Sunday fight

Well ...

It was simply ugly all the way around. The AI ... and no doubt Kevin manipulating it from a 2nd screen ... thrashed us. I sent Mike too far along our right flank with his cavalry - he would have been better in our middle in retrospect. And tho Digby (with Kevin) saw initial success on their (left) side, the AI waited and just crushed them with a second division. Meanwhile Phil got slammed with artillery and his infantry apparently forgot the words "forward, march" but were adept with "to the rear, march." Mike had 2 cannon crews and some stable hands left after his cavalry got thrashed. Me, well, my personal cavalry escort brigade had great success pushing aside local farm animals but soon melted away. Wasn't much better with the infantry brigade I took after the late-game restart.

These Russians really were the ones to beat Napoleon? I think not. The French seemed to have the winter gear and sense of direction.

I offered Kevin my sword and Digby suggested I simply fall on it.

Oh well

These Russians did beat Napoleon... just not led by these generals. Which is lucky because after that battle I expect the whole lot were sacked.

It was indeed one of the darkest and most disturbing defeats I have experienced. My comment was I don't recall the player team ever having not secured a single objective before. As you say, right from the off, nothing went right.

Could we try the scenario again? I'd like to see if we can crack it. I think concentrating either all in the north-west or all in the south-east as a first move is best, then smash each objective in turn as we approach them. NW would be my preference as it is closer.

Indeed it was a sad result. Benningsen must be rolling in his grave. I too cannot remember a beating this bad, so I suppose we should try again. Sunday's result can only be improved upon. We can't do any worse. We can try again this week if the 'Incompetents' can be reassembled.

I can be there.

I think in this case I should accept demotion to division commander. Hopefully to redeem myself in the eyes of my troops. Right now the men look at me in camp and call me “Kevin” behind my back!! The nerve! The shame!

That indeed must be galling. 'Tis a most base insult to your honour. I cannot think of a more degrading epithet to have the men talk behind your back so.

We can't do any worse.

On second thought, this may be a little optimistic as Pat could always reprise his role as CinC. Although on the other hand, if he is a division commander, we will be without effective command of one of our divisions. Hmmm, the more I think about this the more pessimistic I become of a better outcome.

It is admirable Kevin how you can simultaneously command the French on one computer while leading your Russian brigade via a 2nd computer. And if memory serves you also have a 3rd computer used where you can guide the camp followers onto our baggage trains.

:-)

Certain perks are available to the code writer you know.

I shall rise to clearly a Great Challenge (tm) and take command.

Kevin - you will take Gallitsin with the cavalry and move NE to the road. From there move East towards Brod Novaya and attack any unsupported targets of opportunity such as infantry not prepared to receive cavalry and any unsupported guns. After that, await orders. As you advance send messengers to von Dierecke and establish a close working relationship with him. Stay in physical contact with him on your right.

Pat - you will take von Dierecke's division. Face NNE and advance down the hill. It is likely the enemy will come south from Brod Novaya to engage you in which case fight a defensive battle intitially and destroy them. Contact Gallitsin to your left and co-ordinate your attack. Take Brod Novaya in concert with Gallitsin then face East.

Mike - you will be Docturhov. Come north across country and contact von Dierecke's RIGHT flank. Hold on the highest ground you can find but that proviso is subordinate to you moving your division downslope in close contact with von Dierecke's right in order to maintain close contact. You are the only division comander required to send out cavalry patrols which should be sent in the direction of Yakshino and Sorokino to observe enemy movements there. You are tasked with supporting von Dierecke by attacking any French division that comes west from Yakshino to contest Brod Novaya.

Phil, Grog & Peter if you play - take brigades of your choice. I suggest one in each division.

I'll take a brigade or prefereably Corps C-in-C.

Here is the plan with pretty coloured arrows as we used to see:

red = stage 1
green = stage 2
orange = stage 3



Any questions? No? Good. Carry on.

This will never work. Too few colors.

I can change some to pink and add silk bows if it makes you feel more comfortable madmoiselle.

Silk bows would indeed be a nice way to make Kevin comfortable. His HQ tent is adorned with the most inviting of flowers and colors, soft material, feather pillows ... and behind the tent are wagons commandeered from my baggage train but THAT is another story

As for the plan: it works for me.

Aside from the lack of garish colors which dooms the enterprise, I have another minor problem with the plan.

As you advance send messengers to von Dierecke and establish a close working relationship with him.

To be brief, I do not like the man. He is a cowardly fop and is certainly not deserving of any support or succor my cavalrymen can render.

Any officer found to hold grudges, personal offence or be otherwise unable to co-operate fully with any other divisional officer will be charged as guilty of treason against his Majesty the Tsar and the Imperial Army. A fate worse than the godless ethics of liberte, egalite and fraternite awaits such an individual.

Play nicely now.

I have nothing but the highest respect for Kevins generalship and battlefield prowess. Quite inspiring in fact. Just the other day my staff and I were commenting on exactly this.

We simply did not realize he was in OUR army.

I fear that removal of all soft furnishings might be a step too far. At least, allow our Commander of Cavalry a sheepskin saddle cloth to keep the piles down and a fox skin throw for those cold nights alone, now that Madam Fifi favours more able and dashing French Officers!

You do have a point about the impact of a Fifi-less campaign and what that can do to a cavarly officer. Even a faux horse soldier like Kevin. I would think the impact rather significant

In a candid moment.

In the rush to respond the the Enemy attack you forgot to put on your petticoat. Nevertheless you commissioned the painting to capture the moment. I applaud and admire your bravery in ensuring exact details were covered accurately even at the cost of your modesty. Well done sir!

That tiger looks pretty hacked off.