The Council Meets

Carriges began to arrive at the Baerschloss for meeting with the Herzog. Ministers Gerissenheit, von Reinhard, and von Kortig gathered as their secretaries collected the papers for the meeting.  All gathered stood silent as a company of the Herzog's Lieb Grenadiers smartly marched out and formed a three rank line before them. An officer stepped forward and spoke, " I am Hauptman Harzbad, You and your staff shall be escorted to the conference room.  The Hurzogs orders are for you gentlemen have your reports ready for his arrival. Questions?"  Silence followed the Hauptmans words, "Sergeant, attend the ministers party.  Ministers you will follow me."  As the Ministers followed the Hauptman they were aware of being surrounded by a party of Lieb Grenadiers.

The Hauptman led the party to the conference room and directed the Ministers to their seats. " Ministers your staff shall arrive directly. I must leave guards outside per orders, You will have privacy in this room to carry out your duties.  I must leave you now to see to my duties.  Good day Ministers." With that Hauptman Harzbad turned and left the room past two Lieb Grenadiers who then shut the door.

Minister Gerissenheit cleared his throat and began the meeting. " Gentlemen the news from the from must be dire.  The Hurzog would not clamp dawn the security unless the situation warranted it." 
'I wonder what news he has that is different from ours.  I am the Minister of War and if I cannot be accurate on my estimations of our forces effectiveness then why am I here." said an exasperated Minister von Reinhard.

"My department is gathering diplomatic information and making contacts to set up further diplomatic activity. If the information I am receiving is false, how can I give advice to the Hurzog?"

"Have no fears Minister von Kortig, and  von Reinhard, I am sure you each have your departments under control.  My agents regularly send me information that confirms your information.  The battle at Zwilling-Hügel stopped a possible winter campaigns in it's tracks.  My information is that our forces suffered severely and even now are only fifty percent effective." Minister Gerissenheit paused and let the information sink in.

Their meeting was interrupted by the arrival of their staff.  The secretraries prepared their ministers papers and seated themselves to aid their ministers in the meeting. As all the staff settled in Oberest von Hubersen entered followed by the Herzog. "I expect this meeting to lay out the requirements for the replenishment of our forces and plan for the spring operations.  I want this meeting to be short  and then each department will go to their suite and prepare for tomorrows meetings.  Now lets get to work."

UNIT HISTORIES

von HARZBACHS GRENADIERS

30 October, 1750/2010 Battle of Hoffmanns Farmstead

20 November, 1750/2010 Battle of Zwilling-Hügel

Lost flag to Flatsburg Bn when they routed out of the melee leaving Fenstermacher’s still engaged.

6 May, 1751/2011  Battle of Geuberbach

THALBER’S REGIMENT

I Battalion

30 October, 1750/2010 Battle of Hoffmanns Farmstead

Defeated the MUHLEHAUS in melee and captured their flag after routing them
In pursuit they engaged FLATSBURG in melee and captured their flag after routing them
Promoted to ELITE status

20 November, 1750/2010 Battle of Zwilling-Hügel

Due to casualties and sending cadre to form II Battalion lowered toVetrern

6 May, 1751/2011 Battle of Geuberbach

FENSTERMACHER’S REGIMENT

I Battalion

30 October, 1750/2010 Battle of Hoffmanns Farmstead

20 November, 1750/2010 Battle of Zwilling-Hügel
Engaged Flatsburg Regiment in close combat to a draw.

6 May, 1751/2011 Battle of Geuberbach

von STRIBLINGS GRENADIERS

30 October, 1750/2010 Battle of Hoffmanns Farmstead

20 November, 1750/2010 Battle of Zwilling-Hügel 

Engaged in firefight and routed when below 50%

6 May, 1751/2011 Battle of Geuberbach

Engaged in firefight with Flatsburgs Furstins Own Musketeers and routed when below 50%

BRANDT’S REGIMENT

I Battalion

30 October, 1750/2010 Battle of Hoffmanns Farmstead

20 November, 1750/2010 Battle of Zwilling-Hügel

Engaged in firefight and routed when below 50%

6 May, 1751/2011 Battle of Geuberbach
Engaged in firefight with the Furstins Own Musketeers and Muhlehaus Bn,
Furstins Own routed and replaced in the firefight by Alderzwilling BN I.
I BN Brands finaly routed when below 50%

LOWE’S REGIMENT

I Battalion

30 October, 1750/2010 Battle of Hoffmanns Farmstead

20 November, 1750/2010 Battle of Zwilling-Hügel

Engaged in firefight and covered retreat of army

6 May, 1751/2011 Battle of Geuberbach
Engaged in firefight with Flatsburg Bn and routed when below 50%



HARGBURG GRENADIERS

FREITAG’S FUSILIER REGIMENT

ADLERS FUSILIER REGIMENT



ARTILLARY REGIMENT FUSSILIERS

6 May, 1751/2011 Battle of Geuberbach
Fought with Fenstermacher's I BN in a firefight which routed the Flatsburg Bn when they fell below 50%

KLEINBERG DRAGOONS

30 October, 1750/2010 Battle of Hoffmanns Farmstead

Defeated the Furstins Horse in melee and captured their flag after routing them

20 November, 1750/2010 Battle of Zwilling-Hügel 

AUBACH DRAGOONS

30 October, 1750/2010 Battle of Hoffmanns Farmstead

Lost their flag in melee to Flatsburg Dragoons when they routed

20 November, 1750/2010 Battle of Zwilling-Hügel

Defeated the Flatsburg Dragoons in melee and captured their flag after eliminating them 

PRINZ WILLIAM AUGUSTUS OWN DRAGOONS

BLACK HUSSARS

HERZOG FREDRICKS OWN

HERZOGIN CATHERINE'S OWN

ERB-PRINZ FREDRICK WILLIAMS OWN

Battle of Zwilling-Hügel report

From : Prinz William Augustus von Harzburg
           Center Division Army of Harzburg

To:     Herzog Fredrick William von Harzburg III

Sir,

As ordered, my forces advanced upon the Schwabian definsive position at Zwilling-Hügel.  The Schwabians positioned their guns on the hill either side of the road. Their infantry was placed behind the crest of the hills behind the guns.  The 2 squadrons of cavalry were on either flank to match our deployment.

von Stribling commanded the right brigade while von Harzbach commanded the left brigade, each were ordered to clear the hill to their front.  The dragoon squadrons were positioned on the flanks of the infantry to engage te enemy horse.  The 12lb battery positioned itself in the center to provide aid where needed.

Our troops advanced and delivered volly's upon the battalion guns on the hill. on our next advance the enemy infantry took up positions on the hills with their guns and a general firefight ensued.  While von Stribling advanced to close range and continued the firefight, von Harzbach left Thalbers to engage one of the enemy and sent the Harzbach Grenadiers and Fenstermacher Regiment to charge the enemy to their front. The dragoons charged and engaged the enemy horse to their front.

The Aubach Dragoons eliminated the Flatsburg Dragoons in close combat and captured their flag. This redems them from the last engagement where the Flatsburg Dragoons bested them. The Kleinberg Dragoons remained in close combat with the Furstins Horse untill ordered to disengage to cover the withdrawl.

Only Lowes Regiment withstood the devastating enemy fire while it's 2 companions broke from the casualties sustained in the fight. Thalbers sustained significant losses byt stood firm.  The Harzbach Grenadiers broke and ran from the close combat leaving their flag and Fenstermacher engaged.

At this point to preserve my force I ordered a cesation of hostilities and had the Dragoons cover our withdrawl back to Hoffmanns Farmstead to regroup.  Due to the losses sustained, offensive opperations can not be continued for this season.  I am looking to the defense of Hoffmanns Farmstead to preserve our forward operations base.

Your Humble Servant

Prinz William Augustus von Harzburg





 
 
For pictures of the battle
http://nomadicoldschoolgamer.blogspot.com/2010/11/battle-of-zwilling-hugel.html

VICTORY

The church bells rang for hours as news spread of the victory at Hoffmans Farmstead. The Herzog was as giddy as a child with the delightfull news of his troops performance.  With one exception the Harzburg troops were victorious capturing three enemy standards and losing only one. Hoffmanns farmstead will become the forward base for Harzburg in the drive to capture the Schwabian base.

For more pictures go to

http://nomadicoldschoolgamer.blogspot.com/2010/10/hoffmanns-farmstead.html

Howitzer

My friend, Jay Stribling, of  the Jackson Gamers gave me a blue metal catapult to add to my lead.  After getting it home, I removed it's wheels and modified it. Here are some pictures of the progress.  I will finish the modification as painting time permits

Side view

Back view

       

Front view

Baerschloss festivities continue 2

Oberst von Hubersen entered the room and came to attention and saluted the Hewrzog. "Your orders have been carried out," he said then waited for further orders.

"Oberst take a seat, I wish the input of a serving officer. Today, I intend to plan new operations in Swabia." "I am honored Your Highness.Said the Oberst then he took a seat.

The Herzog began, "The campaign season is coming to an end and the Schwabians have almost finished turning Zwilling-Eichen into a forward base where we will certainly need to focus of our operations next. The question is, do we take it before winter quarters or in the spring?" The room grew quiet and the Herzog resumed, "Since there are no suggestions, I propose that we begin operations before winter ends all campaigning. I want to probe the southern borders and tie up those Schwabian forces while the Jaeger Corps will raid North of Zwilling-Eichen pulling troops North. I want forces to puse toward Zwilling-Eichen and engage them. Our winter plans will depend on the outcome of that engagement. Your opinions and I expect your truthful thoughts."

Gerbert von Reinhard, the new Minister of War, said "The provisions are abundant for operations and winter gear is available should operations continue throughout the winter. At present, our forces have a strength of 300 per battalion.  Our Jaeger Corps is at full strength at 2-160 man companies and 1-160 man Mounted Jaeger squadron. Our horse is short of men and horses but adequate for operations."

Minister of Information, Albert Gerissenheit injected, "The Schwabians are in the same situation. Even with the return of the Reich contingent they will field less battalions, squadrons, and guns than we can put into the field. The Herzog's plan should give our forces at worst an even fight at Zwilling-Eichen."

Oberst von Hubersen stated, "Our troops will give a good account and are ready for the fight.  Our formations may be lean but that lean is all muscle."

Baerschloss festivities continue

Minister Gerissenheit followed the Herzog from the courtyard to the ground floor room used for Ministerial meetings. As he entered the room he noticed 3 seated men, the Herzogs secretary standing by his writing desk, and a dozen Lieb Grenadiers at attention. Upon noticing the Herzog's entrance, the men stood and bowed to their heads. You may all be seated," said Fredrick William III to the assembled men.  "Sergent send for an orderly to bring coffee and cups as this will be a long meeting." "Yes your highness, as you order," replied the Sergeant as he set about caring out his orders.

Once the the coffee was delivered and each of the seated men served, the Herzog began to speak. "Let there be no doubt about what I expect from my Ministers. You can never hide the truth from me!" said the Herzog as he slammed his fist onto the table. "You will never lie to my face just to cover your own inefficiency or incompetence!" he shouted, as he slammed his fist onto the table. "If needs be, I will postpone all operations and use up all my powder, ball, and rope keeping the executioners busy for a fortnight. I will cleanse my realm of all who would aid those people and lie to me!"

The Ministers could clearly see the handwriting on the wall and each promised to take the mornings lesson to heart. Minister Gerissenheit cleared his throat and asked, "Have you decided the others fate or may I humbly make a suggestion?"

"What devious trouble have you in mind?" asked the Herzog. "The prisoners lied in correspondence to my secretary, but the Ministers each stated that they operated under their orders. They should have known that correspondence to Fritz is the same as correspondence to me."

"If I may, I wish to question them to see if they could be used for information gathering," said the Minister. "Our contacts across the border need couriers and I need 1 or 2 for other duties."

The Herzog thought for a moment as he drank his cup of coffee. "Another cup steward," he said as he placed the empty cup to the side. "Fritz!" The Herzogs secretary seated at his writing desk behind the Herzog replied,"Yes, Your Highness." "I want undated death sentences for each of the 5 remaining prisoners. I will sign them when they are finished.  Minister Gerissenheit, you will take the documents and the prisoners. Do with them what you want. The date of their execution is entirely up to you. Let them know that if they do not prove to be of any use, they will be hanged! I do not wish to be bothered by them any more."

"As you command, Your Highness. You will never hear of them again."
Minister Gerissenheit sat back and awaited the documents and wondered what else the Herzog had planned for today.