Campaign Diary up to Turn 1

The campaign diary will capture the umpire's musings and observations behind the scenes that the players would not always be aware of at the time.  I will publish an update roughly each week which will be about 3 turns behind the current turn (so 6 campaign days).  I will only publish it when the information can no longer help players unfairly.

18/19 August 1813 (Turn 1)

The campaign begins with a massive French push north to try and knock Prussia out of the war before the Allies can join forces. 

But not everything goes to plan for the French.  On their left, there is a mix up with orders and the corps of Bertrand, Dumoustier and Poniatowski  end up on the same road to Treuenbritzen and are slowed down as they disentangle themselves.  By the end of the 19^th though, they have managed to do this and are pressing aggressively north. 

However, Marmont’s marching orders never reach him and his men are left kicking their heels around Wittenberg, wondering when the war is going to start.  The Emperor is witnessed chewing the rug is his tent and spitting invective at all who will listen (but especially at the gods of war who have to wipe the spittle from their faces).

Ney and Oudinot make contact with a Prussian corps around Baruth, but the Prussians are in a good position across the river and the country here is very marshy and forested, not suited to Oudinot’s cavalry corps.  There are some desultory skirmishers, but the French do not attack.

Prussian Landwehr, hastily raised, prepare to sell themselves dearly for the Fatherland.  The regulars, are sensibly hanging back towards the rear.  This is what Superior Conscripts are for, they tell themselves.

In the south, the Austrians start the campaign at a snail’s pace, the whole army leisurely marching to war along the same road, stopping at every inn on the way for refreshments. 

Meanwhile, the Russian advance from the east is also hampered by multiple corps marching along the same road.  There is some cursing from the generals, and once again the gods are railed against.  The Russians take out their frustration on the local population .

The first 2 days of the campaign close with the French feeling annoyed at the mix up with orders, but sensing they have stolen a march on the Allies.  The Prussians have quickly realised that they are up against it, and messengers are despatched to the Austrians and Russians to get moving if they hope to have any Prussians left to fight with them.