Russian Guard
Posts: 1251
Joined: 10/14/2005 Status: offline
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Thought this might be entertaining for some. These types of posts seem to be more common with WWII games, but I found this an interesting tactical situation. Here’s the story: Game is single-player 1805 scenario, it is currently Oct 1807. I’m playing Russia. Advanced Econ. Marshal level combat.When the French invaded Austria in Sept 1805, the war dragged out until mid-1806 (the Russians contributed only materiel and diplomatic support, not our troops). Austria lost Transylvania to revolt during their war with France. As an Ally of Austria we did not plan to intervene in Transylvania, figuring the Austrians would eventually reclaim those lands. However, the Ottomans caused a diplomatic furor when they declared war on Transylvania. Better us than the dastardly Turks expanding there, and since we were in a position to intervene, we did so, declaring war on Transylvania ourselves. Russia moved strong forces into Transylvania, arriving ahead of the Turks. The same turn the Capital fell, the Turks warned us off of our war with Transylvania – or else. We refused their ultimatum, and war erupted with Turkey. Something we did not anticipate or really prepare for, unfortunately. Our Generals are out of position and not properly assigned, and we had to scramble to cover our supply line – which runs from Odessa through Bessarabia into Upper Moldavia. The next turn, Russian and Turkish forces did battle in Transylvania, our 130,000 against 98,000 Turks. It was a harder battle than you might imagine, because Russia does not have the Formation Drilling Upgrade yet, and the Turks formed Lines as well as we did. Still, we prevailed, and the Turkish forces retreated to Greater Wallachia. The situation: Russian forces as follows: Transylvania: 1st Army, 115,000 under Kutusov, including the I, II, and III Corps Upper Moldavia: 4th Army (Army of the Danube), under Platov – 39,000 3 un-attached weak Cavalry Divisions Bessarabia: I Cossack Corp, no General – 40,000 Cossack Cavalry Odessa: 2nd Army, under Bennigson – 27,000 Turkish Forces as follows: Gr. Wallachia: Approx. 70,000 under Selim III Silistria (below the Danube River): Unknown forces, during the movement phase I saw this Army and I suspect it is between 75,000 and 100,000. Off-snapshot: A Turkish “?” Flag in Constantinpole Question: What should the Russians do? If the Turks attack Bessarabia or move into Upper Moldavia, Russia forces there are not strong enough to defend. The supply will also be cut. Our desire is to press the war and end it quickly, as another French war looms. If I leave Transylvania with my large Army, I may lose the protectorate. The unit you see in the city is one I moved there this same turn, so it isn’t really “there” yet, and may not make it to the province before the Turks do, should they attack there and I have moved. I could detach a troop from the 1st Army… If I do move the 1st Army, where should it go? Into Lower Moldavia, to support any other attacks? To Gr. Wallachia, to smash the Turkish Army there? Retreat all the way to Bessarabia to play it safe? There are other options – and I have a plan, but I’m curious to hear recommendations!
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