The Combat at Prosek

Previously I described how Moritz was told off with two brigades of infantry, two of cavalry and 1 of artillery to hold Königsegg at bay to the NE of Prague.

Unlike the action at Königgrätz the forces were much more evenly balanced. Dave, as Schwerin, declined to let his main force get involved, instead sending them across the river to help Frederick's attack.

Prussians (Moritz)

• Cavalry - 2 brigades (1 cuirassier, 1 hussar)
• Infantry - 2 brigades (musketeers)
• Artillery - 1 brigade

Austrians (Königsegg)

• Cavalry - 3 brigades (1 cuirassier, 1 dragoon, 1 hussar)
• Infantry - 2 brigades (musketeers)
• Artillery -  1 brigade of heavy guns

Moritz's force was either side of the village of Prosek, with their right resting on the Rokenitzer Bach and the left on a ridge. It took some time for the Austrians to get close to the Prussians as they wanted to get their heavy guns in close enough to do some damage before the attack proper. 

Rear of the Prussian hussars

Once in position the Austrians had several rounds of ineffective artillery fire, but suddenly they got some luck. The Prussian cuirassiers diced low, and despite a re-roll (thanks to Moritz) they took a hit. This weakened them for the coming cavalry combat, which they lost and routed from the field. The Austrian cuirassiers now fought the Prussian hussars, who didn't stand a chance. In the subsequent turn the second and decisive hit was inflicted and the Prussians were gone, taking Moritz with them.

Meanwhile, the Prussian infantry were coming under fire from the Austrian artillery. With a cry of “Are we to stand here and be shot like dogs?”, their brigadier led them forward in a bayonet attack. But the Austrian gunners got lucky again. The Prussians rolled double 1. Even with a plus 1, this meant a rout. The game was over when the Prussians failed their Army Morale. At least this time one unit of infantry was left (to retire from the field).

After the defeat of Moritz's army, deemed simultaneous with the main battle to the west of Prague, I diced for what Königsegg would do next. Cross the river via the Prussians' pontoon bridge and attack Schwerin in the rear whilst he was attacking the main Austrian army, or attempt to destroy the bridge. The first die roll determined he would attempt to destroy the bridge.  A wily old dog like Königsegg, schooled in the Austrian tradition, would take the more cautious course and avoid battle when he could. I diced for the bridges destruction and the Austrians succeeded.

Reflection on the tabletop rules.

For all the battles in the campaign I have used Twilight of the Soldier Kings rules. These produce fast paced games and work well with large forces. However, combat is quite 'binary' and unless lots of units are involved, once a side gets an advantage it seems they can inflict big defeats without suffering much in the way of losses themselves. On reflection I should probably have used a set more suited to smaller actions. I thought of my old favourites, WRG 1685-1845 since I won't have to spend time learning them. David B suggested TWOSK but making units battalion sized rather than brigades. A good idea since it also avoids the 'learning' overhead.