"During the first four weeks of the Franco-Prussian War, there was one day – one single day – when the French were presented with the opportunity of defeating – indeed of destroying – the chief instrument of the German military machine, and of making good their escape. Whether that would have influenced the final course of the war is a matter for speculation. What is certain beyond argument is that the war – and with it the future of Europe – was decided at Mars-la-Tour on 16^th August 1870."

David Ascoli

"A Day of Battle"

Overview

The action at Mars-la-Tour has been cited as the critical moment in the Franco-Prussian War. It started as an attempt by the Prussians to attack what they originally believed to be the rearguard of the retreat of the French Army of the Meuse, in an effort to disrupt its movements.

In fact, due to appalling French organisation, the Prussians came into contact with the French advanced guard. The resulting battle saw only 2 Prussian Corps take on the entire French army and hold it for the whole day.

9.00am August 16^th 1870

Dragoons belonging to Forton’s 3^rd Reserve Cavalry division were detailed to form the vanguard of the French retreat to Verdun. When asked as to what reconnaissance the cavalry was to perform that morning Marshal Bazaine was to reply "comme d’habitude", so, as usual the French did nothing. The Dragoons themselves broke out the regimental silver and partook of petit dejourner.

The Prussians could not believe what they were seeing and decided to take matters into their own hands. Summoning up a battery of Horse Artillery, the Prussians gatecrashed the party. Within minutes the French were tumbling back upon the supporting infantry of Frossard’s II Corps.

By 10.00 am the leading Chasseur companies of Frossard’s Corps had moved forward to occupy the villages of Vionville and Flavigny, forcing the Prussian cavalry to retire to a safe distance. Behind Frossard lay the whole of Canrobert’s VI Corps and further back towards Gravelotte, the Imperial Guard was bivouaced. Le Beouf’s III Corps was camping to the North of them.

On arriving on the Rezonville plateau, von Avensleben, Prussian III Corps commander, realised that instead of a rearguard, the ENTIRE French army lay infront of him. He had 2 choices. Fall back onto his supporting troops, still some miles distant, or attack.

Von Alvensleben did not hesitate, he attacked.

He believed that a concerted attack would convince the French that they would be facing the whole Prussian army long enough for reinforcements to arrive. They would be a long time in coming. In fact only Voigts-Rhetz’ X Corps and some other scattered elements were able to come to his aid.

This scenario depicts this epic action. At times the Prussian forces will be outnumbered by more than 5 to 1. Only extreme self-belief and extraordinary French vacillation prevented the Prussians from being swept away and the road to Verdun opened to allow the escape of the French army.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to hold closed the road to Verdun until nightfall.

FRENCH ARMY

Marshal Bazaine AC

II CORPS

General Frossard CC, II Corps

1^st Division, Gen Verge DC Exhaustion=8 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Gen Valaze

• 3^rd Chasseurs 6 [ ] ss
• 32^nd Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 55^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

• 76^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 77^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

• 6^th Battery, 5^th Field Artillery Regt (Mitrailleuse) 5 [ ] mg
• 5^th + 12^th Batteries, 5^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F

2nd Division, Gen Bataille DC Exhaustion=9 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Gen Pouget

• 12^th Chasseurs 6 [ ] ss
• 8^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 23^rd Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

• 66^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 67^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

• 9^th Battery, 5^th Field Artillery Regt (Mitrailleuse) 5 [ ] mg
• 7^th + 8^th Batteries, 5^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F

Gen Lapasset DC Exhaustion=4 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

• 2^nd Co. 14th Chasseurs 6 [ ] ss
• 84^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 97^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 3^rd Lancers 5 [s] lt, lncr
• 7^th Battery, 2^nd Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] R-F

Corps Troops

• 10^th + 11th Batteries, 5^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-Hv
• 6^th + 10^th Batteries, 15^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F
• 7^th + 8^th Batteries, 17^th Horse Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F

Marshal Le Boeuf CC, III Corps

1^st Division, Gen Montaudon DC Exhaustion=10 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Col Dauphin

• 18^th Chasseurs 6 [ ] [ ] ss
• 51^st Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 62^nd Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

• 81^st Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 95^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

• 8^th Battery, 4^th Field Artillery Regt (Mitrailleuse) 5 [ ] mg
• 5^th + 6^th Batteries, 4^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F

2^nd Division, Gen Nayral DC Exhaustion=8 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Col de Launay

• 15^th Chasseurs 6 [ ] ss
• 19^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 41^st Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

2^nd Brigade, Gen Duplessis

• 69^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 90^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Divisional Troops

• 9^th Battery, 4^th Field Artillery Regt (Mitrailleuse) 5 [ ] mg
• 11^th + 12^th Batteries, 4^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F

4^th Division, Gen Aymard DC Exhaustion=10 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Gen de Brauer

• 11^th Chasseurs 6 [ ] [ ] ss
• 44^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 60^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

2^nd Brigade, Gen Sangle-Ferriere

• 80^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 85^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Divisional Troops

• 8^th Battery, 11^th Field Artillery Regt (Mitrailleuse) 5 [ ] mg
• 9^th + 10^th Batteries, 11^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F

Corps Troops

• 10^th + 12^th Batteries, 11^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-Hv
• 7^th + 10^th Batteries, 4^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F
• 1^st + 2^nd Batteries, 17^th Horse Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F
• 3^rd + 4^th Batteries, 17^th Horse Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F

General de Ladmirault CC, IV Corps

1^st Division, Gen de Cissey DC Exhaustion=8 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Gen Brayer

• 20^th Chasseurs 6 [ ] [ ] ss
• 1^st Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 6^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

2^nd Brigade, Gen Golberg

• 57^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 73^rd Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Divisional troops

• 12th Battery, 15^th Field Artillery Regt (Mitrailleuse) 5 [ ] mg
• 5^th + 9^th Batteries, 15^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F

2^nd Division, Gen Grenier DC Exhaustion=8 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Gen Bellecourt

• 5^th Chasseurs 6 [ ] [ ] ss
• 13^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 43^rd Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

2^nd Brigade, Gen Pradier

• 64^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 98^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Divisional Troops

• 5th Battery, 1^th Field Artillery Regt (Mitrailleuse) 5 [ ] mg
• 6^th + 7^th Batteries, 5^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F

Corps Troops

• 11^th + 12^th Batteries, 1^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-Hv
• 6^th + 7^th Batteries, 8^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F
• 5^th + 6^th Batteries, 17^th Horse Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F

VI CORPS

Marshal Canrobert CC, VI Corps

1st Division, Gen Tixier DC Exhaustion=9 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Gen Pechot

• 9^th Chasseurs 6 [ ] [ ] ss
• 4^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 10^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

2^nd Brigade, Gen le Roy de Dais

• 12^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 100^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Divisional troops

• 12^th Battery, 8^th Field Artillery Regt (Mitrailleuse) 5 [ ] mg
• 5^th, 7^th + 8^th Batteries, 8^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] R-F

2^nd Division, Gen Bisson DC Exhaustion=2 [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Gen Archinaud

• 9^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

• 9^th + 10^th Batteries, 13th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-Hv

3^rd Division, Gen de Villiers DC Exhaustion=7 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Gen de Sonnay

• 75^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 91^st Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

2^nd Brigade, Gen Colin

• 93^rd Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 94^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Divisional Troops

• 5^th, 6^th + 7^th, 14^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] R-F

4^th Division, Gen Levassor-Sorval DC Ex=8 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Gen Marguenat

• 25^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 26^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

2^nd Brigade, Gen de Chanaleilles

• 28^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 70^th Regt de Ligne 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Divisional Troops

• 7^th, 8^th + 9^th Batteries, 10th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] R-F

General Bourbaki CC, Gd Corps

1^st Guard Division

Gen Deligny DC Exhaustion=13 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Gen Brincourt

Guard Chasseurs a Pied 6 [ ] [ ] ss

• 1^st Voltigeur Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 2^nd Voltigeur Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

2^nd Brigade, Gen Garnier

• 3^rd Voltigeur Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 4^th Voltigeur Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Divisional Troops

• Guard Chasseurs a Cheval 6 [s] lt
• 5^th Battery, Guard Field Artillery Regt (Mitrailleuse) 6 [ ] mg
• 1^st + 2^nd Batteries, Guard Field Artillery Regt 6 [ ] [ ] R-F

2^nd Guard Division,

Gen Picard DC Exhaustion=10 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Gen Jeanningros

• Guard Zouave Regt 6 [ ] [ ] ss
• 1^st Grenadier Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

2^nd Brigade, Gen de la Croix-Vaubois

• 2^nd Grenadier Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 3^rd Grenadier Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ]

Divisional Troops

• Guard Guides 6 [s] lt
• 6^th Battery, Guard Field Artillery Regt (Mitrailleuse) 6 [ ] mg
• 3^rd + 4^th Batteries, Guard Field Artillery Regt 6 [ ] [ ] R-F

Corps Troops

• 3^rd + 4^th Batteries Guard Horse Artillery 6 [ ] [ ] R-F
• 5^rd + 6^th Batteries Guard Horse Artillery 6 [ ] [ ] R-F

2^nd Cavalry Division

Gen de Valabregue DC Exhaustion=3 [ ] [ ] [ ]

(Gen Marmier should have led this division, but didn’t make it to the battlefield in time)

1^st Brigade, (under direct command of Gen de Valabregue)

• 4^th + 5^th Chasseurs 5 [s] [s] [s] lt

2^nd Brigade, Gen Bachelier

• 7^th + 12^th Dragoons 5 [ ] [ ] md

3^rd Cavalry Division

Gen Clerambault DC Exhaustion=2 [ ] [ ]

(1^st Brigade attached to 1^st Reserve Cavalry Division)

2^nd Brigade, Gen de Maubranches

• 2^nd + 4^th Dragoons 5 [ ] [ ] md

3^rd Brigade, Gen de Juniac

• 5^th + 8^th Dragoons 5 [ ] [ ] md

4^th Cavalry Division

Gen Legrand DC Exhaustion=3 [ ] [ ] [ ]

1^st Brigade, Gen de Montaigu

• 2^nd + 7^th Hussars 5 [s] [s] [s] lt

2^nd Brigade,Gen de Gondrecourt

• 3^rd + 11^th Dragoons 5 [ ] [ ] md

Imperial Guard Cavalry Division

Gen Desvaux DC Exhaustion=4 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

2^nd Brigade, Gen de France

• Guard Dragoons + Lancers 6 [ ] [ ] [s] md

3^rd Brigade, Gen du Preuil

• Guard Cuirassiers + Carabiniers 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] Hv

1^st Reserve Cavalry Division

Gen du Barail DC Exhaustion=4 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

• 5^th + 6^th Batterries, 19^th Horse Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F

1^st Brigade, Gen de Lajaille

• 2^nd Chasseurs d’Afrique + 2^nd Chasseurs 5 [s] [s] [s] lt

2^nd Brigade, Gen de Bruchard

• 3^rd + 10^th Chasseurs 5 [s] [s] [s] lt

3^rd Reserve Cavalry Divison

Gen Forton DC Exhaustion=3 [ ] [ ] [ ]

• 7^th + 8^th Batteries, 20^th Horse Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F

1^st Brigade, Prince Murat

• 1^st + 9^th Dragoons 5 [ ] [ ] md

2^nd Brigade, Gen de Gramont

• 7^th + 10^th Cuirassiers. 5 [ ] [ ] Hv

RESERVE ARTILLERY

Gen Canu DC

Field Artillery Reserve, Colonel Salvador

• (5^th +6^th Batteries sent to support Metz Forts)
• (7^th +8^th Batteries sent to support Metz Forts)
• (9^th +10^th Batteries attached to 2^nd Division, VI corps)
• 11^th +12^th Batteries, 13^th Field Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-Hv

Horse Artillery Reserve, Colonel Toussant

• 1^st +2^nd Batteries, 18^th Horse Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F
• 3^rd +4^th Batteries, 18^th Horse Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F
• 5^th +6^th Batteries, 18^th Horse Artillery Regt 5 [ ] [ ] R-F
• (7^th +8^th Batteries attached to 2^nd Division, VI corps)

French Corps are all at 40% exhaustion, except for the Imperial Guard, which is set to 60% and the cavalry whcih is set to 50% (except the Imperial Guard whci hremains at 60%).

There is a large variation in regimental strengths caused by mobilisation difficulties and casualties at Spicheren and Colombey.

As a result all French regiments are understrength except for the 44^th Ligne. The 44^th Ligne’s regimental depot was Metz.

3^rd Division, II Corps was not present at the battle. It was detached to garrison the Metz forts following its rough handling at Spicheren. Its place was partly taken by Lapasset’s Brigade, which had been picked up, from where it had been left when V Corps retreated to Chalons. The 3^rd Lancer Regiment came with it as did 1 squadron of the 7^th Hussars, which was attached to form an escort for Marshal Bazaine.

The 1^st Reserve Cavalry Division should be made up of 4 regiments of Chasseurs d’Afrique, however one was wandering around Southern France, and 2 more had been attached, together with 3^rd Bn, 3^rd Grenadier Guards to escort Napoleon III to Chalons. The division was reconstituted by transferring the 1^st Brigade, 3^rd Cavalry Division to it.

The 3^rd Regiment Guard Grenadiers is missing its 3^rd Battalion, which had been detached to form part of Napoleon III’s escort for his journey to Chalons.

The VI corps arrived at Metz with only 1 regiment of its 2^nd division, half its artillery and no cavalry.

4 batteries from the Artillery Reserve were attached to it to bolster it up.

4 heavy batteries from the Artillery Reserve were sent to support the Metz forts and did not return to the army until the 18^th August.

Metman’s division (3^rd Division III Corps) was left behind at Metz and did not arrive until after dark, hence it is not represented.

Lorencz’ division (3^rd Division IV Corps) was so slow in extricating itself from the Moselle valley that it too, did not arrive until after dark. Hence it is also not represented.

French Deployment

II Corps (including 2^nd Cavalry Division) - East of Vionville, no closer than 12cm

III Corps (including 3^rd Cavalry Division) – between Malmaison and St Mercel

VI Corps - East of but within 12cm of Rezonville.

Imperial Guard – Within 6cm of Gravelotte (Grenadiers)

Within 6cm of Malmaison (Voltigeurs + Cavalry)

Reserve Artillery – East of Gravelotte ( within 12 cm )

1^st Reserve Cavalry Division – Within 6cm of Doncourt.

3^rd Reserve Cavalry Division – West of Vionville (within 12cm)
 

French Reinforcements

11:00am

IV Corps (plus 4^th Cavalry Division)

Must enter in road column formation in a pre-designated march order. Enters along the northern road from Metz.
(Historically - 4th Cv Div, 1st Inf Div, 2nd Inf Div, Artillery).
 

PRUSSIAN ARMY

General Staff AC (Monarch)

PRUSSIAN I ARMY

VIII CORPS (elements)

16th Division, Lt Gen Barnekow DC Exhaustion=11 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

32^nd Brigade, Colonel von Rex

• 40^th Fusileer Regt 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 72^nd Inf Regt 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

(attached from IX Corps)

• 11^th Grenadier Regt 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 9^th Hussars 5 [s] md
• 5^th Lt Batteries, 1^st Div, 8^th Field Artillery Regt 6 [ ] AR-F
• 5^th + 6^th Hv Batteries, 1^st Div, 8^th Field Artillery Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-Hv

Notes

This is a single Brigade of VIII Corps plus an attached regiment from IX Corps.
 

PRUSSIAN II ARMY

III CORPS

Gen von Alvensleben CC (Acts as AC)

5^th Division, Lt Gen v Stulpnagel DC Exhaustion=20 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

9^th Brigade, Major Gen von Doring

• 8^th Grenadier Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 48th Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

10^th Brigade, Major Gen von Schwerin

• 12^th Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 52^nd Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

37th Brigade, X Corps, Colonel Lyncker (attached)

• 78th Inf Regt (2 bns)    6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 9th Dragoons (2 squadrons)   5 [s] md
• 2nd Light Battery, 1st Div, 10th Field Art Regt 6 [ ] AR-F

Divisional troops

• 3^rd Jager Bn 6 [ ] [ ] ss
• 12^th Dragoons 5 [s] md
• 1^st +2^nd Light Batteries, 1^st Div, 3^rd Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-F
• 1^st +2^nd Heavy Batteries, 1^st Div, 3^rd Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-Hv

6^th Div, Lt Gen v Buddenbrock DC Exhaustion=15 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

11^th Brigade, Major Gen von Rothmaler

• 20^th Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 35^th Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

12^th Brigade, Colonel von Bismark

• 24^th Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 64^th Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Divisional troops

• 2^nd Dragoons 5 [s] md
• 5^th +6^th Light Batteries, 3^rd Div, 3^rd Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-F
• 5^th + 6^th Heavy Batteries, 3^rd Div, 3^rd Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-Hv

Corps Artillery, Maj Gen v.Bulow DC

• 3^rd +4^th Light Batteries, 2^nd Div, 3^rd Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-F
• 3^rd + 4^th Heavy Batteries, 2^nd Div, 3^rd Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-Hv
• 2^nd +3^rd Horse Art Batteries, 3^rd Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-F

X CORPS

Lt Gen vonVoigts-Rhetz I CC (Acts as AC)

19^th Division, Gen v Shwartzkoppen DC Exhaustion=14 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

37^th Brigade, Colonel Lehmann

• 78^th Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] (1bn)
• 91^st Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

38^th Brigade, Major Gen von Wedell

• 16^th Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 57^th Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Divisional troops

• 9th Dragoons (2 Squadrons)   5 [s] md  (Arrives with Lehman’s Brigade)
• 9th Dragoons (3 Squadrons)   5 [s] md
• 1st Lt Batteries, 1st Div, 10th Field Art Regt  6 [ ] AR-F
• 1st  Hv Batteries, 1st Div, 10th Field Art Regt  6 [ ] AR-Hv (Arrives with Lehman’s Brigade)
• 2nd  Hv Batteries, 1st Div, 10th Field Art Regt  6 [ ] AR-Hv

20^th Division, Gen v Kraatz-Koschlau DC Exhaustion=18 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

39^th Brigade, Major Gen von Woyna

• 56^th Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 79^th Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

40^th Brigade, Major Gen Dirinshofen

• 17^th Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 92^nd Inf Regt 6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Divisional troops

• 10^th Jager Bn 6 [ ] [ ] ss
• 16^th Dragoons 5 [s] md
• 3^rd + 4^th Light batteries, 2^nd Div, 10^th Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-F
• 3^rd + 4^th Heavy batteries, 2^nd Div, 10^th Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-Hv

Corps Artillery, Colonel Baron von de Becke DC

• 5^th +6^th Light Batteries, 3^rd Div, 10^th Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-F
• 5^th + 6^th Heavy Batteries, 3^rd Div, 10^th Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-Hv

25th Division, Lt Gen HRH Prince Louis of Hesse DC Exhaustion=6 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

49^th Brigade, Major Gen von Wettich

• 1^st Hessian Leib-Gardes 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
• 2^nd Hessian Inf Regt 5 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

25^th Cavalry Brigade, Gen von Schlotheim

• 1^st  Reiters 5 [ ]  md
• 1^st Light Battery, Hessian Field Art Regt 6 [ ] AR-F
• 1^st +2^nd Heavy Batteries, Hessian Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-Hv

CAVALRY

Guard Cavalry Division

3^rd Brigade, Lieutenant Gen von Brandenburg II

• 1^st +2^nd Guard Dragoons 6 [ ] [ ] md
• 1^st H.A Battery Guard Horse Art Regt 6 [ ] AR-F

5^th Cavalry Division

Lt Gen v.Rheinbaben: DC Exhaustion=10 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

• 1^st H.A Battery, 4^th Field Artillery Regt + 2^nd H.A Battery, 10^th Field Artillery Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-F
• 1^st + 3^rd Btys Horse Art Div 10^th Field Art Regt 6 [ ] [ ] AR-F

• 4^th Kurassiere, 19^th Dragoons + 13^th Uhlans 5 [ ] [ ] [s] md

12^th Brigade, Major Gen von Bredow

• 7^th Kurassiere, 13^th Dragoons + 16^th Uhlans 5 [ ] [ ] [s] md

13^th Brigade, Major Gen von Redern

• 10^th, 11^th + 17^th (Brunswick) Hussars 5 [s] [s] [s] lt

6^th Cavalry Division

H.H. Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin Ex=4 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

• 2^nd Horse Art Battery, 3^rd Field Artillery Regt 6 [ ] AR-F

14^th Brigade, Major Gen Baron von Diepenbroick-Gruter

• 6^th Kurassiere, 3^rd Uhlans + 15^th Uhlans 5 [ ] [ ] [s] md

15^th Brigade, Major General von Rauch

• 3^rd + 16^th Hussars 5 [s] [s] lt

Notes on Prussian OOB:-

In order to best reflect the events, which took place, I have done the following to the Prussian OOB :-

• III and X Corps Infantry regiments are rated as M6.
• III and X Corps have 60% exhaustion
• VIII + IX Corps are the usual M5/50% exhaustion mix found in Prussian Corps at this time.
• Cavalry is rated as listed plus has 60% Exhaustion levels.
• Von Albensleben and Voights-Rhetz are nominally the respective Corps commanders, however they have all the privileges of Army Commanders in this battle, but only have influence over their own Corps and they cannot be killed.
• There is an AC stand representing the ever-present Prussian General Staff. This stand acts as AC for the whole army but is subject to the Monarch Rule.
• Prussian Corps artillery have their own commanders so can act independently under his command.
• The Guard Dragoon Brigade has no exhaustion limit.
• III Corps is slightly reduced in numbers due to its part in the battle of Spicheren.

On table :-

5th Cavalry Division    - May be deployed anywhere West of Vionville within 24cm of French Cavalry, but no close than 12cm.

9.00hrs
5th Infantry Division, III Corps  - arrive in road column on the Gorze Road
6th Infantry Division, III Corps   - arrive in road column along the Thiacourt road
III Corps Artillery   - ditto

10.00hrs
37th Brigade, 19th Division, X Corps - arrive in road column along the Verdun Road
(plus 1st Hvy Battery and detachment of 9th Dragoons)
15:00hrs
38th Brigade, 19th Division,  X Corps  – arrive in road column along the Verdun Road
(plus rest of Divisional assests)
1st Guards Dragoon Brigade  -  ditto
20th Division, X Corps   - arrive in road column along the Thiacourt road
X Corps Artillery    - ditto

16:00hrs
32nd Brigade, VIII Corps

17:00hrs
25th Infantry Division, IX Corps

Special Rules

The entire French Army is available to the French player as opposed to only 2 Prussian Infantry Corps. Hence I have had to apply a series of modifiers to try to represent the events of the day without stereotyping them too much.

i) The Prussian infantry in III and X Corps has been upgraded to M6 and their exhaustion limit raised to 60%. This, I believe, is entirely justified given what happened and the state the Prussians find themselves in.

The other Prussian infantry is rated as per normal as these were scattered elements of whatever could be found to get to the battle on time.

ii) The Prussians have been given an enhanced command structure.

• Surprise.To reflect the surprise that the French suffered at the start of the battle the following rules are in effect for the first 3 moves :-
• All French units on table are considered to be inactive until activated (see below). As such they are considered to be disordered. They may not be prone.
• No French unit may start the game in a town or village except for skirmishers. (The French bivouacked in tents unlike the Prussians who would used barns, houses etc if they were available.)

iv) The French are subject to the following command restrictions :-

• Bazaine is the AC and may move as he sees fit.
• Frossard’s II Corps starts the game active as does 3^rd Reserve Cavalry

 a) According to the following schedule :-

 10:00hrs - VI Corps and Guard Corps
 12:00hrs - All other troops

For the purpose of this rule Lapasset’s Brigade is regarded as a part of II Corps.

The Reserve Corps consists of two divisions (Field Artillery and Horse Artillery) of Artillery plus 2 divisions (1st and 3rd) of cavalry.

b) A stand belonging to the Corps is attacked. In this case the whole division is instantly activated.

Forton’s Cavalry Division has just been fired upon so is active Game Turn 1 under this rule.

vi) IV Corps begins the game offboard. It counts as being activated upon arrival, however it MUST come onto the board in road column down the designated road. An order of march must be designated in advance.

vii) The Prusssians move at x4 speed whe using road column movement and x3 speed when using march column movement. The French use the standard x3 and x2 multipliers.

Historical Deployment

Historically Bazaine was obsessed with protecting his lines of retreat to Metz. The intention of this scenario is to let both sides create their own problems, but if you wish to mirror history a little more closely and to give the Prussians more of a chance then apply the following restrictions to the French :-

The following troops MUST be deployed in and/or between Rezonville and Gravelotte :-

I f they are not there then once they are activated by the normal release conditions, they must move directly to the area and become inactive again once they reach there.

Voltigeur Division ,  Imperial Guard
The Gd Chasseur Bn may enter the  Bois des Ognons, but must stay in command
1st Division III Corps
4th Division VI Corps
Reserve Artillery

These forces may not move until they are release. This occurs only if they are attacked or if the French holdall of their onboard victory conditions, at which point Bazaine would have felt safe enough to continue (I think).
 

Victory Conditions

The objective of the French Army was to reach Verdun, The Prussians were attempting to stop them.

Hence victory cannot be measured in terms of losses as these were, in effect, of no real relevance.

The French win if they hold open the road to Verdun.To achieve this the French must hold ALL of the following places :-

 Vionville, Rezonville, Mars-la-Tour, Flavigny, Thionville, Gravelotte.

- And have exited at least one complete, unexhausted division in road column formation via the Verdun Road.

The game is drawn if the Prussians prevent the French from achieving their victory conditions.

The Prussians win a if they can prevent the French from achieving their victory conditions AND hold the following places :-

Vionville, Mars-la-Tour, Flavigny, thus effectively sealing off the road to Verdun.

 History awaits…..

The Map

I have not added a grid as this very much depends as to what scale is used.
The battlefield is roughly of the order of 9 miles long and 7 miles wide. Using full scale this would result in a board in excess of 13' long and 10' wide, so it's really best done at 1/2 scale or even centimetre scale to reduce the board to managable proportions.

The scenario presented here is done for the centimetre scale, so you'll have to convert it if you use another scale.