[Carl is probably known to most readers of wargames magazines as a painstaking researcher into wargaming matters. His library was second to none and, although his passing is now some time ago, he left a legacy of interesting work behind him. Here is one I found in the "Battlefields" archives and would like to dedicate it to his widow - Ed.]

Triptych is a mini-campaign of possibly three battles. It is based on historical events. It is displaced in time and geographical location to Russia to avoid your recognising the situation, and thus, hopefully, stretching your command capabilities and giving more fun. It is important that you use command and control rules and that you have couriers carry messages between commanders. A set of rules for command and control can be found at the end of this article. An Umpire is necessary.

The French will operate tactically in the normal way organised in six company battalions. The Russians should per form similarly and will not get any bonuses for national characteristics.

Changes of formation will take place for both sides in accordance with the following table:

TIME (in Minutes)
From	TO	Regular	Reserve	Militia
Open Column Companies	Line on left	8	12	16
Open Column Companies	Line on Right	16	20	24
Open Column Companies	Line on Front	2	1-2	16
Open Column Divisions	Line on Front	5	12	16
Open Column Divisions	Square	6	12	16
Close Order Line	Square	4	12	16
Quarter Column	Square	2	12	16

Reference: The column for regulars is from "Tactics & Grand Tactics of the Napoleonic Wars" by George Jeffrey. I have rounded the numbers and taken some liberties to get the formation changes of reserves and Militia. For those who do not wish to be so accurate, can I suggest averages of Regulars 5 minutes, Reserves 10, and Militia 15 for all such movements.

The French Forces consist of a Corps of three infantry divisions, one division of cavalry.

Included are a total of 36 guns. The French are retiring from MOZYR where they have successfully defended the line of the PRIPET easily defeating the militia and levies sent against them. The French are retiring to get nearer to the main French forces in BOBRUISK and to clear their Line of Communication (L of C). (see Map 1)

Their commander, General Bazett, is worried about the large number of Russians threatening him.

The Russian Forces consist of five strong divisions although one of these consists solely of local levies and guerrillas.

The weather at this time of the year is sultry and dry. Most of the watercourses in the area are dry gullies. Men and horses are suffering from thirst. General Bazett, who has been detached to the South to cover Napoleon's flank, has decided to move closer to the Grande Armee. He is pursued by Admiral Chitchagov. As the result of reports that his line of communication has been cut Bazett has sent Gudin's Division forward to clear the passage through the swamps at BAREENYA. Gudin's orders are to return with his force when he has done this, but to leave a small garrison to ensure the passage remains open.

The game has been play-tested using both Dennis & Knights "Napoleonic Rules for a large Scale Wargame" and "Shako".

FRENCH BRIEFING

1. You, General Bazett, command a Corps in Russia. For the past two weeks you have successfully defended the line of the River Pripet, basing yourself on the town of MOZYR. Here you captured a large quantity of specie now loaded in caissons.

2. Two days ago the enemy defeated a weak division of yours to the East and pursued it North cutting your Line of Communication (L of C) and threatening your garrison at the Pass of JABLONSKI. The Pass is twenty five miles to the North East of MOZYR.

3. You detached a division under General Hulet to clear the enemy from your lines of communication. This force moved on the high road via STRAPETE with orders to return to you at MOZYR when the L of C was clear up to BAREENYA. STRAPETE is 14 miles away.

4. Last night, 23rd July, you decided to follow General Hulet and make sure of your L of C with Army Headquarters at BOBRUISK, thus abandoning the line of the PRIPET. Once your Rearguard has cleared the bridge at MOZYR you expect to be pursued by the enemy Corps there, which consists of two weak divisions totalling 12,000 men and includes cavalry and artillery.

5. It is now 0800 hrs on 24th July and your vanguard is approaching STRAPETE. To your surprise it is fired upon and the early sun reveals enemy infantry and guns lining the hills facing you. (See Map 2). Although they seem quite numerous they are not deployed for battle and appear to contain a strong proportion of Militia and Opoloczenie. The weather is hot and sultry. There is no wind and the gullies are dried up.

6. You aim is to clear the road to STRAPETE and get your slow-moving convoy through to JABLONSKI. Should you take too long th enemy Corps from MOZYR is likely to overcome your rearguard. Your decision to be communicated to the Umpire is with which troops and at what time do you propose to start clearing the roa to STRAPETE. There is no sign of the enemy from MOZYR.

Map 1

Tryptych Scenarios

Russia 1812 Scenario 1
Russia 1812 Scenario 2
Russia 1812 Scenario 3