Russian Campaign at Michael's - Part 16

(Click here or click on the Campaign 09: Russia menu item to see all the parts with the latest at the top. A Campaign using Empire Campaign System and Empire V rules and Adler 6mm Napoleonic figures of the French invading Russia in 1812.)

It's now approaching 3pm. After a break from the field and the care of Marshal Murat's chief surgeon, I feel ready to resume command. I mounted my horse, the one frightened earlier that day, and headed to Murat's command position. Along the way I was brought up to date by a courier heading in the same direction. Our forces had stayed in their strong positions along the line of hills to the south of the river. A couple of understrength Russian Corps had attacked from the north along the road and had managed to set fire to the northern side of the village and surrounded it, but have yet to cross the river. This attack includes a massive Grand Battery of artillery pieces just across the river to the right of the village.


Russian Infantry bear down on the small village guarding the only bridge over the river in this sector

Russian Grand Battery can be seen here just across the river with a skirmisher screen on the riverbank


A close up of the Russian Grand Battery protected by a regiment of Hussars


A close up on the Hussars


More Russian Infantry moving towards the village


The northern half of the village is on fire as Russian Infantry swarm the wheatfields on both sides

In the meantime, Russian Cuirassiers and Guard Infantry Divisions had deployed to the north on the right of the road forcing Murat to deploy his Cuirassiers opposite to counter then as best they could.


Behind the attack on the village and to the right of the main road, Russian Imperial Guard divisions deploy with Heavy Cavalry support


Russian Cuirassier Brigades deploy in support of their Guard Infantry


Polish Divisions and French Cuirassiers advance across the river at a couple of fjords to threaten the Russian Guard and Cavalry formations


A close up of the line of French Cuirassier brigades crossing the fjord

I reach the Marshal's command post and am immediately greeted and brought up to speed. Contact has been made with the Italian who are currently only an hour or 2 away from arriving on our right flank along the road. This brings a glimmer of hope to the Marshal's eyes and the whole headquarters are busy taking notes, checking maps and issuing orders.

I raise my scope to check the Russian flank on the right of the battlefield and confirm they are aware the Italians are approaching. I spot Russian Dragoons deploying behind a thick screen of Cossacks.

Russian Cossacks screen the road as Dragoons deploy behind them. The Italians are not far away.

Murat hands me orders to command the French Light Cavalry Division attached the Italian Corps and I head off in search of them, attempting to meet them before they are close enough to deploy for battle.

... to be continued ...

(Click here or click on the Campaign 09: Russia menu item to see all the parts with the latest at the top. A Campaign using Empire Campaign System and Empire V rules and Adler 6mm Napoleonic figures of the French invading Russia in 1812.)