Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History By: Carl Willner

Columbia’s “Borodino: while presenting the armies on a of one of the designers. The map Napoleon in Russia, 1812” game, division and corps scale, goes features, OB and game rules of published in the 200th deeply into the latest research and Borodino 1812 were repeatedly anniversary year of Napoleon’s historical sources on the Russian compared to the actual battle invasion of Russia, has now and French armies at Borodino. history in the design process, to joined the ranks of many earlier At the same time, Columbia’s ensure that it was possible to wargaming recreations of this game retains the relative simplicity recreate the historical actions of famous battle. This treatment of of rules mechanics and the “fog of the commanders and that they Borodino, part of Columbia’s war” approach that have made sense in game terms, while Great Battles of History series, is distinguished its earlier releases, still allowing the players full distinguished by a high degree of while capturing the flavor of scope to explore alternative faithfulness to history. The Napoleonic combat with squares, strategies, some considered by game map, drawn from multiple artillery bombardments, the the historical commanders but 19th and 20th century Russian, famous redoubts at Borodino, and rejected. English and French sources as combined arms tactics. As a well as personal exploration of result, this great battle extending Setting the Stage: the battlefield by this designer, over two days can be recreated in a Napoleon’s Invasion of Russia reveals terrain and the Russian few hours of play. names in greater detail than most Many gamers have shown When Napoleon commenced his other games on Borodino, interest in the history of the invasion of Russia on June 23- including some features that have campaign and battle, and how it 24, 1812 he had amassed the not appeared on any previous relates to the Borodino 1812 game. single largest army ever seen in game maps of the battle. In This article provides a “behind the Europe to that time along the addition, the order of battle, scenes” look from the perspective Niemen River. 450,000 French Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) and allied troops invaded Russia But, surprisingly, this 48,000 men. at the outset, and with the part of massive array did not give This front line force of the reserves later sent into Russia Napoleon an overall numerical 225,600 – 241,000 was as well, about 500,000 troops advantage over the Russians, for outnumbered at the outset two to under the Emperor’s command Tsar Alexander I could also draw one by the forces of Napoleon’s actually took part in the on enormous forces throughout his Grande Armée that initially campaign. In the center, the vast dominions. The Russians crossed the border, as much of main mass of the Grande Armée had some 517-528,000 regular the Russian army was still on consisted of the Guard (Marshals troops, plus 64,000 Cossacks and other fronts at the start of the Mortier and Lefebvre, both other irregular cavalry initially campaign. The Army of the represented by Mortier in the available and another 40,000 Danube/Moldavia, recently game), I (Marshal Davout), II raised during the campaign, for a commanded by Gen. Kutuzov (Marshal Oudinot), III (Marshal total of over 100,000 irregular and replaced by Admiral Ney), IV (Army of Italy, headed light cavalry, and to these more Chichagov, faced Turkey with by the Viceroy, Gen. Division than 600,000 troops the Russians 50,000 -54,500 men, while the Prince Eugene de Beauharnais, could also add 223,000 militia of Finland Corps, with 28,500 - Napoleon’s stepson), V Polish dubious combat value. 30,000 men, held this province (Gen. Division Prince Napoleon’s key initial advantage captured from Sweden in 1809. Poniatowski), VI Bavarian (Gen. lay not in total numbers but, as so The Crimea had a garrison of Division St. Cyr), VII Saxon often in his other campaigns, in 19,500 men, and in the Caucasus (Gen. Division Reynier), and superior concentration. the Georgian Corps deployed VIII Westphalian (initially The Russians had three another 24-34,000, while behind headed by Napoleon’s brother armies deployed along their the Russian lines in the center King Jerome and Gen. Division frontier, with the 1st Army under were 84,000 more men in the I Vandamme) Corps and the four War Minister Gen. Barclay de and II Reserve Corps. Most of cavalry corps (I-IV) of Marshal Tolly the largest, numbering these 206,000 – 222,000 men Murat’s Reserve Cavalry. The 127,800 – 136,000 men with I, II, would eventually join the Franco-Prussian X Corps III, IV, V Guard, and VI Corps, Russian forces facing Napoleon, (Marshal MacDonald) to the the I, II, and III Cavalry Corps and apart from those in the Caucasus, north and an Austrian auxiliary a Cossack cavalry corps. This but the ones from other fronts corps (Gen. Prince force was positioned to cover would have to march great Schwarzenberg) to the south Lithuania and the approaches to distances to do so and could not guarded the flanks. In reserve either St. Petersburg or Moscow. be used in the struggle against were the IX (Marshal Victor) and To its south was Gen. Prince Napoleon for the first few XI (Marshal Augerau) Corps, Bagration’s 2nd Army, with 52,000 months. and other garrisons scattered – 57,000 men and the VII and VIII throughout Poland and Germany, Corps and IV Cavalry Corps, The French and Russian and of these forces, the entire IX covering Byelorussia. And Armies: 1812 Corps was sent into Russia in further south below the great September, with various smaller obstacle of the Pripyet Marshes, (Russian strength is total army at units coming in as well. The protecting the Ukraine and the outset of the campaign; 225,000 men in reserve, together separated from the other two front- French strength counts forces with the initial invasion force, line armies during most of the available for the Russian totaled 675,000 men available to campaign, was Gen. Tormasov’s campaign in Poland and Napoleon. These included 3rd Army, with IX, X, and XI Germany, but not on other fronts 513,000 infantry and 98,000 Corps and a cavalry corps in like Spain) cavalry, a total of over 611,000. reserve, altogether 45,800 – Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

structure. Kutuzov determined Formations French and Russians to fight again to try to save Allies Moscow, and the place he chose Infantry Corps 13 15 was Borodino. Cavalry Corps 4 6 (including 1 Cossack) Attrition, battle losses at Infantry Divisions 41 51 Smolensk and detachments had Cavalry Divisions 24 19 still further reduced Napoleon’s Infantry Regiments 204 170 (not counting militia) Grande Armée to 135,117 men, Cavalry Regiments 120 66 + 83 Cossack, irregular with the corps remaining – Guard, I, III, IV, V, VIII (now
commanded by Gen. Division Napoleon struck into into the Russian heartland. Junot), and the four in the Russia with the objective of Napoleon was forced to detach Cavalry Reserve – down to an bringing on a battle near the three entire corps from the Grande average of about 45% of the border, and dividing the Russian Armée, the II, IV and VII, to cover troops with which they had 1st and 2nd Armies, seeking to the ever-lengthening flanks, and crossed the Russian border in isolate and destroy the smaller leave other detachments behind June. Napoleon, realizing that a 2nd Army first. But those two from the remaining corps as major battle was about to take Russian armies, following the garrisons. The Russians, too, had place, halted his army at Gzhatsk strategy urged by Barclay in light to detach the strong I Corps (Lt. on Sept. 2 and 3, and the muster of Napoleon’s numerical Gen. Wittgenstein) with 1st there gives us an accurate total of advantage in the center, fell back Cavalry Division from their 1st the strength of each of the corps and refused to give battle. The Army to cover the approaches to of the French army just before more aggressive Bagration St. Petersburg, as the rest of 1st the battle, with about 123,000 retreated reluctantly and only Army fell back toward Moscow. present and another 12,000 due narrowly escaped the trap set for At last the Russian 1st and to return within 5 days, in time him, with Davout’s I Corps at 2nd Armies combined at Smolensk for the battle. Though it is not one point getting ahead of the and sought to give battle for the certain if all these detachments Russian 2nd Army in its advance. city in mid-August. Though arrived, the largest of them, Napoleon blamed Jerome’s Napoleon’s advantage in the including most of IV Cavalry slowness for Bagration’s escape, strength of the main armies had Corps (though one brigade was and in a huff the King quit and narrowed from the initial 2-1 to absent) and a division of II returned to Westphalia. just 1.5-1, the 120,000 Russians Cavalry Corps, are indeed known Napoleon’s opening advantage in were still heavily outnumbered by to have returned in time. And concentration now began to work Napoleon’s remaining 180,000 with some additional troops of against him, as the territory and they were forced to abandon the Young Guard not counted in through which the Grande Armée the city after significant losses by those totals that likely reached was passing could not support its both sides. Following this defeat, the battle, and men attached to enormous numbers, and severe the Tsar appointed the elderly Napoleon’s AHQ, the total of attrition afflicted the French and Kutuzov, fresh from his successful 135,000 fairly represents what their allies during the opening conclusion of a peace with Turkey, Napoleon had for Borodino. months of the campaign. Also, to overall command of the Though the Russians had as Napoleon advanced deeper combined 1st and 2nd Armies, not suffered as heavily as into Russia, the broad front of the though he kept both of the original Napoleon, the 180-193,000 that advance north of the Pripyet army commanders in charge of the two Russian armies had at the Marshes increasingly narrowed, their armies as well, creating an start had now been reduced to resembling a rapier thrust deep overly complex command only a little over 100,000, plus Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

12,500 militia brought along Corps, the 2nd Cuirassier Div. and army in numbers relying on from Smolensk. By late August, several regiments of Cossacks. French troops alone. He had the recorded strength of 1st Army And the arrival of some 21,000 called on his allies throughout was 65,598, with 432 guns, and Moscow militia boosted the total Europe to fill out the ranks of the of 2nd Army 34,923, with 173 Russian forces to about 150,000, Grande Armée. Against Russia guns, plus a few thousand more finally giving the Russians a also marched Poles, Italians, army-level HQ staffs and numerical advantage over Germans from Prussia, Saxony, attached troops. 15,568 regular Napoleon, even though more than Bavaria, Westphalia and an array replacements brought by Gen. 40,000 of those troops were of minor states, Austrians, Miloradovich at the end of irregulars, of lower combat value Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, August, on the eve of the battle, than the regulars of the Grande Swiss, Illyrians, Dalmatians and helped to restore the depleted Armée. Croats. Nothing like this had Russian formations, raising their Though the Russian been seen in Europe before, since strength in regulars to over records do not provide a single Xerxes marched all the peoples 108,000 counting HQ troops, tally of the corps strength of the of the Persian Empire against plus another 10,000 Cossack and entire army as the French have for Greece. other irregular cavalry. 10,073 the muster at Gzhatsk, they do of these reinforcements (9,535 give details of the strength of each HQs (Leaders): infantry, 538 cavalry) went to 1st of the corps of 1st Army Army and 5,495 (5,053 infantry, immediately before the battle One significant advantage 442 cavalry) to 2nd Army, so that (though these need to be adjusted that the French enjoyed was their 1st Army now reached a strength for the merging of the Russian leaders’ overall superiority in of about 77,100 and 2nd Army rearguard of Cossacks, Jaeger light military experience and talent. about 41,500. Gen. Barclay’s 1st infantry and a division of 3rd Corps For many years, the French had Army, with nearly two-thirds of back into their parent corps). But been fighting and usually the regular and Cossack troops, individual infantry division winning battles all across included II (Lt. Gen. Baggovut), strengths immediately before the Europe. They drew their III (Lt. Gen. Tuchkov), IV (Lt. battle of Borodino are usually not commanders not just from a Gen Osterman-Tolstoy), V available in either the French or narrow noble class but, thanks to Guards including the 1st Russian records, except for the the French Revolution, from a Cuirassier Div. (Lt. Gen. Lavrov, French Guard divisions and the broader pool of talent in all of temporarily in command in place Russian VIII Corps, and must be French society. Most of the of the Tsar’s brother Grand Duke estimated from the battalion and French commanders, apart from Constantine who was absent in squadron strengths of the the aristocratic Davout, came St. Petersburg), and VI (Gen. individual divisions and the from relatively humble origins, Dokhturov) Corps, and I, II, and overall strengths of their corps. unlike the leaders of the Ancien III Cavalry Corps as well as the Regime armies they faced. The Cossack Corps (Gen. Platov, The French and Allied Army very presence of Napoleon Ataman of the Don Cossacks). exerted a demoralizing influence Gen. Bagration’s 2nd Army, with The French Army of the on his opponents, with his nearly slightly over a third of the 1812 campaign was a remarkably unbroken record of success regulars and Cossacks, included multiethnic force. Though the where he commanded in person, VII (Lt. Gen. Rayevski) and VIII French were of course by far the even if at Borodino he was not at (Lt. Gen. Borozdin) Corps, as largest national contingent, with so his best. And other French corps well as all of its cavalry under much of his army committed to the commanders present at Borodino the command of Lt. Gen. Spanish campaign, Napoleon were likewise respected and Golitsyn, including IV Cavalry could not match the entire Russian feared by their foes. Davout, Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Napoleon’s finest Marshal, and of corpses and tend to wounded The French and allied nearly the equal of the Emperor while the rest of his army pressed infantry was principally divided himself, had long demonstrated on to Moscow after the victory. into line and light infantry his ability to exercise Significantly, unlike the Russians regiments, and at Borodino there independent command. Only he, with their more regular corps were a total of 65 infantry along with Napoleon, has three structure, Napoleon was willing to regiments, including 42 line and steps in the game above the zero vary the strengths of his corps 6 light regiments in the regular level, able to operate on his own considerably to reflect the abilities infantry. The Guard divisions for three hours without resupply. of their commanders. Thus, had a number of unique Napoleon and Davout also enjoy Davout commands by far the most regimental designations of their a command radius of three, able powerful corps at Borodino, and own, and the 17 Guards to command units from three Murat, Eugene and Mortier also regiments at Borodino included 3 areas away, reflecting their high have strong forces. By activating grenadiers, 2 chasseurs, 2 administrative and tactical just these four corps in the game, tirailleurs, 3 voltigeurs, and 2 ability, which no other French the French player can put the large fusiliers, as well as 3 Polish leaders share. Murat, the King of majority of his forces into combat, Legion of the Vistula and 2 Naples, was considered the finest even while the weaker corps of Italian Guard regiments. Various cavalry commander in Europe Ney, Poniatowski and Junot are types of regiments were and a formidable fighter in held back. combined in the divisions, and melee. Most other French The HQ units in the game the number of battalions in them leaders, including Ney, Eugene, principally represent the value of could also vary, from as few as Poniatowski and Mortier, if not the commanders, and their ability two to as many as five in in the same league as Napoleon to inspire and rally troops, though Davout’s powerful divisions. A or Davout, were nonetheless a the Napoleon AHQ had a few regiments were even match for almost any general the significant escort of an infantry represented by just one of their Russians could throw against battalion and a cavalry regiment, battalions. them. Eugene and Poniatowski plus some squadrons added from For the most part the light are good overall commanders in other cavalry regiments. infantry remains combined with the game, and while Ney and its parent divisions in the game. Mortier have shorter command Infantry: However, recognizing that the ranges of 1, reflecting their more French often deployed screens of limited grasp of an overall battle, The French and their allies light voltigeurs to cover areas Ney in particular is a fierce fielded in the Russian campaign 41 unprotected by other forces or to fighter in melee. The one weak infantry divisions, including the provide extra support for the link in Napoleon’s high Old, Middle and Young Guard, the regulars, there are three 1-step command at Borodino was Junot, Legion of the Vistula, the Italian voltigeur units in the game, better now considered half-mad, and Guard, and regular infantry able to engage and retreat only a year away from full divisions numbered from 1-34 quickly than regular infantry. madness and his death by (with no 29th), as well as 3 The voltigeurs, like their Russian jumping from a window. His Austrian divisions. 18 of these Jaeger counterparts, are “double- single step above the zero level, infantry divisions, including four counted” in the game along with reflecting the need for close of the Guard (with the Young the light infantry in their parent supervision, seriously limits the Guard mostly not present), and the divisions, since the voltigeur potential of his Westphalian VIII 1st -5th, 10th- 11th, 13th – 14th, 16th, screens could be formed from Corps, a hard-luck force that 18th, and 23rd-25th, were present any infantry divisions as needed. Napoleon left behind on the for Borodino. battlefield of Borodino to dispose Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

There are 58 steps of mostly be 1 step and in no case including some Italian and French infantry in the game, more than 2 step units and would German guard cavalry regiments apart from the 3 steps of be considerably less effective than mixed with the regulars, a total voltigeur detachments. At 1600 they were in real life, hardly of 84. As with the infantry, a men per step, these 58 steps capable of the feats they few regiments had only one of represent 92,800 men, about 1 accomplished including battering their squadrons present. step more than the actual French their way into the Great Redoubt. There are 23 steps of infantry total of 90,507 reported As in many of the other French cavalry in the game, on Sept. 2. The difference is armies of Europe, the French and which at 1200 men per step mainly due to the addition of a allied cavalry fielded a represents 27,600 men, about one step to the Middle Guard bewildering array of unit types, step less than the actual total of representing a 2000-man brigade including the heavy cuirassiers and 29,219 reported on Sept. 2. The of the Young Guard that had carabiniers, dragoons, hussars, difference mainly reflects the likely arrived by the time of the lancers (or their German handling of IV Cavalry Corps, battle, but was not yet counted in counterparts, uhlans), chasseurs the weakest of the four in the earlier totals. (or their German counterparts, cavalrymen. It was estimated to jaegers-zu-pferde), and light horse have 3200 cavalry for Sept. 2, Cavalry: (chevaux-legers). The cuirassiers, but some sources indicate only carabiniers and dragoons are had about 2600 present for The French and their normally found in the Heavy Borodino, giving it 2 rather than allies had a total of 24 cavalry divisions in the reserve cavalry, 3 steps. This also better fits the divisions in the Russian and the other types in the light and overall Reserve Cavalry strength campaign, including the elite corps cavalry divisions. The elite (with 15,780 cavalry and 1905 cavalry division in the Guard, the Guards, in addition to several of artillerymen on Sept. 2, a total of mainly light cavalry divisions these types, even had their own 13 steps of cavalry, 11 of which attached to each of the other horse grenadiers. Each regiment are accounted for in I, II and III infantry corps, and the total of 11 usually had 4 squadrons, though Cavalry Corps). Here, and also cavalry divisions in the four sometimes only 2 or 3, or as many with the III Corps cavalry, the cavalry corps – 3 each in I, II, as 5 in the Guard. Napoleon’s French cavalry has been rounded and III, and 2 in IV Cavalry cavalry at the time of Borodino, down in close cases to reflect the Corps, numbered Heavy 1-7, and notwithstanding the heavy attrition worse condition of their mounts Light 1-4. 17 of these cavalry already suffered, was still a very by this point in the campaign divisions including the Guard, potent force, and after the disaster compared with the Russians. the corps cavalry of I, III, IV, V, of the Russian winter Napoleon VI (attached to IV Corps, though found these experienced troops The remaining men in the army the rest of the corps was absent), and their mounts the hardest to were in the artillery and train, and VIII Corps, and 10 of the 11 replace. At Borodino, there were totaling 15,391. divisions in the cavalry corps (all 6 regiments of cavalry in the except 3rd Heavy) were also French Guard (1 dragoon, 1 present for Borodino. In the chasseur, 1 grenadier, 2 lancer, game, the corps cavalry divisions and 1 gendarmarie), as well as 19 are shown separately, but the 10 chasseur and 2 jaeger-zu-pferde, divisions forming the four 14 lancer, 11 hussar, 9 chevaux- cavalry corps are combined into leger, 6 dragoon (inc. 2 Italian their parent corps to show the full Guard), 2 carabinier, and 15 effect of the massed French cuirassier (including 1 Saxon cavalry; separately, they would gardes du corps) regiments, Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

The following table shows the strengths of the French and allied • 6 guns were in a horse corps at the outset of the Russian campaign, and the strength that battery supporting the each of the ones that fought at Borodino had available there as of corps cavalry divisions of Sept. 2 for the battle. The French corps that fought at Borodino, I and III Corps. beginning with a total of 298,873 men and 682 guns, was reduced to a total of 135,117 men and 587 guns by the time of the battle, 45.2% The infantry, cavalry, and of their starting manpower and 86.1% of their artillery. artillery/train manpower in each of the French corps at Borodino,

based on the Sept. 2 muster (with Corps Men June Guns Men Sept. 1812 Guns % starting arrival of detachments), were as 1812 June Sept. strength follows: (see 2nd table below) 1812 1812 men/guns Guard 47,283 112 18,849 109 39%/97% Of the corps present at I 72,051 150 40,392 147 56%/98% Borodino, the Guard, IV and V II 37,139 92 Not present Corps, and III Cavalry Corps had III 39,342 86 13,186 69 + 6* 33%/87% the largest share of their forces IV 45,798 116 25,021 88 55%/76% missing at the time of the battle. V 36,311 70 10,328 50 28%/71% Guard: The Hessian Guard VI 25,134 55 Not present Regiment had been left at Vilna VII 17,194 50 Not present and the Guard Flankers Regiment VIII 17,935 34 9,656 30 54%/88% of the Middle Guard at IX 33,567 80 Not present Smolensk, 6 of the 12 battalions X 32,497 84 Not present of the Polish Vistula Legion were XI 50,700 60 Not present detached, and of the Young est. Guard, at least a full brigade of Austrian 34,148 60 Not present three regiments was still en route from Smolensk, with no more I Cavalry 12,077 30 5,159 25 43%/83% than one brigade present at II 10,436 30 5,343 29 51%/97% Borodino. That brigade, which Cavalry would only be a 1 step unit by III 9,676 30 3,583 10 37%/33% itself in game terms, has been Cavalry combined with the Middle Guard IV 7,964 24 3,600 24 45%/100% Division. Cavalry I Corps: One regiment of the 4th
Division, 33rd Light, had been Corps Infantry Cavalry Artillery/Train left behind in Minsk and Guard 11,562 4,000 3,287 Smolensk, so that this division is I 36,625 1,206 3,161 weaker than the others in the III 9,831 1,908 1,536 corps. A few infantry battalions IV (inc. VI corps cav.) 18,753 3,492 2,776 of regiments from minor German V 6,896 1,638 1,794 states were also left behind in VIII 7,440 1,195 1,021 garrisons, so that some German I Cavalry 4,474 685 regiments attached to this corps II Cavalry 4,660 683 are represented at Borodino by III Cavalry 3,446 137 single battalions. The corps IV Cavalry 3,200 400 cavalry division of I Corps, which would only be a 1 step Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) unit in game terms by itself, has most of the others. The corps The Russian Army been combined with the corps cavalry unit also includes the cavalry of III Corps, so that I cavalry of the Italian Guard. The Russian Army of Corps is the only French corps V Corps: The Polish 17th 1812 was a considerably more that does not have its own corps Division (Dombrowski), with four homogenous force than the cavalry division appearing in the regiments and its divisional guns, Grande Armée, with all of its game OB. Both of these cavalry was detached, busy pursuing regular soldiers subjects of the divisions historically fought partisans and protecting lines of Tsar and principally ethnic together at Borodino under communication, and another Russians, Ukrainians or Murat’s command and are regiment from 16th Division had Byelorussians, though there were sometimes mingled in French OB been left behind as well, as well as some more exotic nationalities data. 4 cavalry squadrons, leaving the thrown into the mix from the III Corps: The corps cavalry Polish corps weak with only two borderlands of the Russian division, which would only be a infantry divisions of three Empire. At the level of the 1 step unit in game terms, has regiments each. officer corps, though, there was a been reinforced with the still VIII Corps: Its two Westphalian significant contingent of smaller cavalry division of I infantry divisions, the 23rd and foreigners, especially Germans, Corps to make them into a single 24th, are combined in the game in the service of the Tsar, having 2 step unit. III Corps had three into one unit, since the 24th had left their own conquered infantry divisions, but one of only four battalions and no homelands. Among these the them, the 25th Wuerttemberg, had regiments by this point and by most famous name is Clausewitz, been so heavily reduced by this itself would have just one step; the at the time serving on the staff of time that its several regiments two divisions fought alongside the Russian I Cavalry Corps, had been turned into a single during the battle. This corps had giving him an opportunity to regiment of three provisional left significant numbers of troops participate in the battle of battalions, with only about 2000 in garrisons behind its advance. Borodino. Many other high- men remaining; this unit, which III Cavalry Corps: One of its ranking officers with non- would have only 1 step on its cavalry divisions, the 3rd Heavy, Russian ancestry, including own, has been combined with the was detached with 4 regiments, Barclay (Scottish), Baggovut 10th Division, alongside which it including 16 squadrons and 12 (Norwegian) and Bagration (a fought during the battle. III guns, to Oudinot’s II Corps, Georgian prince), actually came Corps had also detached the causing this cavalry corps to be from lands under the rule of the Illyrian Regiment from 11th missing a larger part of its starting Tsar but could still seem Division, and the 129th Regiment strength than the others. “foreign”; the Baltic provinces from 10th Division. IV Cavalry Corps: This corps, from which Barclay hailed were IV Corps: The Italian 15th which had one less cavalry still culturally distinct, with their Division (Pino) only arrived with division than the other three at the German-speaking nobility. its five regiments and divisional start, had also detached one guns on the evening of Sept. 7, brigade of 3 Polish regiments with HQs (Leaders): too late to fight. On the plus side, 9-12 squadrons to support IV Corps had been able to Dombrowski’s division chasing The Russian officer corps, drawn borrow the Bavarian cavalry of partisans, making it the weakest of very heavily from the nobility, had the VI Corps, even though the the four in cavalry strength a narrower pool of talent than the infantry of that corps was (though it had slightly more men French, and was also often seen as detached in support of Oudinot, than III Cavalry in the Sept. 2 less professional, notably by the making the corps cavalry of IV totals due to its larger artillery Germans who came to Russia as Corps (Ornano) stronger than contingent). advisers to the Tsar. Though the Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) average ability of the Russian generals who showed their ability battalion for Bagration’s AHQ. commanders was not as high as to command over wider areas the French, as reflected by their (Dokhturov even replaced Infantry: ratings in the game, nonetheless Bagration in command of 2nd the Russians do have a number of Army). Some of the Russian Of the 51 infantry divisions in reasonably able generals, and generals, like Rayevski, Tuchkov, the Russian Army in 1812, 30 most of them, except Borozdin, and Osterman-Tolstoi, are good were formed from the Guard and had fought against Napoleon fighters as they demonstrated at regular regiments of the army, before. None of them enjoy the Borodino. The weak link on the and can be considered front-line three steps of Napoleon or Russian side is Lavrov, with only formations in every sense. These Davout, and only Barclay de 1 step above zero; he normally were the Guard, 1st Grenadier, Tolly shares their command commanded the Guards division 2nd Grenadier, 3rd through 27th, radius of 3. Kutuzov, though the but was temporarily filling in for 1st Combined Grenadier, and 2nd overall army commander and a Grand Duke Constantine, and Combined Grenadier divisions. competent general, was rather during the battle was reported as The Combined Grenadiers lethargic during the battle and being paralyzed under fire. divisions were unique took a less active role, while Unfortunately for the Russians, he formations, without regiments of Barclay was always in the thick does not command a weak corps their own and taking their of the action, having several like Junot but the invaluable V battalions from elite Grenadier horses shot from under him. Guard Corps, and historically companies of the other regular Barclay, the Russian War Barclay and Kutuzov often divisions; all of the other Minister, was rather unique in the stepped in directly to deploy his divisions at Borodino, apart from Russian high command. He had, forces. As a result of the Russian the Guards, contributed usually like many of the French, risen command structure, with more and two and at least one battalion to from a relatively humble station smaller corps reflecting the more the Combined Grenadiers. The to the highest levels by his own limited abilities of generals, and Guard and four Grenadier merit, and through impressing the multiple army commands, the divisions were all elite units, the Tsar with his considerable Russians are able to bring even though the Grenadiers were administrative skills, thus considerably less of their forces considered part of the regular exciting the jealousy of many into action during any game turn army, and all were present for other generals. Bagration is the than the French. This compels Borodino, along with the 3rd – fiercest fighting general on the them to play a more defensive role 4th, 7th, 11th – 12th, 17th, 23rd – Russian side, a match for Murat and they are generally only able to 24th, and 26th – 27th Divisions, or Ney, and though he had never counterattack on a single front. with the other regular divisions been wounded in battle before, This was true in the historical in the other armies and corps he paid the price for his battle as well. elsewhere. The remaining 21 aggressiveness at Borodino when As with the French, the infantry divisions, 28th through he fell in the fighting for the main strength of the HQ units in 48th, were formed from reserve Fleches and Semyonovskoye. the game derives from the abilities troops – depot battalions of Most of the other Russian of the commanders themselves, regular regiments and garrisons – generals have at least the two but the Russians also had escort and were not usually as strong as steps needed to conduct a troops for the AHQs detached the front-line formations. None respectable defense, though their from the main army – 2 infantry of them were used at Borodino, command ranges are usually battalions, 2 cavalry regiments and though some saw action on short, only 1. Dokhturov and a Cossack regiment for Kutuzov’s secondary fronts. The Russian Platov are the exceptions with and Barclay’s AHQs, and a infantry corps typically had two command ranges of 2, as full Cossack regiment and a militia infantry divisions each, though Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) the VIII Corps at Borodino had Jaeger units in the game that can equipment of these recently three. be commanded by any HQ, even raised troops (many had just The Russian regular though the Jaeger regiments are pikes), only about half of them, infantry had 170 regiments, normally operating with their around 15,000, performed in a including 96 infantry regiments, parent infantry divisions. These combat role at Borodino, with the 50 Jaeger light infantry Jaeger detachments, as with the rest in various noncombatant regiments, 14 grenadier French voltigeurs, are “double- roles, helping to build redoubts, regiments, 6 Guard regiments counted” with the Jaeger carry away wounded, etc. Those (including 1 Guard Jaeger) and 4 regiments in the infantry divisions that fought were initially held in marine regiments. All of the since these screens could be reserve along the Old Smolensk Guard, 12 of the Grenadier, 39 of formed from any infantry division Road behind III Corps on Sept. the infantry and 19 of the Jaeger with Jaegers in it. 7th, but eventually were used to regiments were present for In the game, there are 47 aid in the defense of the Utitskii Borodino, a total of 66. The steps of Guard and regular Kurgan. structure of the Russian infantry infantry, excluding the 3 steps of There are 9 steps of divisions was more consistent “double-counted” Jaeger Russian militia infantry in the than in the French army, with a detachments. At 1600 men per game, at 1600 men per step a normal infantry division having step, the regular and Guard total of 14,400, which reasonably four infantry and two Jaeger infantry total are 75,200, closely corresponds to the half of the regiments of two battalions each, matching the actual Russian corps militia that actually were while the Grenadier divisions had infantry strength of about 75,300 available to fight. six grenadier regiments of two men. battalions each, and the Guards The Russian militia Cavalry: infantry division had all six of (opolcheniye) at Borodino were the guards regiments, but at from Moscow, formed into three The Russian army had increased strength with three divisions (1st-3rd) with 8 regiments fewer cavalry divisions than the battalions each. The typical of jaegers and infantry and 32 French, largely because the Russian regular infantry battalions, and from Smolensk, masses of Cossacks were not divisions all have 3 steps in the formed into 11 battalion-like formed into divisions. The 19 game, but two are weaker with 2 “districts.” In the game, the three cavalry divisions included the steps, the 23rd which was missing Moscow militia divisions, which Guard cavalry, 1st and 2nd two of the normal six regiments, were of widely differing strengths, Cuirassiers, and the 1st – 8th and the 3rd, which had been have been merged into Moscow 1 Divisions formed from regular weakened during its rearguard and 2, given that it is not clear how cavalry regiments, as well as the role. Two Russian divisions are many of the regiments of each 9th – 16th Divisions consisting of also stronger, the relatively fresh division actually fought. These reserve squadrons. Unlike the 27th at 4 steps, which had come troops were motivated to defend French army, with multiple from Moscow at the start of the their homeland, but ill-trained and cavalry divisions in each cavalry campaign, and the powerful ill-armed with a mixture of corps, the Russians normally had Guards with 6 step thanks to their muskets and pikes. Of the 12,530 just one cavalry division in each extra battalions, with the greatest Smolensk militia available for corps – at Borodino, I Cavalry total firepower (steps x fire Borodino, about 2000 were left Corps had most of the Guards rating) of any unit in the game. nearby at Mozhaisk with 10,000 cavalry division with the rest in Like the French, the Russians present on the field, while 20,748- 1st Cuirassiers, and II, III and IV also occasionally deployed large 21,694 Moscow militia were Cavalry respectively had the 2nd - screens of light infantry Jaeger present with another several 4th Divisions, each consisting of regiments, reflected by the three thousand en route. But given the several regiments. But each Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Russian infantry corps normally other Asiatic nationalities thrown At least 5600 and likely between had a large regiment of regular in – Bashkirs, Tatars, and 6000-7000 of these were with cavalry attached as well, and Kalmucks. They were not formed Platov’s Cossack Corps (the 1 before the battle of Borodino into regular divisions, with their and 2 Cossacks units, with a those attached regiments were highest formations normally combined total of 14 regiments), removed and merged with the regiments and occasionally and 3016 with 2nd Army (the 3 cavalry corps to beef them up for brigades, though for the 1812 Cossacks unit, with 8 regiments), action, raising most of the campaign an entire Cossack Corps while there were two more cavalry corps from 2 steps in was formed under the Ataman of regiments of about 400 men each game terms to 3. Only the 2nd the Don Cossacks, Platov. These as AHQ escorts, one each with Cavalry Corps remained weaker, horsemen were superb at scouting, 1st and 2nd Army. Each of the for while it was reinforced from skirmishing and raiding, readily three Cossack units in the game the corps too it also had to give able on their light mounts to represents somewhat over 3000 up two of its normal regiments to traverse all terrain, but preferred to men rounded up to 3 steps. The serve as AHQ escort. avoid close combat and avoided Cossack force has often been The Russian regular head-on attacks against organized underestimated, in part because cavalry had 66 regiments, infantry, making themselves there is no contemporaneous including 6 Guards, 8 cuirassier, scarce when artillery came into separate total for all the Cossacks 36 dragoon, 11 hussar, and 5 play. For Borodino, 24 of these at Borodino in the Russian uhlans (lancers). All of the Cossack regiments were present, records -- parts of them are Guards and cuirassier regiments out of the 83 Cossack and other grouped with advanced guards or were present for Borodino (four irregular regiments that had been other detachments. of the Guards regiments in I present with the Russian army at The remaining 16,000 Cavalry Corps, and the two the start of the campaign (60 Don men in the regular army are heavier Guards regiments in 1st Cossacks, 14 other Cossacks, and accounted for by the artillery and Cuirassiers), along with 13 9 non-Cossack irregulars) and 67 train, including HQ staff and dragoon regiments, 6 hussar later raised. The great majority of escorts, pioneers and regiments and one of uhlans, a the Cossacks at Borodino were pontooniers. These men, total of 34. The Russian cavalry from the Don, a total of 16 together with the 75,200 infantry, regiments normally had four regiments, as was true of the 18,000 cavalry and 10,800 squadrons in the field, but the Cossacks overall, but there were Cossacks in the steps represented hussars and uhlans were double- also 3 Bug and 1 Teptyarsk in the game, bring the total for strength with 8 squadrons. Cossack regiments, as well as 1 the Russian army other than the In the game, there are 15 Bashkir, 2 Tatar, and 1 Kalmuck militia to 120,000, no more than steps of Russian regular or regiments. The Cossacks 1400 above the actual overall Guards cavalry, which at 1200 typically had 5 “sotnias” strength of about 118,600 for the men per step totals 18,000 men. (hundreds) in place of squadrons Russians (due to rounding off). This corresponds well to the in each regiment, while one With the combatant part of the actual Russian regular corps reinforced Ataman regiment had militia, the Russians are about cavalry strength of about 17,500 7-10. even in numbers with the French. men at Borodino (18,500 with In the game, there are 9 Though there is no single attached artillery). steps of Cossack cavalry, which at tally of manpower for the Russian The most colorful 1200 men per step total 10,800 forces at the time of Borodino, a element of the Russian army was men, reasonably corresponding to good estimate of the actual its irregular cavalry, primarily the total number of about 10,000 Russian strength can be derived st Cossacks from the Don, Ukraine, Cossacks and other irregular from the records of 1 Army and nd Siberia and other areas, with cavalry in the field at Borodino. partial ones for 2 Army Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

As of Sept. 5, 1812, 1st Army recorded these corps strengths: of the attached cavalry were removed from the infantry corps Corps Manpower Infantry Battalions Cavalry Squadrons and added to the cavalry corps, (excluding militia) (including Cossacks) except the 20 squadrons of I Cavalry 2434 20 (+8 added from cavalry attached to the Guard in infantry corps before 1st Cuirassier Division, adding 33 battle) nd rd squadrons to the cavalry corps. 2 and 3 3439 31 (+25 added from In addition, a large part of the Cavalry infantry corps before corps artillery was taken away battle) Advanced 15,370 25 (inc. 11 reg. inf. 98 (inc. 26 Cossacks and aggregated in army reserves, nd and there was also some shifting Guard returned to III returned to 2 Army st nd Corps, 6 Comb. before battle, rest of of guns between 1 and 2 st Gren. to V Corps, 8 Cossacks, 72, with Armies, with the 1 Army jaegers to VI Platov) reserve getting the bulk of the Corps) horse artillery. The Advanced II Corps 11,452 24 6.5 (transferred to Guard, which had been covering cavalry before the army’s retreat along the New battle) Smolensk Post Highway, was III Corps 6,791 12 (+11 added from 7.5 (transferred to also recombined with its parent Advanced Guard, + cavalry before corps just before the battle after 1 sent to AHQ) battle) its task was complete. This force IV Corps 10,468 21 (inc. one Comb. 5.5 (transferred to Gren., other Comb. cavalry before appears to have included (1) all of the 72 squadrons of Cossacks Gren. sent to AHQ) battle) st V Guards 17,260 22 (+6 Comb. 28 (20 retained, 8 with Platov in 1 Army, (2) 26 Corps Gren. added from transferred to squadrons of Cossacks returned nd Advanced Guard) cavalry before to 2 Army before the battle (out battle) of 31 that had been borrowed VI Corps 8,465 16 (+8 added from 6 (transferred to from 2nd Army for the Advanced Advanced Guard) cavalry before Guard, 5 of which stayed with 1st battle) Army), (3) 11 battalions of the Total 75,542 120 (+2 at AHQ = 202.5 (-26 returned rd nd 3 Infantry Division in III Corps (with about 122) to 2 Army; + 13 (the 12th battalion was detached 2000 of sent to AHQ = as an AHQ escort), (4) the four these 189.5) Jaeger regiments of VI Corps returned to 2nd Army with 8 battalions, and (5) 6 from the battalions of Combined st Advanced Grenadiers from the 1 Guard) Combined Grenadiers Division. st

The artillery strength of 1 Army
The totals in this Sept. 5 tally do not count AHQ staffs, escort was given as 432 guns, including troops detached from corps (2 infantry battalions, 2 cavalry regiments 144 position guns (12 batteries), with 4 squadrons each, and a Cossack regiment of 5 squadrons, added 212 light guns (18 batteries, one to the chart), and attached pioneer and pontoonier companies in 1st below full strength with 8 guns), Army and Kutuzov’s AHQs, accounting for some 3500 more men. and 76 horse guns (7 batteries, Nor does this tally reflect the substantial reorganization that took place including the two in the Guard just before the battle (as shown in the parentheticals in the table). All with only 8 guns each). Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

For 2nd Army, the composition of VIII Corps is known in detail The two armies together, for each division as of the start of the battle, and data for the other with HQ escorts, fielded 181 corps is available or can be estimated: infantry battalions of regulars and Guards, 164 cavalry squadrons of regulars and Corps/Division Manpower Infantry Cavalry Guards, and 122 Cossack sotnias Battalions Squadrons (excluding (including (squadron equivalents), with 53 militia) Cossacks) batteries of artillery (+1 in VII Corps 12,500 est., inc. 24 reserve at Mozhaisk, not artillery counted). The combined strength VIII Corps total 17,410, inc. artillery of the two armies apart from - 27th Division 6112 (excl. artillery) 12 militia was about 118,600, - 2nd Grenadier Div. 5136 (excl. artillery) 12 including about 75,300 infantry, - 2nd Comb.Gren. 4912 (excl. artillery) 11 17,500 cavalry (not counting Div. artillery attached to the infantry - Artillery 1250 est. (1058 on 9/7, and cavalry), 9,800 Cossack and in 6 batteries) other irregular cavalry (other nd 2 Cuirassier Div. 2800 est. 20 than those in the artillery and IV Cavalry 4300 est., inc. artillery 32 (inc. 8 HQs), 10,000 in the army-level added from artillery reserves and train, HQ VII Corps before staff and escorts, and 6000 battle) artillery and train still with the Cossacks 3016 (+400 est. at 40 (includes corps. AHQ) 14 +26 The final organization of others the two armies at the time of the returned battle is shown in the OB tables from 1st at the end, matching the Army individual units in the game to Advanced the names of the regiments, and Guard, +5 at numbers of battalions or AHQ) squadrons and artillery batteries, Total 40,026 (40,426) 59 92 (97) included in them.

nd These totals include (in parentheticals) the AHQ escort in 2 The Role of Artillery Army of one Cossack regiment of 5 squadrons (though not the militia at Borodino battalion attached to AHQ). However, they do not reflect the AHQ staff, pioneers and pontooniers, which probably added another 1100 Players of Borodino 1812 nd men to the total. The 2 Army had the remainder of the 624 guns have recognized the power of the before the battle, including 5 position batteries (60 guns), 5 light artillery of the two armies in the batteries (60 guns), and 6 horse batteries (72 guns), a total of 192, with game – and that is as it should 2 heavy, 3 light and 1 horse batteries in VIII Corps. By comparison, in be. Napoleon called Borodino nd late August 2 Army was known to have had 54 position guns (4.5 the “most terrible” of all his batteries), 72 light guns (6 batteries), and 48 horse guns (4 batteries). battles, and September 7 saw the With the reorganization before the battle some of these guns were largest casualties of any single nd shifted around between the two armies, and 2 Army ended up with day in the Napoleonic Wars. It only 186 guns and considerably fewer horse batteries. was largely the predominance of artillery at Borodino that caused Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) caused this, as the ratio of guns in reserve at Mozhaisk). The usually with the heavier guns in to men was one of the highest in 285,000 men on the Borodino corps reserves while the lighter any Napoleonic battle. battlefield and 1211 guns result in foot and horse batteries were The French and Russians a ratio of only 235 men per gun. attached to the infantry divisions, began the campaign with very And this artillery was intensely with a battery each of foot and large numbers of artillery, but not used as well – the French horse guns with each division. an unusual ratio of guns to men. estimated that they fired about A French foot battery would Napoleon’s forces available for 60,000 artillery rounds, and the typically have 6 cannon (either the campaign at the start massed Russians, who used their artillery heavy 12 pounders or the lighter a close to 1400 guns – various less efficiently, still managed 6 pounders) and 2 howitzers, and sources give 1372, 1393, or about 40,000. In the other major a French horse battery 4 cannon 1412. Compared with the battles of the Napoleonic Wars, (6 pounders) and 2 howitzers. 675,000 men Napoleon had the ratio of guns to men was Some of the French allies available, this was about 485 typically much lower. At followed the French men per gun, taking the middle Austerlitz, with 158,400 men on organization, while others of the range for the gun total. both sides and 417 guns, there differed in battery strengths. The Russians had even more were 380 men per gun; at Jena- And just as the French corps guns available among all their Auerstadt, with 247,760 men on varied considerably in size, so scattered forces, a total of 1484 both sides and 441 guns, there did their artillery contingents, all in 124 batteries, which compared were 335 men per gun; and at the way from the 147 guns with the 623,000 regulars and Wagram, with 328,200 men on Davout controlled in I Corps to Cossacks available yields 418 both sides and 1031 guns, there the mere 30 Junot had in VIII men per gun. These ratios were 318 men per gun. Indeed, in Corps. In the game, however, all appear similar to other some of the battles in Spain, the of this artillery is massed at the Napoleonic campaigns and artillery played an extremely corps level, following the battles. For example, in the 1815 minor role compared with Napoleonic principle of massing Waterloo campaign, the three Borodino. At Talavera, with of guns into grand batteries, to armies had 362,000 men and 894 110,579 men in the French, British allow its full effect to be felt in guns together, a ratio of 405 men and Spanish armies and 126-142 battle. Indeed, Napoleon per gun. guns, the ratio of men to guns was regularly made coordinated use But by the time of between 715-806. of the guns of multiple corps to Borodino, though attrition, battle get the most powerful artillery losses and detachments had French Artillery: effect – for example, in his dramatically reduced the strength bombardment of the Fleches of the French corps in the battle On the French side at Borodino, redoubts, he employed guns from to an average of only 45% of the the principal gun types were 12 the Guard, I Corps and III Corps. manpower they had at the start of pounders, 6 pounders (used by Given that almost all of the campaign, the French had both foot and horse artillery), the corps had mixed types of done a much better job of howitzers, and 3 or 4 pounder guns guns, the artillery units are also preserving their artillery forces, used for regimental infantry classified in the game according and still had 86% of the guns support (usually 2 per regiment to the predominant types of guns with which those corps began the where available at all, but 4 per in them, even though other types campaign – 587 out of the regiment in Davout’s well- are also included. Heavy original 682. The Russian equipped I Corps). Apart from artillery units always contain artillery force was also still the 3-4 pounders, the artillery was some 12 pounders, generally largely intact, with 624 guns on organized in batteries at the 50% or more, but usually have the battlefield (and another 12 divisional and corps reserve levels, some lighter guns too. These Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) units, in the game, are the least about 3 foot or 4 horse batteries. Had the Russians stuck with this mobile, unable to move into a The French have about 2/3 of their structure for the battle, each battle but only bombard from an horse guns represented in horse Russian infantry corps would adjoining area, or defend. Light artillery steps, with the rest mixed have had 3 steps of artillery in artillery units are mainly light into light artillery units in the support in the game, much as the foot artillery but often have some corps. Guard does. But just before the horse guns, or regimental 3 or 4 battle, the Russians decided on a pounders mixed in. They can Russian Artillery: major reorganization of their move into battle, but, like heavy artillery, massing a large part of guns, not retreat from battles in In the Russian army, the the guns at the army level to the first round. Finally, the artillery organization was more create artillery reserves directly horse artillery units – which are logical, reflecting the reforms under the command of Barclay either pure horse guns as in undertaken by Barclay and others and Bagration. Horse guns Murat’s cavalry, or at most have before the 1812 campaign to (except in the Guard) only a smaller number of light foot establish more systematic corps remained at the corps level in guns mixed in as in IV Corps – structures. The Russians had support of cavalry units, with are the most mobile, able both to three standard types of batteries, many going into the 1st Army move into a battle and to each with 12 guns regardless of reserve, and each of the infantry disengage easily in the first type. The horse batteries corps gave up in theory two- round. contained 8 6 pounders and 4 10 thirds of their foot batteries as With 587 guns, at 24 guns pounder “licorne” howitzers, while well to the army reserves, even per step the French have 24 steps the two types of foot batteries, though some of them were of artillery in the game, and the position and light, similarly reinforced again as battle neared individual corps artillery contained 8 guns and 4 howitzers, or appear to have retained more strengths generally match the 24 but in the light batteries the gun of their guns in practice. This guns per step standard as well. types tracked the horse batteries, decision weakened the artillery of Only Davout’s I Corps artillery, while the heavy position batteries all of the corps apart from the at 5 steps, appears a step weaker contained 8 12 pounders and 4 20 Guard, leaving them in game than the 6 steps it would pounder “licorne” howitzers. Each terms with only one step of normally be expected to have corps normally had two artillery artillery (III, VII Corps) or at most with 147 guns. That is because brigades in support, one for each two (II, IV, VI, VIII Corps). In of the large number of less of the two divisions, and each return, Bagration ended up with 4 effective regimental 3 pounders containing three batteries (often steps of artillery in game terms in I Corps’ artillery; taking a step one position and two light). The under his direct control, 3 light and from Davout’s light artillery infantry corps could also have a 1 heavy (half the guns in his army, out of 8 steps, or 9 after adding III brings the French overall total of horse artillery battery, and the Corps), and Barclay similarly artillery steps to what it should cavalry corps also typically had a horse artillery battery attached. ended up with 7 steps of artillery be and avoids overvaluing the in game terms under his control (3 power of the I Corps guns. The Only the Russian Guard was somewhat unusual in artillery light, 1 heavy and 3 horse), which, French have 7 heavy, 11 light, added to the 3 steps of Guard and 6 horse artillery steps in their support, with two position batteries, two light batteries, and also two artillery that were in reserve with total of 24, reasonably the entire Guard corps at the start, corresponding to the totals of gun horse batteries (with only 8 guns each), plus two 3 pounders in the meant that more than half of the types, though the French army st Army was in reserve Marine Guard Equipage battalion, a artillery of 1 had 39 foot and 36 horse (10 out of 18 steps, counting type that had otherwise been batteries. Each French artillery Tuchkov’s III Corps with 1st Army abolished from the Russian artillery. step, with 24 guns, represents at the start). Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

The artillery reserve With 624 guns, at 24 guns strategies, and better show the concept, though attractive in per step, the Russians have 26 strategies of the commanders and theory as a way to match steps of artillery in the game, what underlay them. Napoleon’s massing of guns into exactly as they should. Each step There are three principal grand batteries (and one the of 24 guns equals two full-strength roads running from east to west Russians have often used Russian batteries, and the Russians across the battlefield, which do throughout history, as with their had 17 position batteries, 23 light not differ from the much more massive artillery reserve corps in batteries, and 13 horse batteries. extensive network of minor roads World War II), did not work out The types of Russian artillery steps for movement purposes, but do so well here in practice. match the battery types almost affect supply (they would have Bagration – who in game terms is exactly, with 9 heavy steps, 12 been more useful for baggage at least able to command both of light steps and 5 horse steps. The trains). The main New Smolensk his artillery units at full strength lower total for horse artillery steps Post Highway is in the center, – was mortally wounded by is due to the two 8-gun Guard coming from Smolensk and midday, and with his AHQ out of horse artillery batteries being heading toward the town of action, Dokhturov’s CHQ had to merged into the Guard artillery Mozhaisk and on to Moscow take over responsibility for the unit, which is classified as light on (with two supply points for both 2nd Army reserve. And average since it also mixes light sides in the game at either end). Barclay’s total army reserve, and heavy batteries. To the south, the Old Smolensk with the three artillery units and Road enters at Yelnya to the three cavalry corps, is far more The Field of Borodino west, and exits to the east nearly than he can possibly command and the Strategies of in parallel and just below the on any one turn in the game; Napoleon and Kutuzov New Smolensk Post Highway, even with Kutuzov’s help, two of heading toward Mozhaisk and the six units would be out of The Borodino battlefield in Moscow. Finally, the third main command and have to act as 1812 was a region of well-settled road enters at Gryaz to the north, stragglers, if at all. It was not countryside with numerous and then heads west and supposed to be that way. But villages (some of which appear for southward, nearly joining with Barclay’s commander of the 1st the first time in any Borodino the New Smolensk Post Highway Army artillery reserve, the young game on Columbia’s map, thanks at one point where it becomes the Maj. Gen. Kutaisov, managed to to new historical research), lying Old Ruzskaya Road, and get himself killed early in the just to the west of the Moskva continuing east to cross the battle on Sept. 7, acting entirely River. Most are smaller villages, Moskva river, heading on toward outside his proper role by though three shown on the map the town of Ruza and then enthusiastically leading a were larger, including Borodino, Moscow. This road is often bayonet counterattack. His Yelnya and Utitsa (as well as overlooked in descriptions of the death is assumed and he is not Uspenskoye just off the map to the battle, but research has shown depicted in the game as a result – east), but on the scale of this game that it was important for the could one imagine any sensible the varying sizes of the villages do advance of the parallel column of player using his artillery reserve not have different effects. Eugene’s IV Corps to the north commander that way? Due to his The game designers have of Napoleon’s main force. Each loss, the main Russian artillery opted for more of a north-south of these other two main roads has reserve was not properly orientation of the map, rather than one supply point for either side at coordinated as the Russians had the east-west orientation that each end. planned, and a number of appears in most Borodino games, The Kolocha River, a batteries were not even brought to afford maximum opportunity tributary of the Moskva, runs into action. for maneuver and flanking from the west across the Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) battlefield, and then turns of three redoubts near the village Davout proposed a major northward after passing Borodino of Maslovo. This last, seemingly flanking effort to the south, on or village to join with the Moskva. isolated position behind the below the Old Smolensk Road, Both rivers could form Russian lines offers a key insight with both the I Corps and the significant obstacles to to how Kutuzov expected to fight Polish V Corps, which would movement, particularly with the the battle. He initially anticipated have had to negotiate some Kolocha’s ravine near Borodino that Napoleon would try to cross difficult terrain but held out the and the high banks on the eastern the Kolocha river near to its prospect of cutting the Russians side of the Kolocha east of confluence with the Moskva, and off from two of their main supply Borodino, but are fordable at sweep along the west bank of the roads leading to the town of several points, with a bridge also Moskva to cut the Russians off Mozhaisk, and trapping them crossing the Kolocha on the New from their supply sources, forcing against the Moskva. But Smolensk Post Highway at them away from Moscow. At the Napoleon rejected this Borodino. outset, Kutuzov did not foresee alternative, which would have On the southern edge of any significant French attack along put part of his army well out of the battlefield, forests and the Old Smolensk Road, and did reach of support from the rest. swamps traversed by only one not deploy any regular troops that The Emperor chose significant road, the Old far south until after the opening instead to concentrate his main Smolensk Road, made it difficult battle on Sept. 5. effort against the Russian 2nd though not impossible to flank Napoleon was happy to Army on the center-left, first the Russian position. The most encourage this misperception. clearing the Shevardino Redoubt vulnerable points were in the His armies, advancing in three to link up his army, and then clear areas just south of the columns, were well positioned to driving with the main remaining Kolocha, and there the Russians attack on either the northern or force of I Corps, III Corps, part improved their position with southern flank, or in the center, of IV Corps, and the Cavalry several redoubts – the hilltop with an effort in any direction able Reserve against the Fleches and Shevardino Redoubt furthest to to be reinforced from the main the Great Redoubt. He aimed to the west, and closer together and body on the New Smolensk Post crush 2nd Army before Kutuzov able to support each other, the Highway. Napoleon rejected realized what Napoleon was three arrow-shaped Fleches making his main effort in the about, and could reinforce 2nd redoubts as well as the hilltop north, which would require him to Army by redeploying the corps Great Redoubt, protecting the force the Kolocha against the of 1st Army. VIII Corps, initially Russian left and center. Behind strong opposition of 1st Army, but planned as a reserve for III Corps these redoubts lay the he kept Eugene’s IV Corps in the center, was eventually Semyonovskaya Heights, deployed in the north to focus shifted southward to reinforce the affording the Russians an Russian attention there, and even Poles, while the Guard formed elevated position for artillery reinforced it on Sept. 7 with two of the ultimate reserve, to be used, supporting their defense and for Davout’s five infantry divisions, apart from its artillery, only if counterattacking reserves. On the 1st and 3rd (in the game, players essential. With this decision to the Gorki hill that Kutuzov chose can decide whether to reassign make a frontal assault, relying on for his headquarters, with a good those two divisions to strengthen the artillery, cavalry and tactical view of the battlefield, a smaller the northern flank, or keep skill of the French commanders redoubt-like artillery position Davout’s powerful I Corps intact). to prevail, the stage was set for was also built, and furthest to the Eugene would use these borrowed one of the bloodiest of east, between the Moskva river divisions to the fullest, risking Napoleon’s battles. and the Maslovskii Forest, the them more than his own troops. Russians built another complex Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

The Armies at Borodino Compared The French advantage comes from concentration of their corps Formations French and Russians and superior leadership, allowing Allies more troops to be commanded by Infantry Corps 6 7 fewer leaders. If the French and Cavalry Corps 4 5 (including 1 Cossack) Russians both use four supply Infantry Divisions 18 15 + 3 militia points to activate their four Cavalry Divisions 17 6 strongest corps – Guard, I, IV Infantry Regiments 65 76 + 8 militia and Cavalry Reserve plus Cavalry Regiments 84 34 + 24 Cossack, irregular voltigeurs for the French, and V nd Infantry Battalions 214 (out of 556 181 + 43 militia Guard, VIII, 2 Army Cavalry, whole army) and either II or VI plus militia Cavalry Squadrons 312 (out of 480 164 + 122 Cossack, irregular and Jaegers for the Russians – whole army) the French are able to bring 74% Artillery Batteries 75 53 (including 2 Cossack) of their steps and 76% of their Total Guns 587 624 firepower into action, while the Russians can only bring 47% of French and Russian Steps and Firepower in Borodino 1812 their steps and 49% of their firepower into action. The Unit Types French Russian Steps French Russian difference between being able to Steps Firepower Firepower deploy three-quarters of the Infantry 61 59 (inc. 9 mil.) 137 125 French strength, and slightly Cavalry 23 24 (inc. 9 Coss.) 60 48 under half of the Russian Artillery 24 26 60 64 strength, for the same amount of HQs (Leaders) 17 23 41 38 supply, is what makes the strong Total 125 132 298 275 offensive possible that the French

need to win. But both armies can throw their entire strength While the total number of French steps in the game, at 125, is into action if necessary during a slightly less than the Russian total of 132, the French have the edge in turn, by draining their reserves of firepower (steps x fire ratings of units), though the overall difference is supplies in the game, so a less than 10%. This French firepower edge is due to the Russians powerful Russian counterattack having a large share of their steps, 18 overall, in irregular militia at a critical juncture is still infantry and Cossack cavalry units with fire ratings of only 1, while all possible, and the French can the French non-HQ units have at least 2 as regulars. The two armies never be entirely secure. If the are nearly equal in number of elite unit steps rated 3s or 4s (Guards, Russian bear seems rather slow grenadiers and heavy cavalry, though not non-Guards heavy artillery), and sleepy much of the time, he at 27 for the French and 28 for the Russians, and here firepower is can be formidable if roused. comparable as well, at 89 for the French and 86 for the Russians. The Russian and French artillery are also close in steps and firepower, and indeed this is one area where the Russians even have the firepower edge, taking all gun types into account. With the advantage of the defense and terrain obstacles, this slight French edge in firepower would be readily offset, were it not for the ability of the French to bring considerably more of their firepower into action each turn for the same expenditure of supplies. Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

September 5: The Opening more valuable supply, trying to Kutuzov’s resulting Engagement at Shevardino kill French units in the north or unwillingness to bring his army Turn by Turn south before Napoleon’s army is fully into action. Kutuzov fully assembled. In the campaign consciously preferred to give the This shorter scenario game, both sides will be playing initiative to Napoleon and react presents challenges for both more for position than points on to what the Emperor did, having players, whether played on a the first day, but need to be bitter experience with the danger standalone basis or as part of a concerned not only about unit of attacking Napoleon from longer campaign game with the losses but about step losses too, Austerlitz. And in the game, this main battle. The French player taking care not to weaken conservative approach to the must decide where to commit his themselves too much before the battle leaves the Russians more reserves, as he can bring in I main battle on Sept. 7. supplies to build up their 1st Corps and the Guard on any of Historically, the Russians Army CHQs for the main battle the three entry roads. This committed only a small part of to come. choice can critically affect how their forces, including VIII Corps At the outset, all of the the battle unfolds, particularly and the cavalry of 2nd Army, as Russian army is deployed on the whether the French player well as some artillery and jaegers, map, with set locations for HQs reinforces the Poles at Yelnya or and most of the fighting was but some limited flexibility for commits everything to the main limited to the Shevardino redoubt individual units. The Russian thrust on the New Smolensk Post area. Since Kutuzov was focused rearguard of Platov’s Cossacks, Highway. The French have on the threat of a French attack the 3rd Division (Konovnitsyn), limited time to achieve their across the Kolocha River east of and screening jaegers, which had victory objectives, only 7 hours Borodino, as was evident from his also been aided by I Cavalry (turns) before darkness, and must opening deployment, Napoleon Corps (Uvarov), has just rejoined act quickly, while at the same encouraged this delusion by the main army and taken up time trying to minimize their keeping Eugene’s IV Corps and positions. Napoleon’s Grande own unit losses. In the stand- the Guard north of the Kolocha. Armée is approaching from the alone scenario, since the As a result, the Russian 1st Army west in three parallel columns. Russians will usually be able to and even some parts of the 2nd The northern flanking column, hold four of the five redoubts, the Army, such as VII Corps, stayed coming through Gryaz, consists French must try to at least largely immobile on September 5, of Eugene’s IV Corps, with some capture Shevardino, both for the while Napoleon concentrated screening voltigeurs. The points and to link up the rest of Davout’s powerful I Corps, southern flanking column, their army with the isolated Poniatowski’s Polish V Corps, and coming through Yelnya on the Polish V Corps coming in on the the two strong cavalry corps of Old Smolensk Road, consists of Old Smolensk Road, and kill Murat’s Cavalry Reserve that had Poniatowski’s V Corps, again three or more Russian units while arrived on the 5th, I Cavalry (1CC ) with some voltigeurs. And the losing none of their own – or kill and II Cavalry (2CC), against the main central column, on the New even more Russians if the French Russians defending Shevardino. Smolensk Post Highway, has at suffer losses too. The Russians In the game, it is possible for the the outset Napoleon’s AHQ, must decide whether to play this Russians to commit more units to Murat with the I and II Cavalry scenario essentially as a delaying the battle, but the corps leaders of Corps and half of his horse action, expecting to lose 1st Army all start below their full artillery, and the remaining Shevardino in the end but trying strength to reflect the Russians’ voltigeurs. Davout’s I Corps to minimize their own losses for uncertainty about which way and the Guard are approaching the win, or to make a larger Napoleon intended to move behind on the New Smolensk commitment of forces and use up (strategic fog of war) and Post Highway, and enter at the Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) rate of one corps per turn each on of 2nd Army (Karpov) move a reserve supporting the other the second and third turns, but southward to oppose the Poles, divisions of the corps (with could be diverted to either of the and some of the Russian militia Davout’s command radius of 3 it other entry roads. (within Golitsyn’s command is possible to keep these widely range) also move forward to Utitsa separated divisions under 2 pm – Napoleon, Eugene, and to cover the Old Smolensk Road, common control, even before the Murat are all active on the while Platov moves forward in the 1st and 3rd Divisions come under French side, while the Russians north, preparing his forces to meet Eugene’s direct control for Sept. activate Golitsyn, Platov and Eugene and cover the Russian line 7). But the other two strong Borozdin. The initial French north of Borodino. divisions, 1st (Morand) and 2nd forces advance, Napoleon and (Friant), plan to force a river the French cavalry under Murat 3 pm – Eugene, Davout, Murat crossing, while the weaker 4th moving up toward Valuyevo and Poniatowski are all active on (Dessaix) remains in reserve where he establishes his HQ for the French side, while the behind them and does not get Sept. 5, while Eugene moves Russians again activate Golitsyn involved in the fighting. Polish toward the Voina stream where and Borozdin. Eugene’s 13th cavalry encounters the Cossacks he has been directed to take up (Delzons) and 14th (Broussier) near Yelnya, but the Cossacks positions and threaten the Divisions advance to the western fall back, covering Utitsa. Russian left flank. The Russians bank of the Voina, flanked to the have established a screen of north by the IV Corps cavalry 4 pm – On the French side, jaegers along the Kolocha River division (Ornano). Davout’s I Davout, Murat, Poniatowski, in front of Shevardino, a total of Corps enters along the New Eugene and Mortier are all three regiments north of the Smolensk Post Highway. The active, though after moving redoubt around Fomkino and powerful 5th Division (Compans) forward to join Napoleon Mortier another three south of the advances toward Fomkino, where does little, while the Russians redoubt facing the Poles, while one of the two French cavalry activate Golitsyn, Borozdin and behind this screen is the 27th corps, I Cavalry Corps (Nansouty) Bagration, bringing the AHQ Division (Neverovsky) shielding and II Cavalry Corps (Montbrun), forward to aid in the battle. The the redoubt, with artillery. This forces a crossing, driving back the French 5th Division moves into is enough to deter the French screening Russian forces, with the Fomkino, while the French from crossing the Kolocha on the other remaining north of the river cavalry moves to its flank, taking first hour of their entry; they will at Valuyevo for now (only one the area on the southern bank of have to wait and prepare to French cavalry can cross the dam the Kolocha below Valuyevo. attack. Three Russian batteries to Fomkino as there is also an There is some skirmishing with 36 guns are positioned in uphill slope here, but between Eugene’s forces and and around the redoubt. The bombardment by some of Russian Cossacks, jaegers and Russian IV Cavalry Corps Davout’s guns from the entry area artillery defending the area of (Sievers) moves up to protect the across the Kolocha can help Borodino, but this appears to be Shevardino redoubt to the west, convince the Russians to fall more of a demonstration on the but other divisions of the VIII back). The other divisions of I part of the French to draw the Corps, including the 2nd Corps move further down the New Russians’ attention here. The Grenadiers (Mecklenburg) and Smolensk Post Highway. The 3rd French are driven back from an 2nd Combined Grenadiers Division (Gerard) likely does not attack toward Borodino by strong (Vorontsov), for the time remain move south of the Kolocha during Russian forces including in reserve behind the redoubt, the battle on the 5th, remaining in Uvarov’s I Cavalry Corps (1CC), along with the 2nd Cuirassiers support of Eugene west of jaegers and horse artillery, even (Duka). The Russian Cossacks Borodino, though also available as though they do succeed in Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) crossing the Voina at Bezzubovo at Alexsinki. The Poles push back screening Russian jaegers in and drive back Platov’s Cossacks the south, linking up with the main Grande Armée. to threaten Borodino from the north. After this, there is little 5 pm turn: Doronino Area action in the north on Sept. 5 as the French do not press the attack. French Guard reinforcements begin arriving on the New Smolensk Post Highway, but they only move up to the Valuyevo area, held in reserve protecting Napoleon on Sept. 5, and are not committed to the battle. The Poles advance through the swamps and forests to the south of Shevardino with their 16th Division (Krasinski) and voltigeurs toward the redoubt, while the 18th Division (Kniaziewicz) and corps cavalry protect the Old Smolensk Road against the Cossacks. The Poles withstand a cavalry counterattack by regiments of the Russian IV Cavalry Corps.

5 pm – The French activate Davout, Poniatowski, and Eugene (who is reorganizing the French troops in the north) while the Russians activate Golitsyn and Bagration (who is bringing French (attacking): 5th Infantry Result: Russians retreat (they are more artillery from the reserve Division (6) (coming from conducting a delaying action here into position). The French 5th Fomkino area), I Corps Light and do not attempt to put up a Division moves into Doronino, Artillery (3) (coming from strong fight against the much forcing back Russian defenders Fomkino area), Polish 16th more powerful French attackers, and withstanding a Russian Infantry Division (2) (coming minimizing losses), with the cavalry counterattack by IV from Kudinovo Swamp area), French and Poles finally linking Cavalry Corps with its troops Voltigeur B2 (1) (coming from up forming square. French artillery Malvinka Swamp area). of I Corps is brought into position to bombard the Russian (defending): 4CC Shevardino redoubt from Cavalry Corps (3), Jager B2 (1). adjoining areas including Doronino. Meanwhile, the French 1st and 2nd Divisions force another crossing of the Kolocha Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

6 pm – On the French side, Murat 6 pm turn: Shevardino Redoubt Area and Davout are both activated, while the Russians activate Golitsyn and Borozdin. The French 5th Division and some of Murat’s supporting cavalry, in II Cavalry Corps, attack the Shevardino redoubt following a bombardment, and the French infantry spearheading the attack force their way into the redoubt in fierce fighting with the Russian 27th Division and artillery, even though these are reinforced by the 2nd Grenadiers and 2nd Cuirassiers. The Russians wield their bayonets to good effect against the attacking French. The Russian defenders, though forced back, manage to save most of their guns. The French I Cavalry Corps has moved around the Shevardino Redoubt to the south in support of the Poles. 27th Infantry, 2nd Grenadier, and French 5th Infantry Divisions, 6 pm turn: and French 2CC Cavalry Corps, but prolonged resistance aided Shevardino Redoubt Area by the double defense benefit of the redoubt allows Russian heavy artillery to be pulled back without loss (historically the French (attacking): 5th Infantry Russians lost only 3 of their guns in the redoubt), and the nd Division (6) (coming from Russian 2 Grenadier and French 5th Infantry Divisions each Doronino area), 2CC Cavalry Corps recover a step from supply (4) (coming from area to north of Shevardino redoubt), and Horse Artillery 1 (2) (coming from area to north of Shevardino redoubt; attack is supported by bombardment using Davout's I Corps Heavy Artillery (2) (from Fomkino area) and Light Artillery (3) from Doronino area

Russians (defending): 27th Infantry Division (4, but reduced to 3 by artillery bombardment), VIII Corps Heavy Artillery (2), reinforced by 2nd Grenadier Division (3), 2nd Cuirassier Division (2)

Result: Russians retreat by 3rd round, with step losses to Russian Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

7 pm – The Russians activate all 7 pm turn: Shevardino Village & Redoubt Area three of their leaders on hand, Bagration, Borozdin, and Golitsyn, while the French have Davout, Murat and Poniatowski all active. The Russians, seizing the initiative for once, attempt a major combined arms counterattack on the Shevardino Redoubt, with the elite infantry of the 2nd Grenadiers and 2nd Combined Grenadiers and the heavy cavalry of the 2nd Cuirassiers supported by a strong artillery bombardment. The 2nd Cuirassiers inflict serious damage on the French 5th Division, overrunning one of its regiments before it can form square. But the counterattack is finally repulsed, with losses to the Russians as well. In support of the French defending the Shevardino redoubt, the French French (defending): 5th Infantry move from the Shevardino infantry from Alexsinki, the 1st and Division (6, but reduced to 4 by village area before the French 2nd Divisions, force their way into artillery bombardment), 2CC moved in to attack, but the Shevardino village, forcing back the Cavalry Corps (3), Horse Artillery French were able to take Russian IV Cavalry Corps and 1 (2), reinforced by I Corps Light advantage of the weakening of protecting the flank of the French Artillery (3) the Russian position in position. The Poles have reached Shevardino village to attack in the foot of the Kamenka Hill south Result: Russian counterattack response) of the Shevardino redoubt, repulsed, Russians retreat but with threatening the flank of the Russian step losses on both sides to Result: Russians retreat by 2nd position. Russian 2nd Grenadier and 2nd round, with step losses to Combined Grenadier Divisions, Russian 4CC Cavalry Corps and Shevardino Redoubt Area and French 5th Infantry Division French 2nd Infantry Division; the Russians cannot use the Russians (attacking): 2nd Shevardino Village Area Shevardino village area to retreat Grenadier Division (3) (coming from the battle in the Shevardino from area SE of redoubt), 2nd French (attacking): 1st Infantry redoubt as a result of the French Combined Grenadier Division (3) Division (4), 2nd Infantry Division attack but can still retreat their (coming from Shevardino village (5) forces in that battle into the other area), 2nd Cuirassier Division (2) area they attacked from SE of the (coming from area SE of redoubt); Russians (defending): 4 CC redoubt attack is supported by Cavalry Corps (3), VIII Corps bombardment involving VIII Corps Heavy Artillery (2) (because the Heavy Artillery (2) from Russians had the initiative this Shevardino village area, and II turn, their heavy artillery in the Army Light Artillery (3) from area Shevardino village area was able SE of redoubt to bombard and their 2nd Combined Grenadier Division to Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Where are the rest of the Davout's corps is engaged, the 3rd in position on both sides of the armies while these actions are Division remains north of the river to build the French Bridge, going on? On the Russian side, Kolocha in support of Eugene, and and be able to deploy their the corps of I Army are largely the weaker 4th Division remains in incoming Sept. 6 inactive, though with some reserve behind the advancing reinforcements), and to account skirmishing around Borodino French. The French Guard, which for the damage on certain units against Eugene's IV Corps in the came in after the other French that they have not been able to French army, with the B3 Jager forces, has remained in reserve repair even with the end-game unit supported by the Russian with Napoleon around Valuyevo Sept. 5 and doubled Sept. 6 1CC Cavalry Corps (which pulls and does not move forward toward supply before the Sept. 7 battle back late on Sept. 5) and Platov's the Shevardino redoubt until after begins. This will be less Cossacks (which redeploy to the Davout has secured it and the important at the end of Sept. 7 as rear after Sept. 5) defending Russians start withdrawing around there is no continuation of the Borodino and Bezzubovo. 8 pm. This powerful force also battle; all that matters then are Eugene's forces, supported by serves to keep the Russians the losses both sides have most of the French Voltigeurs, guessing about the possible suffered and the point count. are largely making a direction of the French attack, Note that neither side has demonstration to keep the maintaining the threat of suffered any unit losses on Sept. attention of the Russians on this reinforcing Eugene in the north. 5, since the Russians have for the flank, rather than pressing an Before Sept. 7 the French most part just conducted a attack with all their strength, are able to repair the damage to delaying action and the French though they do clear the Russians their cavalry and some of the have also avoided an all-out out of Bezzubovo. Golitsyn's 3 damage to their infantry, though commitment of their available Cossacks with some militia are the 5th Infantry Division remains a strength in the north, so the only screening Utitsa against part of step below full strength at 4. The points are for redoubt control; if the Polish V Corps (18th Russians have used the 8 pm turn this were played as the stand- Division and artillery), with no to pull back behind the Sept. 7 alone Sept. 5 scenario, the serious fighting on the southern start line, with the shot-up 27th Russians would win with 4 flank this day. The two Jager B2 Infantry and VIII Corps Heavy points for 4 redoubts held to 2 units supporting II Army on Sept. Artillery taking up their positions French points for the Shevardino 5 are screening the flanks of that in the Fleches; the Russians have redoubt. army, one to the south of the also been able to repair some of Shevardino redoubt, being their damage, but the 27th Infantry 8 pm – The fighting dies down gradually forced back by the remains a step below full strength for the evening as darkness French 1CC Cavalry Corps and at 3, and the 2nd Grenadiers also a begins to fall. The Russians the part of the Poles that has step below full strength at 2. activate Bagration, Borozdin, moved north from Yelnya I've given considerable Golitsyn, and Barclay (to pull (though buying the Russians time attention to the positions and back Uvarov’s I Cavalry Corps and space to retreat their forces losses on Sept. 5 because it's and the supporting horse from the Shevardino redoubt important to ensure that the French artillery, leaving just the jaegers battles), while the other Jager and Russians are able to be in their in Borodino) while the French unit is on the northern flank, Sept. 7 starting positions (the activate Napoleon, Davout, having been driven back Russians need to be able to Mortier, Murat, Poniatowski, and gradually from Fomkino to withdraw in time and also Eugene. The Russians, Alexsinki and then into the redeploy two corps, while the recognizing that it is no longer woods west of the Great French need to be able to move up possible to retake the Shevardino Redoubt. Though most of to Shevardino with Napoleon, be redoubt, take advantage of the Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) initiative to pull their forces back activations of leaders, the French beginning the next stage of the toward the Fleches, across the expended at least 26 steps of battle. The absence of “kills” of “start line” on the game map supply in game terms, while the Russian units means that the (positioning their HQs in what Russians used at least 19. Since French have missed a chance to becomes their starting positions both sides receive 21 during the weaken the Russians seriously for Sept. 7, though in the Sept. 5 scenario (3 each for the 7 before the main battle. campaign game the HQs need turns), plus 8 more after the battle Napoleon is said to have been not end up in the same place on if continuing to Sept. 7, assuming astonished that no Russian Sept. 7 as they are assigned in the that they kept the activated leaders prisoners were taken on the 5th, a stand-alone scenario, since their up to strength by the end of the foretaste of the sturdy resistance starting positions for the next day scenario, this leaves the Russians he would face two days later. of battle will depend on where with a surplus of 10, though they Between Sept. 5 and 7, they have ended up on Sept. 5). need to use 6 of those to bring the there is a “quiet day” on Sept. 6 The French decline to press the 6 CHQs of 1st Army up to full while Napoleon was waiting for attack further, but reorganize and strength if continuing to Sept. 7, the rest of his army to assemble, consolidate their own positions leaving 4 to provide replacements and the Russians were (corresponding to the starting for damaged units. The French reorganizing and preparing for positions for the HQs for Sept. 7, surplus is less, with only 3 the main battle. If the French though again in the campaign remaining to provide replacements control the areas on the map on game the French HQs could end for damaged units, as the French both ends of the “French Bridge” up in different positions for that have borne the burden of (actually a group of several small day), bringing Napoleon, Mortier advancing into position and of bridges the French built here), as and the French Guard up from attacking, and needed to activate they did historically, this bridge Valuyevo to the area of the leaders more frequently. In light is now considered built and aids captured Shevardino Redoubt. of this, it is not surprising that both in maneuver across the Kolocha Historically, the French sides are not able to restore all of ravine during the Sept. 7 battle. lost about 4,000-5,000 men in the the historically damaged units in The French should aim to be in a fighting on Sept. 5, and the the game. But some losses are position at the end of Sept. 5 to Russians about 6,000, while each able to be restored, and all of the build it if possible. side lost about three guns. The HQs brought up to their full Napoleon historically most serious losses from the strength for the battle on Sept. 7. received Ney’s III Corps and day’s fighting were to the French Neither the French nor the Junot’s Westphalian VIII Corps, 5th Division, which had borne the Russians have actually had any coming in behind the rest of the brunt of the battle throughout the units “shattered”, so the only gains army on the New Smolensk Post day, and to the Russian 2nd for the French this day, in victory Highway. These troops are Combined Grenadiers and the points, are for the Shevardino deployed in the game in range of 27th Division, both heavily Redoubt itself. The Russians their CHQs, which must in turn engaged in the fighting for the historically saw the battle on the be deployed within command redoubt. Rallying and resupply 5th as a failure, having been forced range of Napoleon, so where the after the day’s fighting are out of their position with losses. French player locates Napoleon insufficient to restore these three But in terms of the stand-alone at the end of Sept. 5 critically units, all of which start the battle Shevardino scenario, the day’s affects his deployment for Sept. on the 7th at a step below strength battle is a win for the Russians, 7. Historically, Napoleon shifted (for the 5th Division, this is a who still have more redoubt the location of his HQ and the double-strength step so that the points, with their main position Guard from Valuyevo, where he unit actually starts 2 below its intact, even though the French had been during the fighting on full strength). Based on have secured a good position for Sept. 5, to the captured Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Shevardino Redoubt before the has already moved it there during September 7: battle began on Sept. 7 (though Sept. 5. Alternatively, The Main Battle in game terms, that would need redeployments can be used to pull Turn by Turn to be done by the last turn on Russian corps back from exposed Sept. 5 to get Napoleon in positions where they have been 6 am – On the French side, position in the center, as shown left at the end of Sept. 5, before Napoleon, Eugene, Davout, and above). Murat’s two remaining the Sept. 7 fighting begins. The Poniatowski are all active, while cavalry corps, III Cavalry Corps redeployments need to be to a the Russians activate Golitsyn (3CC)(Grouchy) and IV Cavalry friendly area, which requires and Borozdin, as well as Corps (4CC) (Latour-Maubourg), occupation by a Russian unit; for Bagration to maneuver the 2nd and the remaining half of example, the redeployment of Army’s reserve artillery. The Murat’s horse artillery, also Tuchkov’s III Corps from the Russians are still waiting to see arrive on Sept. 6 and deploy center around Gorki to Utitsa in the direction of the French attack within range of the Murat CHQ. the south would require the and conserving their supplies. Grouchy’s 3CC had been Russian player to plan ahead by Napoleon orders the use of over operating in support of Eugene occupying Utitsa before the end of 100 guns for the bombardment of earlier, but did not make an Sept. 5. This can easily be done the Fleches, drawn from I and III appearance in the action on Sept. by moving up a militia unit along Corps and the Guard. The 5, and 4CC, which had been the Old Smolensk Road from the French begin to fire on the detached, was the last of Utitskii Kurgan, under command Fleches with their massed Napoleon’s principal formations of any nearby corps leader or as a batteries in front of Shevardino, to arrive in time for the battle, straggler, or sending the Cossacks but most of their artillery has to turning up late on Sept. 6. 3 unit or jaegers there, which helps be moved forward as it was Though the Russians get also on Sept. 5 to deter any French originally positioned out of range no reinforcement units, they do flanking movement by the Poles in of the Fleches during the night. have the opportunity to redeploy the south. The historical In game terms, only one of the two of their corps before the redeployment of Platov’s Cossacks French artillery units can initially battle on Sept. 7. Historically, to the rear in the center is a less fire directly across the Kamenka the redeployed corps were obvious move for the Russians, stream in front of the Fleches, Tuchkov’s III Corps, which was but does give them the flexibility while the other artillery needs to shifted from the center of the to move north or south as needed, cross the start line and deploy battlefield to the far south at and to cover Russian supply into the wooded areas to the Utitsa, and Platov’s Cossack sources and lines of retreat from north and south of the Fleches Cavalry Corps, which was pulled their reserve position. One of the before it can fire, delaying the back from its exposed front line units in Barclay’s 1st Army onset of the full bombardment position in the north facing reserve, with his long command for a turn. Eugene’s IV Corps Eugene’s IV Corps into the range of 3, can be positioned at the advances to attack the village of Russian cavalry reserve behind start of Sept. 5 to be in that area Borodino, and Delzons’ 13th the Maslovo redoubts. Since the and enable the redeployment, even Division, already across the Russian III Corps gets switched if 1st Army does not move Voina near Bezzubovo, moves automatically from 1st Army to otherwise. south and drives out the Russian 2nd Army in the game between Guard Jaeger regiment (the Sept. 5 and 7, it almost always Jaeger B3 in the game), which makes sense to have that corps be loses half its strength and is one of the two that redeploys, to effectively eliminated. The get it nearer to the Bagration Russians could reasonably have AHQ, unless the Russian player expected this unit to be able to Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) retreat across the bridge from the 6 AM Sept 7: Borodino Village French infantry, but historically it was taken by surprise, and in game terms it is the preliminary bombardment of Borodino by Eugene’s guns that destroys it. This opening attack on the northern flank succeeds for the time in diverting Kutuzov’s attention from Napoleon’s planned main attack in the center. Compans’ 5th Division of Davout’s I Corps advances toward the Fleches, supported by Friant’s 2nd and Dessaix’s 4th Divisions, not yet attacking the redoubt itself but securing the wooded areas to the north and in the western Utitskii forest to the south. Poniatowski’s V Corps begins advancing up the Old Smolensk Road toward Utitsa, the 16th Division (Krasinski) leading followed by artillery, cavalry and the 18th Division (Kniaziewicz). The Russians dispatch the Cossacks (Cossack 3) from the 2nd Army cavalry reserve toward Miyshina to cover the Russian southern flank.

Borodino Village Area

French (attacking): 13th Infantry Division (5) and IV Corps Horse Artillery (2) (attacking from Bezzubovo area); IV Corps Heavy Artillery (2) bombarding in support from area on New Smolensk Post Highway to the west of Borodino village across bridge (IV Corps HQ deployment area)

Russians (defending): Jager B3 (1)

Result: French capture Borodino village without loss, Russian Jager B3 eliminated (the Russians had expected the Jagers to be able to retreat back across the bridge over Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Kolocha when attacked but they had been covering were taken by surprise, and in Semyonovskoye; the IV Cavalry game terms the Jagers are Corps (Sievers) covers the flank to effectively destroyed either by the south, while the 12th Division the preliminary bombardment or (Vasil’chikov) of VII Corps by the Horse Artillery attacking protects the flank to the north at before the Jagers can retreat, the Great Redoubt., and Borozdin though this does delay the is now positioned to the rear of the movement of Eugene's heavy redoubt. The French break into guns into Borodino) the southernmost fleche but are 7 am – The French activate then repulsed with heavy losses, Mortier, Davout, Poniatowski, and Marshal Davout is wounded in Eugene, Murat, Ney and Junot, a the fighting, but remains in heavy expenditure of supply, command of his corps. This while the Russians have bloody setback effectively costs Bagration, Tuchkov and Barclay the French one of the divisions of I (to command artillery near Corps, likely Dessaix’s weak unit Borodino) in action. Delzons’ which plays little part in the rest of division attempts to cross the the battle; with many French units Kolocha River at Borodino, flush massing behind Davout, who had from its victory over the Russian expected to do better, Dessaix is Jaegers, but is repulsed with likely unable to retreat without losses by massed Russian losing its last step in game terms. artillery on the heights around To the south, Poniatowski’s V Gorki. The Russians then burn Corps deploys for attack against the bridge over the road at Utitsa village, which is defended Borodino. The French III and by the 1st Grenadier Division VIII Corps begin to advance (Stroganov) of Tuchkov’s III toward the battle, III Corps Corps, backed up by entering the woods north of the Konovnitsyn’s 3rd Division to the Fleches. The French I Corps and rear, but Tuchkov is ordered to Guard artillery, now all in range send his 3rd Division northward to with some positioned along the aid in the developing battle for the edges of the woods to the north Fleches. and south, pound the Fleches, and Compans’ division, joined by Dessaix’s division and backed by Friant’s division, then begins the first attack on the Fleches. These redoubts are defended by the Russian VIII Corps, with the 2nd Combined Grenadier Division (Vorontsov) and 27th Division (Neverovski) holding the redoubts along with artillery, reinforced by the 2nd Grenadier Division (Mecklenberg) which Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

7 AM: Les Fleches Area 7 AM Turn: Les Fleches Area French (attacking): 2nd Infantry Division (5) (across Kamenka stream from woods area to north of Les Fleches), 4th Infantry Division (3), 5th Infantry Division (4) (both from northwestern area of Utitskii Forest), Davout CHQ (2) (across Kamenka stream from Shevardino village area); supported by massive bombardment by Guard Heavy Artillery (2) (from Shevardino village area), I Corps Heavy Artillery (2) (from woods area north of Les Fleches), and I Corps Light Artillery (3) (from northwestern area of Utitskii Forest) - the French have had to set up this attack carefully by first occupying the northwestern Utitskii forest and woods north of Les Fleches in the 6 am turn, moving up their artillery and infantry to attack Les Fleches from multiple areas

Russians (defending): 27th Infantry Division (initially at 3, reduced to 2 by preliminary bombardment), 2nd Grenadier Division (2), 2nd Combined Grenadier Division (3, reduced to 2 by preliminary Utitskii Forest and Shevardino bombardment), VIII Corps Heavy village areas, while the Russian Artillery (2) infantry divisions all suffer step losses as well but hold their Result: a bloody repulse for the ground. The French had made a French, in a battle that continues the powerful attack with good artillery full four rounds thanks to the support, but lacking cavalry for a double defense benefits of Les combined arms effect, the attack Fleches redoubt for the Russians; still failed thanks to a vigorous the French 4th Infantry Division is defense by the elite Russian eliminated (unable to retreat grenadier infantry and point-blank through units of other corps heavy artillery fire; the French massing behind without losing final would learn their lesson when next step), and the 2nd and 5th Infantry attacking Les Fleches. Divisions and Davout CHQ all suffer multiple step losses but retreat back into northwestern Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

8 am – On the French side, Eugene, 8 AM Turn: Utitsa Village Area Poniatowski, Junot, Ney, Davout and Murat are all activated, while the Russians activate Baggovut, Lavrov, Golitsyn, and Bagration, as well as Platov whose Cossacks move up to the eastern bank of the Kolocha. Eugene leaves Delzons’ division to garrison Borodino and moves up his artillery batteries to there, where they can fire on the Great Redoubt, while moving the rest of his infantry back out of Russian artillery range, with Ornano’s cavalry deployed around Bezzubovo covering his northern flank. Eugene’s two borrowed infantry divisions, the 1st and 3rd, and Broussier’s 14th, begin to maneuver across the French Bridge to the south of the Kolocha. st Poniatowski’s V Corps attacks the Division (N.M. Borozdin), 1 Cavalry Corps (Montbrun), Russians at Utitsa and drives out Combined Grenadiers Division moves into position to the center the 1st Grenadier Division, which (Kantakuzin), and corps artillery, and south of the Fleches to enter retreats and soon takes up a new toward the battle in the center, and the fighting as well. Bagration nd position with artillery on the Duka’s 2 Cuirassiers Division takes personal command of the nd Utitskii Kurgan, since Tuchkov’s also moves up from the 2 Army Russian forces defending the III Corps --- which likely could cavalry reserve to a position Fleches. have held against the Poles at full southeast of the Fleches. The strength -- has been weakened by French prepare to resume their 8 AM Turn: Utitsa Village Area having to detach its 3rd Division assault on the Fleches; Ney takes northward to aid the defense around the leading role around the Fleches French (attacking): Polish 16th the Fleches. Junot’s VIII Corps after Davout is wounded though Infantry Division (2) (from moves into the area of Kamenka Davout continues to head his I woods area on Old Smolensk th Hill, near the western edge of the Corps, and Ledru’s 10 Division road to west of Utitsa, across th Utitskii Forest, to fill the gap and the 25 Wurttemberg Division Antipino swamp), Polish 18th between the French I and V Corps, of Ney’s III Corps (the 10/25 Infantry Division (2) (from in a position to aid either. The French infantry division in the woods area to south of Old th Russians begin to commit their game), as well as Razout’s 11 Smolensk Road west of Utitsa, reserves. Now that the direction of Division, advance to the north and across Antipino swamp), and the French attack is clearer, center of the Fleches to join the Polish V Corps Cavalry (1) and Kutuzov and Barclay release battle, taking the place of Davout’s Voltigeurs B2 (1) (from clear Baggovut’s II Corps to begin shot-up troops in the line. At the area to south of Utitsa village) ; marching toward the Russian left same time, some of Murat’s supported by preliminary flank, with Platov’s Cossacks cavalry, including the I and III bombardment by Polish V Corps taking their place along the river. Corps cavalry divisions (the Light Artillery (2) from woods The Russians also start marching combined III Corps cavalry area on Old Smolensk Road to most of their V Guard Corps, division in the game) and the I west of Utitsa, across Antipino including the 1st Cuirassiers Cavalry Corps (Nansouty) and II swamp), Polish 18th Infantry Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Division (2) (from woods area to 9 AM Turn: Les Fleches Area south of Old Smolensk Road west of Utitsa, across Antipino swamp), and Polish V Corps Cavalry (1) and Voltigeurs B2 (1) (from clear area to south of Utitsa village); supported by preliminary bombardment by Polish V Corps Light Artillery (2) from woods area on Old Smolensk Road to west of Utitsa

Russians (defending): 1st Grenadier Division (3, reduced to 2 by preliminary bombardment), III Corps Light Artillery (1), Tuchkov CHQ (2)

Result: French occupy Utitsa village area, with Russians retreating along Old Smolensk Road toward Utitskii Kurgan; Ney, Junot and Murat all active, cavalry divisions into battle, th th Russian 1st Grenadier Division and while the Russians activate while the 10 / 25 Divisions and th Tuchkov CHQ both take step Baggovut (to continue his 11 Division of Ney’s corps losses, as does one of the Polish southward march), Bagration, and provides the needed infantry infantry divisions (18th). The Tuchkov (falling back to take up spine for the fight, countering Russian defense was weakened by position on the Utitskii Kurgan). Russian attempts to form squares having to send one of the divisions Poniatowski pauses to reorganize in defense. This powerful French of III Corps, the 3rd Infantry, his Polish forces, realizing the attack overruns all the redoubts northward to support the defense Russian position is difficult to take of the Fleches and effectively nd around Les Fleches, while the Poles unsupported. The French destroy the 2 Combined st th set up their attack carefully through divisions of Morand (1 ), Gerard Grenadiers and 27 Divisions rd th nd preliminary maneuvering to launch (3 ) and Broussier (14 ) in IV and supporting artillery, only 2 a combined arms attack with their Corps have finished crossing the Grenadiers escaping for the th full corps strength from multiple Kolocha River using the French moment. Razout’s 11 Division directions with artillery support. In Bridge and deploy for attack of III Corps probes toward this way, even a relatively weak against the Great Redoubt into the Semyonovskoye unsuccessfully French (Polish) corps is able to woods, while French artillery (again, like Broussier’s move, dislodge a Russian corps despite the starts to bombard the redoubt. this is not a full attack, which defensive benefit of the village on Broussier’s division, in the lead, would not be possible in the round 1. The Utitskii Kurgan is an launches an attack toward the game before control of the even better defensive position, Great Redoubt through the woods Fleches, but more of a move into though, and the Russians realize it but this is merely a reconnaissance position through the Fleches is more important to preserve the III in force, quickly broken off. The area, where it is participating on Corps to defend there than to fight French at last launch a successful the flank of the battle). it out to the death for Utitsa village. combined arms assault on the Fleches, Murat personally leading 9 AM: Les Fleches Area 9 AM – The French have Napoleon his I and II Cavalry Corps French (attacking): 10th/25th (for the Guard artillery), Eugene, supported by the I and III Corps Infantry Division (4) from Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Murat’s cavalry along with the fire. In game terms, at most only Division (2), 2nd Cuirassier 25th Wurttemberg Division (10th three French units can make the Division (2), 3rd Infantry /25th Division), and Bagration is attack into the Great Redoubt at Division (2); supported by mortally wounded while 2nd this time, two from the woods and bombardment from VII Corps Grenadier Division is effectively one from the Fleches across the Heavy Artillery (1) (in Great destroyed (though remnants Semyonovskii stream, since the Redoubt), II Army Light continue to form part of the Russians still control the Artillery (3) (in Semyonovskoye Russian line on the Semyonovskaya heights. And village area, firing from the Semyonovskoye Heights). In since movement from the Fleches upslope position) game terms, a player will is effectively preempted by the normally try to protect this Russian attack there first, the French (defending): 10th/25th valuable AHQ, but its loss could burden of the attack falls on just Infantry Division (3, reduced to 2 take place either from the the two leading French infantry by bombardment), 11th Infantry elimination of the entire force divisions, the 1st and 3rd. The Division (3, reduced to 2 by with which it is fighting (though Great Redoubt is defended by bombardment), 2 CC Cavalry this did not happen here), or Rayevski’s VII Corps with Corps (3); reinforced by III more likely through inability to Vasil’chikov’s 12th and Corps Cavalry Division (2) retreat in time – either it could Paskevich’s 26th Divisions, and (commanded by Murat) (the I CC find itself unable to retreat artillery in the redoubt itself as Cavalry Corps which had been in through an overstacked area once well as Rayevski’s CHQ, with the Les Fleches for the previous down to its zero step, or, as a B- Russian II (Korf) and III (Kreutz) French attack has regrouped back rated unit, the Russians could Cavalry Corps in reserve behind to the Utitskii Forest to protect risk leaving it behind to cover the the position. Rayevski commands the flank) retreat while other C units escape from the Great Redoubt in person. first, but it could then end up Morand’s division takes the brunt Result: a disastrous repulse for destroyed by A or B-rated French of the attack for the French and the Russians, with 2nd Grenadier defenders. The French finally breaks into the Great Redoubt Division and the Bagration AHQ secure the Fleches, and the briefly, with the surviving eliminated, though 2nd remaining Russians around the Russians retreating back to the Cuirassier Division and the 3rd Fleches fall back over the heights and across the Ognik after Infantry Division are able to Semyonovskii stream, a stout defense that wears the retreat; the Russians had hoped discouraged by Bagration’s loss. French down, setting them up for a that the weakened state of the Dokhturov takes command of the counterattack. Effectively, one of French troops after taking the Russian 2nd Army after Bagration Rayevski’s infantry divisions is Fleches coupled with the is put out of action by his mortal lost but not his corps artillery, and preliminary bombardment would wound. Eugene’s IV Corps the corps is not broken like give them a chance to expel the soon thereafter launches a Borozdin’s, so Rayevski can still French from the redoubts, but a second, more serious assault on rally what remains to fight on. stout French defense with the Great Redoubt closely Poniatowski’s V Corps resumes its reinforcements, even without following Broussier’s advance toward the Utitskii getting the double defense for the reconnaissance, led by Morand’s Kurgan. redoubts (only the Russians 1st Division followed by Gerard’s enjoy this benefit), turned the 3rd Division, with Broussier’s 10 AM: Les Fleches Area tables. The French do suffer 14th Division behind in support. some further step losses in their This attack is also covered on the Russians (attacking): Bagration infantry (1 each, leaving Ney's flank by the II Cavalry Corps, AHQ (2, but reduced to 1 after infantry divisions too weak to do and supported by heavy artillery having activated), 2nd Grenadier much for the rest of the battle), Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) but not enough to make this 2 each, but occupy the Great Barclay comes under French counterattack worthwhile for the Redoubt in a position very artillery fire during this desperate Russians, although the attack did vulnerable to Russian struggle, after which the fighting serve another useful purpose, by counterattack - which the Russians around the Great Redoubt falls preventing the French from are well aware. off until mid-afternoon. The final sending reinforcements from the Russian reserve, the Guards Les Fleches area to participate in 11 AM – The Russians activate Division (Lavrov) along with 1st their own attack on the Great Barclay, Platov, Baggovut (still Combined Grendiers Redoubt taking place in the same completing his long march (Kantakuzin), moves up from hour. southward), Rayevski, Dokhturov, reserve to a position behind Lavrov, and also Osterman- Semyonovskoye on the Heights. 10 AM: Great Redoubt Area Tolstoi, whose troops are brought And at this critical moment forward into the center from their Platov’s Cossack Corps, joined French (attacking): 1st Infantry initial position along the Kolocha, by Uvarov’s I Cavalry Corps and Division (4) and 3rd Infantry while the French activate Davout, some horse artillery, crosses the Division (5) (coming from woods Ney and Poniatowski. The Kolocha River around Novoye to west of Great Redoubt, across Russians take the initiative, and Selo and Maloye Selo, beginning Semyonovskii stream) (these are the French are ousted from the a sweeping counterattack against the two divisions Eugene has Great Redoubt by a counterattack the French left flank. The borrowed from Davout's I mounted by the shot-up VII Corps Russians see an opportunity for Corps); supported by aided by the 24th Division decisively affecting the battle, bombardment from IV Corps (Likhachev) of VI Corps, and III with hardly any French units Heavy Artillery (2) (moved up to Cavalry Corps, with heavy remaining north of the Kolocha, Borodino) and IV Corps Horse artillery support. In game terms, only a portion of IV Corps, and Artillery (2) (now moved back to the 24th Division can participate in the French supplies and lines of IV Corps deployment area west this attack from across the Ognik communication exposed. In the of Borodino) stream, while the surviving south, Poniatowski maneuvers to division of VII Corps and III the south of the Utitskii Kurgan, Russians (defending): Rayevski Cavalry Corps attack downhill preparing to launch an attack on CHQ (2), 12th Infantry Division from the Semyonovskoye area. the hill from both the front and (3, reduced to 2 by Morand’s 1st Division is especially southern flank. bombardment), 26th Infantry hard hit, losing a captured Division (3, reduced to 2 by regimental commander in the 11 AM: Great Redoubt Area bombardment), VII Corps Heavy Great Redoubt, which greatly Artillery (1) excites the Russians who at first Russians (attacking): 24th believe they have captured Murat! Infantry Division (3) (from Result: a costly and temporary Effectively, Morand’s division is Goruzka Valley area), and 3 CC French victory, in a battle going destroyed though remnants Cavalry Corps (3) and 12th 3 rounds, with one of Rayevski's continue to participate in the battle Infantry Division (2) (both from two infantry divisions lost, but during the afternoon, the second Semyonovskaya village area); the CHQ, heavy artillery and the division of Davout’s corps to be supported by strong other Russian infantry division put out of action by heavy losses. bombardment from VI Corps survive to fight on, retreating to The 4th Division (Wurttemberg) of Heavy Artillery (2)(in area to the Goruzka Valley or the II Corps has been diverted from its east of Borodino across Kolocha Semyonovskaya heights; the two southward march and moved into river bridge), VII Corps Heavy French infantry divisions are also position on the flank of the Artillery (1) (in Semyonovskoye heavily reduced, to a strength of Russian counterattack. Even village area), and I Army Light Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Artillery (3) (in Goruzka Valley area). Rayevski's CHQ (at 1, reduced to 0 by activating) is nearby commanding from the Goruzka Valley area, Dokhturov's CHQ (at 2, reduced to 1 for activating) is also nearby commanding from the Goruzka Valley area, having taken command of II Army in place of Bagration, but for this turn still directing the troops of his own corps, as he cannot function both as a CHQ and AHQ in the same turn), while Barclay further back commands the I Army artillery and 3 CC.

French (defending): 1st Infantry Division (2, reduced to 1 by bombardment), 3rd Infantry Division (2) (reduced to 1 by bombardment), reinforced by 14th Infantry Division (4) moving in from woods to west of Great Redoubt, as straggler.

Result: a Russian victory, recapturing the Great Redoubt and destroying the French 1st Infantry Division in the 1st round attack, though the 3rd Infantry Division, with the help of the 14th, manages to escape on the 2nd round, and the 14th also retreats after it suffers a step loss. This very effective combined arms counterattack was the most successful of the entire battle, taking out a significant part of the strength of Eugene's corps and enabling the Russians to hold the Great Redoubt for several hours more.

12 Noon – The French activate Napoleon, Murat, Davout, Poniatowski and Eugene, while the Russians activate Barclay (who with his command radius of 3 can control I Cavalry Corps north of the Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Artillery (3) (in Goruzka Valley area). Rayevski's Noon Sept. 7 CHQ (at 1, reduced to 0 by activating) is nearby commanding from the Goruzka Valley area, Dokhturov's CHQ (at 2, reduced to 1 for activating) is also nearby commanding from the Goruzka Valley area, having taken command of II Army in place of Bagration, but for this turn still directing the troops of his own corps, as he cannot function both as a CHQ and AHQ in the same turn), while Barclay further back commands the I Army artillery and 3 CC.

French (defending): 1st Infantry Division (2, reduced to 1 by bombardment), 3rd Infantry Division (2) (reduced to 1 by bombardment), reinforced by 14th Infantry Division (4) moving in from woods to west of Great Redoubt, as straggler.

Result: a Russian victory, recapturing the Great Redoubt and destroying the French 1st Infantry Division in the 1st round attack, though the 3rd Infantry Division, with the help of the 14th, manages to escape on the 2nd round, and the 14th also retreats after it suffers a step loss. This very effective combined arms counterattack was the most successful of the entire battle, taking out a significant part of the strength of Eugene's corps and enabling the Russians to hold the Great Redoubt for several hours more.

12 Noon – The French activate Napoleon, Murat, Davout, Poniatowski and Eugene, while the Russians activate Barclay (who with his command radius of 3 can control I Cavalry Corps north of the Kolocha), Platov, Osterman-Tolstoy, and Baggovut. At this phase of the battle, the initiative has shifted to the Russians in the north, but the French are still pressing the offensive in the center and south. Barclay has brought Osterman-Tolstoy’s IV Corps, transferred from the northern flank, into the gap behind Semyonovskoye between the Great Redoubt and the Guards infantry to bolster the Russian defense. The French launch a heavy assault on the Russian center around Semyonovskoye and to the south of the village, led by Davout, with elements of the French I Corps, and Murat with elements of the I and II Cavalry Corps supported by the IV Cavalry Corps, along with a strong artillery bombardment. In game terms, only three of the French infantry and Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) cavalry units can make this mortally wounded. In this fight, bombardment of Guard Heavy attack across the stream and onto the Russian suffer the loss of the Artillery (2) from Les Fleches the heights, likely the rallied 2nd CHQ as well as some supporting and Guard Light Artillery (3) Infantry Division and the I and II Jaegers, though the artillery and 1st from Utitskii Forest, both firing Cavalry Corps which are the Grenadiers Division have fallen into Semyonovskoye village strongest formations available to back in time. As with Bagration, area. lead the assault. The village is the loss of this valuable CHQ defended by the 1st Combined could happen through destruction Russians (defending): In Grenadiers with Konovnitsyn’s of the entire defending force, or, as Semyonovskoye village area - 3rd Division from III Corps, is more likely in this case, through 3rd Infantry Division (2, reduced backed by the Guards Division, inability to retreat through an to 1 by preliminary 1st Cuirassiers and overstacked area once down to its bombardment), 1st Combined Wurttemberg’s 4th Division from zero step, or elimination by a Grenadier Division (3, reduced to II Corps, as well as Sievers’ IV French. A unit while covering the 2 by preliminary bombardment), Cavalry Corps available on the retreat. But Baggovut’s II Corps II Army Light Artillery (3, flanks to the south, and strong has finally arrived with its 17th reduced to 2 by preliminary artillery. The French cavalry, Division (Olsufiev) and artillery, bombardment), reinforced by the after overrunning some Russian and reinforces the battle, becoming Guards Infantry Division (6) (the line infantry, is unable to break the attacker after Tuchkov’s unpinned VII Corps Heavy through the squares of the remnants have fallen back. Artillery unit, which was in this Russian Guard, inside which Baggovut’s fresh troops supported area at the start, has moved to the even Barclay is forced to shelter by Russian militia succeed in their Great Redoubt, making way for a for a time. However, the French counterattack on the Utitskii Russian reinforcement to come bombardment has heavily Kurgan, throwing back the in). weakened the Russians and weakened Poles, who effectively Friant’s 2nd Division manages to lose one of their divisions. In area south of seize the ruined village of Baggovut is now in sole command Semyonovskoye east of Semyonovskoye from the on this flank (in game terms, Semyonovskii stream - 4th Russians, and 3rd Division is Baggovut can lead his own corps Infantry Division (3), 4 CC effectively lost, forcing the and the militia, while the III Corps Cavalry Corps (3), II Army Russians to fall back to avoid survivors must fight as stragglers). Cavalry Horse Artillery (1) risking the Guard further. Napoleon’s Marshals begin 12 Noon: Semyonovskoye Result - an unlikely French urging him to send the French Village Area, victory in the Semyonovskoye Guard into the struggle for a and Area to the South village area, with the Guards decisive blow. The Russian Division, 1st Combined cavalry, sweeping across the French (attacking): 2nd Infantry Grenadier Division and II Army plain north of the Kolocha River, Division (4) (attacking from Les Light Artillery all retreating after reaches Bezzubovo where it routs Fleches into Semyonovskoye they take step losses, while the Ornano’s IV Corps cavalry area), 2 CC Cavalry Corps (4) 3rd Infantry is eliminated, though division, effectively eliminating (attacking from Utitskii Forest into the French cavalry and infantry this formation during the battle. Semyonovskoye area) and both suffer step losses as well On the southern flank, and are unable to push ahead Poniatowski’s Poles take the 1 CC Cavalry Corps (4) (attacking again for some time; the French Utitskii Kurgan from the into area south of Semyonovskoye attack south of the weakened Russians of III Corps, across Semyonovskii stream from Semyonovskoye area, who retreat, with Tuchkov Utitskii Forest; supported by unsupported by artillery, is more Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) of a spoiling effort intended to 17th Infantry Division (3) of II Result: Russian victory, with prevent that area from being used Corps reinforcing area from Old the French IV Corps cavalry for reinforcements or retreats by Smolensk Road area to east, while routed and effectively the Russians, and the French 1 Russian militia (Moscow 1, 3 eliminated; the French, expecting CC cavalry fall back from there steps) move into the Sadovskoye to face mere Cossacks and into the Utitskii Forest after swamp vacated by the Polish choosing to put up a defense, taking a step loss. This attack infantry, restricting their retreat. were taken aback by the presence secures the critical area of the of the powerful Russian 1CC heights for the French, who Result: Russian victory; initially Cavalry Corps as well, and manage to hold it against Russian the Poles are successful, with the though the village initially counter bombardments and Tuchkov CHQ and Jagers afforded some protection, the attacks through the day, giving eliminated in the first round of the French cavalry, outnumbered 3- them a foothold for a flanking battle and the remnants of the 1st 1, were overrun, leaving attack on the Great Redoubt later Grenadier Division retreating Napoleon's left flank open to the in the afternoon. along the Old Smolensk Road, Russian cavalry. though one of the Polish divisions 12 Noon: Utitskii Kurgan Area also takes a step loss; this shifts 1 pm – The French activate the Poles from the role of attacker Murat and Napoleon, while the French (Poles) (attacking): 16th to defender, but the fresh Russian Russians activate Barclay, Infantry Division (2) (from Old 17th Division goes at them with Platov. and Osterman-Tolstoi. In Smolensk Road to west of the the bayonet and routs the Poles the north, Platov’s Cossacks Utitskii Kurgan), 18th Infantry from the Kurgan, eliminating one cross the Voina stream, attacking Division (2) (from Sadovskoye of the Polish divisions and across the dam (ford) at swamp to south of Utitskii reducing the other to 1 step, while Bezzubovo and swinging far to Kurgan). Most of the remainder losing a step of its own. the west through the woods of the Polish V Corps, including toward Valuyevo and the French the Poniatowski CHQ 12 Noon: Bezzubovo Village baggage trains on the New commanding the attack (2, Smolensk Post Highway. In reduced to 1 for activating), and Russians (attacking): 1 Cossacks game terms, a Cossack the corps artillery (2), are also in (3) and 2 Cossacks (3) (from area breakthrough here could deprive the Old Smolensk Road area east of Bezzubovo across the French army of a major part west of the Kurgan but unable to Korcheshka stream), and 1CC of its supply and cripple the take a role in the battle due to Cavalry Corps (3) (from attack – no wonder Napoleon terrain limitations, with the Zhakarino area to south of was worried! Meanwhile, Polish corps cavalry (1) and Bezzubovo); the attack is Uvarov moves along the bank of attached Voltigeurs B2 (1) in the supported by bombardment from the Voina, covering the French area to the south of the road the Cossack Horse Artillery (1) in position at Borodino to the south. keeping an eye on the Russian the area east of Bezzubovo, where However, the French deal with Cossacks on the flank. the Platov CHQ (2, reduced to 1 the attack of this strong Russian for activating) is also located, cavalry force by forming Russians (initially defending, commanding the Cossacks. The 1 Delzons’ 13th Division, then counterattacking): Tuchkov CC cavalry is separately supported on the flank by the CHQ (at 0 step), III Corps Light commanded by Barclay's AHQ Italian Guard, into infantry Artillery (1), 1st Grenadier from further away. squares, inside which Eugene Division (1), Jagers B2 (1), but takes shelter. The French infantry with unpinned III Corps Light French (defending): IV Corps are prepared to meet the Russians Artillery moving out of area and Cavalry Division (3) who lack infantry support or Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) sufficient artillery. The Russian River to aid Eugene and protect 2 PM – The Russians activate cavalry repeatedly charges the Valuyevo, while he commits the Platov, Barclay, Rayevski, French squares with no success, Guard artillery fully to join in the Dokhturov, Kutuzov and Lavrov, and Uvarov’s advance is blocked battle in the center. Napoleon reordering their lines in the by Delzons’ division and the himself moves up from his post at center, while the French activate Italian Guard north of Borodino. Shevardino to the left flank, Junot (who by this point has been But as the Russian cavalry do not prepared to take command there if nearly forgotten – his men were suffer heavy losses and are not needed actually ordered to stack arms in pressing home their attacks the Utitskii Forest), Napoleon, strongly, it appears that their 1 PM: Borodino Area Davout and Ney. Junot’s main purpose is just to cover Westphalian VIII Corps finally Platov’s thrust westward. As Russians (attacking): 1 CC links up with Poniatowski’s V Platov cannot command Cavalry Corps (3) (from Corps, its 23rd Division Uvarov’s regular cavalry, the I Bezzubovo area) (Tharreau) facing off against the Cavalry Corps’ ability to attack Russian 4th Division which has depends on staying within range French (defending): 13th Infantry moved down from the center, of Barclay or Kutuzov, or else Division (4, reduced from an while the Westphalian 24th attack as stragglers, so it is not earlier unsuccessful effort at 7 pm Division (von Ochs) guards the surprising that Uvarov stays to force the Borodino Bridge northern flank of the corps (these closer to the main body of the before the Russians burned it), IV two Westphalian divisions are Russian army and does not Corps Heavy Artillery (2) combined in the game and fight charge westward through the as a single unit). The crisis past Bezzubovskii Forest after Platov. Result: French victory; the in the north, some fighting Grouchy’s III Cavalry Corps Russian cavalry, finding itself resumes around Semyonovskoye moves to threaten the Russian confronted with strong infantry in between Davout with his battered cavalry north of the Kolocha, squares supported by artillery, I Corps and Ney with his III joined by remnants of Ornano’s quickly pulls back after some Corps against the Russian center, cavalry. In the center, Osterman- charging at the French positions, but to little effect. The Russian Tolstoy’s IV Corps launches a suffering little loss. cavalry makes its final attacks on counterattack against the French in the north and then Semyonovskoye with at least one starts to fall back, unable to of its two divisions, 11th (N.N. break the French squares. Bakhmetiev) and 23rd (A.N. However, the cavalry Bakhmetiev), but this is thrown counterattack has brought the back, with the corps commander Russians critical time in the wounded. Napoleon, who had center, where Russian artillery is been considering committing his bombarding the immobile French Imperial Guard to the battle in cavalry around the Great the center to aid in a renewed Redoubt and Semyonovskoye. assault on the Great Redoubt, calls off the attacks there due to 2 PM: Valuyevo Village Area the Russian cavalry threat in the Russians (attacking): 1 Cossacks north, and dispatches the Middle (3) and 2 Cossacks (3) (from Guard (including the elements of wooded area north of Valuyevo) the Young Guard that are present) and the Legion of the French (defending): Middle Vistula north of the Kolocha Guard (4) Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Result: French victory; the overextended Cossacks, finding themselves confronted by French Guard infantry formed up in squares to protect the main supply road, beat a hasty retreat despite their numerical superiority. By this time the French have formed a line from Borodino all the way to northwest of Valuyevo, including the troops mentioned above as well as the 3 CC Cavalry Corps (3), Italian Guard (2), and Legion of the Vistula (2), and Voltigeurs B3 and B2 (1 each) to cover their northern flank and supplies against the Russian cavalry raiders. Faced with this solid opposition, the Russian cavalry now decide to fall back whence they came.

3 PM - Napoleon, Eugene, artillery batteries bombard the thrown back from the redoubt, Murat and Junot all activate on redoubt in a crossfire from while Grouchy’s cavalry is not the French side, while the positions extending between fully present and stays in reserve. Russians activate Barclay and Borodino and the Fleches. The Great Redoubt is now Platov. Napoleon returns to his Supporting the attack are elements defended by artillery and the th post at Shevardino, with his of Grouchy’s III Cavalry Corps on Russian 24 Division of VI northern flank stabilized. The the northern side of the redoubt, Corps, supported on the flank by th Russian cavalry there withdraws though this corps has not yet fully the 11 Division of the Russian toward the Kolocha again. In the moved down from fending off the IV Corps and the III Corps th south, Junot pushes forward Cossacks in the north. The Cavalry, along with the 7 through the eastern Utitskii infantry component of this Division (Kaptsevich) of VI Forest to take up positions north combined arms attack is provided Corps on the right flank, backed of the Utitskii Kurgan. The by three of Eugene’s infantry up by the II Cavalry Corps, the th rd French renew their assault on the divisions, Broussier’s 14 , 23 Division of the Russian IV rd Great Redoubt, the third and Gerard’s 3 , and the remnants of Corps guarding the left, and the st th th finally successful attempt. Morand’s 1 , attacking from the battered 12 and 26 Divisions Everything available is front of the redoubt. In game (effectively just one division committed short of the Guard, terms, only four of these six units remaining) of VII Corps in the still in reserve apart from its can be fully committed to the rear. Once again, only four of artillery. Montbrun’s II Cavalry battle, and the ones fully engaged these units can actually defend Corps leads the way along with are the French II and IV Cavalry the redoubt area in game terms, th Latour-Maubourg’s IV Cavalry Corps, and likely Broussier and including the 24 Division and th Corps on the southern side of the Gerard, since Morand was badly likely the 11 Division, the III redoubt, as the French massed shot up in the earlier assault and Cavalry Corps, and the artillery Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) in the redoubt, with others in reserve in the Goruzka Valley area behind the redoubt or the area to the north of the Stonets. The fighting around the redoubt is immensely bloody, and the first to break in are French or allied German and Polish cavalry coming from the rear, followed by the infantry to the front. The artillery is lost, the Russian 24th Division is destroyed and its commander Likhachev captured, the most senior Russian general taken prisoner in the battle, with the 11th Division damaged sufficiently to be out of action as well, though the cavalry retreat in time. Likhachev is brought before Napoleon, who attempts to make the gesture of returning the general’s sword, but Likhachev fails to accept the weapon and the frustrated Emperor finally commands, “Take this idiot away!”

3 PM: Great Redoubt Area

French (attacking): 2 CC by bombardment), 3 CC Cavalry strong artillery support proves Cavalry Corps (4) and 4 CC Corps (3, reduced to 2 by enough this time to overcome Cavalry Corps (from bombardment), 11th Infantry even the double defense benefit Semyonovskoye village area), Division (3, reduced to 2 by of the Great Redoubt, and with 3rd Infantry Division (2) and bombardment), VII Corps Heavy the Semyonovskaya Heights 14th Infantry Division (4) (from Artillery (1) under French control as well, this woods to west of Great Redoubt; time the Russians are not able to supported by strong Result: Decisive French victory, mount an effective counterattack. bombardment from IV Corps with the French securing control of Heavy Artillery (2) (Borodino the Great Redoubt and the Russian area), IV Corps Horse Artillery 24th and 11th Infantry Divisions (2) (from IV Corps deployment destroyed along with the VII area west of Borodino) and Corps Heavy Artillery, though the Guard Heavy Artillery (2) (from 3 CC Cavalry retreat in time to Les Fleches) escape, and the French 2CC cavalry and 14th Infantry suffer Russians (defending): 24th step losses. The powerful Infantry Division (3, reduced to 2 combined arms attack with Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

4 PM - The French activate Napoleon, Murat, Junot and Poniatowski, while Barclay, Kutuzov, Platov, Baggovut and Lavrov all activate on the Russian side. In the south the Westphalians of VIII Corps, supported by the French 5th Division, press the Russian 17th Division backward, while the Poles threaten the Utitskii Kurgan again. Following their victory at the Great Redoubt, the French press forward with Eugene’s command and their cavalry against the Russian center, held by the surviving 7th Division of VI Corps as well as the 23rd Division of IV Corps, and the Russian II and III Cavalry Corps, and repel Russian counterattacks. However, the French cavalry is unable to break the Russian infantry squares. Barclay now commits all of his remaining cavalry to a counterattack, leading to the largest cavalry melee of the battle, in which the Russian II and III Cavalry Corps are all heavily engaged with the French on the plateau to the east of the Great Redoubt, while the Russian Guards and 1st Cuirassiers advance toward the French lines on the Semyonovskaya Heights. Though the lines do not shift significantly on either side, the cavalry battles effectively cost the French one of their already weakened cavalry corps, likely IV Cavalry. Barclay, personally leading the Russians, has several horses shot out from under him. Artillery on both sides pounds the combatants. In the north, Platov’s and Uvarov’s cavalry finish their retreat over the Kolocha. In the south, the Westphalians of VIII Corps advance against Baggovut’s forces, leading the Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Russians to fall back about half a Result: Russian victory, with the strong to risk the Russian mile. The Poles and massed French cavalry repulsed by Guards, who pull back. Westphalians are now engaged in the effective combination of both artillery duels and melee infantry in squares and strong 4 PM: Utitskii Kurgan Area with the Russians in the woods Russian cavalry support; the south of Semyonovskoye and on French cavalry all suffer step French (Poles and Westphalians) the Utitskii Kurgan, with the losses, and one of their cavalry (attacking): Polish 16th Westphalian 23rd Division units, 4CC, is effectively Division (2) (from the supporting the Poles while the destroyed. The French victory at Sadovskoye Swamp area, having smaller 24th Division occupies the Great Redoubt had placed pushed the Russian militia back the gap between Poniatowski’s them beyond the range of the out again), V Corps Light Poles and Davout’s I Corps artillery bombardment support Artillery (2) (from area west of (again, these two divisions are they normally depended on for Kurgan on Old Smolensk Road), fighting together as one unit in their successful attacks. After this 23rd/24th Westphalian Infantry the same area in game terms). experience, they would bring their Division (4) (from Utitskii Forest After hearing of the fall of the most powerful artillery units up north of Kurgan); supported by Great Redoubt, Poniatowski onto the heights, to renew their bombardment from VIII Corps launches a two-pronged attack on bombardment of the Russian lines. Heavy Artillery (1) on Old the Utitskii Kurgan from the Smolensk Road west of Kurgan. north and south. The Russians 4 PM: Semonovskoye Village Poniatowski (2, reduced to 1 by are defending the hill with the Area activating) is in the Old 17th Division of II Corps, Smolensk road area east of the supported by the weakened 1st Russians (attacking): Guard Kurgan commanding his troops, Grenadier Division, Karpov’s Infantry Division (4) (from woods with his cavalry (1) and Cossack cavalry and Moscow to east of Semyonovskoye village Voltigeurs B2 (1) to the south of militia on the flanks. Though the area), 1st Cuirassier Division (2) the road covering the flank northern attack is repulsed, the (from area south of woods, to east against the Russian Cossacks, southern attack makes good of Semyonovskoye village area); and Junot (1, reduced to 0 by progress and takes the Utitskii supported by bombardment from activating) is in the Utitskii Kurgan, the last major French Guard Light Artillery (3) (from Forest area northwest of victory of the battle. woods to east of Semyonovskoye Poniatowski, while his cavalry village area) (1) remains in the eastern Utitskii 4 PM: Goruzka Valley Area, forest area, with these other east of Great Redoubt French (defending): 2nd Infantry troops not being committed to Division (4, reduced to 2 by the battle. French (attacking): 2 CC preliminary bombardment), Guard Cavalry (3) and 1 CC Cavalry (3) Light Artillery (3) Russians (defending): 17th (from Semyonovskoye village Infantry Division (2, reduced area), 4 CC Cavalry (2) (from Result: French victory. The from earlier fighting), II Corps Great Redoubt) Russians had thought to take Heavy Artillery (2), reinforced advantage of the French cavalry by one militia unit (Smolensk, at Russians (defending): 7th moves into the Goruzka valley to 3, from the Old Smolensk Road Infantry Division (3), 23rd strike at their weakened position area east of the Kurgan). Other Infantry Division (2), 2 CC on the Semyonovskaya Heights, Russian troops are nearby Cavalry Corps (2), 3 CC Cavalry but even so the French defense covering the flanks, including Corps (2) reinforced by their Guard artillery Cossacks 3 at Miyshina, Russian at last moving up proves too Moscow militia in the woods to Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) the south, and Baggovut's CHQ unable to find any good place to along the Old Smolensk Road. (2, reduced to 1 for activating) mount a further counterattack; The French launch no further and the weakened 1st Grenadier though many of the French melee attacks, but instead begin Division (1) behind the Kurgan divisions are weakened and an artillery duel in the center, on the Old Smolensk Road to the vulnerable, the Russians are even pounding the Russian Guard east, but are not committed to the more so, with no intact reserves drawn up to hold off the French final battle. remaining. cavalry. Kutuzov agrees to pull his army back about a mile, Result: A hard-fought French 5 pm – For the French, Napoleon planning to align it with the victory, the last one of the battle and Murat are activated, while the Russian reserve artillery across on Sept. 7. Though the Polish Russians activate Barclay, Lavrov the central plateau, along a front infantry suffers a step loss and and Baggovut. The great cavalry running from Gorki to Psarevo. the Westphalian infantry suffers melee starts to die down in the Kutuzov does not yet realize the two step losses, the Russian center, the last French cavalry full extent of the Russian losses infantry, militia and artillery attacks taking place. Napoleon and overestimates the French units each lose a step too, but leaves Shevardino and advances to ones, believing that he can retreat from the Kurgan in time the Semyonovskaya heights, to counterattack the next day after to avoid elimination. inspect the captured redoubts and replenishing overnight. After the 4 pm turn, the Semyonovskoye village, coming action starts to die down. The under Russian fire. Some of 7 pm – The French activate French, in game terms, have Napoleon’s Marshals once again Napoleon, while the Russians secured enough points to be urge him to commit his Guard for activate Kutuzov, Baggovut, confident of a win, with firm a final breakthrough, but other Barclay, Lavrov, Osterman- control of three of the five Marshals advise against it and Tolstoy, Dokhturov, and redoubts (Shevardino, Les again he refuses, unwilling to risk Golitsyn to conduct their planned Fleches, Great Redoubt) and his last reserve and shocked by the withdrawal. The artillery duel heavier Russian point losses for small numbers of Russian between the French and Russians eliminated units than for the prisoners. Instead, Napoleon opts continues sporadically, and the French, including the losses of to continue artillery attacks on the Russian Guards Division suffers one Russian AHQ (Bagration) Russians in the center, and the heavy losses, as the Russians and one Russian CHQ French Guard artillery is brought complete their withdrawal into (Tuchkov). For the French, into position on the the new position. Both armies many of whose units are badly Semyonovskaya Heights. The seek to rest and replenish their battered, further attacks only risk Russian Guard threatens to heavily damaged forces. losing units and are unnecessary, counterattack Semyonovskoye, but and so the French content is deterred by the French artillery 8 pm - The Russians activate themselves with opportunistic and instead forms squares to block Kutuzov, Barclay and Dokhturov artillery barrages against the the French cavalry. to complete their planned Russian lines hoping for another withdrawal, while the French do kill, or at least to damage the 6 pm – The Russians activate not choose to activate leaders this Russians enough to deter Baggovut and Kutuzov, while the time, seeing the battle as won counterattacks. And the French activate Napoleon and and with the Russians mostly out Russians, at last tiring of this Murat. Baggovut, after an of range. The battle dies down as punishment by the French guns, unsuccessful counterattack with darkness approaches, and the pull their front back about one the 4th Division which has at last armies continue to rest and area along most of their front line arrived from the center to rejoin II resupply. Kutuzov, finally to minimize further losses, Corps, starts to withdraw his army realizing how badly the Russian Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) army has suffered, and that The Russian and French Losses and likely another in the fighting Napoleon still has intact reserves on the southern flank. Some – the Old Guard and Guard Russian losses have been other Russian divisions, likely Cavalry have remained inactive calculated at 44,000-50,000 men, including one from VII Corps, throughout the battle – decides with the higher figure probably one from IV Corps, and one from after nightfall not to continue the accounting for Shevardino losses III Corps, may be considered battle and withdraws toward as well. Among the top shattered as well. However, no Mozhaisk along the two main leadership, Bagration and Tuchkov Russian cavalry corps or roads running south of the were both mortally wounded, with divisions were badly damaged Moskva. The French attempt no other corps commanders including enough to be considered immediate pursuit, being too Osterman-Tolstoy and possibly shattered, and some of them exhausted by the fighting. Borozdin wounded. The Russians came off with relatively little also had numerous divisional damage. The Russians lost During the Sept. 7 scenario, both commanders either killed about 40 guns, enough to account sides have available 60 supply (Kantakuzin in 1st Combined for the two artillery units from points, 4 for each of the 15 turns, Grenadiers), or wounded VII and VIII Corps, but not as neither side lost any supply (Konovnitsyn from III Corps, both severe damage to the artillery. sources. In addition, the French Bakhmetievs commanding the two can draw down 17 steps with divisions of IV Corps, and all three From the available data, it their leaders for activations of the division commanders in appears that on the Russian side, before reaching the zero steps, VIII Corps, Neverovski, I Cavalry Corps lost only about while the Russians can draw Mecklenberg, and Vorontsov). 4-5% of its strength, about 101- down 23 steps with their leaders The Russians kept good accounts 129 men, reflecting its failure to for activations before reaching of the losses of their regular press the attack against the the zero steps, giving the French formations after the battle, French at Borodino. On the a maximum of 77 supply points although there are no records for other hand, II and III Cavalry and the Russians 83. The the Cossacks and only partial ones Corps, which fought harder in the French, based on activations of for the militia. Several Russian center, lost about 16% of their leaders alone, have used 53, units were evidently shattered combined strength, 1184 men. while the Russians have used 61 during the battle, with very heavy IV Cavalry Corps also was not for their leaders, leaving the losses. These include all three of badly hit, with 324-325 men lost, French just 24 supply points and the divisions of VIII Corps, the 9%. Of the Russian cavalry the Russians 22 to provide 27th, 2nd Grenadiers, and 2nd formations, the cuirassier resupply for damaged units and Combined Grenadiers, as well as divisions were the most heavily keep leaders able to fight. It is the corps artillery, mostly lost with engaged and suffered the most hardly surprising, after 15 turns the fall of the Fleches. The losses, 592 for the 1st Cuirassier, of battle, that both the French Russians also lost the bulk of the 25%, and 630-31 for the 2nd and Russian armies are severely 24th Division of VI Corps with the Cuirassier, 27%. Infantry losses weakened in step strength, as it fall of the Great Redoubt in the were much more severe. Of the has been impossible for either afternoon, along with its two corps that fought in the side to keep up with the heavy commander Likhachev captured, south, II Corps lost 3718-3764, losses. The French Guard is the the highest ranking Russian 36%, while III Corps lost 3237- only intact corps remaining on prisoner, and the artillery of VII 3294, 40-41%. The forces in the the field of battle. Corps in the redoubt. One Jaeger center from 1st Army had regiment, representing the Guard comparably heavy losses. IV Jaeger regiment screen, was Corps lost 3739-3763, or 39-40% shattered in Borodino at the outset, and VI Corps lost 3616- Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

3622, or 37%. Even the Guard French divisions were shattered after the battle, since no complete infantry lost 4673, or 32%. records remain of individual infantry division losses in the Grande Worst hit were the two corps of Armée after Borodino. But the corps-level losses are known, and from 2nd Army, which suffered the full this it is evident that Davout’s I Corps and the Polish V Corps suffered force of Napoleon’s opening the most heavily, as well as Murat’s cavalry. It is likely that one or two attacks. VII Corps lost 5791- of Davout’s divisions were effectively shattered (likely Dessaix’s 4th 5978, or 54-55%. And VIII and Morand’s 1st ), as well as one of Murat’s cavalry corps (Montbrun’s Corps lost a staggering 8605- II Cavalry, Nansouty’s I Cavalry and Latour-Maubourg’s IV Cavalry 9260, from 59-70%. Even the all suffered heavy damage, and of these IV Cavalry was the weakest to artillery reserves of the two begin with in cavalry, so the most likely loss from the final cavalry armies had substantial losses – struggles) and one of the Polish divisions (16th or 18th ). Ornano’s IV 1181 in 1st Army, or 14%, and Corps cavalry may also have been shattered by the initial impact of 651 in 2nd Army, or 27%. Uvarov’s and Platov’s cavalry at Bezzubovo, for when it appears later at Overall, 1st Army lost 27-28% of Moscow it is a shadow of its former power. But on the French side, it its strength in regulars, while 2nd is clear that no artillery units were lost; the French artillery strength at Army lost 47-49%. Though Moscow was nearly equal to what they had at Borodino, and it appears Cossack and Smolensk militia that only 8 French guns were lost at Borodino. losses are unknown, it appears , that the Moscow militia lost French Corps At Borodino Moscow Moscow Oct. 18 some 5,793 men to combat and end of Sept. desertion. These totals, taking Guard 18,849, 109 guns 18,706 22,480, 112 guns the higher figures, account for I Corps 40,392, 147 guns 24,818 28,949, 144 guns 42,610 men, with the missing III Corps 13,186, 75 guns 6,243 10,498, 71 guns Cossacks likely bringing the total IV Corps 25,021, 88 guns 27,326 25,624, 92 guns to about 44,000. After the battle, V Corps 10,328, 50 guns 6,923 5,712, 49 guns the Russians readily drafted VIII Corps 9,656, 30 guns 5,000 est. 5,691, 34 guns many of the remaining militia Reserve Cav. 17,685, 88 guns 11,759 9,000, 67 guns into the ranks of the regular Corps (with about 4,000 divisions to replace their huge of the cavalry losses. dismounted) On the French side losses from the fighting on Sept. 7 were While Napoleon had 135,117 men and 587 guns available for Borodino, about 28,000-30,000, including at the end of September in Moscow he had 100,775 and 571 guns, and at Davout wounded. The French the time he left Moscow, with reinforcements that had caught up and had one cavalry corps return of lightly wounded troops to the ranks, his strength had actually commander, Montbrun, and one grown to 107,954 men, with 569 guns. The Guard, not committed to infantry division commander, combat at Borodino apart from the artillery, suffered insignificant Tharreau, killed, while many losses, and was actually stronger on leaving Moscow than it had been at others generals were wounded, Borodino due to the arrival of reinforcements including the rest of the including all three of the other Young Guard. However, I Corps had massive losses of at least 11,500 cavalry corps commanders, and more likely close to 15,000 men. III Corps lost between 2,600 and 4,900 men. For IV Corps, these figures appear to show no losses, but Nansouty, Grouchy, and Latour- th Maubourg, and four of the five that is because of the addition of the 6000 men of Pino’s 15 Division to infantry division commanders in IV Corps after the battle; taking that into account, IV Corps losses I Corps, Compans, Dessaix, appear more like 2,700 men. Polish V Corps losses were about 3,400. Friant, and Morand. It is Westphalian VIII Corps suffered losses of about 4,000 by the time it left somewhat harder to assess which Moscow, and while this probably includes some post-battle attrition, Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) it is known to have suffered at in points, with 2 points for the IV could eventually draw on many least 1433 battle losses. Finally, Corps cavalry division vs. 1 reserves to replace their losses, it losses to the four corps of the French point for the jaegers killed would still take time to rebuild Reserve Cavalry appear to have in Borodino. And on the southern from the heavy losses of been about 5,800; the most front, honors are nearly, with 2 Borodino, amounting to about a heavily hit were I Corps (down to Russian points for killing a Polish third of the army. In a dramatic 2,721 at the end of September division vs. 3 French points for the debate at Fili, the Russian from 5,159) and IV Corps (down Tuchkov CHQ and some Jaegers. commanders divided on whether to 1,775 at the end of September But on the central front, where to fight another battle to defend from 3600), while III Cavalry Napoleon chose to make his main Moscow, and Kutuzov finally Corps came off lightly with attack, his strategy is vindicated in had to take the momentous 3,000 men remaining at the end game terms by the clear advantage decision to abandon Russia’s of September out of 3,583, and II in points - 6 Russian points gained ancient capital. On the French Cavalry Corps still had 4,263 for 2 French infantry divisions and side, though losses had only men out of 5,343, but this 1 cavalry corps, against 16 French amounted to somewhat under a included cavalry from Ney’s III points for kills of 9 Russian units, quarter of the army, and the Corps counted with them at that the Bagration AHQ and two Guard remained intact, time. These totals largely redoubts captured on Sept. 7 (with replacements were a more account for the 32,000 that the the remaining two for Shevardino, serious problem. Napoleon’s French likely lost between the captured on Sept. 5). This was resources were not yet exhausted. two days of battle at Shevardino mainly thanks to the effective On the evening after the battle on and Borodino. French use of artillery Sept. 7’s, Pino’s Italian 15th bombardments and tactical skill in Division rejoined Eugene’s IV Between the two sides, there combined arms attacks, aided by Corps. The remainder of the were over 50,000 dead or superior corps leadership in Young Guard also caught up mortally wounded left on the bringing their units into battle. with Napoleon by Moscow, and field. Borodino was a French other troops filtered in there, so victory by all the standards But in reality, Napoleon had that the Guard and IV Corps normally used to define the missed the last chance he would actually found themselves outcome of battles: the French have to deal a decisive blow to the stronger after their stay in held the field, and their losses Russians by destroying Kutuzov’s Moscow than they had been just had been less than that of their army, the only thing that might before Borodino. But Tsar opponents. In game terms, the have brought the Tsar to the Alexander would not negotiate French have ended with about 22 negotiating table or enabled him to with Napoleon, for he still had an victory points (6 for redoubts, 5 maintain his position in Russia army in the field, and Napoleon’s for the two Russian AHQs and over the coming winter. To claim position in Moscow, at the far CHQs lost, and 11 for other a decisive victory of that end of the long rapier thrust into Russian units killed) to the magnitude, in game terms, the Russia, was becoming more Russian 12 (2 for the remaining French would likely need to have a tenuous every day. The redoubts in Russian hands, and margin of 20 points or more over vulnerability of the French was 10 for 5 French units killed, as the Russians. now apparent, even at the high the Russians get two points for water mark of the Grande each French kill), a clear French The Aftermath Armee’s advance; raiding battle win with a margin of 10 Cossacks could easily cut points. On the northern front The Russian defeat at Borodino Napoleon’s lines of above the Kolocha, the Russians led directly to the fall of Moscow a communication back to France, actually appear to have an edge week later. Though the Russians and the reviving strength of Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Kutuzov’s army menaced the December, only the Guard retained Imperial Guard French position, while the any semblance of order, and a bare Russian reinforcements arriving 10,000 troops under arms, with a Mortier CHQ – corps staff from the Army of the Danube in host of stragglers behind, made the Old Guard Infantry – 1st, 2nd, 3rd the south and Finland in the north last march to Vilna and the Grenadiers, 1st, 2nd Foot now enabled the Russians to Russian border. Marshal Ney, Chasseurs Rgts. (2 bns. ea.) = 10 press on the French flanks and who had commanded the bns. threaten to cut off Napoleon’s rearguard through the retreat, Middle Guard Infantry – 1st retreat entirely. Napoleon spoke earning the title “bravest of the Voltigeurs, 1st Tirailleurs, truly when he afterward brave” from Napoleon, was said to Fusiliers-Chasseurs, Fusiliers- remarked about Borodino that no be the last man of the Grande Grenadiers Rgts. (2 bns. ea.), battle had cost him so much or Armée to leave Russia. The old combined with 1 brigade of gained him so little. Grande Armée that had won so Young Guard, 4th, 5th Voltigeurs, many victories for Napoleon had 4th Tirailleurs Rgts. (2 bns. ea.) = When Napoleon finally left effectively been destroyed in 14 bns. Moscow in mid-October, he still Russia. Though the Emperor still (Legion of the) Vistula Infantry – had over 100,000 men available, commanded a large army in Spain, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Vistula Rgts. (2 bns. and nearly as much artillery as at and reserves from which a new ea.) = 6 bns. Borodino. But, blocked by the army in Germany could be Guard Heavy Artillery – 6 foot Russians from retreating into the reconstituted in 1813, and his most batteries (49 guns) Ukraine where ample supplies experienced Marshals remained to Guard Light Artillery – 4 foot were still available, the French lead that force, the fighting power (30 guns), 4 horse batteries (24 had to retrace their route through of the Grande Armée would never guns), 6 regimental guns Smolensk and the devastated be the same again, and the legend Guard Cavalry – Horse lands of Byelorussia and of Napoleon’s invincibility was Grenadiers, Horse Chasseurs, Lithuania, with Kutuzov in close shattered forever. Empress Dragoons Rgts. (5 sq. pursuit. What was left of the ea.), 1st Polish Lancers, 2nd Grande Armée, even with The French Order of Battle at Dutch Lancers Rgts. (4 sq. ea.), reinforcements from drawing in Borodino (Composition of Game Gendarmes d’elite (2 sq.), the corps guarding the flanks and Units) Mamelukes (1 sq.) = 26 sq. Victor’s IX Corps reserves, steadily disintegrated during the Napoleon AHQ – army staff, I Corps late fall and winter march. The escort - 1 bn. 2nd Baden Line Rgt., crossing of the Berezina in late Portuguese Legion Chasseurs Rgt. Davout CHQ – corps staff November was the last straw; (3 sq.), 28th Chasseurs Rgt. (2 sq., 1st Infantry – 13th Light, 17th, 30th though Napoleon narrowly detached from regiment in III Line Rgts. (5 bns. ea.) (+ 1 bn. of escaped being cut off by the Corps), Saxon Prinz Albrecht 2nd Baden Rgt. detached to AHQ) forces of Chichagov, with the Chevau-Leger Rgt. (1 sq., = 15 bns merged 3rd Army and Army of detached from regiment in III 2nd Infantry – 15th Light, 33rd the Danube, to the south, and Cavalry Corps) = 1 bn., 6 sq. Line, 48th Line Rgts. (5 bns. ea), Wittgenstein’s corps to the north, There is considerable difference in ½ Joseph Napoleon (Spanish) with Kutuzov pressing from the sources regarding which units Rgt. (2 bns.) = 17 bns. 3rd behind, only remnants were left were attached to Napoleon’s AHQ Infantry – 7th Light, 12th, 21st after this battle from the 50,000 at Borodino, but these are all units Line Rgts. (5 bns. ea.), and 127th Napoleon still had at its start. By known to have been attached to Line Rgt. (2 bns.) (in reserve, the time Napoleon abandoned the the AHQ when it reached guarding I Corps parks), 1st army to return to France in early Moscow. Mecklenburg Bn. from 8th Rhine Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

Confederation Rgt. (1 bn.)(in III Corps Light Artillery – 6 foot Chasseurs Rgts. (4 sq. ea.), 12th reserve, guarding I Corps parks) batteries (41 guns), 4 horse Polish Lancers Rgt. (4 sq.), 13th = 18 bns. batteries (22 guns), 12 regimental Polish Hussars Rgt. (4 sq.) = 17 4th Infantry – 85th, 108th Line guns sq. Rgts. (5 bns. ea.), and 2nd Bn. V Corps Light Artillery – 5 foot Hesse-Darmstadt “Lieb” Rgt. (1 batteries (32 guns), 1 horse bn.) (in reserve, guarding I Corps IV Corps battery (6 guns), 12 regimental parks, or possibly detached to guns AHQ) = 11 bns. Eugene CHQ – corps staff 5th Infantry – 25th, 57th, 61st, 111th Italian Guard Infantry – Guard VIII Corps Line Rgts. (5 bns. ea.) = 20 bns. Inf., Guard Conscript Rgts. (2 bns. I Corps Heavy Artillery – 6 foot ea.), Royal Velites (2 bns.) = 6 Junot CHQ – corps staff batteries (48 guns) bns. 23rd / 24th Infantry – from 23rd I Corps Light Artillery – 2 foot 13th Infantry – 8th Light Rgt. (2 Division – 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th batteries (16 guns), 5 horse bns.), 84th, 92nd, 106th Line Rgts. Westphalian Line Rgts. (2 bns. batteries (30 guns), 53 regimental (4 bns. ea.), 1st Provisional Croat ea., 3 bns. in 7th ), 2 Westphalian guns Rgt. (2 bns.) = 16 bns. Light bns.; from 24th Division – 1 14th Infantry – 18th Light Rgt. (2 guard grenadier, 1 guard jaeger, III Corps bns.), 9th, 35th, 53rd Line Rgts. (4 1 jaeger-carabinier, 1 light bns., bns. ea.), ½ Joseph Napoleon all Westphalian = 15 bns. Ney CHQ – corps staff (Spanish) Rgt. (2 bns.) = 16 bns VIII Corps Cavalry – 1st, 2nd 10th /25th Infantry – from 10th IV Corps Cavalry (including VI Westphalian Hussars Rgts. (4 sq. Division 24th Light, 46th, 72nd Corps Cavalry) – Guard Dragoons ea.), Westphalian Guard Chevau- Line Rgts. (4 bns. ea.), 1st (Italian) Rgt. (2 sq.), Queen’s Leger Rgt. (4 sq.) = 12 sq. Portuguese Legion Line Rgt. (2 Dragoons (Italian) Rgt. (4 sq.), VIII Corps Heavy Artillery – 2 bns.); from 25th Wuerttemberg Guards of Honor (1 sq.), 2nd, 3rd foot batteries (16 guns), 1 horse Division 1 temporary Line Rgt. Italian Chasseurs Rgts. (4 sq. ea.), battery (6 guns), 8 regimental (3 provisional bns.) = 17 bns. 9th, 19th Chasseurs Rgts. (3 sq ea.), guns 11th Infantry – 4th, 18th, 93rd Line 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th Bavarian Chevau- Rgts. (4 bns. ea.), 2nd Portuguese Leger Rgts. (4 sq. ea.) = 37 sq. (Reserve) Cavalry Corps Legion Line Rgt. (2 bns.) = 14 IV Corps Heavy Artillery – 6 foot bns. batteries (44 guns) Murat CHQ – corps staff III Corps Cavalry (including I IV Corps Horse Artillery – 2 foot I Cavalry Corps (1CC) – in 1st Corps Cavalry) – from III Corps batteries (12 guns), 4 horse Heavy Cavalry Division - 2nd, Cavalry – 6th Chevau-Leger batteries (24 guns), 8 regimental 3rd, 9th, Cuirassiers Rgts. (4 sq. Lancers Rgt. (3 sq.), 4th guns ea.), 1st Chevau-Leger Lancers Chasseurs Rgt. (4 sq.), 28th Rgt. (2 sq.); in 5th Heavy Cavalry Chasseurs Rgt. (2 sq., + 2 sq. V Corps Division - 6th, 11th, 12th detached to AHQ), 11th (Dutch) Cuirassiers Rgts. (4 sq. ea.), 5th Hussars Rgt. (4 sq.), 1st, 2nd Poniatowski CHQ – corps staff Chevau-Leger Lancers Rgt. (1 Wuerttemberg Chevau-Leger 16th Infantry – 3rd, 15th, 16th Polish sq.); in 1st Light Cavalry Division Rgts. (4 sq. ea.), 4th Line Rgts. (3 bns. ea.) = 9 bns. - 7th, 8th Hussars Rgts., 9th Wuerttemberg Jaeger-zu-Pferde 18th Infantry – 2nd, 8th, 12th Polish Chevau-Leger Lancers Rgt., 16th Rgt. (4 sq.) ; from I Corps Line Rgts. (3 bns. ea.) = 9 bns. Chasseurs Rgt., 6th, 8th Polish Cavalry – 1st, 2nd, 3rd Chasseurs, V Corps Cavalry – 1st Polish Lancers Rgts., 2nd Combined 9th Polish Lancers Rgts. (4 sq. Chasseurs Rgt. (1 sq. present, Prussian Hussar Rgt. (4 sq. ea.) = ea.) = 41 sq others at Smolensk), 4th, 5th Polish 55 sq. Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

II Cavalry Corps (2CC) – in 2nd Voltigeurs (Detachments) 1xB3, Dragoon, Pskov Dragoon Rgts. Heavy Cavalry Division - 5th, 8th, 2xB2 – represent light infantry (4 sq. ea.), Izumsk Hussar, Polish 10th Cuirassiers Rgts. (4 sq. ea.), drawn from infantry divisions as Uhlan Rgts. (8 sq. ea.) = 24 sq. 2nd Chevau-Leger Lancers Rgt. needed, not separate regiments III Cavalry Corps (3CC) – (2 sq.); in 4th Heavy Cavalry Kurland, Orenburg, Irkutsk, Division - 1st Cuirassier Rgt. (4 The Russian Order of Battle at Siberia Dragoon Rgts. (4 sq. ea.), sq.), 1st, 2nd Carabinier Rgts. (4 Borodino (Composition of Game Mariupol, Sumsk Hussar Rgts. (8 sq. ea.), 4th Chevau-Leger Units) sq. ea.) = 32 sq. Lancers Rgt.. (1 sq.); in 2nd Light Cavalry Division - 11th, 12th Kutuzov AHQ – corps staff, escort II Corps Chasseurs Rgts. (3 sq. ea.), 5th, - 1 bn. Selenginsk Rgt. from III 9th Hussars Rgts., 3rd Corps, 1 bn. Combined Grenadiers Baggovut CHQ – corps staff Wuerttemberg Jaeger-zu-Pferde from IV Corps, Ingermanland, 4th Infantry – Tobolsk, Volhynia, Rgt., (4 sq. ea.), 10th Polish Kargopol Dragoon Rgts. (4 sq. ea.) Kremenchug, Minsk Rgts., 4th, Hussars Rgt. (3 sq. ea.), 1st from II Cavalry Corps = 2 bns., 8 34th Jaeger Rgts (2 bns. ea.) = 12 Combined Prussian Uhlans Rgt. sq. (the available information bns. (4 sq. ea.) = 52 sq. does not clearly identify which of 17th Infantry – Ryazan, Brest, the 1st Army AHQ escorts were Belozersk, Willmanstrand Rgts., III Cavalry Corps (3CC) – in 6th with the Kutuzov AHQ and which 30th, 48th Jaeger Rgts. (2 bns. ea.) Heavy Cavalry Division - 7th , were with the Barclay AHQs, = 12 bns. 23rd, 28th, 30th Dragoon Rgts. (3 which operated near to each other; II Corps Heavy Artillery – 2 sq. ea.); in 3rd Light Cavalry the assignment of most of the position batteries, 2 light Division - 6th Hussars Rgt. (3 escorts to Kutuzov, while giving batteries (48 guns) sq.), 6th, 8th, 25th Chasseurs Rgts. the Cossack escort to Barclay, (3 sq. ea., except 4 sq. in 8th ), 1st, parallels the Cossack escort of III Corps (with I Army Sept. 5, 2nd Bavarian Chevau-Leger Rgts. Bagration’s AHQ) with II Army Sept. 7) (4 sq. ea.), Saxon Prinz Albrecht Chevau-Leger Rgt. (3 sq., +1 I Army Tuchkov CHQ – corps staff detached to AHQ) = 36 sq. 1st Grenadier Infantry – Life Barclay AHQ – army staff, escort Grenadier, Arakcheyev IV Cavalry Corps (4CC) – in 7th - 2nd Bug Cossacks Rgt. (5 sq.) Grenadier, Pavlovsk Grenadier, Heavy Cavalry Division - Saxon I Army Heavy Artillery – 2 Yekatarinoslav Grenadier, St. Gardes du Corps (Cuirassiers) position batteries (24 guns) Petersburg Grenadier, Taurida Rgt., Saxon Zastrow Cuirassiers I Army Light Artillery – 7 light Grenadier Rgts. (2 bns. ea.) = 12 Rgt., 1st, 2nd Westphalian batteries (84 guns) bns. Cuirassiers Rgts. (4 sq. ea.), 14th I Army Horse Artillery – 7 horse 3rd Infantry – Murom, Revel, Polish Cuirassiers Rgt. (2 sq.); in batteries (including ones attached Chernigov Rgts. (2 bns. ea), 4th Light Cavalry Division - 3rd, to cavalry corps) (84 guns) Selenginsk Rgt. (1 bn., with 1 15th, 16th Polish Lancers (3 sq. I Cavalry Corps (1CC) – Life detached to AHQ; regiment ea.) = 27 sq. Guard Dragoon, Life Guard attached from IV Corps), 20th, Uhlan, Life Guard Hussar Rgts. (4 21st Jaeger Rgts. (2 bns. ea.) = 11 Horse Artillery 1 (I, II Cavalry sq. ea.), Life Guard Cossack Rgt. bns. (may have also received Corps)– 10 horse batteries (54 (3 sq), Black Sea Guard Cossack back its 2 bns. of Combined guns) sotnia (1 sq.), Yelizavetgrad Grenadiers from 1st Combined Horse Artillery 2 (III, IV Cavalry Hussar Rgt. (8 sq.), Nezhinsk Grenadier Division as Corps) - 7 horse batteries (34 Dragoon Rgt. (4 sq.) = 28 sq. attachments for the battle on guns) II Cavalry Corps (2CC) – Moscow Sept. 7, but for game purposes Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued) these are still shown with their Infantry – 9 Combined Grenadier bns. 1st Teptyarsk Cossack Rgt. (5 sq.), parent division) from 1st Grenadier, 3rd, 4th, 17th (2 bns. and 1st Bashkir Rgt. (5 sq.) = 37 sq. ea.), 23rd (1 bn.) Divisions (+ 1 Cossack 2 Cavalry – 5 Don III Corps Light Artillery – 0.5 th position battery, 1 light battery Combined Grenadier bn. from 11 Cossack Rgts., inc. Ilovaisky V, (18 guns) Div. that stayed with that division, Grekov XVIII, Denisov VII, Zhirov, and 1 Combined Grenadier bn. from Kharitonov VII (5 sq. ea.), Perekop th IV Corps 11 Division with AHQ, not counted Horse Tatar, Simferopol Horse in this total) – 4 bns. likely deployed Tatar Rgts. (5 sq. ea.) = 35 sq. Osterman-Tolstoi CHQ – corps forward in battle in 2nd Brigade with Cossack Horse Artillery – 2 horse staff IV Corps (inc. 2 bns. from 17th batteries (24 guns) rd 11th Infantry – Kexholm, Pernau, Division, 1 bn. from 23 Division, + st rd 1 bn. already with 11th Division), and II Army Polotsk, Yeletsk Rgts., 1 , 33 rd 2 bns. from 3 Division may also rd Jaeger Rgts. (2 bns. ea.) = 12 Bagration AHQ – corps staff, 3 have been deployed forward with bns., + 1 bn. Combined Bug Cossack Rgt. (5 sq.), 1 their parent division again, while 4 Smolensk militia bn. Grenadiers remained attached bns. from 1st Grenadier, 4th Divisions II Army Heavy Artillery – 2 (other detached to AHQ) in 1st Brigade clearly remained with rd position batteries (24 guns) 23 Infantry – Yekaterinburg, 1st Combined Grenadier Division, but II Army Light Artillery – 4 2/3 light Rylsk, Koporsk (regiment the two brigades and other batteries (56 guns) attached from IV Corps) Rgts., detachments to III Corps remain th 18 Jaeger Rgt. (2 bns. ea.) = 8 united for game purposes VII Corps bns. 1st Cuirassier Cavalry – Chevalier Guard, Life Guard Horse, His Rayevski CHQ – corps staff (corps may have also received 3 th other bns. of Combined Imperial Majesty’s Life Cuirassiers, 12 Infantry – Narva, Smolensk, st Her Imperial Majesty’s Life New Ingermanland, Alexopol Rgts., Grenadiers from 1 Combined th st Cuirassiers, Astrakhan Cuirassiers 6 , 41 Jaeger Rgts. (2 bns. ea.) = Grenadier Division, along with nd Rgts. (4 sq. ea.) = 20 sq. 12 bns. the bn. it already had, as 2 Guard Light Artillery – 2 position 26th Infantry – Nizhni Novgorod, Combined Grenadier Brigade batteries, 2 light batteries, and 2 horse Orel, Ladoga, Poltava Rgts. 5th, 42nd attached for the battle on Sept. 7, (only 8 guns each in horse) batteries, Jaeger Rgts. (2 bns. ea.) = 12 bns. but for game purposes these are + 2 Marine Equipage guns (66 guns) VII Corps Heavy Artillery- 1 still shown with their parent position battery, 1 light battery (24 division) VI Corps guns) IV Corps Light Artillery – 1 Dokhturov CHQ – corps staff VIII Corps position battery, 2.5 light 7th Infantry – Moscow, Pskov, Libau, batteries (42 guns) Sofia Rgts., 11th, 36th Jaeger Rgts. (2 Borozdin CHQ – corps staff bns. ea.) = 12 bns. 2nd Grenadier Infantry – Kiev V Guard Corps 24th Infantry – Ufa, Shirvan, Butyrsk, Grenadier, Moscow Grenadier, Tomsk Rgts., 19th, 40th Jaeger Rgts. (2 Astrakhan Grenadier, Fanagoria Lavrov CHQ (in absence of bns. ea.) = 12 bns. Grenadier, Siberia Grenadier, Little Grand Duke Constantine) – corps VI Corps Heavy Artillery – 2 position Russia Grenadier Rgts. (2 bns. ea.) staff batteries, 2 light batteries (48 guns). = 12 bns. Guards Infantry – Life Guard 27th Infantry – Odessa, Tarnopol, Preobrazhenskii, Semyonovskii, Cossack Corps Vilna, Simbirsk Rgts., 49th, 50th Izmailovskii, Litovskii Jaeger Rgts. (2 bns. ea.) = 12 bns. Platov CHQ – corps staff nd 2 Combined Grenadier Infantry – (Lithuanian), Finlyandskii Cossack 1 Cavalry – 4 Don Cossack (Finland), Jaeger Rgts. (3 bns. 11 Combined Grenadier bns. from Rgts., inc. Ataman (7 sq.), Adrianov nd th th th th 2 Grenadier, 7 , 12 , 24 , 27 (2 ea.), Marine Guard Equipage bn. II, Chernozubov VIII, and Vlasov III th each.) and 26 (1 bn.) Divisions; at = 19 bns. (5 sq. ea.), 1st Bug Cossack Rgt. (5 least 7 bns. in one brigade remained 1st Combined Grenadiers st sq.), 1 Teptyarsk Cossack Rgt. (5 with division during battle, while 4 Columbia Games’ Borodino 1812: The Game As History (Continued)

may have been deployed forward in another brigade with VI Corps in I Army, but the division remains united for game purposes VIII Corps Heavy Artillery - 4.5 position batteries, 1/3 light battery (58 guns) Cavalry Corps (not a formal corps like others, but aggregates the II Army cavalry, which was all under the authority of Golitsyn as the army’s cavalry commander) Golitsyn CHQ – corps staff 2nd Cuirassier Cavalry – Yekaterinoslavl, Military Order, Glukhov, Little Russia, Novgorod Cuirassier Rgts. (4 sq. ea.) = 20 sq. IV Cavalry Corps (4CC) – Kharkov, Chernigov, Kiev, Novorossiisk Dragoon Rgts. (4 sq. ea.), Akhtyrsk, Lithuanian Hussar Rgts. (8 sq. ea.) = 32 sq. Corps Horse Artillery – 2 horse batteries (24 guns) Cossack 3 Cavalry – 8 Don Cossack Rgts,. inc. Bykhalov 1, Grekov XXI, Ilovaisky X, Ilovaisky XI, Karpov II, Kommisarov I, Melnikov IV, Sysoyov III (5 sq. ea.) = 40 sq. Opolcheniye (Militia) Moscow 1 Infantry – includes 1t, 2nd Moscow militia divisions, total 4 rgts., 16 bns. Moscow 2 Infantry - includes 3rd Moscow militia division, total 4 rgts., 16 bns. Smolensk Infantry – includes 11 “districts” (battalion equivalents) Jaegers (Detachments) 1xB3, 2xB2 – represent light infantry drawn from infantry divisions as needed, not separate regiments.