RSW-033. The Battle of Virta Bro - WDS Campaign Bautzen
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| Rating: | 0 (0) |
| Games Played: | 0 |
| SM: | 4 |
| Turns: | 48 |
| Type: | Custom |
| First Side: | Russians (Nap) |
| Second Side: | Swedish-Finnish (Nap) |
27 October 1808 - Historical - Intended to be played Head to Head or Solo as the Allied player vs. the AI (see RSW-Solo.pdf for Solo play victory levels) - Following the ceasefire of 29 September the agreement was for Sandel's 5th Brigade (renamed 4th Brigade during October) to withdraw from their fine defensive position to a position further to the north. Initially taking up a position near Isalmi this position also was ceded to the Russians by the terms of the agreement. Retreating some four kilometers to the north to Virta bro (bridge) he fortified this area for the expected operations to come. This was not long in coming. On 19 October the Russians informed the Swedes that hostilities would renew eight days later. Sandels organized his force for a defense of the position by placing a delaying force at Virta bro while the remainder of his force would be further back to the north. Tuchkov's column arrived before Virta bro on the 27th and his light troops backed by line infantry quickly forced the Swedes back from the bridge. The Russians poured over the bridge amidst artillery fire. They formed up to attack Sandel's next position and were able to break into the fortifications but soon after a sudden counterattack sent them reeling back in confusion. The entire force routed back to Virta bro causing more forces to rout. Those not killed or taken prisoner drowned in the river. The Swedes exacted a heavy toll on their enemies with over seven hundred and fifty Russians casualties or missing in action. It would prove to be one of the costliest battles of the war for either side. SPECIAL RULES: The Russian units which release at 5 PM may not cross the river at Virta bro. Their use was restricted to providing covering fire for their routed comrades. NOTE: Tuchkov only committed part of Dulgoruki's force to the attack. The rest of the Russian force remained along the eastern side. Only a small fraction of these forces will release much later in the battle. Lobanov's detachment is not present in the historical battle. There are several Swedish artillery units and a relief column available for use in Variant scenarios. The Russian Jagers have been given D(3) morale to reflect their lack of resolve in the battle.
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