The Historical Battle

On the same day of the battle of Nachod, a force of Prussian Landwehr under General Von Stolberg violated the Empire's Galician-Moravian border in what is now modern Poland. His objective was the railway station at Oswiecim. Defending Oswiecim was an Austrian brigade under Major-General Trentinaglia.

The Forces:

Austria:

37th Reserve Jaegers
4 Btns Line
Five Squadrons Uhlans
2 6# sb

Prussia:

1 Company Engineers
4 Battalions Landwehr Inf.
1 Btn Landwehr Jaegers
Four Squadrons Landwehr Uhlans
2 12#sb

At approximately 0400 hours the Landwehr were advancing on the village of Brzczinska, which the Austrians attempted to hold. After heavy fighting, the Austrians withdrew to Oswiecim, which came under Prussian attack by 0700. To the north of the town, a small but fierce cavalry action was being fought between the Landwehr Uhlans and the Austrian Uhlans. After an hour of fighting, the Austrians still held the town, and the Prussians realised they were not about to shift them. They withdrew in good order across the frontier.

Wargaming Oswlecim Station:

Duration: Four hours simulated time (eight to twelve turns.)

Map ground scale: 1 inch equals 50 yards

Large Map (slow: 56K)
Jumbo Map (very slow: 117K)

Visibility. Due to the early hour (four AM!), visibility is reduced to the sum of two six-sided dice in inches. Increase visibility by 1d6 each turn until six AM, then double visibility each turn.

Engineer: Give engineers the option to attach to any infantry unit, providing said unit with a positive melee modifier when attacking units in building areas.

Austrian Setup:

May deploy no farther north then points A - B. Village of Brzcinska and station may each hold up to one battalion. Town of Oswiecim may hold up to three battalions. Austrians must hold town and railway station for victory.

Prussian Setup:

Prussians enter in column along bridge at point C. Artillery must enter last. Prussians must occupy town of Oswiecim by end of fourth simulated hour for victory.

Scenario Notes:

A fairly small action, which we don't often see in this period. This bame would could easily be re-fought using They Died For Glory, Grand Battle Grand Victory, Fields of Honor, or even The CompIeat Brigadierif you are ambitious. Basic maneuver elements should be the infantry battalion and cavalry regiment, possibly with the ability to detach companies and squadrons for especially dangerous work.

Because the sides are relatively even, this would be a good scenario with which to teach new rules. Give the new fellow the Austrians, since they have a slight numerical advantage.

Tactical Tips (from them what know):

During play-testing, which was conducted using Grand Battle, Grand Victory, my group found that the Prussians need to use every inch of movement (plus every bit of firepower) they've got to brush past the Austrians and seize Oswiecim. Prussian player should consider pitching his Uhlans into the nearest enemy infantry in the hopes of causing disorder. Their 1866 practice of the artillery bringing up the rear is a real disadvantage.

I was originally of the opinion that the Austrians should lay low and cling to every building area like a terrier. During one playtest, however, General Trentinaglia threw most of his troops forward to defend the slope above the River Wisla, and stopped the Prussians flat!

-Finis-