The weekend after Labor Day we had a chance to replay the napoleonic scenario, "Rearguard at Schärding". Once again my French vs. Mark's Austrians. Below is the scenario briefing.
On April 10, 1809 Archduke Charles’ surprise invasion of the Kingdom of Bavaria put the Grande Armée of Emperor Napoleon I of France at a disadvantage. On April 19th, Charles failed to take advantage of his opportunities and Napoleon struck back with savage force against the Austrian left wing under FM Hiller. After battles on April 20/21 FM Hiller's troops were driven into a headlong retreat to the southeast. Having temporarily disposed of FM Hiller, Napoleon turned north with his main army against Archduke Charles. On April 22/23, the Franco-Germans defeated Charles' army and forced it to withdraw to the north bank of the Danube. Meanwhile, Napoleon sent MdE Bessières to pursue the Austrian left wing with minor forces. Not knowing that Archduke Charles had been defeated, FM Hiller turned back upon his pursuer, defeating MdE Bessières near Neumarkt-Sankt Veit. Once he found that he was alone on the south bank facing Napoleon's main army, FM Hiller retreated rapidly to the east in the direction of Vienna.
On April 24th Charles sent a message to FM Hiller ordering him to retreat to Linz, cross to the Danube's north bank, and join the main army. Hoping to overtake and destroy FM Hiller, Napoleon sent two new columns of Marshal Davout's III Corps and Marshal Masséna's IV Corps towards the Inn River in pursuit of his foe. On April 26th, GD Legrand of Masséna's IV Corps caught FM Hiller's rear guard of FML Kottulinsky still west of Schärding.
For the replay the Austrians stuck pretty much to the same defensive line well in front of the river, The French decided to employ slightly different tactics. I limbered all my artillery and moved it directly to the front with my assault columns. I split my heavy cavalry division into two brigades and sent one to each flank. The objective was still the Austrian right center. I was hoping to stretch his defenses and punch a hole through to the river crossing.
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| French advance toward their objectives. |
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| French cavalry tie up the Austrian flanks as French infantry assault the woods and center. Austrian artillery in the town ans woods would prove devastating to the French attacks. The first units in were hurled back, and the attack needed to regroup. |
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| French infantry attempt to force the Austrian left from the wood, Austrian artillery a factor here. |
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| A true combined arms attack as all French arms get into the action. This and close command support are keys to big attacks. |
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| The French finally penetrate the Austrian center, It remained to be seen whether French cavalry could prevent the Austrians from an orderly withdraw, but slight tactical changes made a big difference in this game, |
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