Gamble at Gerasdorf
French v. Austrians in 1805

Terrain, Deployments,
and Plans

by Chris Hahn

The table measured ten feet by six feet, with the opposing forces marching to contact from the long edges. The terrain lay out for this solo play test was fairly simple. In similar regards, the initial deployment of both forces was simple. Having received advanced scouting reports, both Army commanders placed their mounted arm on the open, northern flank. For the French, this was their left. For the Austrian cavalry wing, it would be their right. (Please see Map 1: Terrain and Initial Deployments.)

The only feature existent on the northern edge of the field was a Class II hill (gentle slope) and an old, walled monastery. This complex was given a Class IV grade, but would not really figure in the cavalry engagements that swirled back and forth on this end of the field. An improved road bisected the gentle hill, and ran southerly, across a Class III stream, into Gerasdorf and then off the South end of the field.

The Class III stream was the next significant terrain feature. By its nature - running East to West, and almost dividing the field - the stream forced each commander to divide his forces. The stream was negotiable; but the movement cost was exacting. Indeed, any unit crossing to the other side would be "out of command". There was however, a very strong stone bridge over this stream. Unfortunately, the placement of the bridge would most likely invite a bitter contest for control.

Moving South from the bridge and stream, the terrain became more complex. On this edge of the field, there was a three "section" village / town by the name of Gerasdorf. Two "sections" of the town were on the Austrian side of the North-South road and the third was on the French side. On the French side as well, was a fairly large copse. This forest was considered Class III at its center, but bordered by a Class II, or light wood.

At the start of the battle (determined to be 7 a.m. - again, my system is to take a base of 6 o'clock in the morning and then add the results of a ld6), the Austrians had just three of their five commands deployed on the field. Holding the right, of course, was Command Group 2 - the cavalry "wing". Four regiments were in the first line: the Uhlans in line and the Dragoons in Attack Column formation on the right and left. The two regiments of Cuirassiers deployed roughly 12 inches to the rear of the Uhlans.

To their immediate left, Rosenberg placed his 3rd Command Group. The Jaegers were deployed as skirmishers, fronting a "box" of six battalions of infantry. Three battalions of the 46th Regiment were posted in the front line. Artillery was stationed in between the three units. A third battery of guns was set to the right, not too far from the cavalry wing. Behind this strong front line, another three battalions were placed. On the right and left flanks, Rosenberg formed his Grenadiers. In the center was the fourth battalion of the 46th Regiment. Further behind this strong center, Rosenberg positioned himself with the five units under his direct command. (These were off the field and so, are not depicted on Map I.) To the left of his three additional battalions of Grenadiers - in colurnn of companies formation - he set his 121b Position Battery. To the right rear, in line, he deployed the 3rd Hussars.

On the southern end of the field, Rosenberg directed Command Groups 4 and 5. As 5 was not scheduled to arrive until game turn 4 (the start of the 9 o'clock hour), these troops too, were placed.in formation, but off the table. Fronting Command Group 4, the Grenzers deployed in skirmish order. Behind this "cloud" followed two limbered batteries of 61b Position batteries. Left of these guns and caissons, the 8th 'E. Ludwig' Regiment was marching. Its three battalions in attack column formation, one behind the other. Between the road and the stream, the 44th 'Bellegarde' Regiment deployed. Two battalions were out front and the third was placed in a supporting role. As with its sister regiment, all of these units were in attack column formation.

Across the field from these units, and opposite Gerasdorf, were the French Commands of Generals Destabenrath and Lacour, respectively. As with the Austrians, the French had their artillery batteries in limber and on the road. There was a single light infantry battalion deployed as skirmishers in the front of the planned advance. On either side of the road, there were three line battalions. Each of these deployed in column of companies formation.

Marching behind this blue mass of line infantry was the Army Commander, Marshal Davout and his command group. The Guard Infantry followed one another and their accompanying artillery was posted to the front. Off to the right, another light infantry battalion followed the advance.

In the center of the advance, just to the North side of the stream, the French posted a large command of seven battalions and two batteries. A-11 units were either limbered or in column of companies formation. A three battalion "brigade" was in front, with a four battalion "brigade" in support.

Finally, over on the French left were posted two strong commands of cavalry. In the first line, light cavalry was arrayed: Chasseurs, Hussars and Lancers. On the left flank of this particular formation, there was a horse artillery battery. In reserve, the French deployed their heavy "brigade" of horse. Two dragoon regiments were formed in line, supported by two cuirassier regiments in column.

With respect to plans for battle, the reader might guess that these were as unoriginal as the deployments. My purpose and intention with this scenario was to try and familiarize myself with the concepts and rules of PIQUET. For both sides then, it was determined that a general advance would be the order of the day. I guess I could consider each "army" to be an advance guard or leading element of a larger force, and, early one morning, they happen upon the enemy. To reduce the chance of this wargame devolving into even more of a non-tactical exercise, I placed a points value on certain terrain features. Victory would be determined, in part, by a comparison of the point totals at the conclusion of the wargame. For possession of each "section" of the village / town of Gerasdorf, that side would gain 15 points. Having control of the stone bridge across the stream would earn its owner 20 points. Then, a total of 10 points for occupying the hill and monastery (deemed a not too significant feature, really).

Hence, the "army" commanders simply "turned loose" their commands. The basic order of the day was to advance in a relatively straight line, engage the enemy, and prevent him from taking and controlling the key terrain features.

More Gamble at Gerasdorf French v. Austrians in 1805

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© Copyright 2001 Hal Thinglum
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