Spring 1809 Napoleonic action, Part one

I decided to run a small rearguard action based on the aftermath of the battle of Abensberg (April 1809). I chose Jellacic's division to defend a crossroads against General de Division Claparede's division with some attached cavalry. The premise was simple; the outnumbered Austrians had to hold their position for 13 turns (nightfall). The rules used were the excellent General d'Armee rules by David Brown, but with modified ADC rules. FML Jellacic's force consisted of one line infantry brigade made up of 6 battalions and an advanced guard brigade that included two large Grenz battalions and the famed O'Reilly Chevaulegers. Jellacic also had 12 guns split into a battery per brigade. Claparede's force consisted of GdB Colbert's cavalry brigade (minus the elite 7th Chasseurs), two brigades of line infantry (4th battalions, so graded as Reservists), and one light brigade made up of 4 battalions of legere infantry but included the famous Tirailleurs du Po and Tirailleurs Corses. The Austrian commander decided to deploy the Grenz infantry in and around a large wood that covered the Austrian left flank. The Chevaulegers were positioned as reserve elements behind the woods and the center town. The line battalions were garrisoned into both zones of the town at the crossroads as well as the right flank. Third-rank skirmishers were placed in the woods on the right flank, but supported from the rear. GdD Clapatede's leading light brigade was deployed along the main road leading to the village, while Colbert's cavalry supported the right flank of the marching infantry. The other two infantry brigades were to march onto the table. The French only had 13 turns to capture the crossroads, so they had to move fast.

Austrian infantry deployed to the right of the town.

The leading French brigades march onto the field.

Colbert's hussars and Chasseurs support the French right. Quickly, the French skirmishers of GdB Coehorn's light brigade engaged the Austrian right flank, with both sides suffering minor losses. Two French brigades used the "forwards" ADC tasking to quickly maneuver into position to attack the center town. French cavalry moved slowly forward on the right flank, attempting to evade the Grenz sharpshooters in the woods. The O'Reilly Chevaulegers, seeing the French threat on their leftflank, began to maneuver around for an obvious showdown with the French cavalry.

French infantry begins to mass. On the Austrian right, French skirmishers suffer moderate casualties, primarily caused by the 6-pounder battery that the position was anchored on, the guns spewing forth cannister at a deadly rate. A Grenz 3-pound battery did get off a lucky shot (rolled a natural 12), dramatically killing GdB Lesuire, throwing his brigade into a Falter situation. It was now at the half-way point. The sun was beginning to drop, the French brigades were now in attacking position. En avant !