SYNOPSIS

Imperial forces sent to put down a separatist insurrection have ordered ahead of the main body a column of combined arms to clear the high ground which guards the approaches to the rebel capital.

The column commander, expecting to quickly sweep away the rabble insurgents, launches headlong into the attack without artillery preparation or serious attempt to maneuver.

Of nearly equal numbers, though lacking artillery, the rebels stand, fight, and give the Imperial regulars a sound drubbing.

The attackers withdraw in good order under cover of their artillery. The rank and file come away from the fray with new respect for the insurgent as a soldier. The Imperial commander attributes the reverse to a foreign power assisting and advising the insurgent army.

1. Imperial troops in battle array. A screen of Jaeger and Cossacks deploys along a wide front while the artillery is emplaced. on a knoll in the centre. On the right, infantry and Dragoons form for the assault.


2. Under covering artillery fire the Imperial right makes straight for the left wing of the dissident forces drawn up on the high ground. The infantry is already exchanging musketry. On the Imperial left a spontaneous, if somewhat premature sortie by dissident light cavalry is effective in throwing the Imperial light troops into disarray. The Jaeger close up as the Cossacks maneuver to meet the attack.


3. The advancing Imperial infantry (not shown) is stopped cold. Noting this developement the rebel right moves off the high ground, intending to take the stalled regulars in flank. At this point the Imperial heavy cavalry intervenes. In an almost separate action the whirling light cavalry skirmish continues. Although giving as good as they get, the Cossacks are heavily outnumbered and do well just to hold their own.