Mollwitz, A Battle Report

On the anniversary of the battle, the two armies once again take to the field.  This time, the outcome would be settled in a remote game against Chris (Horse and Musket Gaming).  Today's contest would be Chris' first game of Honours of War (HoW) but not his first remote game.  Chris chose to command the Austrians.  I would lead the Prussia army.

As a refresher, the two armies facing each other were deployed as shown below:

Initial dispositions

View from behind the Prussian lines.

The primary objective for the two armies is to either break their opponent or occupy Mollwitz.  Would Chris, at the head of the Austrian army, reverse history and see a victory for the Whitecoats or would the Prussian infantry, once again, carry the day?

Calm in the Austrian lines before the Prussian attack.

We will see.

Austrian cavalry advance.

Seizing the initiative, Neipperg orders both cavalry wings to advance upon the enemy.  The goal is to defeat the Prussian cavalry wings before the Prussian infantry can reach the Austrian infantry lines deployed in front of Mollwitz. 

Austrian cavalry advance continues.

On the Austrian left, Romer squares up his large cavalry wing in preparation to overpower Schulenburg's weaker cavalry.  The Prussian infantry plods forward through the snow.  On the Austrian right, Berlichingen's cavalry crosses the frozen stream and challenges the Prussian hussars defending the crossing.  The hussars put up little resistance despite the timely arrival of support.

Clash at the crossing.

Prussian cavalry driven back in great disorder.

While the Prussian infantry in the center march forward, some of Romer's cavalry out on the left wing take fire from both guns and grenadiers.  Romer draws up his massive formation in preparation for an attack against the Prussian right.

Cavalry clash on the Prussian right.

Romer prepares to attack.

The Austrian cavalry formations taking fire retire out of harm's way as Romer launches a cavalry charge into Schulenburg's cavalry.  Outnumbered and outclassed, Schulenburg's cavalry recoil. 

Romer attacks!

Schulenburg's cavalry wing is crushed in the attack and scattered.   Only grenadiers remain in Schulenburg's command.  Frederick has seen enough.  He leaves the battlefield concerned for his own safety.  Schwerin takes over command of the Prussian army.

Schulenburg isolated on the battlefield.

Having destroyed the Prussian right cavalry wing, Romer turns his attention to mopping up the grenadiers and artillery that remain.  The Prussian right has been turned.  Ignoring the growing threat, Prussian infantry continue their advance upon Mollwitz.  They have yet to reach the enemy lines.

Grenadiers and artillery with nowhere to hide.

Unable to respond, the Prussian right is attacked viciously.  The artillery and grenadiers, isolated by the destruction of their brethren, are attacked. To add insult to injury, the Prussian second line is attacked.

Prussian right crumbles.

Prussian infantry march toward Mollwitz

while the Austrians await.

All three attacks meet with success and the Prussians are scattered at the hands of Romer's jubilant cavalry.  Seeing the destruction of the Prussian right and the slow progress of the Prussian infantry, Neipperg shifts his second infantry line to the right as the front line comes under musketry fire.  Can the Austrians shift to their right without becoming entangled? 

Austrian second line shifts as
Romer mops up stragglers.

After dispatching the Prussian left cavalry wing, Berlichingen crosses back over the stream to threaten the main body.  Both Prussian infantry lines come under pressure as they attempt to turn to meet this unexpected threat. 

Prussian left is attacked!

Action on the Prussian left

as Berlichingen crashes into the Prussian infantry.

Even with pressure mounting on the flanks, the Prussians could win the day if the Austrian infantry to their front can be destroyed and Mollwitz taken.

That is not to be.

Uncharacteristically for the poorly trained Austrian, they let loose many volleys with devastating results.  All along the line, Prussian infantry are stopped and then repulsed. 

Prussian center repulsed!

Prussian fight a desperate rear-guard action.
Romer's cavalry are repulsed in great disorder.

The Prussians suffer mightily within reach of Mollwitz.

The Prussian army has broken.  The battle is over.

Chris and the Austrian army hold on to gain an impressive victory on the field at Mollwitz.  Well played.  Masterfully executed.  Chris demonstrated how the Austrians can win at Mollwitz.  While I have witnessed a few close calls by the Austrians, this is the first bona fide victory in my books.  Congratulations to the victor!

Great fun.  Hopefully, I will meet Chris on the field of battle again.