Game 74 : Rivoli 1797

This was the battle of Rivoli. It is set in Northern Italy where an Austrian Army is attempting to push aside a French blocking force and then relieve Mantua. If the French keep the field, then Mantua will fall. The terrain is based on a set of wooded hills that the French defend. The French right flank is bordered by a River that is unfordable. Again, I'll let the reader look up the map. The French army is slightly higher quality than the Austrians, but the Austrians have the numbers. One significant rule amendment we used was that "Attack Columns" do not yet exist in anyone's tactical doctrine. Firefighting is the game of the day and then charges to exploit weakened units. Light infantry are also at a premium for both sides, slightly more with the French.

The Austrians attacked across their front, a large force on their left flank. The French facing this force was composed entirely of cavalry as there was not enough infantry to stretch the whole contested front. The French infantry would try to use the terrain to negate the Austrian numbers.

This was the Centre which was dominated by a wooded hill. Both sides contested this as control of it by the Austrians would undo the overall French position. The French managed to hold this all day and at the last attempted a counter attack through this area.

Moving to the French left flank where the Light infantry from both sides were contesting a series of woods. Another "game" rule was that all skirmishers were Class III, the lowest available, in recognition that the art of skirmish warfare had not yet been perfected by either side.

The French far left where a village is being held by a single battalion with 2 more in support. They are outnumbered by about 3:1. The rule of no Attack Columns has a significant affect as trying to force results with firepower and limited charging opportunities "slows" the combat.

The Austrians have secured the village. They are finding it hard to manoeuvre further forward as French lines deliver volley fire to their flanking battalions, forcing them back.

The battle in the centre was quite bloody, but volley fire was the order of the day as battalions, needing space, found it difficult to charge enemy without becoming unformed through defensive and support fire.

This is the Austrian left where there is a major cavalry engagement. Both sides have infantry on the flanks of the combat, pouring in defensive support fire. The results were many empty saddles, both sides becoming unformed and the cavalry fighting each other to the halt.

Towards the end of the battle where the French attempt to counter attack through the centre. It was at this point that we called the game, a gentlemanly draw!

	Play Test 1
French Formations	Losses %			Austrian Formations	Losses%
	Infantry	Cavalry	Artillery		Infantry	Cavalry	Artillery
Emperor Napoleon				D’Alvincy
Joubert	-	-	42	Lusignan	-	-	8
1st Brigade	14	-	-	Infantry Brigade	12	-	-
2nd Brigade	41	-	-
Cavalry Brigade	-	0	-	Reuss	-	-	0
				Infantry Brigade	6	-	-
Massena	-	-	0	Cavalry Brigade	-	0	-
1st Brigade	10	-	-
2nd Brigade	11	-	-	Vukassovich	-	-	25
				Infantry Brigade	24	-	-
Rey	-	-	0	Cavalry Brigade	-	13	-
1st Brigade	8	-	-
2nd Brigade	0	-	-	Koblos	-	-	0
Cavalry Brigade	-	9	-	Infantry Brigade	0	-	-
Leclerc	-	-	100	Ocskay	-	-	4
1st Cavalry Brigade	-	13	-	Infantry Brigade	0	-	-
2nd Cavalry Brigade	-	21	-	Cavalry Brigade	-	13	-
				Liptay	-	-	0
				Infantry Brigade	8	-	-

I've listed the casualties as usual. Formations ranged from 2 to 4 for infantry and cavalry. There was little artillery on either side.

Initially, I was going to umpire the battle but the 2 others forced me to play. Then it was me running around as French fighting off a Scotsman and an Austrian, quite an eclectic mix!! Next game will be some other gamers fighting the same battle. With fewer players, the smaller battles are playing well. After that is a new biggy with a further development of the rules included.

Until then...……...