My first aggressive move, was pretty aggressive. I launched a major infantry attack with Vandamme's Corps on my left flank. 4 Infantry Divisions, 1 Cavalry Division, and Artillery headed right at St Amand and La Haye. Paul's Prussians resonded aggressively and counter-attacked to punish me for trying to cross onto his side of the brook. The battle swayed to and fro, but it became obvious that I could not sustain the attack into the heart of his position. His artillery was well sighted, and I had insufficient Cavalry to force the Prussians back. So, after inflicting good casualties on the Prussians (I eliminated 1 unit of Infantry, 1 of Cavalry, and 1 of Artillery for the loss of 2 Infantry units), I ordered an orderly withraw. The pictures above and below are taken of the staus quo after the attack.
Phase 2Since Paul left the initiative to me, content to shore up his defense, my next move was to form up a huge Cavalry attack on my right flank (Groucey's Corps). I maneuvered 5 Cavalry (3 Dragoons, 1 Hussars, and 1 Lanciers), and 1 Infantry divisions into place and then charged across the brook into the assembled Prussian Cavalry made up of Landwehr and Uhlans. They fell back (evaded) and then counter-charged with great effect driving me back with loss.
Not to be discouraged, I regrouped and pressed the attack driving the Prussians back in turn. I lost 2 Dragoon units, and the Prussians lost 3 light cavalry units. The picture below shows my Hussars about to charge the enemy Horse artillery, and the last unit of Landwehr Cavalry backed up to the edge of the battlefield...one more shove, and it's bound to rout (especially because it's out of room to evade).
Once the last enemy cavalry and artillery on this flank is eliminated, all that remains is a few infantry units (2 landwehr and one regular) skulking about in the villages. They won't dare to move out with my cavalry roaming freely.
Phase 3
The day has worn on, and my reinforcements have finally shown up on the enemy's right flank (1 Division of Infantry and 1 of Light Cavalry (Chasseurs a Cheval) from D'Erlon's Corps. Upon their arrival, they pitch into the Prussian Cavalry that had been guarding the flank and rout it, taking possession of Wagnelee.
The enemy is shaken badly with both flanks in danger...now it's time to call up the Imperial Guard to secure the victory! My reserve (3 fresh units of Elite Infantry, 2 fresh units of uirassier, and 2 Heavy Artillery), starts to move forward to deliver the final blow and the enemy army breaks in anticipation of the hammerblow and flees the field!
Once the last enemy cavalry and artillery on this flank is eliminated, all that remains is a few infantry units (2 landwehr and one regular) skulking about in the villages. They won't dare to move out with my cavalry roaming freely.
Phase 3
The day has worn on, and my reinforcements have finally shown up on the enemy's right flank (1 Division of Infantry and 1 of Light Cavalry (Chasseurs a Cheval) from D'Erlon's Corps. Upon their arrival, they pitch into the Prussian Cavalry that had been guarding the flank and rout it, taking possession of Wagnelee.
The enemy is shaken badly with both flanks in danger...now it's time to call up the Imperial Guard to secure the victory! My reserve (3 fresh units of Elite Infantry, 2 fresh units of uirassier, and 2 Heavy Artillery), starts to move forward to deliver the final blow and the enemy army breaks in anticipation of the hammerblow and flees the field!
