More Zorndorf action

 We left the action with Manteuffel's infantry having broken and Kanitz engaging around the Stein Busche (off picture to the right). Seydlitz's heavy cavalry (table top left beyond the Zabern Grund) had not moved - please note.

 Kanitz made grindingly slow progress against the Russian centre beyond the Galgen Grund. Most Prussian fusilier regiments are not on a par with Prussian musketeer regiments, let alone grenadiers, and his losses soon mounted as the lack of quality told.

 Then, the focus of the action changed. Seydlitz's cavalry, which were beyond the Zabern Grund moments before, suddenly appeared 12 feet down at the other end of the field! Let me explain: At Zorndorf Seydlitz was, without a doubt, the 'Officer of the Day'. He displayed great presence of mind and ability in bringing his cavalry to bear, at key moments, in exactly the right part of the field. This is kind of thing is hard to duplicate in most war games, but it is doable, sometimes, using Piquet. 

I added a Stratagem card to the Prussian sequence deck. When it was turned, providing Seydlitz's cavalry had not moved from their initial position, or they were off table, they could appear anywhere along the Prussian base line. 

Some might say that this is not realistic; that there is no time for the Russians to observe the move and react. I say, bollocks to that. It was a hot August day and the air would be full of the smoke and dust caused by thousands of troops and guns so it would be unlikely that his movements behind the Prussian line would be seen. On the day, he moved so swiftly that the Russians, even if they did see his movement, were unable to react quickly enough - horses move very quickly, orders don't.

BTW. For Triples, I have decided that Seydlitz's cavalry will be off able at the start of the game. They will be placed where they were for this game on a sheet of card saying "off-table". The Prussian player can bring them on where they are deployed (by simply removing the sheet of card) on a normal move card or anywhere on the stratagem card - it will look smoother that way.

 Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Manteuffel has rallied the remnants of his command and renewed his attack, Kanitz's command is wavering, and the Russians are planning a major counter attack (I think?).

 Seydlitz and Schorlemer launch their cavalry at the Russian left. It's when this kind of thing happens that I realise just how much new stuff I will have painted for this game. I started with eight Prussian cavalry units, now I have eighteen.

Dohna goes in against the Russian centre left.

This battle is to be continued.....

Note: No newly painted figures this week (though the remaining Russian infantry are more than half done). But, the Prussian army is now fully based and all the infantry regiments have standards.