Sept 2nd, 1812, Gzhatsk – 1315 Hrs - Russian PositionThe Russian ADC is glad to be able to dismount his horse for the moment. He has been in the saddle for hours now, and it feels good to stretch his legs. The fierce Battle of Gzhatsk rages on below his hilltop position, while he stands calmly between two horses holding their reins. The horse to his left is his own, a stout hearted breed with an unequalled constitution, perfectly suited for the Russian environment. Standing at 14-3 hands, his horse is not large by any measure, but it is sturdy and wholly reliable. The horse to his right is a different breed entirely. Standing at 17-2 hands, the Hanoverian stallion dwarfs his smaller, Russian cousin. Powerfully muscled, the immense frame of the foreign stallion is truly a sight to behold. The Russian officer wonders how this magnificent animal will fare in the Russian winter. Based on the progression of the battle unfolding on the fields below, the Hanoverian stallion may well be stabled back in his native land before this winter even arrives. He smiles at the victorious progress of the Russian army this day.
Suddenly, and with virtually no warning, the bushes behind him erupt in furious activity. Momentarily startled, he drops the reins to the Hanoverian stallion in order to free his sword hand. Drawing his blade in one quick motion, he catches a glimpse of a red blur rapidly closing the distance upon him. With a great presence of mind, he manages to turn the blade at the last instant as a Brigadier of the British Guard Dragoons launches himself into the air and vaults into the saddle of the massive, Hanoverian stallion. The magnificent horse instantaneously breaks into a full gallop as the rider grapples for the reins and takes control.
Spurring his horse to a blinding speed, the British Guardsman rapidly closes on two brigades of Russian Hussars. Drawing his sword as he rides, the red coated officer points to the right of the Hussars where two brigades of French Lanciers of the Imperial Garde are advancing. “Charge”, cries the Guardsman, “hit them in the flank!” The Russian Hussars dutifully obey the order, wheel to their right and charge into the exposed flank of the French cavalry with devastating effect. Continuing past the melee the British Guardsman orders a Brigade of Russian Dragoons to do the same. Caught on both flanks by Russian cavalry, the Lanciers of the Imperial Garde reel backwards, desperately trying to extricate themselves from a very bad situation, leaving over 300 of their fallen comrades behind as they turn and flee.
Satisfied with the results, the British Guardsman spurs his horse toward the central woods, personally directing the Russian infantry there to surround over 2,000 Infantry of the French Imperial Garde before continuing his ride. As he arrives on the Russian right flank, he spots yet another opportunity, and immediately orders a Brigade of Cossacks to charge a French battery guarded by only a handful of French Chasseurs a Cheval. The charge succeeds, as the Guardsmen knew that it would, and six of Napoleon’s ‘Beautiful Daughters’ are claimed for the Tsar’s latest garden project.
Riding back to the hilltop on which he started, the British Guardsman reins his lathered horse in beside the now mounted Russian ADC.
“Did you have a nice ride, Comrade General”, inquires the Russian officer of his Hanoverian Commander.
“Yes, I believe I did, sir”, replies the Hanoverian officer, “a most productive ride indeed!”
“Dat is good, Comrade General. I am glad you enjoyed it, but there is something that I did not get to tell you in your great haste. Something that I think you will find to be rather important, comrade sir”, says the Russian ADC. “While I do understand dat the call of Mother Nature must be answered as it can on the battlefield, I think that in your great hurry to rejoin the fray, you may have missed a couple of buttons.”
Glancing down at his trousers, the Hanoverian Brigadier blushes. “So I did, sir. Yes, it would appear that I obviously did. I certainly wish you could have told me that before” says the Hanoverian as he corrects the embarrassing oversight.
“I did not have the time, Comrade General”, replies the Russian officer, “but that was a spectacular charge nonetheless. Perhaps you should write that into our tactical, training manual. I mean the overwhelming impact of such a maneuver could be truly beneficial to our cause were your specific methods to be made public. I would think that even the Tsar himself might be interested in….”
“How about a case of Vodka, a French supply wagon of your choice, and we just keep this between us”, says the Hanoverian officer.
“Da, a case of Vodka will work just fine, Comrade General”, replies the Russian officer. “And it looks like I will have an ample number of French supply wagons from which to choose.” Both officers smile as their gaze returns to the complete destruction of La Grande Armee taking place below.
After 34 of 52 Turns, the casualties stand as follows:
French Losses
Infantry – 26,705
Cavalry – 5,019
Artillery - 193
Supplies - 1484
Leaders - 31
Russian Losses
Infantry – 18,465
Cavalry – 4,317
Artillery - 16
Supplies - 155
Leaders - 3
French Objective Points – 750
Score – -1,111 French Minor Defeat
NWC
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