Hochkirch big bash with Konieg Krieg

Big bash game (delayed from Christmas period) with the chaps at Johns using KK3 again.

Stephen had organised a scenario based around area of Hochkirch battle 1759 which he also umpired. John and later Le Duc (his version of events at https://warfareintheageofcynicsandamateurs.blogspot.com/2022/03/tales-from-pommritz-cinnamon-dung.html) commanded the Austrian hordes under Duan whilst Mr P and I controlled the glorious Prussians under Seydlitz and then Frederick.

To keep things simple Grenzers types were not on table (off fighting in adjacent areas) and Stephen made all units 12 figures (generally they are 16 figs) which with hindsight made Cavalry a tad brittle but as it was same for both sides not an issue as we both had loads of cavalry.

Victory was to be determined by Austrians taking Hochkirch (at which they failed) or breaking Prussian army (which they came very close to doing !) and it was termed a draw as time was called on proceedings.

Lots of action across the field with Prussians aware that Austrians were likely to be allowed flanking arrivals and that Prussian reserves would be slow arriving having to be roused from their tents.

Mr P had a brigade of Grenadiers behind some light works which performed sterling service despite being assailed by multiple Austrian units, a nasty big battery of heavy guns (12 dice at cannister range !) and almost being surrounded. He ended up with a single base of 4 figs that simply refused to succumb a glorious deed indeed.

Elsewhere initial Prussian forces could only sell themselves dearly trying to slow the Austrian advance to allow reserves to arrive, and this they mostly managed to do.

On my left flank a gapdid open after several cavalry engagements and loss of a Grenadier unit but arriving Musketeers dealt heavy hits to some Austrian cavalry and further reserves were on hand to block the now damaged Austrians.

Had game continued the Austrian numbers would have been likely to tell and whilst Hochkirch might still have held out I think Prussians would have a further Army Morale test to survive which might have ended things differently, but a hard fought draw it was.

KK3 generated an enjoyable game with only a couple of situations we had not encountered before that needed some 'off the cuff' adjudication. 

The initiative system leads to lots of interesting decisions as to when to act or force enemy to act and it flowed pretty well for big game.

All in all a superb days craic with mates and a bunch of toys followed by an evenings almighty waffling in local pub and Indian restaurant.

Initial Prussian set up around Pommritz (and the Pink Palace house of ill repute), Hochkirch just visible at top left.

Hochkirch occupied and adjoining light works as Austrians approach

Prussian horse deploy to left of Hochkirch as Austrians appear on our right flank

More Prussian horse units move to intercept arriving enemy Brigades

Grenadiers at works find enemy to front and rear

More Austrians arrive on flank as town threatened

Prussians looking bit thin on ground at this stage

More Austrians under John push forward on Prussian left

Cavalry engagement hot and heavy on left

And on right Prussian cavalry under Mr P confronts the enemy foot

Prussian reserves have arrived to shore up left and a Cuirassier brigade heads to assist on right

Where pressure from Le Ducs flanking force is intense

Prussian right looking suddenly sparse

More numerous Austrian cavalry gains ascendancy on left (2nd line of fresh units key)

Remnants of Prussian cavalry continue to resist as Grenadiers move to support

Hochkirch garrison holds on in isolation (the single remaining stand of heroic Grenadiers just about visible behind church tower)

Cuirassiers deploy as more Grenadiers support the right wing

Prussian hold on town looking rather tenuous as game ends.