AARs - post here all after battle comments and replay files

Original plan was for Phil and Digby to jointly capture the objective immediately in front of them. Martin J was to push south along our right flank, using the road, moving slowly in compact formation, with ultimate intent to lead asssault later on southern objective with secondary task of marching to sound of guns should Digby/Phil really get into trouble. Morsey to take his division east to skirt any likely French forces then South, to use any of the westward roads to hit any French in the right flank who opposed Phil/Digby.

The French caught me off guard not only with the ferocity of their assault on Digby but they were operating as far East as Mike was. Plus they had such force and good position to nullify Martin J. It killed any prospect of mutual support. Oh well. The plan failed miserably and I left myself no alternative options - to include inability to quickly fall back on our own LOC. Entirely unexpected and lesson learned. Going forward will have even healthier respect for the AI. It is bad enough when Kevin sets it up bent on vengeance for the previous loss and/or derogatory comments in AI behavior... but now we have a nasty opponent lol.

The AI appears to disregard its own LOC

I think by slapping its enemy around so far north it probably felt confident it wasn't at risk!

OK

But you're right Taff, the AI will usually only ever go for one objective if there are multiple ones. It went for our LOC on Sunday and ignored the other two, it appears. I do not know if the new MP scripting allows Kevin to get the AI to be interested in more than one objective.

A fast learning curve needed lol

Let's see how the battle played out.

The start of the battle.


Ignoring a timeless caution of never separating ones forces in the face of the enemy, the Austrians do just that.  Digby's division makes first contact.


After 21 minutes of fighting against 3 French divisions Digby is defeated, while Phil courageously watches the destruction.  Meanwhile, his own rear being enveloped.


With Digby's defeat, the French pour through the gap and aim squarely at the Austrian LOC.  With nothing to stop them, the battle is lost.  The fat lady began singing very early this day.


The two Austrian divisions that were ordered on a walkabout join the battle from the periphery.


Both flank attacks end in failure while Taff, following his orders to the letter, skillfully maneuvers to a spot on the map where there is no enemy.


Even at the bitter end, Major Digby gamely fights his battalion. The Austrians are scattered and helpless. So sad and so Austrian.

Prefer to think of it as boldly throwing my brigade accross the lines of comunications

Clearly I am never going to be allowed to forget this one ...

I think now its von Dick-kopf.

Indeed lol

Well if Pat is around Sunday, we'll allow him to climb back up on that horse that threw him and then stomped him into goo. We'll take another run with the 1800 Austrians on another of Crikey's Italian maps. After all, the AI can always use another hat trick.

I think we did brilliantly as the 1806 Prussians yesterday. We had more soldiers left at the end than Napoleon and we held one of the objectives which has to count as an astounding victory.

Compared to the San Lazarro battle, you are correct, one out of three objectives is a great improvement...just not great enough.

I am pretty sure I will be here tomorrow

My horse is just fine Kevin, thank you for asking

Bring it on Kevin. Script to your hearts content. I will be more than ready. Game on!!

With that boast, you will be held entirely responsible for your teammates discomfort.

Oh? Pat's going to spank our bottoms?

Wait ... what if I am ALREADY uncomfortable with some of my team mates?

Good game yesterday on one of the very nice Italy maps. We occupied one objective and burnt the other one to the ground. Kevin was last seen rushing into the blazing cathedral of San Pietro and coming out with bundles of wooden painted ikons in his hands. A noble gesture to save so much fine art from destruction.

High command failed to issue orders to even go near the third objective so it was a failure from the word go. Never mind though, it was a great game and shows the Austrians can take on the French and lose with style.

San Pietro is ashes. War crimes have been committed. The CinC directly ordered that it be burned to the ground. Shameful. It seems clear an investigation of these evil deeds need to be made. Perhaps a noted investigative paper such as the Little Gaddessen Intelligencer with its crack team of reporters will cast a jaundiced eye towards these barbaric events.

Excellent point, Uncle Billy. There is clearly dark work afoot.

Myself, Delores, Consuela and Roxanne stand ready to depart.  An executive jet has been hired and appropriate accommodation booked.

Just one trivial matter.  Whom should we invoice for the above?

Burlington H Grumble, Chief Reporter

Little Gaddesden Intelligencer

Obviously the bill goes to the man in charge, Erzherzog Johann von Österreich. I am certain he would not wish any stain upon his honor due to this hideous affair and will gladly pay to bring the perpetrator into the dock. Should that fail, bill Morsey.

Ah the stage is set for my triumphant return from exile to command! Now ... where to find a tiny boat to row off this little island and get back to my HQ

And the Little Gaddesden Intelligencer will be there to report it!

How far we have fallen when we look towards Pat as our salvation...