Clash of Empires The Napoleonic Wars The Battle of Austerlitz 1805

In this article I’m going to use the Napoleonic Clash of Empires Battle System to recreate the Battle of Austerlitz 1805. This was Napoleon’s greatest battle achievement, a tactical masterpiece in which Napoleon lured the enemy into a pre-arranged trap and then annihilated them ending the war at a stroke. In this victory much depended upon the excellence of the troops of his newly created La Grande army. Many of these were battle hardened veterans of the Revolutionary Wars pre-eminent amongst them the steadfast troops of his new Imperial Guard. The French army also benefited from the highly flexible corps system which combined elements of all arms into what was essentially a miniature army. These self-contained battle formations were capable of independent action and if necessary were able to hold at bay a much larger force until reinforced by another corps or relieved by the main army. Importantly these corps remained within close supporting distance of each other and if necessary, could concentrate on any sector threatened by the enemy. To command these self-contained units Napoleon established a Marshalate made up of his most talented generals many of whom served with distinction at Austerlitz. These included Jean Lannes who commanded the French left, Nicolas Soult who held the centre and Louis-Nicolas Davout who commanded the right wing of the army. There was also Bernadotte in command of Ist Corps and Murat’s reserve cavalry. Finally, there was Louis Alexander Berthier, an experienced soldier and Napoleon’s indispensable Chief of Staff.

Background

After crowning himself Emperor of the French in 1804 Napoleon turned his attention to Great Britain which had become hostile again. While the Emperor was amassing his troops on the Channel coast in preparation for an invasion of southern England Napoleon learned that Austria and Russia had formed a Third Coalition with Britain. These nations having been stirred up by British political manoeuvres and gold intended to join forces in Germany before attacking France.  Napoleon immediately seized the initiative and by means of a spectacular forced march moved an army of over 200,000 men a distance of 200 miles in just under 2 weeks. Then using a huge enveloping manoeuvre, the French army descended upon the Austrians at Ulm. This army of 50,000 troops was under the command of the Austrian General Mack and such was the speed and secrecy of the French operation that Mack remained ignorant of his peril until it was too late. When the Austrian General’s attempt to break out failed he was forced to surrender before reinforcements could reach him. After this decisive offensive Napoleon marched eastwards forcing a Russian army to withdraw before the French. Then he invaded Austria taking Vienna in November 1805. Napoleon was now at the very limit of his stretched logistical line of supply and having had to place strong garrisons along the route his army was much reduced to 65,000 men. Thus, exposed Napoleon was now confronted by a combined Austrian and Russian army which moved south to try and cut his line of communications. Napoleon anticipated this and met the Austro-Russian army near the village of Austerlitz in Moldavia. The allied army consisted of 90,000 troops and was under the overall command of the one-eyed Russian General Kutuzov. However, his decisions were hampered by two interfering emperors, namely Francis the II of Austria and Tsar Alexander of Russia. This division of command was to be to the detriment of the allied army.

On a chill morning of December, the 2nd the battle commenced on ground of Napoleon’s own choosing. By using his mastery of maps and having fully surveyed the terrain Napoleon formulated a battle plan which hinged upon a display of feigned weakness to induce the enemy into making an ill-advised attack. This would then weaken their centre and thereby expose the allied army to a decisive French counterstrike. Crucial to this plan working, however, was for the allied army to take the bait and for this reason on the day prior to the battle Napoleon withdrew his army from the dominating position of the Pratzen Heights to the valley below where much of his army and its movements would be obscured by rising ground and an early morning mist. To further entice the enemy Napoleon over-extended his right wing which was anchored on the frozen Satcschan lake. In response to this the Austro-Russian army eagerly took up the vacated French position and then tried to use weight of numbers to crush the apparently weak French right. However, this was exactly what Napoleon wanted them to do and for this reason he had reinforcements ready which enabled the hard-pressed right wing to hold back the main assault. As the battle in this sector intensified the impatient allied command poured in more troops from their centre and it was now that Napoleon sprung his trap. Suddenly Soult’s divisions emerged out of the mist and stormed the Pratzen Heights. An attempt to recall units to prop up the weakened allied centre was to no avail and the allies were forced to abandon their position. With the front of his army now split in two Kutuzov desperately tried to retake the high ground but all attempts failed including a valiant charge by the Chevalier Guard of the Russian Imperial Guard. Napoleon countered these aristocratic warriors with his own elite Guard Cavalry and after a fierce struggle the Russian elite was vanquished with great slaughter. With the Pratzen Heights secure Napoleon now brought up his cannons to pound the flank of the allied left. This together with an attack by Soult broke the allied formations driving the panic-stricken troops in confusion across the frozen Satcschan lake. Mercilessly the French artillery broke up the ice with cannon shot causing many of the retreating enemy troops to drown. Meanwhile the allied right under the Russian Prince Peter I. Bagration resisted fiercely until overwhelmed by Lanne’s corps and by nightfall the allied army ceased to exist. French losses were about 10,000 men whereas Austro-Russian losses were 36,000 men.

After the battle the Emperor Francis, his military in tatters surrendered. He signed the Treaty of Pressburg on December 26th and thereafter Austria remained quiet for the next four years. Meanwhile, the shattered forces of Tsar Alexander retreated to Russia and left Great Britain to fight alone. As for ‘Perfidious Albion,’ which was the derogatory term used by Napoleon for Britain, its Kingdom would soon be subjected to Napoleon’s ‘Continental System’ the aim of which was to impose an economic blockade on the British Isles and starve ‘the nation of shop keepers’ into submission. Before this, however, there was Prussia to deal with.     

Clash of Empires

Using the Clash of Empires rules the battle strength and capabilities of the combatants can be shown as follows: -

A unit represents 3-4 infantry battalions, 9-12 cavalry squadrons or 16-24 guns.

French Army at Austerlitz

The French forces at Austerlitz consist of 20 Infantry units (incl. of 3 Elite), 12 Cavalry units (incl. of 1 Elite) and 12 Artillery units (incl. of 1 Horse Artillery). These are divided into 5 Corps and one Imperial Guard Division. By this period the Emperor Napoleon has created his La Grande Armẻe which uses the corps d’ armẻe system (see below). The French Army is now classified as Superior in quality and as such uses 2D10 (highest scoring die only) for its Battle Dice and gets a +1 to Initiative for Forced March. All units are trained regulars and therefore, the Infantry units have a Combat Rating of ❶ (❷for Elite), Cavalry ❷ (❸ for Elite) and Artillery ❸ (❹for Horse Artillery). On the Combat Rating to Fighting Bonus Conversion Table in the rulebook this equates to +6 FB for the Infantry (incl. of the elite), +7 FB for the Cavalry (incl. of the elite) and +10 FB for the Artillery (incl. of Horse Artillery).  This gives a total of +23 FB. For Tactical Deployment the French are using the Mixed Order (Odre Mixte) as their predominant formation. This formation gets a +1 modifier for Infantry Melee and is resilient to Cavalry Shock Action. This army has got a significant Heavy Cavalry force present so gets a formidable +2 modifier for Cavalry Shock Action. The rest of the cavalry consists of Hussars, Lancers and Dragoons which can be used for reconnaissance, screening and pursuit operations. The carrying out of these activities is represented as follows: - For +1 Initiative bonus roll 5-6 on 1D6. Modify by +1 for every 3 French Cavalry units and -1 for every 3 Austrian Cavalry units. For the pursuit of a defeated enemy again roll 5-6 on 1D6 and modify by +1 for every 3 Cavalry units. If successful increase opponent’s losses by +1 on the Casualty Table.  Napoleon has also equipped his Grande Armẻe with a Grand Battery of heavy guns which gives his army an Artillery Attrition modifier of +2. A brilliant strategist and outstanding tactician Napoleon’s command status is that of Inspired and therefore rolls 2D6 for Initiative (highest scoring die only). By this period the Emperor has also established a Marshalate consisting of a select group of his most talented subordinate generals which gives a +2 bonus to Initiative. Thus, the French army at Austerlitz rolls 2D6+3 for Initiative with a further +1 modifier if a successful reconnaissance roll is made. The French army at Austerlitz has a viable Tactical Reserve, but instead of keeping this back for a possible refight situation they choose to use all their FB in the main Battle Roll.

Austro-Russian Army at Austerlitz

The Austro-Russian forces at Austerlitz consist of 29 Infantry units (Incl. of 4 Elite Grenadier and Guard units), 12 Cavalry units (Incl. of 2 Elite Cavalry units) and 10 Artillery units. These are divided into six ad-hoc corps or columns. The Austro-Russian army is of Ordinary quality and uses 2D8 for its Battle Dice (highest scoring die only). All units are trained regulars and therefore most of the Infantry have a Combat Rating of ❶, Cavalry ❷ and Artillery ❸. The 4 Elite Grenadier and Guard Infantry units have a Combat Rating of ❷, while the 2 Elite Cavalry units have a Combat Rating of ❸. On the Combat Rating to Fighting Bonus Conversion Table in the rulebook this equates to +9 FB (incl. Elite) for the Infantry, +7 FB (incl. Elite) for the Cavalry and +8 FB for the Artillery. This gives a total of +24 FB for the Austro-Russian army. For Tactical Deployment the Austrians and Russians are using the Defensive Line (3 ranks) as their predominant formation. This traditional three rank formation gets a +1 (+2 Initiative win) * modifier for Infantry Firepower but is vulnerable to Cavalry Shock Action. This army has got a significant Heavy Cavalry force present so gets a formidable +2 modifier for Cavalry Shock Action. The rest of the cavalry consists of Hussars, Lancers and Dragoons which can be used for reconnaissance, screening and pursuit operations. The carrying out of these activities is represented as follows: - For +1 Initiative bonus roll 5-6 on 1D6. Modify by +1 for every 3 French Cavalry units and -1 for every 3 Austrian Cavalry units. For the pursuit of a defeated enemy again roll 5-6 on 1D6 and modify by +1 for every 3 Cavalry units. If successful increase opponent’s losses by +1 on the Casualty Table. The command status of General Kutuzov is that of Competent and therefore rolls 1D6 for Initiative. An imbalance in command means that there is no superior command structure bonus for this army. Thus, the Austro-Russian army at Austerlitz rolls 1D6 for Initiative with a +1 modifier if a successful reconnaissance roll is made. The Austrians outnumber the French so get a 1D6 Battle Advantage die.  

*(#) Initiative also reflects the overall performance of an army on the battlefield regarding steadiness of musket volleys, effectiveness of hand-to-hand combat and adroitness of action moves such as changing formation to square as defence against cavalry. The general success of these actions is represented by the second modifier in brackets which can only be activated by an Initiative win.

Napoleonic Clash Battle Procedure:

1. Initiative

2. Cavalry Reconnaissance/Screening. For +1 Initiative bonus roll 5-6 on 1D6. Modify by +1 for every 3 of your own Cavalry units and -1 for every 3 of your opponent’s Cavalry units.  

3. Battle Dice (highest scoring die only).

4. Army Combat Rating (CR) to Fighting Bonus (FB).

5. Calculate Battle Bonus. (Determined by various Battle Factors and expressed in the form of a Points Value which converts into one or more Battle Bonus Dice).

6. Any other Battle Advantages such as Opponent Outnumbered or Tactical Advantage.

7. Total Battle Roll.

8. Pursuit of defeated enemy. For +1 bonus to enemy losses on Casualty Table roll 5-6 on 1D6. Modify score by +1 for every 3 Cavalry units.

Highest scoring Battle Roll wins and the difference between the two scores determines the number of casualties.

Conversion and Casualty Tables not shown.

French Army at Austerlitz

Initiative	Battle Dice	No. of Units and Combat Rating (CR) to Fighting Bonus (FB)	Battle Bonus	Battle Advantage Dice	Total Score
2D6+3 (+1) 5 and 4 5 + 3 = 8 Recce/Screening No modifier 5-6 on 1D6 = 6	2D10 (Highest die only) 10 and 4 Evens Dice	Inf ❶/❷x 20 = +6 FB Cav ❷/❸x 12 = +7 FB Art ❸/❹x 12 =+10 FB Total = +23 FB Deployment = Mixed Order  Tactical Reserve = N/A All available troops fed into the battle.	25 Points Converts to 4D6 = 5,4,2,1 (Double Bonus) 5x2+4+2+1 = 17	Tactical Advantage 2D6 5 + 2 = 7	10+23+17 +7 = 57 Pursuit 5-6 on 1D6 = N/A

Battle Bonus Calculation

Battle Factor (1D6)	Modifiers	Score	Points Value
Artillery Attrition	Horse Artillery +1/Grand Battery +2	4+3	7
Infantry Firepower	Light Infantry Tactics +1/Mixed Order 0 (+1)	2+2	4
Infantry Melee	Mixed Order +1	5+1	6
Cavalry Shock Action	Heavy Cavalry +2/Versus Line (3 ranks) +1 (+2)	4+4	8
			Total = 25

Roll 1D6 for each Battle Factor and apply modifiers to find total points value and then compare with total FB on the conversion table (in rulebook) to calculate Battle Bonus Dice. Double Bonus for odds or evens Battle Dice. For multiple dice double highest scoring die only.

Notes: - Reflecting the successful operation of his battleplan Napoleon wins Initiative by 3 or more which yields a 2D6 Tactical Advantage. This is complemented by a very high Battle Die score of 10 and evens dice which provides an enhanced Battle Bonus of 17. The result is an impressive Battle Roll of 57, which represents a decisive victory for the French for the loss of 6 Infantry, 3 Cavalry and 1 Artillery unit.

Austro-Russian Army at Austerlitz

Initiative	Battle Dice	No. of Units and Combat Rating (CR) to Fighting Bonus (FB)	Battle Bonus	Battle Advantage Dice	Total Score
1D6 (+1)  = 3 Recce/Screening No modifier 5-6 on 1D6 = 4	2D8 (Highest die only) 7 and 2 No Odds or Evens	Inf ❶/❷x 29 = +9 FB Cav ❷/❸x 12 = +7 FB Art ❹x 10 = +8 FB Total = +24 FB Deployment = Line (3 ranks) Tactical Reserve = N/A All available troops fed into the battle.	21 Points Converts to 3D6 4+3+3 = 10	Opponent Outnumbered 1D6 = 4	7+24+10+4 = 45 Pursuit = N/A

Battle Bonus Calculation

Battle Factor (1D6)	Modifiers	Score	Points Value
Artillery Attrition	0	3	3
Infantry Firepower	Line (3 ranks) +1 (+2)	5+1	6
Infantry Melee	0	5	5
Cavalry Shock Action	Heavy Cavalry +2/Versus Mixed Order -1	6+1	7
			Total = 21

Roll 1D6 for each Battle Factor and apply modifiers to find total points value and then compare with total FB on the conversion table (in rulebook) to calculate Battle Bonus Dice. Double Bonus for odds or evens Battle Dice. For multiple dice double highest scoring die only.

Notes: - The Austro-Russian army falls into Napoleon’s trap as reflected by their very low Initiative score. This cancels out their numerical advantage. Nor is this imbalance rectified by a high Battle Die score of 7 which is offset by no odds or evens dice. This has a detrimental impact upon the calculation of the Battle Bonus which although a respectable 10 is not enough to avert complete disaster. The Austro-Russian army is destroyed or at least ceases to exist as a cohesive fighting force.

The French clash with an Austro-Russian army at Austerlitz in 1805. The engagement took place near the town of Austerlitz in the Austrian Empire and was Napoleon’s greatest battle achievement. The Treaty of Pressburg which took Austria out of the war was signed on 26th of December. Thereafter the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved and the Confederation of the Rhine created which acted as a buffer between France and any potential enemy in the east. Prussia resented these moves and went to war with France in 1806.  Figures by Irregular Miniatures and New Line Designs from their 20mm Napoleonic ranges. Painted by Silurian and from the author’s own collection. The numerical strength of each army is denoted by the coloured plastic counters. Game board from the Clash of Empires: The Napoleonic Wars Game.

Sources

Chandler, D.G. 1966: The Campaigns of Napoleon. Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc.

Chandler, D.G. 1998: Napoleon’s Marshals. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.

Dupuy, R. E. and Dupuy, T. N. 1993: The Collins Encyclopaedia of Military History. Harper Collins Publishers.

Haythornthwaite, P.J. 1990: The Napoleonic Source Book. Arms and Armour Press.

Haythornthwaite, P.J. 1995: The Napoleon’s Military Machine. Spellmount Limited.

Smith, Digby. 1998: The Greenhill Napoleonic Wars Data Book. Greenhill Books.

Article Front Page Picture

Napoleon at The Battle of Austerlitz, 2nd December 1805 Francois Gẻrard. After Alamy (IY05478346).