prelude to dessau (october, 1813)
While the trap is closing behind him at Leipzig,
Napoleon is trying to catch the elusive Bernadotte’s Army of the North
in the banks of the Mulde River *. A small mixed squad sent by the
Souham French IV Corps is scouting towards Polnitz and has found a small
hamlet occupied by Prussian forces from the Dobschutz 4th Prussian
Brigade.
The French party is commanded by the lieutenant Breton (10th Hussars)
and includes sergeant Dupuis, 3 privates of the 10me Hussards as well as
sergeant Lefevre and 6 privates (3/2me Légere IR). The Prussian
rearguard patrol is commanded by lieutenant Mueller, sergeant Kroos and
6 privates of the 3/3th Reserve IR and includes also sergeant Ulianov
and 6 men from the Karpov#2 Cossacks.
This is a Scenario for Song of Drums and Shakos from Ganesha Games.
* This skirmish game was played in the context of the
Dessau Lasalle Scenario.
Bibliography
George Nafziger, Napoleon at Leipzig. The Battle of Nations 1813,
Emperor’s Press, Chicago, 1996.
TABLE-TOP ADAPTATION
GO TO THE BATTLE IN PICTURES |
ENGAGED FORCES
Allied
(3/3th Reserve Prussian IR and Karpov#2 Cossacks) Mixed
Nationality Squad. 1 Light Infantry mounted Prussian Officer, 1
Light Infantry Prussian NCO, 6 Light Infantry Prussian privates, 1
Light Cavalry Cossack NCO, 6 Cossacks. 15 men. 582 points.
French
(10me. Hussards and 3/2e Légere Regiment) 1 Light Cavalry Officer, 1
Light Cavalry NCO, 3 Light Cavalry privates, 1 Light Infantry NCO
and 6 Light Infantry privates. 12 men. 596 points
DEPLOYMENT
Allied
Only the Cossack NCO talks German. Roll 1D4 for the number of
Cossacks deployed and covering each of the West and South roads
(re-roll if the sum is greater than 7). Roll 1D4 for the foot
sentinels. The rest of the men are in the house (infantry) or the
cabin log (Cossacks).
French
The cavalry officer is the overall leader. Mounted and foot men
enters by a different road (roll to choose).
VICTORY CONDITIONS
Both sides have the same objective: to deny the enemy any information,
so the winner will be the side remaining on the battlefield. No
Morale checks are allowed..
THE BATTLE IN PICTURES