Prussian Army - Generalstaff Dispatches 2002

Cannon Fever

I had heard so much about the cannon fever, that I wanted to know what kind of thing it was. Ennui, and a spirit which every kind of danger excites to daring, nay, even to rashness, induced me to ride up quite coolly to the outwork of La Lune. This was again occupied by our people; but it presented the wildest aspect. The roofs were shot to pieces, the corn-shocks scattered about, the bodies of men mortally wounded stretched upon them here and there, and occasionally a spent cannon-ball fell and rattled among the ruins of the tile roofs...

I had now arrived quite in the region where the balls were playing across me: the sound of them is curious enough, as if it were composed of the humming of tops, the gurgling of water, and the whistling of birds. They were less dangerous by reason of the wetness of the ground; wherever one fell, it stuck fast. And thus my foolish experimental ride was secured against the danger at least of the balls rebounding.
In the midst of these circumstances, I was soon able to remark that something unusual was taking place within me. I paid close attention to it, and still the sensation can be described only by similitude. It appeared as if you were in some extremely hot place, and, at the same time, quite penetrated by the heat of it, so that you feel yourself, as it were, quite one with the element in which you are. The eyes lose nothing of their strength or clearness; but it is as if the world had a kind of brown-red tint, which makes the situation, as well as the surrounding objects, more impressive. I was unable to perceive any agitation of the blood; but everything seemed rather to be swallowed up in the glow of which I speak. From this, then, it is clear in what sense this condition can be called a fever. It is remarkable, however, that the horrible uneasy feeling arising from it is produced in us solely through the ears. For the cannon thunder, the howling and crashing of the balls through the air, is the real cause of these sensations.

After I had ridden back and was in perfect security, I remarked, with surprise, that the glow was completely extinguished, and not the slightest feverish agitation was left behind. On the whole, this condition is one of the least desirable; as, indeed, among my dear and noble comrades, I found scarcely one who expressed a really passionate desire to try it.

Johann Wolgang von Goethe, Campagne in Frankreich , 1792. This noted military historian also wrote several works on natural history and dabbled in poetry, prose, and drama ( Götz von Berlichingen , Die Leiden Des Jungen Werthers , Egmont , Faust ...)

Oktober	Armeeschreiber (Prussian Army News) The Prussian Army is still a thriving entity. We've kicked off a new "gaming season" after the summer months with an Army tournament. See below for details. Our officers continue to be engaged within the club and the army has had its share of wins along with its losses. Beförderungen (Promotions) "It was with great honour and privilege, in the name of the Honourable Feldmarschall Stefan Ritter von Reuter, himself a servant of our revered King, Friedrich Wilhelm III, sovereign of Prussia and protector of Germany, that the Prussian Army offered promotions to the following officers for gallantry in the face of the enemy and for furthering the glory of Prussia. God save the King and Fatherland." Apr 20th: D.Walter Major - Oberst May 26th: D.Nguyen - PremLt. - Kapitän Aug 21st: C.Hopper - PremLt. - Oberst - Kapitän D.Nguyen - Kapitän - Major B.Schulte - Kapitän - Major I.Thompson - Oberst - GenMaj. S.Tombesi - Oberst - GenMaj. D.Walter - Oberstlt. - Oberst M.Williams - Oberstlt. - Oberst Aug 31st: B.Schulte - Major - OberstLt. Sep 21st: B.Schulte - OberstLt. - Oberst As can be seen by the number and consistency of the promotions, our Army is alive and well. Verleihung von Auszeichnungen (Presentation of Orders and Medals) Feldmarschal Reuter has instituted 'Preussisches Maneuver' ribbon in two grades for Army tournaments: Silver for all the fighting Officers and in Gold for the winner. The graphics were done by our very own Simone Tombesi. Gemusterte Rekruten (New Recruits) SekLt. Viesturs Lezdins has graduated and has been assigned to the 4th Westphalian Landwehr Regiment Congratulations! Preussisches Maneuver 2002 (Prussian Challenge 2002) To promote some interaction, training and unity the Prussian Army has instituted the Prussian Challenge. The idea is that each player has control of an army that consists of the same order of battle as Blücher had for the 100 Days. The scenario is a blind affair with each player submitting the order of march for his troops on a large map. Each game is a meeting engagement with the objective being to push the other player off the map. The player with the least losses whilst still on the field is declared the winner (you can't abandon the field!). The winner advances to the next round with his losses carrying over. This year there are eight challengers and all the games are well underway. It's too soon to give any results but there should be a full report in the next Newsletter. Good luck to all participants! Gott Schütze Armee und Vaterland! Feldmarschal Ritter von Reuter Generalmajor Rob Hamper
März	Armeeschreiber (Prussian Army News) The Prussian Army underwent a major reorganisation since the last newsletter. The points for ranks were altered so as to be more in line with the other armies, and as a consequence some officers found themselves reduced in rank. An unusual circumstance which our officers took in stride. After all, it just means they get to play in the field longer before heading to a desk!! Another facet of the reorganisation was the swelling of the Reserve with the 'silent' and the retired. Eventually, all officers need a break from the army, club and wargaming and consequently spend some time in the Reserve. They will always be welcome to return, it's unfortunate that so few do. There are still quite a few veterans around. They're a little longer in the face and a little wider around the middle but the gleam is still there as is the fire in the step. Our former Feldmarschal is happily ensconced as a brigade commander. Our most glorious officer, Herr Ritter von Reuter, has taken up the marshal's baton and I myself have taken over the command of I Korps. The army is busy organising itself for the upcoming League tournament. We're happy to say that the Prussians will be well represented. Beförderungen (Promotions) A busy quarter for promotions with the change in command, re-organisation of the ranks and the transfers to the Reserve. S.Reuter General - Feldmarschall M.J. Gjerde - Feldmarscall - GeneralLt. R.Hamper - GenLt. - Oberst - GenMaj. B.Steijin - GenMajor - Oberst M.Takacs - Same as above S.Tombesi - Same as above A.Vakiener - Same as above M.Crestini - Same as above S.Kral - Oberstlt. - Oberst K.Bocke - Kapitän - OberstLt. - Oberst I.Thompson - Rittmeister - Major - Oberstlt. - Oberst N.Moulden - PremierLt - Kapitän Dierk Walter - PremierLt - Kapitän J.Diego - SekondLt. - PremierLt. C.Hopper - Same as above K.Hutzel - Same as above D.Nguyen - Same as above The following officers have be assigned to the Reserve Corps Mark Scarbrough Neil Moulden Adam Vakiener Jeff Morris Bob Krauss Steve Eck Mauro Crestini If you see yourself on this list and you wish to be reinstated please contact the General Staff. Verleihung von Auszeichnungen (Presentation of Orders and Medals) Feldmarschal Ritter von Reuter has made his selections for this quarter's merit medal winners. Kriegsdenkmünze für Nichtkämpfer For devoted service to the Prussian Army and to the Fatherland, for their unselfish use of their time and for their dedication in improving the facilities of the Prussian Army, Officers Iain Thompson and Simone Tombesi are awarded the the Kriegsgedenkmünze for 1813. Congratulations Gentlemen. Allgemeine Verdienstmedaille His Excellency, Herr Reuter, has declared that for services and time rendered for the betterment of the club and for the further enjoyment of it's members, Ken "Muddy" Jones of the Anglo-Dutch Army will receive Prussia's General Service Medal. Congratulations Herr Jones. Gemusterte Rekruten (New Recruits) No new Rekruten were signed up this quarter. The following are in training and will soon join our glorious army and contribute to its many victories. 1st Compagnie: Kadet David Panell "Pro Patria et Gloria" Feldmarschal Ritter von Reuter Generalmajor Rob Hamper
Januar	Armeeschreiber (Prussian Army News) The Prussian Army marked a milestone this month. After a long career leading the Prussian Army to victory and growth, Herr Feldmarschal Michael Wolf Gjerde is stepping down as Army Commander. He cites growing commitments at work and at home for this departure. His love of the Prussian Army remains, and he has promised that he will continue participating in the function of the Army as a Brigade Commander. All his fellow officers are a little sad at this turn of events, especially we veterans who have been around for awhile. Herr Gjerde was among the founding members of the club, as well as one of the original officers of the Prussian Army. He has always supported the efforts of his officers in the growth and change of the Army as well as providing an example by leading from the front. The General has amassed an impressive run of victories over our French enemies. However, the news is not all bad. Herr Gjerde has an immediate and worthy replacement in General der Kavallerie Herr Stefan Ritter von Reuter. Herr Reuter is well known to members of the Club, especially the French whom he has vanquished and trounced many times, rarely seeing defeat. He has been awarded some of the most coveted Orders and Decorations the Prussian Army has to offer. For those who are not aware, the leader of the Prussian Army is always granted the rank of Feldmarschal despite the actual level of promotion or points. It is a reflection of our confidence and loyalty that this honorary rank is so awarded. Thank you, General Gjerde for your long and dedicated service. May you continue to inspire all of our officers with your battlefield exploits. Congratulations Feldmarschal Reuter, may you lead the Prussian Army to even greater glory and renown. Beförderungen (Promotions) Our Promotion Dispatch was waylaid by a squadron French Dragoons. It will most certainly be included in the next newsletter. Apologies to deserving officers. Verleihung von Auszeichnungen (Presentation of Orders and Medals) The Prussian Army has presented the following awards: Medaille für Untertanentreue In grateful recognition of the dedicated and loyal service he has provided to the Prussian Army, the Allied Coalition as well as the NWC, the General Staff of the Prussian Army is pleased to present to General Michael Gjerde the Medaille für Untertanentreue or the Medal of Allegiance . Historically, the medal was originally awarded in 1794 by Friedrich Wilhelm and although it predates the years of conflict with Napoleon's France, members of the Prussian Army are thought to have owned it through those times. Hence, this medal is given to 'veterans' of the the Prussian Army in recognition of long and dedicated service. Herr General Gjerde is the first to receive this award. Congratulations, Your Excellency. Kriegsdenkmünze für Nichtkämpfer By Royal Decree, the Prussian Army has initiated two additional awards for recognizing services to the Army, Coalition and Club off the battlefield. That is, for actions above and beyond the call of duty that promote the growth and well being of the Prussian Army and the Club as a whole. The first is the Kriegsdenkmünze für Nichtkämpfer . Historically, this cast, blackened steel medal was award to non-combatants of the 1813, 1814 and 1815 campaigns. Those that received the award were surgeons, wagon drivers, civil servants and the like. The award was quite rare due to its limited scope. The Feldmarschal will present these awards to those Prussian officers he deems to have made efforts and exploits off the battlefield and beyond the normal call of duty. Such contributions will be seen to promote the historical knowledge of the Prussian Army, encourage greated participation by its officers, enhance their enjoyment in the Army and in the club. Not more that three such awards will be made per quarter. In one of his final acts as Feldmarschal, Herr Gjerde awards the following officers with the Kriegsdenkmünze für Nichtkämpfer : Andreas Naujoks , Stefan Reuter , and Robert Hamper . He states: "Without a doubt, the three most helpful officers I have ever served with! Thank you [Herr Generalmajor] for giving me three choices; one or two would have been much more difficult to decide." These officers all receive the 1813 version, as first-time awardees. Allgemeine Verdienstmedaille Similarily, the Prussian Army will recognize those officers of its Allies who likewise contribute to the growth of knowledge and enjoyment of club members through various means such as articles, modules, running tournaments and so forth. The Feldmarschal will select such worthy candidates from candidates suggested by other Allied Commanding Officers or by a selection of the Feldmarschal's own choosing. Such a selection will be seconded by the Commendations Officer before affirmation of the award can be made. Winners will receive the Allgemeine Verdienstmedaille or General Service Medal . Only one such award per quarter will be made. The Allgemeine Verdienstmedaille was originally a civilian (non-military) award, hence the requirement for contributions off the battlefield. Although it was a Prussian award, I cannot find any sources that says it wasn't awarded to foreign officials. It therefore seems the most appropriate award for our Allies and friends. The incarnation of the award that will be in use for this purpose came in gold (1810 to 1817) and in silver (1810-1814). Initial awardings to Coalition officers will therefore be in silver, while a subsequent awarding will be made in gold. Herr Feldmarschal Gjerde awards the Allgemeine Verdienstmedaille or General Service Medal to Rubén Lopez of the Russian Army and Paul Harris of the Anglo-Allied Army in recognition of their fine service and dedication to the Club over the years. Gemusterte Rekruten (New Recruits) Lieutenant Bob Kraus will take over the Command of the famous 6. Ulanen . The following are in training and will soon join our glorious army and contribute to its many victories. 1st Compagnie: Kadet David Panell Für Korps und Vaterland! Gott Schütze Armee und Vaterland! Vorwärts meine Kinder! Feldmarschall Michael Wolf Gjerde Feldmarschall Stefan Ritter von Reuter Generalmajor Rob Hamper Acting Chief of Staff
	Cannon Fever I had heard so much about the cannon fever, that I wanted to know what kind of thing it was. Ennui, and a spirit which every kind of danger excites to daring, nay, even to rashness, induced me to ride up quite coolly to the outwork of La Lune. This was again occupied by our people; but it presented the wildest aspect. The roofs were shot to pieces, the corn-shocks scattered about, the bodies of men mortally wounded stretched upon them here and there, and occasionally a spent cannon-ball fell and rattled among the ruins of the tile roofs... I had now arrived quite in the region where the balls were playing across me: the sound of them is curious enough, as if it were composed of the humming of tops, the gurgling of water, and the whistling of birds. They were less dangerous by reason of the wetness of the ground; wherever one fell, it stuck fast. And thus my foolish experimental ride was secured against the danger at least of the balls rebounding. In the midst of these circumstances, I was soon able to remark that something unusual was taking place within me. I paid close attention to it, and still the sensation can be described only by similitude. It appeared as if you were in some extremely hot place, and, at the same time, quite penetrated by the heat of it, so that you feel yourself, as it were, quite one with the element in which you are. The eyes lose nothing of their strength or clearness; but it is as if the world had a kind of brown-red tint, which makes the situation, as well as the surrounding objects, more impressive. I was unable to perceive any agitation of the blood; but everything seemed rather to be swallowed up in the glow of which I speak. From this, then, it is clear in what sense this condition can be called a fever. It is remarkable, however, that the horrible uneasy feeling arising from it is produced in us solely through the ears. For the cannon thunder, the howling and crashing of the balls through the air, is the real cause of these sensations. After I had ridden back and was in perfect security, I remarked, with surprise, that the glow was completely extinguished, and not the slightest feverish agitation was left behind. On the whole, this condition is one of the least desirable; as, indeed, among my dear and noble comrades, I found scarcely one who expressed a really passionate desire to try it. Johann Wolgang von Goethe, Campagne in Frankreich , 1792. This noted military historian also wrote several works on natural history and dabbled in poetry, prose, and drama ( Götz von Berlichingen , Die Leiden Des Jungen Werthers , Egmont , Faust ...)