3rd March 1814 - Battle of Neuss

Neuss Campaign Area

3^rd French corps have orders to hold their position

They have 16000 infantry, 1000 cavalry and 30 guns

1^st Prussian corps have orders to attack the city

They have 16000 infantry, 1000 cavalry and 30 guns

Move 1 – 0800 to 0900

Both sides have placed their cavalry and artillery in the open ground at the top of the table.  

Prussian infantry are entering the town.

Move 2 – 0900 to 1000

French cavalry have withdrawn out of artillery range

Church has been removed from town to make space for firing and melee

Move 3 – 1000 to 1100

Prussian cavalry have suffered 10% casualties and are withdrawn

Prussian gunners inflict 10% casualties on French gunners

2^nd Prussian brigade enter town to engage French infantry

Move 4 – 1100 to 1200

10^th French brigade fire on the Prussians as they enter the town

Prussians suffer 10% casualties, pass morale test and return fire – no casualties

1^st Prussian brigade advance south of the town to engage 11^th French brigade

Move 5 – 1200 to 1300

The French win the town fighting and rout 2^nd Prussian brigade with 20% casualties

The loss of the town prompts Blucher to abandon Neuss and retreat to the east.

His casualties have been light, but his cavalry are weak and one of his four infantry brigades has broken an

Counter battery fire

It is usually a waste of ammunition to fire on enemy gunners, and only happens when there is no more suitable target.   It requires a hit of 11 with 2D6.   Prussian gunners are very pleased with themselves.   French gunners  are now -1 on all firing and morale tests.

Town Fighting

Only infantry can fight in built up areas.  

They can skirmish if on Engage orders, or melee if on Attack.

Both brigades were equal in class and skirmish ability, so it would be down to luck (dice)

Each needed a dice throw of five or more to cause 10% casualties

The French got to fire first, and caused 10% casualties

The Prussians passed their morale test, but would have minus 1 on subsequent firing

They missed when they fired, and received another 10% when the French returned fire

They needed four or more on their morale dice – they got one and routed

Game Casualties

French has suffered 100 gunner casualties

Prussian have suffered 800 infantry and 100 cavalry casualties

Game Summary

A close French victory

The Prussians have only suffered light casualties and will certainly be able to fight again

With only one corps per side they are sufficient to make it risky to continue the battle

The only brigade available to attempt to retake the town is landwehr

The cavalry are lighter than the French and have lost 10% casualties

One of their four infantry brigades has run away