Historical Background:
The Seven Years War (1756 - 1763) was a military struggle between Britain and Prussia on one side, and France, Russia, Austria, and Sweden on the other. France and Britain carried the fighting to their colonies, and eventually the conflict involved many of the European powers. In the US this war is known as the French and Indian War. The result of the war was to increase the power of Britain (especially in her colonies) and Prussia. The leading military figure in the conflict was King Frederick II of Prussia, later known as Frederick the Great. One of his innovations was the oblique attack order. This maneuver was designed to bring the bulk of his army against one of the enemie's flanks, defeating it decisively before the entire enemy army could become engaged. At the battle of Leuthen (1757) he used the strategy effectively to defeat a larger Austrian army.
Battle 1:
This battle has not yet been playtested. The rules are more complicated than usual, and will need some playtesting to see if it will work as written, or if it needs further simplification.
Building the Armies:
Right now there aren't any 1/72 plastic soldiers available for this battle. Revell made some nice Seven Years War figures, but they are now difficult to find. You could use some current figure sets as substitutes. The Accurate/Imex/Revell British Infantry from the American Revolution could be used for the Musketeers and artillery crews. Italeri's Russian Grenadiers are your best bet for grenadiers. Italeri Napoleonic French Hussars could pass for the Prussian hussars. Italeri Napoleonic Prussian Cuirassier could be used for cuirassier and dragoons. The Strelets Great Northern War line has some possibilites. The Strelets Swedish Infantry includes figures that could be used for musketeers and grenadiers. Strelets Russian Dragoons could be used for Cuirassier and Dragoons. You can check out these sets, and other possible substitutes, at the Plastic Soldier Review (I love this web site: www.plasticsoldierreview.com). I plan to use paper soldiers. Paper soldiers are included which you can print and use. Infantry and cavalry are mounted two per base. Cavalry bases are 1.5" square, infantry bases are 3/4" x 1.5". Commanders are based singly on 3/4" x 1.5" bases.
The Map:
The battle was played on a 5' x 7.5' table. There were several small villages, and some woods, which are not modeled on the table. The table is open and flat terrain except for the village of Leuthen. The village will be represented by a rectangle and can be drawn in marker, marked by a piece of grey felt, or however you choose.
Deployment:
This scenario takes place stating at about 3 PM after Frederick has successfully used his oblique order attack to defeat the Austrian left wing. The Austrians have established a new defensive line behind Leuthen, and still have a chance at victory. The Prussians and Austrians deploy as shown on the map. Only the three Austrian units listed in the Order of Battle are allowed to start in Leuthen.
Orders of Battle:
The order of battle is simplified, with cavalry being listed simply as cuirassier or dragoon/hussar. Infantry are classified as musketeer or grenadier (which includes guard units). All units have six bases.
- Prussia
-
King Frederick II of Prussia (Overall Commander)
General von Anhalt-Dressau (2nd in Command)
Left Wing - Gen. von Driesen
2 units Cuirassier
2 units Hussars
Infantry Center - Gen. Prinz Ferdinand
7 units Musketeers
4 units Grenadiers
5 Cannons
Cavalry Center - Gen. Prinz von Wurttemberg
3 units Hussars
Right Wing - Gen. von Zieten
3 units Cuirassier
1 unit Hussars
Austria
-
Prince Charles of Lorraine (Overall Commander)
Field Marshal Daun (2nd in Command)
Right Wing - Gen. Lucchese
5 units Cuirassier
2 units Dragoons
Center - Gen. von Kheul
8 units Musketeers
3 units Grenadiers
4 Cannons
In Leuthen - Gen. Graf d'Arberg
2 units Musketeers
1 unit Grenadiers
Left Wing - Gen. Nadasty
3 units Dragoons
Useful Resources:
Rossbach and Leuthen 1757 by Simon Millar, Osprey Campaign Series #113, this scenario is loosely based on the map entitled "Leuthen - The Final Prussian Attack" on page 78.
The "horse and musket" period of warfare is very popular. There are several interesting rules for battles during this period at Pete Jones' Free Wargame Rules site (www.freewargamesrules.co.uk). If this scenario doesn't fit your needs you should be able to find one to your liking there.
Frederick and the Final Prussian Assault Battle of Leuthen 1757
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© Copyright 2004 by Matt Fritz.
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