Kesselsdorf

I finished the Kesselsdorf book yesterday, and I must say I'm glad that I got it.  It has a number of good points from my point of view. It:

• Is strong on the Saxon perspective for a change;
• Goes into some depth on the battle itself, including discussion of accounts that don't tie up;
• Has a general map of the initial deployments (better than any previous ones I've seen), and some detailed maps of some episodes;
• Gives political and strategic background and consequences;
• Gives a description of what happened to the casualties of battle (not something that is common), the impact on locals and the financial costs to the Saxons;
• Provides full orders of battle for both sides;
• Devotes nearly half the book to an account of the battle*

* Too often books on specific battles have relatively little to say on the course of the battle.

Saxon 'contributions' to the Prussian war effort. About 40% of the total Prussian costs according to Querengässer. Two birds, one stone. As well as covering a big slice of their own costs, the Prussians were hobbling a rival.

This doesn't include the cost to the local economy of looting........

At least another 177,000 Thalers

So this book seems to blend both 'traditional' military history and the 'new' military history. And it's got me thinking, "which figures would make good make good Polish Uhlans for the Saxon army?"**

** The answer is probably H&R SYW Bosniaken lancers.

My refight of Kesselsdorf in October 2021: https://horseandmusketgaming.blogspot.com/2021/10/kesselsdorf-refought-solo.html

End of the War in Italy

Well that didn't last long! I played one more hour from about 4 to 5pm and got through the year 1743. By the time the rival forces went into winter quarters I think I played things through to a conclusion. Probably.

At the end of 1742 the French and Spanish had to retreat back across the Alps, with their displaced Neapolitan cousins because they had not taken any fortresses on the Italian side. The Royal Navy had been driven away from their blockading stations by early winter storms (determined by rolling a double on 2D6 to indicate there had been an "Event", and then a roll with a D8 to determine what the event was. The Piedmontese were able to retire to their fortresses and recover their strength. Due to Imperialist advances across southern Germany (determined by an earlier Event roll) the French had to divert one of their 3 bases to the Rhine. The Austrians ended up winning at this point through the capture of Padua and were able to keep their whole force (4 bases plus a siege train) south of the Alps as a result. One badly battered force of Neapolitans had to over winter in Liguria with their (as yet) neutral Genoese friends. Genoa had to remain inactive until directly attacked. The Bourbon forces couldn't recover much due to not holding enough cities, but I bent the rules a bit to allow some recovery, otherwise the odds would have been heavily stacked against them.

For 1743 I introduced a method of determining order of activation, copied from Peter at Grid Based Wargaming - but not always. Peter used Scrabble tiles but I used pairs lettered plastic beads of the sort small children, are necklaces out of. Each force had a bead, with a matching bead 'in the hat', and the forces were activated in the order the beads were drawn out of the hat. Simple but effective, and it stopped too much telepathic co-ordination of forces. For example if the British were activated, and wanted to land guns to form a siege battery, they couldn't gamble on the Austrians being able to move a force into the same hex before the enemy could take the guns. 

The campaigning season started in April with the Austrians on the march in northern Italy to attempt to clean up the remaining unclaimed cities before the Bourbon forces could cross the Alps (passes were blocked until late June). Meanwhile the Piedmontese sat tight, holding on to the King's patrimony. [Historical note: the Gallispans occupied Savoy (a duchy belonging to the King of Sardinia, i.e. Piedmont) on the 'French' side of the Alps]. An Austrian force in Nice embarked on ships hoping to be escorted to Naples At the same time the Neapolitans in Genoa boarded a fleet as the quickest way to get back to protect their kingdom in the south. One of the three British flotillas appeared off Naples and landed heavy guns, protected by Marines and shore parties. The latter were not shown as being too small a force. The Neapolitans not actually having a base handy, could not interfere.

So who would make it to Naples? The Austrians or the Neapolitans? Well the answer would be determined by a sea battle between the remaining 2 British flotillas and the combined Franco-Spanish ships. This was 'played' purely as a dice roll - I hadn't bothered to finish the little ship models as they are so damned fiddly! Equal forces (2x5 points each) plus 1D6 each. The result was a narrow British win - 1 loss to the British and 1 each to the Spanish and French. This allowed the Austrians to travel to Naples to prosecute the siege. The siege of Naples started in June, and the Neapolitans must have let their defences go to ruin. i.e. the allies got lucky - a 1 in 3 chance meant the city fell in the first month. I rationalised it out this way. Poor maintenance and operational security, led to an ammunition store, in a casemate under a bastion, being exploded by a mortar blast (lobbed from a bomb ketch). The explosion wrecked part of the bastion face and influential citizens persuaded the governor not to allow the ancient city to be subjected to a storming. King Carlo VII slipped out the back door and made his way to Gaeta, where he boarded a sloop and made his way to Valencia and became a guest of his half-brother Fernando VI of Spain.

More bad fortune for the Bourbons happened that month when their combined ships were narrowly beaten again by the British. The small Neapolitan army disembarked and looked for a land route to Naples.

In July the British packed up their guns and re-embarked in Naples harbour. The Austrians, after placing a small garrison began the march across the peninsula to Bari. Up in the north, the French and Neapolitans began their passage of the Alps in the direction of Turin, crossing from concentric passes. The Spanish likewise headed slowly along the mountainous coast east from Toulon. After crossing the Po, an Austrian army put Piacenza under siege. They were joined by the Austrian force that had wintered by Turin.

Piacenza fell within a few short weeks. The Austrians were gobbling up the cities in the plains before the Bourbons had a chance to get there. The best hope for the latter was to put pressure on the Austrians and their allies by taking Turin, and to this end, the French, covered by the Neapolitans built their lines around the Piedmontese capital. Aided by fair weather, the British arrived off Bari by the end of August. The following weeks they landed their guns again and readied themselves for the arrival of the Austrians.

Whilst the siege of Turin began in earnest, the Austrians invaded Liguria. In response the Spanish moved to relieve the Genoese. In open battle the Austrians inflicted significant losses on the Spanish who retreated back to the Alps Maritimes. Worried about the attack on the capital, the bulk of the Piedmontese army (those not in Turin) left Cuneo to challenge the besiegers.  By the narrowest of victories, they forced the Neapolitans away from the city, exposing the French lines. The French gave up the siege and mirrored the Neapolitans' retreat into the Alps. Simultaneously, whilst one Austrian corps arrived at Bari, another began the siege of Genoa.

As October turned to November, Carlo VII and his court in exile debated whether to sue for peace. Probably influenced by his fellow king, Fernando, Carlo decided to carry on the struggle. i.e. I let the dice decide. This proved fatal. Bari surrendered before almost a shot had fired. The governor had heard what damage those infernal English bomb ketches could do, and no doubt encouraged by a 'doucement' from the bourgeoisie, he allowed the Queen of Hungary's troops to enter the city. Genoa soon, whose small army was allowed to march out with the honours of war, went the same way, and the war in Italy was all but over. Or was it?

The position at the end. The cities with black rectangles are those captured by Austria. Milan was already theirs at the start, and Florence belonged to Maria-Theresa's husband but was technically neutral.

So why did the war last only 3 years in the game and not the 7 years of history? Probably the main reason was I hadn't got the balance between the opposing factions right. There wasn't much opportunity for the Spanish, for example, to seize or hold cities in Italy. I should maybe have allowed them a force in northern Italy to start with. that would slow the Austrians down, and perhaps give the Spanish an opportunity to replenish their forces. Having said that, I did allow the Neapolitans to storm all the way up to the north, when historically, they didn't get that far for whatever reason. Another big factor was making the mistake of leaving the Neapolitan cities largely undefended.

I now need to decide whether to pack the whole thing away, or leave it up and give the Bourbons a leg up so to speak, and to carry on. I'm minded to do the former.

This was the second such campaign (the first being at New Year 2023 when I wargamed 'the whole War of the Austrian Succession in Europe). Would I do another one? Yes, absolutely. Maybe at the next New Year holiday. 

WAS Campaign in Italy: Part 1 - The storm clouds burst

The rival armies have been mobilised and ready for over 2 weeks, but each hesitated to be the first to strike the first blow. Each wanted to avoid being the first to initiate bloodshed with fellow Christians. Catholics all (apart from the English that is, and Swiss auxiliaries). Obviously the real reason was a mixture of 'Real Life" and lethargy. The lethargy was overcome today and I snatched a couple of hours after work.

1741

I started the campaign in Spring 1741. Whilst the Spanish and French were stuck on the western side of the Alps by deep snow in the passes, Austrian forces headed south from Milan and crossed the Po, heading for Piacenza. The plan was to occupy an advanced position until the siege train could arrive with reinforcements from Austria.

Meanwhile the Neapolitans struck out from Naples and Bari, either side of the Apennines. Their advance north was temporarily halted when they came up against high spurs from the mountains. The snows were melting but freezing temperatures at night made the going impossible as the melted snow turned to ice. The alternative was to cut through Papal lands, at the risk of alienating His Holiness, but by June the way was clear for the Neapolitans to continue north.

July saw the Alpine passes clear and Spanish from the west (Toulon), French from the north west (Grenoble) and Austrians from the north east began to cross to northern Italy. The second Austrian army ("Aust2") brought with it a siege train which would help them capture the cities of the great north Italian plain. In this game only the French, Austrians and British had siege trains of their own - the British have no land troops so they rely on their Piedmontese or Austrian allies; just as the Neapolitans and Spanish rely on the French siege train. A restriction on the British is that their guns cannot be taken further inland than the coastal strip. Hearing reports of the French advancing east towards Lombardy, the first Austrian army ("Aust1") recrosses the Po into the northern plain to protect Milan. The Piedmontese concentrate 2/3 of the army on Cuneo, with the balance remaining in Turin.

In August Aust2 advance toward Verona, whilst Aust1 headed back to Milan to forestall the French arriving from the west. On the Mediterranean coast Spanish and Piedmontese armies arrived outside Nice where a battle is fought. Both sides had 2 bases (stacking limits in mountains prevented all the Spanish arriving together. The King of Sardinia won inflicting 3 hits on the Spanish to 1. The Spanish have to retreat back along the coast to the nearest friendly city, i.e. Toulon.

September saw the Piedmontese move from Turin to Cuneo (opening up the option to attack Toulon or Genoa. Aust2 arrived at Verona which they placed under siege. For the Bourbons, the main Neapolitan force crossed to east side of the Apennines. The Spanish reinforced the defeated army west of Nice from Toulon (i.e. the losses are transferred to the force in Toulon).  Having fully crossed the Alps the French concentrate west of Milan, neither side strong enough to risk battle against the other.

The following month was fairly quiet as the Austrians and French stood off in Lombardy, and the Spanish and Piedmontese eyed each other warily between Toulon and Nice. The siege of Verona progressed steadily without conclusion.

The campaigning season trailed off in November with the Piedmontese reinforcing Nice and the Veronese finally capitulating. Britain had yet to make a show - a clear opportunity for a landing had not yet arisen. With the arrival of Winter all armies have to go back to a friendly city. All are well provided for, except the Neapolitans who are faced with crossing the Ligurian Alps to Genoa, suffering attrition en route. I rationalised that the RN blockading Genoa limited supplies for the additional 30,000 mouths.

The position at the end of 1741. In this shot I'd omitted to move 2 Spanish bases back to Toulon.

 The French are back across the Alps. In Genoa with the Neapolitans is the small Genoese army. It isn't allowed to move out of the city hex until the city is attacked, then it is a full combatant on the Bourbon side.

1742

Only the Piedmontese were allowed to replenish their losses because they still held their 3 native cities (Turin, Cuneo and Nice). In game terms the Savoyard districts of Piedmont are not counted.

Half of Aust2 with the siege train made its way to invest Padua. The rest, now all 'Aust1' unite just north of the Po making for Parma. All the Gallispans (French and Spanish) are beyond the mountains and have to wait for the passes to clear. In May Aust1 arrived at Parma but has to await the siege train, currently engaged at Padua, before it can take the city. 

The next month (June) the Neapolitans cross the mountains from Genoa to Piacenza. Aust1 attacks them but are repulsed with a difference of 1 so both take a hit. The Austrians have to retreat. The siege of Padua continues.

In July the French start to cross the Alps. This time their plan is different. They threaten Turin. The Piedmontese troops in Turin remain in place waiting to see what happens.  The Neapolitans also remain in place keeping their option open.  Aust1 recrosses the Po and Padua falls to Aust2. The other 2 Piedmontese bases move east of Nice threatening Genoa, hoping to link up with the Royal Navy.

A double 5 is rolled on 2D6 which mean an 'Event' Occurs. A 6 rolled on D8 means that Charles of Lorraine (brother-in-law of the Austrian Empress*) marches to Rhine, and the French must remove a base from Italy for 18 months.

In the heat of August, Aust1 sends 1 base to Milan. Aust2 advances up the northbank of the Po. Then the French (2 bases plus a siege train) move on Turin, accompanied by 2 Neapolitan bases! At the same time the Spanish start to cross Alps threatening Piedmont from the west.

Through September the French and Neapolitans invest and besiege Turin, which is defended by 1 base of Piedmontese. Meanwhile the other 2/3 of the Piedmontese army meets 2/3 of the Spanish outside Cuneo and fight the (first?) Battle of Madonna dell Olmo! Piedmont gets an extra dice because of the friendly city. The adjusted dice rolls result in 5 against the Spanish. A disaster for Spain who take 5 hits (a base) against one for the victors.  All the Austrians advance up the Po valley towards Piedmont to help their allies.

In October Aust1 joins up with the Piedmontese east of Turin, whilst Aust2 remains South of Milan. The Franco-Neapolitans have 3 options: 

1. press on with the siege of Turin,
2. retreat through the Alps, or 
3. attack Austro-Piedmontese

Stuck for a decision I let the Dice Gods decide. A 2 on a D6 means they press on with the siege, hoping to take it before the Austro-Piedmontese army attacks them. Unfortunately for the Bourbons, Turin does not immediately fall.

November: Another double is rolled. This time a 4 on a D8 means a Storm. This forces fleets close to the shore, but not in a friendly harbour, out to sea, breaking any blockade. The British are forced away from Genoa.

But things get worse for the Bourbons. The whole Piedmontese army converges with Aust1 (3 bases) by Turin to offer battle. The numbers to start with are as follows:

Piedmont: 3 bases = 15 points less 1 hit already = 14

Austria: 3 bases = 15 points less 1 hit already = 14

Total Austro-Piedmontese = 28 plus 2D6 (1 plus 1 extra for the friendly city)

French: 2 bases = 10 points

Neapolitans: 3 bases = 10 points

Total Bourbons = 20 points plus 1D6

With such unfavourable odds the combined Bourbon army elects to retreat NW of the Po to the Alps. They cross to the French side for the Winter.

1742 comes to an close with the Bourbons at a definite disadvantage. The Austrians have gained 2 cities, and are pretty much unchallenged in the plains. But at least for the next campaign, the French, Spanish and Neapolitans all start the year circling Piedmont from 3 directions. The bad news is, they have to wait for the thaw before they can cross. They need some good fortune!

This campaign could end fairly quickly if I'm not careful. I'm considering allowing reinforcements to Toulon and Genoa as a result of the storm that forced the RN to lift the blockade. Additionally I think a stacking limit during winter should force armies to disperse more (this will work a little against the Austro-Piedmontese). I'm also considering allowing armies without a siege train to take cities by assault -  at the risk of losing points - 1 hit for a successful storm and 2 or 3 for unsuccessful. Thoughts?

Die Winterschlacht - distractions

Something reminded me of this fairly recent release* from Helion. A battle that doesn't get much coverage in its own right and which, the author argues, was that rare battle in that it actually finished a war. The Second Silesian War (part of the inter-connected conflicts know as the War of the Austrian Succession) ended in December 1745 shortly after the Battle of Kesselsdorf on 15th of that month.

* 2023.  It was previously published in German in 2022, and I believe Amtmann of the Wackershofen Anno Domini blog read that version and commented on an earlier blogpost.

 I need to thank my wife for this anniversary present. She's a good sort like that. She doesn't yet realise she bought it me mind.

Querengässer posits that Kesselsdorf has been overlooked in Saxony because it "is eclipsed by the occupation of the Electorate [of Saxony] in the Seven Years War" and the breakup of the Saxon-Polish union; and it was overlooked in Prussia because it was a victory, not of its King Frederick, but of his former tutor, Leopold of Anhalt-Dessau.

I've re-played the battle twice: once against my son with some iffy self-written rules; once using Twilight of the Soldier Kings. Here https://horseandmusketgaming.blogspot.com/2021/10/in-jesu-nahmen-marsch.html and here:

Saxons to the left, Prussians to the right

Austrians advance up to the stream. In the winter gloom Kesselsdorf can be seen in the distance.

The Brandenburg army marches out of the night, under the watchful eye of the Old Dessauer. I include these to show how far digital photography has come since those days.

Getting back to the book, there's some nice maps and colour plates of various troop types, including this splendid Hungarian musketeer. The SYW uniforms are a lot less interesting. This would maybe pose a good conversion challenge for those of you with larger scale figures.

I haven't gone beyond the Introduction yet, and I must resist the temptation of reading the whole thing for now as I have the small matter of an unstarted solo campaign to run. The other big distraction this week (apart from that 4-letter word beginning with W) was the small matter of a game at Chateau (Schloß?) Freitag. You can see a full report here: https://palousewargamingjournal.blogspot.com/2024/02/battle-of-lake-trasimene-217bce.html

Saturday will see little time for wargaming as after my Saturday morning swim I have a hospital appointment and then a late, late anniversary lunch in That London.