyond the fortifications. Keep what committed front line forces not directly involved as reinforcements.
• Option 2 : Counter-attack in force from the defensive position. Utilise cavalry in support (Sievers) for this task. Either direct counter-attacks at the main attack points or commence flanking options (where possible) designed to draw away enemy forces from the main assault. Short-term immediate response is the aim. Some of Baggavout's and Osterman's corps units have already begun moving into the centre.
• Option 3 : Trust in the defensive line to deal with the present threat. Meanwhile, begin shifting units from the original right flank battle lines to the centre. At the same time create a secondary line of defence behind the front line with your ready reserve using Russian Imperial Guard (Lavrov/Constantine) and artillery reserve (Kutaisov) as the core of this defensive secondary.
• Option 4 : Reinforce Tuchkov's flank with cavalry (Duka) and grenadiers (Borozdin) if possible. Already started with Duka's 2nd Cuirassier division on the move south to assist Tuchkov.

Procedure: Roll 1d10. Add C-in-C's command factor (Kutusov is Skilled, so modifier is +2). If result is:

3-5      =   Option 1 

6-7      =   Option 2

8-9      =   Option 3

10-12  =   Option 4

Commentary and Discussion

This approach may appear randomly arbitrary to the spectator, and it is. There is no hierarchal order to the options given that randomizes the response. It also keeps me from interfering too much. 

The historical French plan was, as mentioned many times before, a simple up-the-guts, all-in assault with all-arms. There was no finesse whatsoever. It was a bludgeon of a battle. And therefore not much room for tactical flair or creativity. Yet. There still remains the what-ifs.

Anyway, I wanted to give the Russians, whose whole strategy mindset seemed to be one of defensive delay from the beginning, some leeway in how they might respond within the restrictions of that tactical mindset. I did not want too much divergence from actual historical recourse.

The Russian Situation at the start of their Turn

This is an update on the current status of the various Russian positions at the start of their Turn 6.

Situation on Table 2 (Far Left Flank)

For the Russians on this flank, the situation is not looking good at the moment. The unexpected success of the Polish light horse is causing mayhem and confusion among Tuchkov's grenadiers after they easily dealt to the brave Cossacks who chose to stand and fight instead of run like some others did.

Those infantry units busily engaged in the retake and defence of Utitsa appear solid and cohesive. And seemingly unaware of what's happening in their rear. However, the heavy cavalry of Latour-Maubourg's cavalry corps are approaching fast, and the valiant Russians are certainly aware of their presence. Hopefully the arrival of Duka's heavy will arrive in time. 

Further south though, beyond Utitsa and the Mound, Poniatowksi's forces are busily regrouping in preparation to move on both Utitsa and the Mound. The Polish commander is relieved to be aided by the heavy cavalry of Latour-Maubourg. There is hardly any Russian forces to oppose this new developing situation. Karpov's cavalry split up earlier with one half retreating east while the other half linking up with Tuchkov's and the infantry. It was the latter Cossack force which was beaten up by the Polish light cavalry brigade. The other units of Kaminski's Polish cavalry are closely monitoring the eastern retreating Cossack force and preventing them from linking up with Tuchkov. 

Apart from those already engaged in the fighting in and around Utitsa, the Polish infantry are reforming to both support and advance upon the Mound. This means their artillery are also moving up to provide better fire support. 

The lone Russian artillery battery on the Mound was quickly abandoned by the victorious Polish light cavalry. And it looks like it will be claimed by the Poles as there are no friendly Russian units within reach. It performance was pitiful anyway. The only other Russian artillery unit is now retiring with Karpov. 

Situation at the fleches (Left Centre)

The defenders here have managed to push back the first two attempts by the French units from Davoust's I Corps. They can also call upon the as-yet-uncommitted grenadiers of von Mecklenburg-Schwerin's division. The artillery stationed in and about the fortification have been heavily engaged and accounted for themselves very well forcing back the leading enemy assault units. The fleches also contained infantry defenders. 

The French divisions of Compans and Dessaix however are experienced troops and any setback they suffer are quickly overcome as they renew their advance. Their artillery too are moving forward to set up and bombard the defenders.  

The ruined village of Semenovskaya (Centre)

A brigade force holds this area. As yet unengaged apart from the sporadic ineffective artillery fire, the force is notable because it's where several of the major commanders (Bagration, Borozdin, Golitsyn) are located. Attention, as yet, has not yet spotlighted this defensive location because the main assaults are concentrating their focus upon the temporary fortifications. But that might soon change as reports are incoming of French cavalry heading their way.

The Grand Redoubt (Centre)

Here is where the main action seems to be focussed with units from Morand's and Gerard's divisions successfuly striking the forward trenches hard despite taking some early hits during their approach. The Russian defences, however, retaliate splendidly repelling the initial assaults. But the French persist and soon gain footholds in the trenches, forcing those defenders there to relinquish their position. Buoyed by this success, the French move on toward the main earthwork fortification.

The artillery stationed therein operate busily and contribute to forcing certain French units back during the advance. But they have been operating uncontested and will find out about the consequences as the French bring up their artillery guns. Lots of them. 

The New Post road bridge (Right Centre)

Dokhturov is now faced with an unblown bridge to his frontage with yelling blue coats crossing and heading for his position. Already his forward skirmishing line has folded under the relentless pressure of swarms of French and Allied troops eager to melee. But his main lines are strong and ready. And waiting. Eugene's infantry are seen massing to make the inevitable push. 

North of Gorki (Left Flank)

This part is not fully shown on the existing gaming table. What is shown is a thin strip along the far right table edge. Gorki represents that northern boundary. This slender gaming area is shared by both Dokhturov's corps with Platov's cavalry corps in support, and unplaced infantry elements from Osterman-Tolstoy's corps. Baggavout and his corps is further north (far right) and not shown on the gaming table at all. They only make their appearance during flank marches. 

Olsufiev's 11th division from his corps, however, has begun moving south with Baggavout among them. This is the original flanking movement permitted in Turn 5. Bahkmatyev's 11th division of Osterman's corp is also on the move south. 

The risk here, for me gaming this, has been moving both corps in their entirety would present the French with a golden opportunity to outflank the Russians. As the New Post road leads directly to Moscow, this is a real fear for Kutusov and his high command staff. Hence his original deployment. Even though Platov and Uvarov are still posted there, I doubt very much that the entire right wing will move en masse south going by speculation based on historical concerns. Which is why in the original flanking move, I only chose to relocate just two infantry divisions and one corps commander instead the entire four infantry (von Wurttemburg, Olsufiev, Bahkhmatyev I and Bakhmatyev III) and three cavalry corps (Uvarov, Platov, Korf). 

Solo gaming often throws up these concerns which is part of the fun.

 

Borodino Refight Update Report

 Hi

Decided to reactivate this blogsite because the situation at the other (main) blogsite is fast becoming difficult. Problems abound daily and they're associated with the preparation and editing of the blog posts. These are both constant and continual; there is no real satisfaction in settling the matter there so I am going to switch to here for the time being. If it proves more viable, then that should help. For now, I am going to concentrate of posting reports and updates on the actual refight now that I've begun.

Hopefully things here will prove less stressful and much simpler. 

To start, the latest current update regarding the Borodino Project is as follows:

• Deciding that there was enough formations completed (minus some missing parts - mainly commanders) on the whole to begin the refight
• Time and motivation issues saw me drag heel quite a lot before finally starting the refight. 
• Location settled on was that this would be an indoors refight. Reason was simple: I wanted to be able to leave the game permanently setup (without packing away all the time), and outdoors was therefore out of the question. Outdoors offered the space but not the opportunity to leave the table in situ and protected. The studio however offered both options.
  
• But the space restrictions indoors, and the scale of the task, meant having to set up two tables - one in each room. And it is cramped due to layout arrangement.
  
• Game finally began around June of this year.
• I've been trying to play at least once a week. However there is no fixed or set timeframe. I play when I get the chance. 
  
• So far, I am up to the Russian Turn 6. French have the initiative as they were on the offensive from the start of the historical battle.
• Trying to use the historical account for reference and guidance. But leaving the actual results of play to determine the flow of the game.
  
• Breaking down a Turn into manageable parts has developed as I've played each Turn. It is beneficial because it is a big big battle. It shortens the length of time engaged. And therefore helps maintain continued interest. 
• There have lots of improvement moments, many of which I have forgotten because I fail to make note at the time of occurrence. Apart from a couple of major points. But more on that later.
• Photo storage space on the normal forum site I frequent means relying more on the blog sites where storage space isn't as much as issue. 

Some points to note about this refight are:

1. This is definitely NOT a solo refight to take on unless one is fully prepared and devoted to every last detail being correct. My casual but hurried approach has been a major problem.
2. This definitely requires larger space. A covered outdoor venue (this is Queensland) is fine BUT only if this refight involves several individuals, and that it is completed in one day. A major undertaking for sure. 
3. ALL the models selected need to be painted. Using proxies is fine BUT ensure they are clearly defined.
4. ID tags on unit stands is imperative if I want to replay this.

 Above image shows the situation at the end of the first major French assault on the Grand Redoubt (Raevski's Redoubt). There are four French infantry divisions gathered in the vicinity of the defensive fortifications. Raevski's defenders are managing to hold their own despite taking some damage.

North of the redoubt Dokhturov's division is having to contend with the French advance over the New Post Road bridge (top centre), east of Borodino. The Guard Jagers holding the town were eventually ousted but instead of retreating over the bridge and destroying it they left it intact. And now Dokhturov has to somehow defend the approaching assaulting brigades and then recapture and destroy the bridge. Fortunately de Tolly, commander of the 1st Western Army and this sector, has two infantry corps and two cavalry corps and the Cossacks at his immediate disposal. 

Also, it is now the Russian Turn 6.

More to follow soon. Cheers.

Borodino Project: Progress report

Slow work completing the infantry and cavalry requirements of the French/Allies list. Ran out of the Russian spares and have now dipped into my spare Austrians for the remaining infantry divisions (Division Compans and the two infantry divisions of Poniatowski's V Corps). Just finding the necessary focus to complete the painting is the problem at the moment. Tried stepping away and tackling other interests to get back on track but it's been extremely tough as I am finding myself over the task. But I have to bite the bullet and plough on ahead regardless to keep to my schedule and ultimate goal. My outcome from this dogged persistence is below.

With these two formations done, I can now concentrate on the one remaining infantry formation - the formidable French Imperial Guard. Am in two minds as to completing this elite force. Apart from certain elements within this corps - the Guard artillery and Young Guard - this rest of this formation sat out the entire battle as spectators. 

To my mind, what was the point then of having them there if they were simply going to stand there and watch others die before their veteran eyes; that was my first thought. Surely they were elite troops who could have made a difference as Murat and the other generals hoped at a pivotal moment in the battle. Yet Napoleon had sound military reasons for withholding his ace trump card, so various sources state. Not a military strategist or tactician but it just begs the question given that Napoleon chosen the most straightforward bluntest form of attack that was simply a meat grinder. 

Finally broke down into figures the final amount of artillery required for this project. One hundred and thirty three model guns is a sizeable amount - even for historical reenactors. Artillery is always a premium in historical games, just like cavalry. I remembered my first introduction of the ratio of all three teeth arms when a teenager all those decades ago. It was infantry who provided the bulk of one's historical force. Next came cavalry (small but large enough to represent the mobile attack force). Finally artillery came last: they provided just enough fire support to be of value to one's tabletop tactics but never too large to overwhelming and dominate the other two teeth arms. That Introduction to Wargaming 101 has served as a foundation for all subsequent wargaming. And it is no different with this project which is simply on a grand scale. 

With nearly three thousand miniature infantry and over seven hundred cavalry required, one hundred and thirty three model guns seems insignificant relative to the other two teeth arms. Relative. Yeah. At this point, one with more sense will turn about and screams, "Help!" But as this is a solo effort there is no help. Fortunately, this is the only big project I will ever do which seems cold comfort like an insufficient sea breeze on an extremely boiling hot day. And by big, this project is big. Bigger than anything I've ever attempted or am likely to attempt in the future. A fellow gamer recently commenting on my project jokingly recommended to Leipzig as a future project. I had to laugh in nervous response.

In order to find ways to resolve these moments of lacklustre drive I choose to engage in other distracting activities. One such activity relates to an important part of Part Three: organising the officer command stands. I am using 60mm scratch build bases for my field commanders - divisional and corps level. I calculated I need over eighty such bases which was half expected but nonetheless surprising. A spare sheet of MDF and a 60mm hole cutter drill bit is all that's needed. The acquisition of this drill bit is the first expenditure since starting this project. It won't be the last however as I expect to purchase more artillery kits in the coming months because I have a large shortfall in Napoleonic guns.

FYI: I have broken this immense solo project into three Parts which developed this way once I realised I need to order this growing mess. Part One involved completing the Russian infantry and cavalry (DONE); Part Two is achieving the same with the French/Allies (NEARLY COMPLETED). Part Three will "finish off" the lists by filling out the artillery and command stands requirements. 

Also included in Part Three will be the terrain/fortification builds - the Grand Redoubt, the Bagration fleches, and the various noted villages along with the standout terrain features like the mound at Utitsa, the orchards west of Utitsa, the Russian orthodox church at Borodino, the shelled ruined of the village Semenovskaya, the important streams that crossed the path of the French assaults, the various trestle bridges across the Kolocha. And so on.

Of course, all this isn't possible without a suitable gaming table. Again, like much of this scratch build, the table will be purpose-assembled for this occasion. I have managed to narrow my size of my battleground to the essential relevant areas - using the Russian temporary fortifications as my central axis of attack. Napoleon's plan of attack also makes this task easier. The physical design of the table is currently up in the air as my primary focus remains on completing the infantry and cavalry formations. Do I go 3D or 2D on design and layout?  Undecided. The former would add a further "spectacular" impact; the latter is most practical as it allows for ease of formation placements without concerns over unbalancing that can irritate. Added complexity has a tipping point; finding the balance is paramount.  

Allowing the ideas to sort themselves out in one's mind is an effective tool in creativity. Unless one has a clear idea to start with, this approach definitely saves on unnecessary stress and worry providing your faculty for creative visioning is operating 10-10.

Yes, Platov and Uvarov's raid happened but that can be transferred to a second smaller table.