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Saturday, June 1, 2019

Battle of San Martino Setup

Mollard defends San Martino
The battle lines are drawn for the 1859 Battle of San Martino.  In the early morning hours, elements of the Austrian VIII Corps have been driven out of San Martino by a Sardinian recon column under direct command of LTG Mollard.  A second Sardinian recon column is probing to the west towards Madonna del Scoperta in an attempt to flank the Austrian VIII Corps from the bulk of the Austrian Army engaged to the south at Solferino.    
Austrians advance from Pozzolengo
In command of the Austrian VIII Corp, FML Benedek is tasked with two objectives.  The first task is focused on safeguarding the right flank of the Austrian Army and keeping an avenue of retreat open back across the Mincio River.  If defeated at Solferino, the Austrians will need to hold the strategic town of Pozzolengo until the army can cross the Mincio.  If Pozzolengo falls too early, the Austrian Army may be trapped.  Benedek's second task is to tie up as many Sardinians troops as possible to prevent the Sardinian Army from reinforcing the French at Solferino.
Battlefield with initial deployments
viewed from the east
For their part, the Sardinian Army under the command of King Vittorio Emmanuel II is to destroy the Austrian VIII Corps to its front, take Pozzolengo and cut off the Austrian Army's line of communication across the Mincio.  The Sardinians expect to eventually see three divisions on the field against two Austrian divisions plus elements detached from nearby formations.
Battlefield viewed from the south
Which combatant is better situated to achieve its objective?  The stage is set, what will tomorrow hold?

39 comments:

  1. I look forward to seeing how this epic encounter pans out Jonathan

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  2. Looks a good set up for the game. Tempted by the 1859, as I think my Opium War French will be able to do double duty. Once I've bought and painted them.

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    1. "Once I've bought and painted them..." Hah!

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    2. Graham, you are very funny! Your French should work well although I recall the Lancashire French were larger than your other troops. I love the Lancashire 15mm 1859 range.

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  3. Looks great, and with challenges for both sides.

    Is the table 6 x 12 feet?

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    1. Thanks, Peter! I try to provide a puzzle to solve for both sides. Yes, the table is 6 x 12 feet with room for maneuver. That's how I like it!

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  4. Looks like it's going to be good!

    Christopher

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    1. Me too! I had not planned on playing but I took a small command.

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  6. This looks like it’s going to be a lovely game...
    I am not the biggest fan of 15mil but I think it is probably the best size for these fairly epic battles.

    All the best. Aly

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    1. 15mm is well-suited for certain actions. Large scale battles is a good fit and San Martino fits that description.

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  7. I’m looking forward to hear how the newly raised Sardinian IR#7 performs—will it defy the debut jinx?

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  8. Great looking table, interesting set up, I'm looking forward to the result,or knowing you, results!
    Best Iain

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    1. You know me well, Iain! This will be the first of likely many battles.

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  9. Love the expanse of the table v's scale.

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  10. Looks very nice, already waiting for the report!

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  11. I too look forward to this report Jonathan. This is perhaps one of the more interesting but largely ignored conflicts of the mid-19th Century. Large colourful armies fighting very bloody balltes in magnificent settings. What is interesting tactically is that the combat defied the findings of students of the American Civil War in that a determined attack by discplined troops could be successful against troops armed with rifled muskets, albeit at huge cost in casualties.

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    1. A number of future ACW generals were present at these battles and observing first-hand from the French lines. Many did not learn these lessons and apply them to the ACW.

      This is a very interesting period of warfare and it captures my imagination with the colorful uniforms on all sides.

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  12. That is an impressive set up. Looking forward to the batrep when you post it.

    Cheers, Ross

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    1. Glad you like the setup, Ross! I like the look of the thing too. Since San Martino will be out on the table for a while, it is good to have a pleasing setup to view.

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  13. An intriguing game intro. Looking forward to continue.

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  14. Should be good. Looking forward!

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    1. Should be good but plans rarely survive contact...

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  15. Looking forward to this. My money is on Benedek and his stalwart Austrians to hold Pozzolengo.

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    1. I look forward to it too. The arrangements were made at last minute to pull off a Saturday game but I made it.

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  16. A lovely=looking table and, as you say, plenty of room for manoeuvre. I find we sometimes make the mistake of not allowing enough room, and then it becomes all about the deployment.

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    1. Thanks, Lawrence! Often we rely on board edges to protect our flanks in games. With enough table space, flanks cannot be secured artificially. That improves the game, I think.

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  17. Impressive set up. Wonderful Troops. Looks to be an excellent game. Great job. Im behind on the blog so I can go read the AAR. Instant gratification for me. 😀

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    1. Glad you enjoy the look of the game! The first AAR is published but look for more refights of this battle over the coming weeks (and maybe months).

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