Clash of Empires The Napoleonic Wars The Invasion of Russia 1812

In this article I’m going to use the Napoleonic Clash of Empires Battle System to recreate the Battle of Borodino 1812. Napoleon’s failure to achieve a complete victory at Borodino and the subsequent disastrous retreat from Moscow marked the start of his decline. Crucially, because of this ill-advised campaign Napoleon’s losses were so devastating that any chance of reviving his fortunes were made impossible.

Background

By the spring of 1812 Napoleon was all set to invade Russia with a multi-national army group of 450,000 troops exclusive of support units. The situation in Europe was stable and Russia was neutral but refused to enforce Napoleon’s ‘Continental System’ (i.e., a trade embargo against Britain) and was in active negotiations with “Perfidious Albion”, which was the derogatory term used by Napoleon for his implacable foe Great Britain. However, these flimsy excuses for such a vast undertaking as the invasion of Russia proved to be a monumental mistake which ultimately cost Napoleon his crown. The Emperor expected to achieve victory by a customary rapid campaign and decisive battle. Instead, the French army was lured further and further into the Russian interior where it was subjected to constant harassment by Cossacks. The losses caused by these skirmishes was compounded by problems of supply which led to starvation, disease and desertion. Determined to force the Russians into a battle Napoleon marched on the capital Moscow. Due to national pride the wily Russian commander Kutuzov was compelled to make a stand at Borodino.

            The Russian army of 122,000 men took up a defensive position anchored on the villages of Borodino and Semionovskaya and strengthened by field fortifications the most formidable being the Great or Raevski redoubt. Napoleon concentrated some 124,000 troops and formulated a battle plan which incorporated a move to envelop the Russian left flank while delivering a bludgeoning frontal assault to the Russian line. This was preceded by a thunderous artillery barrage. After a colossal French effort and unprecedented bloodshed, the Great Redoubt was breached. However, the triumphant French advance in this sector was soon checked by a massive counterattack by the Russian cavalry. Meanwhile, the attack on the Russian left flank, which hadn’t been given priority, failed to achieve a satisfactory result. In fact, during the battle and possibly due to ill-health, Napoleon failed to exhibit his usual energy and if anything appeared far too cautious. Crucially, repeated requests from his Marshals for the Emperor to commit his Imperial Guard were refused. This enabled the Russians to retreat to a second position ready to fight or withdraw. In the end Kutuzov decided upon the latter and was able to withdraw 90,000 troops from the battlefield in good order. Although technically a victory for France in that the road to Moscow was now open this must be weighed against the fact that Russian military power remained unbroken. Casualties on both sides were horrific.    

            Concealing his disappointment at not achieving complete victory Napoleon enthusiastically occupied Moscow only to find the city deserted and stripped of all provisions. The only inhabitants that remained were incendiaries and they soon had the city ablaze. Unable to proceed against an elusive opponent and with his line of communications threatened the stranded Napoleon decided to withdraw. It was already late October and it wasn’t long before the retreating army was beset by the freezing conditions of the Russian winter. Thousands perished on the roadside where they either froze to death or were despatched by following Russian cavalry and Cossacks. The only formation that managed to maintain a semblance of cohesion was the rear-guard under the command of Marshal Ney – ‘the bravest of the brave’. As for the rest of the army it disintegrated and by December a mere 20,000 skeletal and ragged survivors managed to make it back to France. The magnificent ‘La Grande Armee’ was no more.

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 Borodino

The French and Allied forces at Borodino consist of 38 Infantry units, 20 Cavalry units and 20 Artillery units (incl. of 3 Horse Artillery). These are divided into 9 Corps 4 of which are Cavalry Corps. There is also an Imperial Guard Corps which consists of 8 Elite Infantry units, 3 Elite Cavalry units and 5 Artillery units (incl. of 2 Horse Artillery). The core of this army is the French La Grande Armẻe which is still classified as Superior in quality and as such uses 1D10 for its Battle Die. However, the large Allied contingent which consists of Poles, Germans, Italians and others are classified as Ordinary in quality and use 1D8 for their Battle Die. This means that the French and Allied forces at Borodino make up a Mixed Army that uses 1D10/1D8 for its Battle Dice (highest scoring die only). All units are trained regulars and therefore, the Infantry units have a Combat Rating of ❶, Cavalry ❷, and Artillery ❸ (❹for Horse Artillery). On the Combat Rating to Fighting Bonus Conversion Table in the rulebook this equates to +11 FB for the Infantry, +10 FB for the Cavalry, and +16 FB for the Artillery (incl. of Horse Artillery).  This gives a total of +37 FB. In addition, the Imperial Guard Corps has a total FB of +10. For Tactical Deployment the French are using the Attack Column as their predominant formation. This formation gets a +2 (+3 Initiative Win)* modifier for Infantry Melee and is very resilient to Cavalry Shock Action. It also gets a +1 bonus to Command Initiative, which is attributed to the rapidity of movement of this formation. The main drawbacks of this formation are its restricted firepower and vulnerability to artillery fire. A legacy of the Revolutionary Wars the French army has achieved a high level of proficiency in Light Infantry Tactics which gives them a +1 modifier for Firepower. There is also a significant strike-force of Heavy Cavalry present which is represented by 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 enemy Cavalry units. For the pursuit of a defeated opponent 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. Despite being lethargic on the day of the battle Napoleon is still a brilliant strategist and outstanding tactician. For this reason, his command status is that of Inspired and therefore the French roll 2D6 for Initiative (highest scoring die only). Although officially in direct control of the army Napoleon’s lack of energy and imagination on the day means that the normal +2 bonus to Command Initiative for Superior Command is downgraded to +1. Thus, the French army at Borodino rolls 2D6+2 for Initiative with a further +1 modifier if a successful reconnaissance roll is made. At Borodino the Imperial Guard represents a viable Tactical Reserve (see below) but Napoleon chooses not to use it. No significant numerical advantage. 

Note: - In the game an army with a 15% reserve can save against defeat on the roll of 5-6 on 1D6. Modify by +1 if reserve equal to or greater than 25% of main force. The reserve must make up at least 15% of the overall strength of the army to be viable. While in reserve the Fighting Bonus of these units cannot be added to that of the main force, although it can be added in a refight situation. A tactical reserve can also take the form of closely supporting reinforcements. A successful Tactical Reserve or Reinforcement roll will enable a defeated army to either refight the battle with no tactical advantage or withdraw with 25% casualties on both sides. Furthermore, in a refight situation an opponent can automatically use a close by tactical reserve, but a detached reinforcement will still have to be rolled for with a score of 5-6 on 1D6 required. Modify as above and by +1 for Corps de Armẻe system. There can only be one refight per battle.

For a refight the points value remains the same but the Battle Bonus Dice, which may have increased in number due to a higher FB, are rerolled.  

Russian Army at Borodino

The Russian forces at Borodino consist of 30 Infantry units, 15 Cavalry units and 15 Artillery units (incl. of 1 Horse Artillery unit). In addition, there are 4 units of Cossacks and 4 units of Militia. These are divided into various corps of a Right Wing, Centre and Left Wing. There is also a Russian Reserve of the Right Wing and Centre which consists of 8 Elite Infantry units, 2 Elite Cavalry units and 12 Artillery units (incl. of 3 Horse Artillery units). The Russian army is of Ordinary quality and uses 2D8 for its Battle Dice (highest scoring die only). The majority of units are trained regulars and therefore most of the Infantry have a Combat Rating of ❶, Cavalry ❷ and Artillery ❸. The only exceptions are the Militia and Cossacks each of which have a Combat Rating of ❶÷ 2. On the Combat Rating to Fighting Bonus Conversion Table in the rulebook this equates to +9 FB for the Infantry, +7 FB for the Cavalry and +12 FB for the Artillery. The Cossacks and Militia have a combined FB of +1. This gives a total of +29 FB for the Russian army. The Tactical Reserve has an impressive, combined FB of +16. However, the great majority of the reserve artillery was never employed. For Tactical Deployment the 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. Like the French the Russians have a large strike force of heavy cavalry and therefore get the +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 Russian Cavalry units and -1 for every 3 French 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 Russians have an extremely powerful artillery reserve which can be used for ‘massed battery’ fire as demonstrated by the 20 heavy guns mounted in the Great Redoubt. These inflicted heavy losses on the French attack columns. Thus, the Russians get the Grand Battery Artillery Attrition modifier of +2. The command status of Kutusov is that of Competent and therefore rolls 1D6 for Initiative. The Russian command structure is hampered by a lack of efficiency so there is no superior command structure bonus for this army. Thus, the Russian army at Borodino rolls 1D6 for Initiative with a +1 modifier if a successful reconnaissance roll is made. Not counting artillery there is no significant numerical advantage. Finally, the Russian’s have established a defensive line which gives them a 1D6 Battle Advantage Die for prepared field fortifications.

*(#) 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 Borodino

Initiative	Battle Dice	No. of Units and Combat Rating (CR) to Fighting Bonus (FB)	Battle Bonus	Battle Advantage Dice	Total Score
2D6 +2 (+1) (Highest die only) 3 and 3 3+2+ (+1) = 6 Recce/Screening 5-6 on 1D6 = 5 Successful Recce/Screening	1D10/1D8 (Highest die only) 10 and 2 Evens dice	Inf ❶x38 = +11 FB Cav ❷x20 = +10 FB Art ❸x17 = +13 FB H.Art ❹x3 = +3 FB Total = +37 FB Imperial Guard 16 units = +10 FB Tactical Reserve = Not committed	22 Points Converts to 5D6 6,5,5,3,1  (Double Bonus) 6x2+5+5+3+1 = 26	N/A	10+37+26 = 73 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	5+3	8
Infantry Firepower	Light Infantry Tactics +1/Attack Columns -2	4-1	3
Infantry Melee	Attack Columns +2 (+3)	3+2	5
Cavalry Shock Action	Versus Line (3 ranks) +1/ Heavy Cavalry +2	3+3	6
			Total = 22

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: - A draw for Initiative means that neither side gains a tactical advantage. The French give the Russians a hard pounding scoring a 10 for their Battle Die and evens dice which contributes to a Points Value of 22. This yields an enhanced Battle Bonus of 26. All of this goes towards a total Battle Roll of 73. This would have been a winning score had not the Russians made their Tactical Reserve Roll which enables them to shore up their defences and carry out an orderly retreat. The French lose 25% of their army in casualties which equates to 14 Infantry, 5 Cavalry and 3 Artillery units.

Russian Army at Borodino

Initiative	Battle Dice	No. of Units and Combat Rating (CR) to Fighting Bonus (FB)	Battle Bonus	Battle Advantage Dice	Total Score
1D6 (+1) = 5+1 = 6 Recce/Screening 5-6 on 1D6 = 6 Successful Recce/Screening	2D8 (Highest die only) 8 and 6 Evens dice	Inf ❶x30 = +9 FB Cav ❷x15 = +7 FB Art ❸x14 = +11 FB H.Art ❹ x1 = +1 FB Others ❶÷2 x8 = +1 FB Total = +29 FB Tactical Reserve 22 units = +16 FB Roll 5-6 on 1D6 +1 = 4+1 = 5	22 Points Converts to 4D6 6,5,5,4 (Double Bonus) 6x2+5+5+4 = 26	Field Fortifications 1D6 = 6	8+29+26+6 = 69 Pursuit = N/A

Battle Bonus Calculation

Battle Factor (1D6)	Modifiers	Score	Points Value
Artillery Attrition	Artillery versus Attack Columns +1/Horse Artillery +1/Grand Battery +2	5+4	9
Infantry Firepower	Line (3 ranks) +1 (+2)	5+1	6
Infantry Melee	0	2+0	2
Cavalry Shock Action	Versus Attack Column -2/Heavy Cavalry +2	5+0	5
			Total = 22

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: - Initial French attacks are thrown back in bloody ruin as represented by a high Battle Die score of 8 and evens dice. This contributes to a Points Value of 22 which yields an enhanced Battle Bonus of 26. Despite this, however, the French eventually penetrate the Russian defensive line, but complete victory is denied to them when the Russians make a successful Tactical Reserve Roll. This allows the Russian army to fall back to form a second line of defence and thereafter carry out an orderly withdrawal. The Russians lose 25% of their army in casualties which equates to 14 Infantry, 5 Cavalry and 3 Artillery units.

The Battle of Borodino 1812. Without a clear victory Napoleon and his army found themselves stranded in a hostile land far away from France. With no sign that the Russians were going to capitulate or come to terms Napoleon was compelled to retreat from Moscow whereupon the fleeing French army disintegrated in the cold of the Russian winter. Figures by Irregular Miniatures, New Line Designs and Italeri 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. 1987: The Russian Army of the Napoleonic Wars (1): Infantry, 1799-1814. Osprey Publishing Ltd.

Haythornthwaite, P.J. 1987: The Russian Army of the Napoleonic Wars (2): Cavalry, 1799-1814. Osprey Publishing Ltd.

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’s retreat from Moscow, 1812. From the painting by Meissonier. After Alamy (IY05478346).