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Battle in the east
The battle for Kutt-Schutten ... or can the forces of good make a French sandwich? J
The central portion of the battle was the last to see any major action because of the time it took the French forces to get onto and across the table. The eastern theatre was different as the French under GD St. Swaintonne and the Russians of GL Gregorovitch started quite close to one another. So it is to the east that our attention now turns.
Above: The scene a little into the game. Can GD St. Swaintonne distract enough Russians for long enough before the French centre makes it’s presence felt?
Despite orders to pull back from his position of great danger GD St. Swaintonne determined to stay where he was on the flank of the Russians even this might mean that the Austrians could arrive at any time in his rear!
Early on the skirmishing 1/15th legere of St Swaintonne managed to cause casualties on the Russians, including a wounded brigade commander via one of those double 6 things, before being forced back. This unit was seeing battle for the first time and managed to acquit itself with honour unlike the usual performance of newbie units.
When the Austrians did finally arrive in force they mounted a serious attack on the village of Kutt-Schutten in an effort to unhinge and cause maximum embarrassment to the French. Three battalions of the white coated Austrian infantry stormed forwards. What could the outnumbered French possibly do? The veteran GD St. Swaintonne was in no doubt and, leading from the front, promptly threw a double 6 which automatically faltered all three Austrian battalions. A true master of timing and the art of war! J
Above: the scene at the end of the game. The Russian avalanche on a roll. Will the French sacrifices here be enough of a distraction to enable the French centre to win the battle?
Despite such masterful martial maneuvers the pressure continued to pile up on on GD St. Swaintonne’s command. The Russians were pressing hard and managed to break two of his squares, with the Isum Hussars taking part in the breaking of one in their first battle. The Austrians were also readying themselves for something spectacular. “Give me GD Jonesallette or give me night” may have been a fitting comment from St. Swaintonne.
Above: The Austrians of FL Hollowarthier give GD Swaintonne reason to check over his shoulder! Perhaps the village defenders can throw another miracle double 6!! J
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