Part LXIV – Early August 1759 - Prussia on the offensive
In early August 1759, I use the fact that my opponent has been defeated on all front (except Sweden and Russia) to move against him.
I move against Baris :
- In the center of Germany, against Frankfurt (the purple arrow should be in black)
- In Bohemia, against Prag (the purple arrow should be in black)
- In Rhineland, finally, where I am getting ready to cross South of Minden.
I am ok with letting Baris take Bremen again. Actually – given Von Daun defensive capabilities – it became part of the plan. He will split his army doing this, allowing me to defeat Von Daun and take Minden easily. And then I don’t see how he could keep Bremen then.
In Silesia, there was a very, very inconclusive battle as Picolomini was on the attack.
I am going to retreat next turn – if I can. The Austrian army is too numerous :
Finally, Wismar has fallen.
Rostock has been left without defense: I plan to send some light cavalry get the town to force him to lose some more time. Meanwhile, Brunck will slowly move North – his army has been reinforced and he is now a significant threat to the Swedes.
Part LXV – Late August 1759 - Battle on the Weser
Baris tried yet another offensive against Hannover, trying tocross the Weser by the South of Weser… If you remember the previous turn, you know there is going to be a problem : my army was trying to cross at the same place – only they are finishing their movement this turn before crossing the following turn.
Battles ensues :
Yet another heavy defeat for unlucky Von Daun, with a 2:1 death ratio, due yet again to the very low NM and to the crossing of the river. I won 6 NM on this battle.
Worse for Baris, a small column of Russians (?) – I have no idea how they arrived here – tried to cross as well, probably to merge with Von Daun – only Von Daun failed to cross.
Predictably, the result is not good for the Russians :
This army is mostly destroyed, and I got 6 NM out of it.
Overall result :
After those two battles, Baris has regrouped all his columns in Minden again. My surprise attack from the South becomes quite risky, all the more since I am worried Von Daun might to cross through Wunstorf and take Hannover, so I order my columns back home.
I don’t take the shortest route but go through Wunstorf, so I can intercept a crossing French army.
In the North, I took Rostock by surprise. Brunck will move on Wismar :
I don’t expect to see a battle : I believe Baris will send one of his army to Rostock and the other one to Lubeck, letting me take Wismar back (the city has lost its walls), thus cutting his forces in two weak parts I can defeat easily.
I am still moving on Frankfurt :
Ferdinand is involved in a small battle, and had to retreat to Glatz without too much loses (my instructions were to break as soon as possible in case of battle).
Fortunately, the Austrians decided to move toward Frederick and protect Prag.
Prag is now under siege. For the first time since the beginning of the game.