Obiarschina 1812

This scenario is taken from Michael Legrand's new Carnage and Glory Scenario Book for the Northern wing of the French invasion of Russia (1812).  The scenario book covers the clashes and battles of the Franco-Bavarians under Oudinot and later St Cyr (the Owl) as they cover Napoleon's left flank during his advance on Moscow.  Wittgenstein advances on the French and covers St. Petersburg by doing so. 
In this action GM Kunliev leads Wittgenstein's Advanced Guard following up on General of Division Legrand's retreating French.  After retiring for a few days the French turn to face their pursuing enemy at Obiarschina. 

Kunliev's Advanced Guard moves on to the constricted terrain in maneuver column.

The Russian cavalry deploy into extended order and enter the protection of the woods to avoid the batteries lining the high ground to their front.
 

The French begin to move off the ridge, taking care not to mask their batteries.  Legrand's division of 4 brigades of infantry and Castex's cavalry brigade have changed their orders from defend and support to attack!

The crossroads showing the Advanced guard cavalry of Cossacks and Hussars in extended order in the woods while Leo's Dragoons approach in maneuver column down the other road. 

The Division batteries on the crest of the hill. Already the French advance is beginning to obstruct the guns.

 

Peter runs the computer under the watchful eyes of Napoleon himself.  Rich contemplates his next move.

Russians continue to use the cover nature has provided. 

Things begin to bunch up on the French left

The action begins with a cavalry melee between three French Chasseurs a Cheval (CaC) and two Russian Dragoon units.

Close up of the cavalry clash as the troops move closer together.

The French infantry move forward.  The guns are masked.

The Russian Commanders.  Mark has the infantry, Leo the dragoons, and Steve the Advanced Guard cavalry.

Steve's Cossacks and Hussars in extended order attack a French battalion in Division column along with a Russian infantry battalion in column.  The Coordinated attack in the woods causes the French to fall back prior to melee.

Rich's CaC falter in front of the Russian horse artillery battery Leo has deployed whilst his dragoons also falter in front of the French infantry in line.  Ouch.  One of Leo's dragoon units has withdrawn to the right.

The commander's contemplate the action.

Mike deploy's has CaC squadrons into extended order in the woods on the French left.  Note the Russian horse battery is in play and the CaC in extended order on the French center are masking the infantry as Rich pulls back to the wood line.

Cavalry battle it out in the woods.  The Grodno Hussars are rated as crack versus the CaC who are veterans.  The hussars prevail with minor casualties on both sides as they are in extended order.

I made a mistake as GM and allowed the cavalry to charge out of the woods.  After rereading the rules I determined that this is not allowed and it seems to make sense to me.  

The CaC retreat behind the safety of the guns to lick their wounds and recover command integrity. 

The guns are finally unmasked.  Rich has established a defensive line on the French right, the French center and left are in disarray.  A major Russian victory has been achieved.  The French will not be able to secure their territorial objective of driving the Russians from the board. 
 

A fun and challenging game.  The terrain (nice job constructing this Steve Umbrell) provides a real challenge for the gamer.  I am looking forward to playing this scenario again now that I have contemplated the terrain and seen how a different commanders are approaching this puzzling scenario.