The Battle of Kolin, 18th June 1757: The Refight

Last November I posted my scenario for the Battle of Kolin, which was Frederick the Great’s first battlefield defeat.  I covered the historical background, actual events and orders of battle there, so just follow the link if you want to know the details.  This scenario is designed for our Tricorn SYW variant of Shako rules.

We were meant to play the game last November, but that was put back until Christmas and then again until last Saturday (14th January 2023).  While slightly frustrating, the delay did give me time to paint two additional Prussian hussar regiments, the Saxon Carabiniergarde, a new Austrian army commander and some more Austrian artillery.

I must confess that I did slightly amend the Austrian order of battle by deleting the 3rd battalion from seven regiments and then classing every Austrian infantry battalion as a Large Unit (which means that each unit can take an additional hit before dispersing).  This was necessitated by the fact that they were all based by their previous owner, my late friend Doug as single-base 16-figure units, thus increasing the frontage of each battalion by one-third.  I also arbitrarily named Colonel Fiorenza as commander of the Grenadier Reserve and General Draskowitz as commander of the Grenzer Detachment (I always like to give a name to each formation commander, even where they’re not known).

However, the Prussians only had limited knowledge of Austrian dispositions at the start, so I only gave them this version of the map and set the table up accordingly:

Above:  Frederick’s Prussian army has halted in column along the Kaiserstrasse, following its attempt to march around the right flank of Field Marshal Daun’s Austrian army.  Having identified the village and associated hill of Krzeczor as a key objective, Frederick orders General Hülsen, at the front of the column, to capture them.  To assist him in the task, he reinforces Hülsen with a brigade of grenadiers from the rear of the column.  The rest of the army waits for Hülsen’s attack to go in.

Above:  The village of Krzeczor has been prepared for defence by General Beck’s Grenzer.  The village was actually fortified during the 17th Century by the Swedish army of Gustavus Adolphus and many of the massive ‘Swedish Works’ still represent a considerable obstacle, which the Grenzer now use to their advantage.  The villages of Kutlire and Chotzemitz are also strongly held by the Grenzer and yet more Grenzer have dispersed out among the tall crops, to harass the Prussian column.

Above:  In the advance guard, General Zieten’s Prussian hussars face off against Nádasdy’s Austrian hussar division.  On the right of the Prussian hussars, General Krosigk’s heavy cavalry deploy to support the flank of Hülsen’s infantry.

Above:  At the rear of the Prussian column, General Schönaich’s heavy cavalry deploy off the road to form the new right flank of the army.  In the distance, a large formation of Austrian horse can be seen near the village of Poborz, which is believed to be the right flank of the Austrian army.  To Schönaich’s rear, Pennavaire’s Cuirassier Reserve Division remains in column and waits for orders.

Above:  However, Frederick’s hubris in expecting the Austrians to remain stand idly by while he outflanks them is sorely misplaced!  Field Marshal Daun had already been expecting such a move during the previous evening and has been changing the orientation of his army to face north.  Having possession of the high ground, he has been watching Prussian progress throughout the morning and can clearly see what Frederick intends to do.

Above:  Daun’s first move was to place Andlau’s infantry division, plus a strong battery of heavy artillery on the Przerovsky Hill.  This position can be clearly seen by Frederick from his observation point in the attic-room of the ‘Slate Slunce’ inn (just visible at the distant table-edge) and Frederick assumes this to be the extreme right flank of the main Austrian position.

Above:  On Andlau’s left is Stampach’s cavalry division and Puebla’s infantry division.  These formations had originally formed the right flank of the army, now they will become the left flank, as the entire army moves across their rear to form up on the right.

Above:  With Frederick having issued his orders, the rest of the Austrian army is revealed!  Frederick looks again at his issued orders and mutters something in Low German…

Above:  On the Austrian right flank, to the rear of Nádasdy’s hussars, is the Saxon General Nostitz, with three regiments of Saxon Chevauxlégers and a large composite regiment of Austrian kommandierten heavy cavalry (i.e. formed from the duty detachments of every heavy cavalry regiment in the army), commanded by one General Starhemberg (not to be confused with Feldmarschallieutenant Starhemberg, who commands one of the infantry divisions).

Above:  Daun orders Krzeczor Hill to be occupied by a powerful battery of heavy artillery.  The guns are escorted by two composite grenadier battalions (commanded by Colonels Soro and Fiorenza) and the composite kommandierten infantry battalion.  Fiorenza’s battalion is classed as a Large Unit, which meant that I needed to bump the unit up to 16 figures.  However, the only individual base of ‘Austrian’ grenadier figures I could find were some Salzburg grenadiers from the Reichsarmee, who are waving a flag!

Above:  The rear slope of the Przerovsky Hill is a hive of white-coated activity!  The Prussians can only see Andlau’s division and the large battery on the crest, but to Andlau’s immediate rear is Starhemberg’s supporting infantry division and a large mass of reserve heavy artillery.  Further to the rear is Wied’s reserve infantry division, which is already marching to occupy the Krzerczor sector, along with the leading elements of Serbelloni’s large reserve cavalry division.  In the foreground are the two composite regiments of heavy cavalry elite companies under Colonels Burghausen and Panovsky.  These have also been added to Serbelloni’s already-large command.

Above:  On the Austrian left flank, the last infantry division, that of Sincère, has been pulled out of the former west-facing position and is marching past Puebla’s division at Poborz, to reinforce the new line that is taking shape near Krzeczor.

Note that although I’d asked Phil for a 12-foot table, he’d actually provided us with a 13-foot table!  🙂 This allowed us to fully deploy all of Puebla’s division on table at Poborz (you’ll note that the map shows the ‘Harrach’ Infantry Regiment (IR 47) as being deployed off-table).

Above:  Having already sent a few regiments ahead to take up position near Krzeczor, Serbelloni follows on with the bulk of his reserve cavalry, even borrowing a brigade from Stampach to expand his already-large command!  Serbelloni now commands a whopping thirteen regiments!

Above:  Another view from behind the Austrian centre.  Note the MDF arrow markers.  These were supplied as a special order (at no extra charge) from the fantastically-responsive Charlie Foxtrot Models.  As a lot of the units are based on a single linear base, these indicate the direction of march when the units are deployed in column formation.  The single bases massively decrease the time taken to move, set up and pack away troops.  They also make it much easier to identify each individual unit when they’re all deployed in line.

Above:  Another view of the Prussian column, with the heavy artillery reserve and Normann’s dragoon division in the foreground.  Note that the majority of my Prussian army was painted and based during the 1990s and is still based on its original small 4-figure bases.  That means I can put most of them in column formation without the need for markers.  However, that does make them very slow to move and they can get VERY untidy on the table!

Above:  The battle begins… Hülsen’s Prussian infantry start their advance by making a curious echelon manoeuvre to their right.  They are immediately surprised by the battery of guns that Daun has placed on the Krzeczor Hill and the Austrians claim first blood as 12pdr balls start bouncing through the serried ranks of Prussian grenadiers.

Above:  However, Nádasdy does something rather rash… Despite being outnumbered and outclassed by the Prussian hussars, he orders his hussars to advance.

Above:  Nostitz is bringing up the Kommandierten cavalry and the Saxon chevauxlégers to support Nádasdy.  He had rather hoped that Nádasdy would retire a short distance and combine their forces before launching a charge…

Above:  On the Krzeczor Hill, the Austrian grenadiers move forward to defend the battery against the approaching Prussian infantry.

Above:  Serbelloni’s leading regiments (the ‘Birkenfeld’ Cuirassiers (C23), ‘Württemberg’ Dragoons (D38) and the two elite regiments) march across the rear of the Krzeczor Hill, to reinforce the impending cavalry battle on the flank.

Above:  The rest of Serbelloni’s cavalry quickly becomes snarled up in traffic behind Przerovsky Hill, as they wait for Wied’s infantry to clear out of the way.  Starhemberg’s infantry division has also been delayed, having been ordered to form a second line on the right, in support of Wied.

Above:  On the Austrian left, Stampach’s cavalry demonstrate toward the Prussian right flank.  Their mission is to maintain a threat and keep the Prussian cavalry from adding its weight to the cavalry battle on the far flank.

Above:  Speaking of which… The two hussar divisions clash near Kutlire.  The Prussian ‘Puttkamer’ Hussars (HR 4) nearest the village become disordered by fire from the 2nd Banalisten Grenzer and are then repulsed by the ‘Festetics’ Hussars (H32) with heavy losses.  However, this proves to be the only bright spot for the Austrians, as the rest of the first line of Austrian hussars is swept away!

Above:  Between Kutlire and Krzeczor, Beck’s composite regiment of Grenz-Hussar squadrons attempts to make a stand on the line of the stream against Krosigk’s Prussian heavy cavalry.  However, fire from the Grenzer lurking among the houses on each flank fails to make an impact and the combined efforts of the ‘Prinz von Preussen’ Cuirassiers (CR 2) and ‘Stechow’ Dragoons (DR 11) soon force the hussars to give ground.

Above:  Hülsen’s advance continues to be subjected to a hail of heavy artillery fire from the Krzeczor Hill.  At this rate the division will be whittled down long before it reaches the battery!  Hülsen is soon relieved to receive new orders, directing him to wheel around the left of the village and assault the battery from Oak Wood, but he must take that village!

Above:  Having defeated the first line of Austrian hussars, Ziethen takes a gamble and urges his hussars to exploit their success and push on into the second line of Austrian hussar regiments, most of whom have been disordered by their retreating comrades.  The second line of Austrian hussars is thrown back just as easily as the first.  Many of the routed units fail to rally and with catastrophic losses, Nádasdy’s hussar division flees the field.  Beck’s Grenz-Hussars however, manage to rally behind Nostitz’s Saxon cavalry.

Above:  The first line of Prussian hussars is left milling about on blown horses, but Nostitz’s Saxons are too far away to do anything about it.  Krosigk however, is playing things safe and has pulled his heavy cavalry back behind the stream to rally, covered by the ‘Rochow’ Cuirassiers (CR 8).  At the end of Turn 2, the Austrians have lost eight hussar units, while the Prussians have only lost a single unit.  However, the day is far from over…

Above:  A short time later, Nostitz arrives on the scene.  He was meant to be supporting Nádasdy, but the situation has changed somewhat…  Nevertheless, he has his orders and drawing his sword, he orders his regiments to charge!  The Austrian Kommandierten cavalry are sent straight at Zieten’s hussars, supported by the Saxon ‘Prinz Karl’ Chevauxlégers on the left and the ‘Graf Brühl’ Chevauxlégers on the right.  The ‘Prinz Albrecht’ Chevauxlégers meanwhile, are sent left with Beck’s Grenz-Hussars in support, to keep Krosigk’s heavy cavalry busy on the stream-line.

The Kommandierten cavalry utterly smash the Prussian ‘Werner’ Hussars (HR 6), but Nostitz’s brief moment of optimism is cruelly crushed as all three Saxon regiments recoil!  At Kutlire the ‘Rochow’ Cuirassiers (CR 8) charge on to finally destroy the brave Grenz-Hussars.

At Krzeczor meanwhile, Hülsen launches his assault on the fortified church.  The 2nd Banalisten Grenzer succeed in stopping the charge of the ‘Münchow’ Fusiliers (IR 36), but the ‘Wangenheim’ Grenadier Battalion (47/g7) succeeds in ejecting the Grenzer.

Above:  Over on the Austrian left flank, Stampach starts to worry as Pennavaire’s cuirassiers join Schönaich’s division in lining up opposite the Austrian horse.  The Prussians have a total of five cuirassier regiments and one dragoon regiment in this sector, whereas the Austrians have only three cuirassier regiments and three dragoon regiments.

Above:  To Stampach’s rear, Puebla’s infantry march to take up reserve positions behind Andlau’s division on Przerovsky Hill.

Above:  Wied’s infantry meanwhile, have reached Krzeczor Hill in the nick of time, just as the Prussians capture the village.  Wied pushes his column on into the Oak Wood.  Starhemberg’s infantry soon form a second line behind Wied, as Serbelloni’s cavalry stream past, heading for the rapidly-collapsing right flank.

Above:  In the centre, the reserve heavy artillery batteries deploy and start to rain death on the approaching Prussian lines.

Above:  With Krzeczor Church having fallen, the Slavonisch-Gradiskaner Grenzer holding the ‘Swedish Works’ suddenly find themselves outflanked!  They attempt to withdraw, but are caught by the ‘Wangenheim’ Grenadiers (47/g7)!  This is the last straw for Beck’s division.  The surviving Grenzer are forced to flee or surrender.

Above:  Nostitz’s cavalry meanwhile, are still rallying from their earlier clash, when they are caught by the ‘Zieten’ Hussars (HR 2) and ‘Wartenberg’ Hussars (HR 3).  The leading brigades of Serbelloni’s cavalry reserve can only look on in horror as Nostitz’s division is completely swept away!

Above:  The view from behind Zieten’s division.  The ‘Szekely’ Hussars (HR 1 – in green) and ‘Puttkamer’ Hussars (HR 4 – in white) are rallying from their previous clashes, while the ‘Seydlitz’ Hussars (HR 8 – in red) await their turn to charge.  Ziethen has thus far lost two of his eight units.

Above:  Hülsen’s infantry have steamrollered their way through Krzeczor village, but it will take some time to re-order their lines beyond the village, before pushing on to attack the Oak Wood and Krzeczor Hill.  In the foreground, Normann’s dragoon division arrives to reinforce Krosigk.

Above:  The right wing of the Prussian infantry under the Duke of Braunschweig-Lüneburg, August Wilhelm von Bevern, has started rolling forward, their left flank being marked by the yellow flags of the ‘Anhalt-Dessau’ Regiment (IR 3).  The Grenzer skirmishers cause only minor irritation.  The huge mass of heavy artillery on the Przerovsky Hill is far more troublesome.

Above:  Bevern’s division is a big one; 15 battalions in all.  This is the right wing.  The second battalion in from the right flank is the Leibgarde (i.e. the 1st Battalion of the Garde Regiment (IR 15)).

Above:  It is suddenly a ‘target-rich environment’ for the Austrian gunners as they frantically load and fire their pieces as fast as possible at the long line of approaching Prussian infantry.

Above:  Over on the Austrian left flank, messengers arrive with new orders for Stampach’s cavalry.  However, the change of orders is now somewhat academic, as the Prussian cavalry are almost upon them!

Above:  It’s now Turn 6 and there is something of an ‘operational pause’ on the Austrian right flank as the Prussian cavalry rally and re-order their lines following the destruction of Nádasdy, Nostitz and Beck.

Above:  Opposite them, Serbelloni’s cavalry are rapidly building up their strength beyond the stream.  Four regiments of dragoons, one of cuirassiers and two of massed elite companies are already in place, with a further six regiments of cuirassiers and one of dragoons on the way.

Above:  Wied’s infantry have finally arrived to reinforce the very lonely Kommandierten Infantry Battalion in the Oak Wood.  and not a moment too soon, as Hülsen’s Prussians are just starting to emerge from the village.  The remainder of Hülsen’s infantry deploy on Krzeczor Hill (just out of shot to the left), supporting the grenadiers and heavy artillery.

Above:  To Wied’s rear, Starhemberg’s infantry push into the Oak Wood, to form a second line supporting Wied.

Above:  The view from the eastern end of the battlefield, as the two armies pause for breath, waiting for Round Two to begin.

Above:  I couldn’t decide if I liked the previous photo best or this one taken from a slightly higher angle, so I’ve posted both.  Here we also have a textbook example of the ubiquitous ‘Wargamer’s Groin’ shot.

Above:  Yet another view of the great mass of Prussians around Krzeczor.

Above:  Over on the opposite flank, Stampach’s outnumbered Austrian cavalry prepare to receive the Prussian charge.

Above:  As Bevern’s division advances on Przerovsky Hill, the Grenzer fall back in front of them.  The Prussian ‘Manteuffel’ Regiment (IR 17) pushes some of the Grenzer out of Chotzemitz, but the Grenzer are for now holding firm in the eastern half of the village.

Above:  Puebla’s division finally reaches its position in support of Andlau.  The approaching Prussian infantry have the qualitative advantage, but they’re only coming on in a single line.  Puebla will provide Andlau with defence-in-depth.

Above:  To the right of Andlau and Puebla, Sincère’s division has formed two lines and is about to advance to plug the gap between Krzeczor and Przerovsky Hills.

Above:  The last of Wied’s regiments slots into position on Krzeczor Hill just as Trescow’s Prussian division  passes the hamlet of Bristvi and begins to climb the slope.  Part of the Prussian artillery reserve has deployed near Bristvi and is beginning to cause casualties among the Austrian gunners.  Some of the ‘overs’ also cause casualties and disruption among the grenadier battalions, as well as Wied’s and Starhemberg’s troops on the rear slope.

Above:  On the Austrian left flank, the combined Prussian cavalry divisions of Schönaich and Pennavaire finally launch their charge on Stampach.  On the Austrian left, the ‘Hessen-Darmstädt’ Dragoons (D19) are overwhelmed by the combined efforts of the Leib-Carabiniers (CR 11) and the ‘Krockow’ Cuirassiers (CR 1), while on the right, the Austrian ‘Gelhay’ Cuirassiers (Ci) are repulsed by the ‘Driesen’ Cuirassiers (CR 7).  However, in the centre the Austrian ‘Alt-Modena’ Cuirassiers (Ciii) comprehensively defeat the ‘Meinicke’ Dragoons (DR 3).

Above:  Finding themselves alone among a horde of angry Prussian horsemen, the ‘Alt-Modena’ Cuirassiers wisely decide to rally back behind the line of the ‘Jung-Modena’ Dragoons (D13).  However, the Prussian cuirassiers show no such caution and immediately launch themselves at the second Austrian line!  On the Austrian left, the ‘Sachsen-Gotha’ Dragoons (D28), already disordered by their fleeing comrades, are defeated by the Leib-Carabiniers, though on the right the ‘O’Donnell’ Cuirassiers (C14) manage to halt the Prussian rampage and send the ‘Krockow’ Cuirassiers packing!

Above:  The neat lines of cavalry have been thoroughly disordered by that brutal round of combat!  The Austrians somehow manage to rally all three defeated regiments, but the Prussian ‘Meinicke’ Dragoons show no such tenacity and flee the field!

Above:  In the centre, the Prussian ‘Manteuffel’ Regiment (IR 17) kicks the last of the Karlstädter-Szluiner Grenzer out of Chotzemitz.  However, the Grenzer have done their job, as Bevern’s infantry have now been divided into several disconnected parts.

Above:  It’s all kicking off again on the eastern flank!  Serbelloni has now massed his entire reserve cavalry division in this sector and must attack in accordance with his orders.  To make life difficult for the Austrians, the Prussians have managed to establish themselves along the far side of the stream, in a position where the Austrians can only attack three regiments abreast.  On the right, Serbelloni considers sending a couple of regiments in column along a woodland road to outflank the Austrians, but that is a high-risk move that would be easily defeated by just a single regiment of hussars.

Above:  The Austrian attack is led by the ‘Burghausen’ Elite Regiment in the centre, with the ‘Birkenfeld’ Cuirassiers (C23) on the right and ‘Württemberg’ Dragoons (D38) on the left.  Facing the ‘Württemberg’ Dragoons are the ‘Rochow’ Cuirassiers, who are strongly supported on both flanks and in depth, though are slightly fatigued by earlier clashes.  The stream line is defended by one of Zieten’s last uncommitted regiments; the two battalions of the ‘Wartenberg’ Hussars (HR 3).  Like most of Zieten’s hussar regiments, these are classed as Elite, but have the disadvantage of being freshly-painted and ‘unblooded’… The ‘Werner’ and ‘Puttkamer’ Regiments, being similarly freshly-painted, have suffered badly in this game…

Above:  A gratuitous long-shot of the battle…

Above:  Thankfully the ‘Württemberg’ Dragoons don’t have to cross the stream and their opponents are not fresh, so although although defeated, the Austrian dragoons suffer only light casualties and fall back, rallying successfully behind their supporting lines.  Things go better for the Austrians along the stream though, as half of the ‘Wartenberg’ Hussars are thrown back by the ‘Birkenfeld’ Cuirassiers with heavy losses and the rest of the regiment is utterly destroyed by the ‘Burghausen’ Elite Regiment.  The surviving hussars manage to rally behind their supports.

Each of the three freshly-painted hussar regiments has now suffered the loss of half the regiment!  And people scoff about ‘The Curse’…  However, on the Austrian side, the freshly-painted Saxon Carabiniergarde is yet to be committed…

Above:  In the Krzeczor Oak Wood, Wied’s infantry come under increasing pressure from Hülsen’s assault.  On the extreme right flank of the line, the single battalion of the Austrian ‘D’Arberg’ Regiment (IR 55) is coming under intense pressure from the ‘Münchow’ Fusiliers (IR 36) and ‘Finck’ Grenadiers (13/26).

Above:  On the Kzeczor Hill, Trescow attempts to press home his attack.  Here the Prussian ‘Alt-Bevern’ Musketeers (IR 7) and ‘Prinz Heinrich’ Fusiliers (IR 35) come to grips with the Austrian ‘Salm-Salm’ Regiment (IR 14).

Above:  Just to the west, the heavy artillery, the two Austrian grenadier battalions and the left wing of Wied’s division have already been taking losses from two Prussian heavy batteries firing at long range (as have the Austrian battalions on the rear slope, who have been catching the ‘overs’).  The crest of the hill now becomes an even more dangerous place, as three Prussian heavy batteries and several battalion guns deploy at canister range, while the ‘Hülsen’ Musketeers (IR 21) and ‘Wied’ Fusiliers (IR 41 – the Wied family got around!) close in.

Above:  At Chotzemitz, Bevern consolidates his capture of the village , swinging his left wing around to push back the remaining Grenzer.  However, his infantry are taking significant losses from the Austrian heavy artillery; the 3rd Battalion of the ‘Alt-Dessau’ Musketeers (IR 3) on the left flank of the line, has already been broken up by fire.

Above:  Over on the western flank, as the Prussians re-order their lines, Stampach launches a limited counter-attack with two regiments (the rest of the division is busy rallying from the earlier clashes); the ‘Jung-Modena’ Dragoons (D13) charge head-on at the ‘Schönaich’ Cuirassiers (CR 6), while the ‘O’Donnel’ Cuirassiers (C14) charge on the right flank.

Above:  Overwhelmed by the Austrian charge, the ‘Schönaich’ Cuirassiers are routed with heavy losses.  Shocked at seeing his own regiment broken, Schönaich himself attempts to rally them, but fails.  His last remaining regiment, the ‘Driesen’ Cuirassiers (CR 7), still rallying from earlier combat, are unable to intervene as the ‘O’Donnel’ Cuirassiers continue their charge to smash the Leibregiment zu Pferde (CR 3) from Pennavaire’s division.  Schönaich suffers a crisis of confidence at the unfolding disaster [in game terms, Schönaich’s last remaining regiment would receive an additional -1 in combat and any retreat would immediately destroy the unit].

Above:  On Przerovsky Hill, the main part of Bevern’s line closes with the Austrians, but is being pasted by Austrian guns.

Above:  Serbelloni launches his second charge across the stream.  This time the ‘Kolowrat-Krakowsky’ Dragoons (D37), ‘Porporati’ Dragoons (D39) and ‘Panovsky’ Elite Regiment face off against the ‘Seydlitz’ Hussars (H8), ‘Szekely’ Hussars (H1) and ‘Zieten’ Hussars (H2).  The result is a complete disaster for the Prussians as all three hussar regiments are thrown back with heavy losses!  The ‘Szekely’ and ‘Zieten’ Hussars fail to rally, which means that Zieten has now lost 50% of his division.  Zieten’s courage is also starting to waver, just like Schönaich on the opposite flank!  The Austrians at this point, briefly consider breaking through to complete the destruction of Zieten’s division, but decide to play it safe and fall back behind their supporting line.

Above:  On Wied’s right flank the ‘D’Arberg’ Regiment (IR 55) is crushed by the Prussian infantry.  Starhemberg had deployed the Hungarian ‘Haller’ Regiment (IR 31) in support, but they proved not to be enough.

Above:  To the rear, Starhemberg is pushing another infantry regiment out to the right flank, to support the cavalry battle beyond the Oak Wood.

Above:  On Krzeczor Hill, Tresckow’s Prussian infantry finally launch their charge!  Despite being shredded by Austrian canister fire from the four heavy batteries and many battalion guns positioned there, the Prussians manage to close with the whitecoats, forcing the gunners t0 take shelter behind the ranks of the infantry.

Above:  In the centre, the ‘Fiorenza’ Grenadier Battalion manages to halt the charge of the ‘Prinz Heinrich’ Fusiliers (IR 35) with musketry, but on their right the 1st Battalion of the ‘Salm-Salm’ Regiment (IR 14) is thrown back by the ‘Alt-Bevern’ Regiment (IR 7), along with a large group of battalion-gunners.  On the left, the ‘Soro’ Grenadier Battalion, already heavily damaged by Prussian artillery fire, is completely smashed by the ‘Hülsen’ Musketeers (IR 21) and is swept away along with two of the heavy artillery batteries!

Above:  At Chotzemitz, Bevern’s left wing attempts to push forward from the village, but is being hammered by the Austrian guns.

Above:  The Austrian artillery is also taking a heavy toll on Bevern’s right wing.  The gap in the Prussian line on the right of this picture is where the 2nd Battalions of the ‘Manteuffel’ (IR 17) and ‘Fürst Moritz’ Regiments used to be, but they’ve now been broken up by canister fire.

Above:  On the western flank, the cavalry battle continues as Pennavaire launches the Leib-Carabiniers (CR 11) against the ‘Hessen-Darmstädt’ Dragoons (D19).  The Austrian ‘Alt-Modena’ Cuirassiers (Ciii) attempt to intervene, but the Leib-Carabiniers have thus far won every combat and their luck holds as they defeat both Austrian regiments!  Tragically for the Austrians, the routing dragoons disorder the ‘Sachsen-Gotha’ Dragoons (D28) in the second line and these too are routed by the rampaging Leib-Carabiniers.  Stampach manages to rally the ‘Alt-Modena’ Cuirassiers, but the two dragoon regiments are lost.

Above:  A short time later, the Austrian ‘Gelhay’ Cuirassiers (Ci) attempt to destroy the blown and over-extended Leib-Carabiniers.  However, the ‘Krockow’ Cuirassiers (CR 1) intervene and save their comrades from destruction.  In the distance, the rest of Stampach’s regiments have decided to continue with their destruction of Schönaich’s division.  This they succeed in doing, but it may have lost Stampach the battle!

Above:  On the opposite flank, Serbelloni launches his fourth charge!  On Serbelloni’s left, the yellow-coated ‘Prinz von Preussen’ Cuirassiers (CR 2) manage to hold the line against Serbelloni’s own regiment of cuirassiers (C12), but on the right, the ‘Zieten’ Hussars (HR 2) are utterly destroyed by the ‘Kalckreuth’ Cuirassiers (C22).  In the centre, the Saxon Carabiniergarde Regiment inevitably succumbs to the ‘Curse of the Paint’ as they are defeated by Prussian hussars.  However, Prussian jubilation is short-lived as Zieten’s division completely collapses!

Now it’s just Krosigk’s and Normann’s two Cuirassier and four Dragoon regiments against Serbelloni’s eight Cuirassier and five Dragoon regiments.  The Prussians still have the positional advantage behind the stream, but the Austrians will surely eventually grind them down attritionally through weight of numbers.

Above:  Hülsen continues his slow but steady assault on the Oak wood.  With the elimination of the ‘D’Arberg’ Regiment, the ‘Starhemberg’ Regiment (IR 24) now finds itself on the right flank of Wied’s line and assaulted by the 1st Battalion of the ‘Münchow’ Fusiliers (IR 36) and the ‘Finck’ Grenadiers (13/26).  Again, the support of the Hungarian ‘Haller’ Regiment (IR 31) does little to help as Wied’s flank is utterly crushed.

Above:  With Starhemberg attempting to extend the Austrian line out to the right. Hülsen responds by directing the ‘Woldow’ Grenadiers (12/39) and the 1st Battalion of the ‘Schulze’ Musketeers (IR 29) out to the left, thus extending his own line.  The rest of Hülsen’s division advances into the Oak Wood and their next targets; the Hungarian ‘Haller’ Regiment (IR 31) and the Kommandierten Battalion.

Above:  Following the earlier disaster on Krzeczor Hill, the Austrians are quick to restore the situation.  Although disordered by the fleeing ‘Soro’ Grenadiers, the single-battalion ‘Prinz de Ligne’ Regiment (IR 38) charges up the reverse slope and retakes the grenadiers’ position, throwing the 1st Battalion of the ‘Hülsen’ Regiment back with heavy casualties.  The 2nd Battalion of the ‘Hülsen’ Regiment meanwhile, is destroyed by musketry from the ‘Fiorenza’ Grenadiers.  On the right, the 2nd Battalion of the ‘Salm-Salm’ Regiment (IR 14) advances into the gap left by the routed 1st Battalion and delivers a withering volley into the Prussian ‘Alt-Bevern’ and ‘Prinz Heinrich’ Regiments.

Above:  As can clearly be seen from overhead, Tresckow’s Prussians have taken catastrophic losses [the white dots].  One battalion and all the battalion artillery has been destroyed outright and of the remainder, five battalions are only one hit away from destruction!  However, Hülsen’s powerful division is steadily working over the Austrian right flank.

Above:  The same view from behind Tresckow’s division.

Above:  On the Prussian left flank, the Prussian cuirassiers and dragoons remain reasonably fresh, but only because they let the hussars do most of the fighting!  However, that chicken has now come home to roost and Normann gallops his two dragoon regiments to fill the massive open space that has now appeared on their left.  Normann is filled with dread at the realisation that his leading regiment is freshly-painted…

Above:  In the foreground the ‘Prinz von Preussen’ Cuirassiers (CR 2) rally following their last clash.  This regiment has taken the heaviest losses of Krosigk’s four regiments, though is still good for at least one more charge.

Above:  Serbelloni’s cavalry come on again in the same old way… However, with the removal of the hussars, Serbelloni is now free to execute his original plan to feed some regiments through the wood and the town of Radowesnitz on his right, thus finally outflanking the Prussian line.

Above:  In the centre, the Prussian heavy artillery continues to make life miserable for Wied’s left flank.

Above:  However, it’s only fair, as the Austrian gunners have wrought colossal destruction on the Prussian infantry and the slaughter continues as they remove the 2nd Battalion of the ‘alt-Dessau’ Regiment (IR 3) and the remainder of the ‘Manteuffel’ Regiment (IR 17) from the Prussian order of battle.

Behind the guns and between the two hills, Sincère’s division, including the elite ‘Botta’ Regiment (IR 12) remains completely uncommitted and unthreatened, except by ‘overs’ from the Prussian counter-battery fire.  Daun sends orders for Sincère to withdraw his troops into the dead ground behind Krzeczor Hill, ready to launch a counter-attack in the event of a Prussian breakthrough in the Oak Wood.

Above:  In front of the Przerovsky Hill, some of Bevern’s infantry survive the storm of shot long enough to launch a charge on Andlau’s line!  On the left of the Prussian assault, the 1st Battalion of the ‘Fürst Moritz’ Regiment (IR 22) is halted by fire from the ‘Moltke’ Regiment (IR 13), while on the right the 2nd Battalion of the ‘Kreytzen’ Fusiliers (IR 40) are destroyed by fire from the 2nd Battalion of the ‘Puebla’ Regiment (IR 26).  However, in the centre, the two battalions of the ‘Kalckstein’ Regiment (IR 25) manage to press home their attack and successfully eject the 1st Battalion of the ‘Puebla’ Regiment.

Above:  This small victory provides Bevern’s Prussians with a crumb of comfort, but to get this far, they’ve had to lose six out of fifteen battalions!

Above:  However, the finest infantry in Europe had just arrived in the first line: The Leibgarde (i.e. 1st Battalion of the Garde Regiment (IR 15))!  But the Whitecoats don’t seem worried and the taunt “Come and have a go if your paint has hardened enough!” reaches Frederick’s ears… “What’s that?!  They’re freshly painted, you say?!” Frederick immediately horsewhips one of his aides-de-camp…

Above:  Tragically, that was where we had to leave Kolin!  Twelve turns in and with events just getting VERY exciting, our mums had called us in for tea and an early bath. 🙁

Daun made a note in his campaign diary.  It read simply “Bugger.”

Frederick of course, maintains that the battle was a draw. In terms of broken formations and morale points, the Prussians had lost Zieten (49) and Schönaich (17) for a total of 66 morale points.  The Austrians had lost Beck (16), Nádasdy (32), Nostitz (21) and a pair of reserve batteries (6), for a total of 75 points.  Neither army had suffered the critical 25% losses in terms of lost formations, but one more formation (Tresckow’s being the most likely) would have tipped it over and forced an army morale test.

As for the tactical situation; all three key locations were still being hotly contested.  While Hülsen’s attack through the Oak Wood looked promising and had suffered very few casualties, there were still A LOT of Austrian battalions to fight their way through, particularly once Sincère had added his six battalions to Wied, Fiorenza and Starhemberg’s strength.  Tresckow’s division on Krzeczor Hill was only a few casualties away from collapsing and Bevern’s division on Przerovsky Hill was being badly chewed up before even inflicting light losses on Andlau and Puebla.

Stampach and Pennavaire were fairly evenly matched on the western flank with four regiments apiece, though Stampach had over-extended himself and had lost two of his original six regiments.  While Schönaich had been destroyed, Pennavaire hadn’t lost any units and had the positional advantage, so seemed likely to defeat Stampach.  However, that victory wouldn’t have had much impact on the overall battle.

On the opposite flank, Serbelloni’s victory seemed inevitable.  The only question was the speed at which it could be achieved and would the cavalry still have the strength to then fall upon the rear of Hülsen’s infantry as originally planned?

The answer of course is YES! 😉

So a glorious victory to Marshal Daun and the Whitecoats!  ….probably…

Above:  The inevitable propaganda photo:  The Prussian Garde du Corps squadron rides over to escort the defeated King Frederick to safety.

My thanks to Rob Pritchard and Andy James for playing and particularly to Phil Portway for providing the venue.  Looking forward to the next one! 🙂

Long Live Maria Theresa! 🙂