Snappy Nappy

The Austrian Invasion of Italy 1809
Archduke John vs. Prince Eugene

Austrian Situation and Introduction

by Russ Lockwood

ArchDuke John

Your forces are sweeping westwards, chasing away the piquets, and coming within sight of the French. Your brother, ArchDuke Charles, is similarly sweeping into Bavaria. For once, you have grabbed strategic surprise. If you can quickly overrun them and take them out piecemeal, for the French are scattered across northern Italia, you should have no problems advancing into Italia and reclaiming land for the Austrian throne.

The main reason for the campaign is to secure the strategic southern flank of your brother--and that means the Tyrol as well as Italia. As a bonus, the Tyrolians welcome you, for they wish to be a part of the Austrian empire, not part of the Bavarian kingdom and thus part of the French enpire. So they have raised the flag of rebellion against Napoleon and his Bavarian allies.

Your ultimate goal? The entire area north of the Po River and east of the Adige River--from Mantua to Tyrol and east. The more land you grab, the bigger your victory and glory.

Last Known Force Locations and Spy Reports:

Your main force, VIII Corp, reinforced with some of IX Corp, is strung out from Caporetto to Villach. Fortunately, your surprisingly good speed means the passes were empty of French, although Tarvis remains a choke point and potential traffic jam.

    Frimont: Caporetto back towards Tarvis. Most in Road March.
    A. Gyulai: Tarvis back to Villach, in Road March.
    Davidovich: Villach to Jesenice, in Road March.
    Colleredo: Just entering Jesenice, strung back to Bistrica, in Road March.
    Bezan: The Reserve just reached Bistrica, strung back to Laibach, in Road March.

The French are garrisoning their fortresses at Oseppo and Palmanova, and forward units report French forces at Udine and St. Daniel. No doubt additional French forces are behind the Tagliamento River, although their number and proximity are in question. A spy reported an Italian division in Mantua and Verona.

In the Tyrol, Jellacic is centered at Lienz, with a garrison at Tolmezzo. He is also in contact with Tyrolian militia, which can be a help, and Tyrolian rebels, which can cut French supply. From dispatches and spy reports, the Franco-Bavarians are in Innsbruck and in some of the major towns, trying to keep a lid on the rebellion.

Lastly, Wolfskeel is at Gorizia and has just crossed the river with Light Cav and without opposition. The rest of his force is strung back towards Razneto. This was to be a diversionary force, but it looks as if it could help outflank the French, who have few forces towards the coast, long considered to be a minor invasion route.

Further South in Dalmatia: Stoichwich moved out of Trieste and is pressing Marmont back towards Kurn and Zara. Marmont seems as scattered as Prince Eugene. This is a diversionary force to provide security on your strategic southern flank.

SPECIAL RULES

Tyrol:

Mountains: All units may function normally on the "valley floor" and on the "one step foothills." Movement to a "second step" is prohibited except for rebel bands.

Tyrolian Militia: Jellacic has two units of Tyrolian militia in the mountains. These are capable of launching a spoiling attack on the first turn. This attack is normal in all respects, except, Jellacic can place both these units anywhere in the Tyrol AND move them (including charging into the enemy). This is only on the first turn. After that, the normal rules for command radius apply.

Tyrolian Rebels: Jellacic has control of a half dozen rebel bands (two large and four small). These may be placed anywhere on the board. They cannot fire or attack enemy units, but may seize control of towns and roads in order to cut supply. If attacked, they melee (and MC) as militia (they do not fire), and have NO flanks or rear. Small rebel bands are eliminated with one MC failure. Large bands are eliminated with two MC failures. After placement, if a band can reach a mountain (the "second step"), it will fade into the mountains and is allowed to come back on board on any subsequent turn.

Bridges

Pontoon Bridge: ArchDuke John has one pontoon bridge under his personal control. It may never be more than 12" away from him. This allows the bridging of any river that connects clear terrain on each side. Procedure: place wagon/bridge at river spot. Roll a d10: 6-0 is completed and additional units may cross as if it is a bridge. 1-5 failure, but bridge is completed at END of turn for next turn's use.

Burning bridges: To destroy a bridge, move an INFANTRY unit next to a bridge. Roll a MC. If successful, the bridge is destroyed.

Rebuilding bridges: To rebuild a bridge, move an INFANTRY unit next to a bridge. Roll a MC. If successful, the bridge is rebuilt.

Only one try (at either destroying or rebuilding) per turn.

Line of Supply/Communications:

All units must trace a line of supply/communications ALONG ROADS. Units get 12" cross open country (NOT through woods, rivers, seas, or mountains) to connect to a road. Austrians trace to Trieste, Klagenfurt, or the road eastbound out of Laibach. French trace to Innsbruck, Mantua, roads heading west from Lake Garda area, or any road south of the Po River.

The road must be clear of enemy units AND all villages/towns/fortresses along the route must be friendly.

    Friendly villages/towns/fortresses:

    French: Be the last to pass through it with a combat unit (inf, cav, art).
    Austrian: Be the last to pass through it AND have a combat unit within 12". (Yes, this is going to force the commanders to duplicate the Austrian practice of leaving garrisons in every town they conquered)

ALL units out of supply at the beginning of their movement phase roll MCs. Success means no negative supply effects. Failure means the unit drops one Morale level (do NOT retreat unit). The level remains lost even if a unit subsequently moves back into supply. It may be rallied in the usual way.

More Snappy Nappy: 1809 Austrian Invasion of Italy

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