050. The Battle of Arcole - WDS Campaign Marengo

15-17 November 1796 - Historical - Intended to be played Head to Head - The Allies were advancing in two main columns: one from Bassano known as the Friuli Corps under the command of FML Quosdanovich with the army commander, FZM Alvinczy, in overall command and the Tyrol Corps under the command of FML Davidovich advancing on Rivoli from Trent. Once again Bonaparte would have to decide which column to defeat first. The Friuli Corps was able to advance on Verona after combat at Bassano and Caldiero and Bonaparte was forced to retreat over the Adige. However, the lack of activity in the area of Rivoli caused Bonaparte to come up with a bold plan to recross the Adige at Ronco and fall on the flank of the Friuli Corps. Unfortunately, this area is marshy and littered with dikes and raised paths which channeled the movement of any advancing army. For the next three days Bonaparte and the French army would labor to try and break out of this area and achieve their goal. Eventually they forced the Friuli Corps to retreat, Davidovich never really having intervened due to inability to communicate with the main army, and the garrison of Mantua never having taken the initiave in time to strike in the rear of the French army. Bonaparte had gained another victory and the Austrians were still using a pincer strategy that was unsuited for early 19th century warfare. Players Notes: The players should read the file Arcole.pdf and attempt to play according to those instructions as otherwise the battle will probably not last past the first day. Design Note: Gnieu's brigade arrives at the village of Alberado at mid afternoon reflecting their ability to use the existing ferry. Sticker's brigade (part of Hohenzollern's Advance Guard) was actually assigned to help defend Arcole and is part of Mittrowsky's force for command purposes. If the Allied player decides to have him help Provera instead he must realize that the brigade will not recover from disorder as easily had they been moved to within Mittrowsky's command range.