Slitherine

A few weeks ago, the Franco-German television channel ‘arte’ broadcast a documentary on the Battle of Königgrätz (also known internationally as the Battle of Sadowa) in 1866, to mark the 160th anniversary. As this important battle – which was, after all, the second-largest battle of the 19th century (after Leipzig in October 1813) – is also part of the D2R mod, I dug out this scenario again and took a closer look at it. To visualise the sequence of events in greater detail, I took a few screenshots and edited them in my usual way. The following illustrations are intended for those who wish to study this battle in greater depth.


The first picture shows the Prussians’ initial attempts to cross the Bistritz. Here, the Prussian 1st Army, led by Moltke, King Wilhelm and Bismarck, is engaged near the village of Sadowa. Opposing them are the Austrian Xth and IIIrd Corps, well entrenched. In fact, I am unable to make any headway at this point during the first few rounds.


Further south lies the Prussian Elbe Army, which, although it crosses the small river relatively easily, then also finds itself bogged down against strong defensive positions. The Saxons (IXth Federal Corps) will not be easily defeated by this Elbe Army. I therefore move this rather inexperienced force further south in search of a weak point in their flank.


A few turns later, the 2nd Army (Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm), approaching from the north, finally arrives on the battlefield. This army consists of my most experienced and strongest units. Now we can finally advance along the long Austrian defensive line. However, we must first repel the enemy’s counter-attacks. Historically, the Austrians’ most intense counter-attacks took place in the area of the dense Swiep Forest. The result, however, is the same: the enemy is increasingly losing its offensive capabilities.

By the 16th round, the enemy has been significantly weakened. Their reserves are almost exhausted. With my 2nd Army, I focus on the easternmost section of the Austrian line and wear down the II Corps. The X Corps in the west is also growing increasingly weaker. Gaps are beginning to appear.


A few rounds later, the enemy line collapses. Although there is still a counter-attack by the cavalry of the II Corps – which is otherwise already in tatters – this will not be enough to halt my advance. The crucial town of Chlum is under imminent threat. The Austrians’ III Corps is left in limbo and in danger of being cut off. The Austrian HQ (Ludwig von Benedek) at Rozberitz has already been decimated and will not be able to hold out for much longer.


A short time later, the general order to retreat comes from Ludwig von Benedek. Here, one can already see the Austrian and Saxon troops hurrying back. They have only a narrow corridor left through which to reach the safety of the Elbe. This retreat is more like a tightrope walk.

The strategic map shows the overall course of events once again, which closely resembles the actual historical sequence. Although Benedek, with a slightly larger force – particularly in the early stages of the battle – found himself in a strong defensive position, he was unable to capitalise on this decisively. This was partly due to his corps commanders carrying out unauthorised actions, such as the senseless and costly attack on the Swiepwald.

Link to the ‘arte’ documentary (in German): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwkdrYXgaZM
Link to the YouTube video on the battle with a detailed map: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zES-lu42U_8

A replay of my test game: