DRESDEN AAR: START TIME AUGUST 26, 1813

Greetings Kevin, thought I’d write you a game report of our first run-through of the Dresden scenario.  
We had a great day!

Ken played the French (note the N cup), and Brian handled the Allied forces.  I refereed and ran interference while John Deveraugh observed and assisted.  John only games with us on Wednesdays so usually doesn’t play, but we enjoy his company so we always have a great time together.

In any case, the game kicks off at the 5–6 am turn, and the weather Gods smiled with a roll of 5, which reduced to a 4 and thus clear.

The French are seriously outnumbered at the beginning of the scenario, and, have no Commander on the field, so, their leadership is lacking as well. But, they have the strong defenses of Dresden to fall back to and make a delaying action until more French forces arrive. And they will arrive!  Napoleon comes in at 1pm and Ney and Murat arrive at 10am.

The Allies have both Prince Schwarzenberg and General Wittgenstein both Commanders, but, their forces are strung out behind them and will take time to come up and concentrate. They are moving in using Road March.

Both sides get many reinforcements, but, the French get more.  Of course, they start the battle heavily outnumbered, so, they need them.

Today we got through the 8am turn.  While there was some combat, a lot of it was artillery fire.  Only one major attack occurred, when the Austrian player assaulted a redoubt with a Brigade of the Austrian 1st Light Division. Unfortunately, that unit had already been reduced by artillery fire and then took a final step loss in the ill advised attack. Oh well.  C’este la Guerre!

No one was able to bring in any Alt Reinforcements yet, and the French are desperately awaiting further French reinforcements while the Allies are trying to form up for a major assault. Dresden must Fall! Or, must it?

We started playing about 9:30 am and finished at 12:30.  So, about an hour a turn.  The play is deliberate, with much bantering and historic discussion.  I provide the music and coffee. We’re old retired guys having a super time. So, this game will be on the table for many sessions. And that is good!

Stay tuned!