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Thread: EIC v1.3 | Faction guides/Faction Research

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    Default EIC v1.3 | Faction guides/Faction Research

    Austria

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    Austria Research


    Infantry

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    Austrian Infantry was made up of soldiers from various nations.
    "The great confusion of nationalities is a serious evil. In the British army, every man can at least speak English, but with the Austrians, even the NCOs of the non-German regiments can scarcely speak German"
    Due to this, campaign movement speed will be reduced (its hard to get camps set up and taken down at morning and night if there's a language barrier in place).

    The Austrian light infantry is not the best quality, Austrian tactics preferred fighting in the line of battle than open order skirmishes

    The infantry, and in this respect it is similar to the English [infantry], is more distinguished by its action in masses [lines], than by its agility in light infantry service
    General Rosemberg wrote:
    "[Austrian troops] are not fully prepared and too incapable of helping themselves. they are too used to being in closed lines and to acting automatically on the word of command, but they must be capable of relying on their own initiative."
    General Radetzky wrote that
    "too much drill" was the cause of poorer combat effectiveness of Austrian skirmishers.
    He also added that Austrian generals
    "don't understand this kind of fighting."
    Austrian armies are also comprised of Hungarian and German regiments. They will both have their own unique advantages.

    The 'German' regiments were the best trained and disciplined part of the infantry.
    "German sense of duty caused them to rally after lost battle to fight again."
    The 'Hungarian' regiments were renowned for their fierce fighting spirit, and their grenadiers were best of them. "
    The Hungarians counted as one of the 'hot' nations of Europe, along with the emotional English and Italians ... The difficulty was not to get them to fight, but to enlist in the first place... they were convinced that they were unsuitable for dismounted service."


    Cavalry

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    With the exception of the Danube Valley and the Hungarian Puszta, a vast wilderness of grass, the Habsburg or Austrian Empire was a mountainous country. For this reason it had low ratio of cavalry to infantry.
    Having fewer cavalrymen than France and Russia the Austrians were reluctant to use it en masse. There was lack of large scale exercises for the cavalry. As a result the single regiments and brigades of Austrian cavalry were often defeated by French brigades and divisions.

    Austrian cavalry will be of limited ability and availability.

    Artillery

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    The Austrian artillery had a proud history and, as such, has high morale.
    The Austrian gunners, recruited mostly from the German provinces,
    has always stood high; not so much by early and judicious adoption
    of improvements, as by the practical efficiency of the men. They
    were volunteers, and not recruits as it was the case in majority of
    European armies.
    The Austrian artillery had powder and ammunition of higher quality than the French and the Russian artillery. Their tactics and organization however were far behind the French.
    The gunners of Austrian horse artillery sat on caission while the French were mounted on horses. It made the Austrian batteries slower in movement across fields and roads, but they were quicker in deploying and unlimbering the guns. The Austrians also needed less horses, were cheaper, required less space and therefore were a smaller target for enemy's guns.
    The French gunners however were more dashing and imaginative and their guns had longer range and bigger calibres than Austrians'.


    Austrians guns will be cheaper and smaller in size than French guns, but of a lesser quality as a result. They will also have different movement speed to the French artillery


    Faction Guide:
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    Faction at a glance.



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    Advantages:
    • Large unit sizes
    • Wide selection of infantry
    • Good artillery
    Disadvantages:
    • Poor cavalry availability
    • Poor skirmishers
    • Weak chain of command
    Austria is a nation preparing for war. As the nearest member of the coalition to France it is under constant threat of invasion.


    The Austrian army is a capable force, but a selection of weaknesses mar its ability. Due to the large variety of nationalities and languages present in the army, the chain of command is somewhat weakened, which causes delays when on the move. The Austrian cavalry is also at a disadvantage - due to a simple lack of horses, it cannot grow too large and is certainly no match for cavalry of the enemy.
    The artillery is one area that suffers very little - although small in size, its gunners are a strong match for any enemies they may face.
    The Austrians must move quickly - Napoleon is gathering his armies for a lunge into the East, and the Austrians will be first in the fining line. Austria would not benefit from intellectual advancements as much as her allies and enemies would - she has a strong army and a good economy. But resources are needed to support a larger army. A move West before Napoleon marches could well be the wisest option for Austria.

    Infantry
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    Infantry overview



    Advantages:
    • Large unit sizes
    • Good all-round stats
    • Wide selection of units

    • Disadvantages:
    • Slow moving off field - the language barrier has weakened the chain of command and it's efficiency
    • Poor skirmishers
    Austrian infantry is a mixed force and of large size , with infantry regiments of 280 men. It is comprised of men from many different countries, which creates a diverse and capable fighting force. But this diversity also creates a problem - the language barrier. An Austrian army will not be as quick setting up and taking down a camp every day when it is on the march, due to this language barrier. This gives them a slight campaign movement point penalty.

    Austrian skirmishers are not as efficient as they could be - they are not used to thinking for themselves, the key element of skirmishing. They would benefit from investment and research more than any other area of the army


    Artillery
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    Advantages:
    • Good quality powder
    • Good standard of gunnery
    • Fast battle-map movement speeds
    Disadvantages:
    • Expensive
    • Low in number
    Austrian artillery has a proud history and is a well-ran force. The gunners are well-equipped and are a good match for the powerful French artillery. They are very quick movers and have only one advantage - their small size. Keeping the artillery at this standard will not be cheap or easy - investing into new methods of supply could very quickly pay for itself.



    Cavalry
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    Advantages:
    • Well-organized

    • Disadvantages:
    • Limited availability
    • Slow to recruit
    The Austrian cavalry is a small force. Due to the mountainous Austrian pastures, horses are not an animal that breed in abundance. This has, of course, affected the availability of Austrian cavalry. They are few in number and are not as experienced as the cavalry forces of their allies and enemies. But the fact that there are so few horses has had a positive effect on the troopers - they are viewed as an elite force among the army and are highly disciplined.

    The cavalry is by far the poorest section of the Austrian army. It needs investment to bring the quality of the existing troops up to scratch, but more than that space is needed - if the Austrians can conquer more of the lands surrounding them, then they can begin to field sizeable cavalry forces and fill in the missing link of their army




    Prussia

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    Prussia

    Infantry

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    "Disaster at Jena and Auerstadt in 1806 shook the foundations of
    Prussian military theory and practice, furnishing an impetus for
    analysis and reform." - Charles White - "The Enlightened Soldier:
    Scharnhorst and the Militarische Gesellsschaft in Berlin 1801-1805"
    "The infantry of Prussia in 1806 was 'a museum piece'
    reflecting the great days of (King) Frederick the Great
    imposing in appearance but decidedly disappointing
    in performance" - David Chandler
    The infantry of 1813 used modern tactics and was well organized.
    The soldiers, officers and generals were enthusiastic and patriotic.
    "Splendid old General Horn was at the head of the famous Leib Regiment;
    he raised his sword on high, gave a loud Hurrah ! ... Forward !
    Long live to the king of Prussia ! ...
    These were scenes that inspired each good, Prussian heart ... there was a
    splendid spirit in our Prussian troops, be they line or Landwehr. May this
    always be the case for then the state of the Hohenzollerns will stand firm
    and respected." - Mjr Ernst Moritz Arndt, Leipzig 1813
    "The infantry of Prussia in 1806 was 'a museum piece' reflecting the great days of Frederick the Great imposing in appearance but decidedly disappointing in performance. and outdated in training. This was evident as early as Valmy in 1792, but few improvements had been wrought 14 years later. The cult of the past was unshakeable, the tactics rigid, the supply train enormous, and a day's march of over 10 miles was considered excessive. Its leadership was also antiquated, except for Prince Louis Ferdinand. The disasters of Jena and Auerstadt and the succeeding weeks, and the humiliations of Tilsit at length brought reform under the inspiration of Scharnhorst." (Chandler - "Dictionary of the Napoleonic wars" p 210)
    The Prussian Infantry who mobilised in 1806 were products of a system that had not altered since the Seven Years' War. They were immaculately dressed, drilled into unquestioning obedience, savagely punished if they fell foul of their commanders and were unfit for the new type of warfare in every possible way." (Robert Mantle - "Prussian Reserve Infantry: 1813-15")
    The Prussian army of 1792 used several different firing techniques.
    - When a battalion was formed by Halb-compagnien (half-companies) in line, fire was executed by the alternate firing of half-companies. The three ranks fired simultaneously. The first rank knelt, while the second and third stood upright. The fire began from the right.
    - A second form of fire used by the Prussians was by half-companies with the third rank taking a half turn to the right. This fire was executed when the battalion made half-turn to the right, but with the line not moving from its original position. The rest of the action was the same as firing by half-companes.
    - The third form of Prussian fire was the advancing fire. Here the half-companies marched towards the enemy. The right half-company stopped and fired first. Upon the signal of their officer, and without reloading, the right hand half-company shouldered arms and advanced. The next half-company would stop and fire when the first half-company caught up with the slowly retreating line, and so on down the line of the battalion."
    - The fourth method of fire was retreating fire. When advancing directly away from the enemy the first half-company (formerly on the left, now the right) would stop, turn about, and fire. When the fire was executed, the soldiers would shoulder their arms, about face and resume the retreat, catching up with the battalion. Each successive half-company would act in the same manner as the preceding half-company caught up with the retiring battalion. Again, there is no indication of stopping to reload.
    - There were also three types of an unusual firing method known as 'hedge' (sniper) fire. The first of these was a withdrawing fire where pairs of files would turn about and fire on pursuing hussars or skirmishers. This was intended as just enough fire to keep the harassing forces away.
    The second type of hedge fire was used when facing small groups of enemy infantry which were not sufficient to justify a battalion volley, but were sufficiently annoying to merit some response. In this latter instance pairs of files would advance 8 paces in front of the battalion, form in two ranks, fire, reform in three ranks, and return to the battalion.
    The third form of hedge fire was exactly the same as the second type, but the pair of files did an about face, advanced out of the rear of the battalion and fired to the rear. All the actions were the same."
    (Nafziger - "Imperial Bayonets" Greenhill Books 1996)
    Prussian infantry battalions used closed columns instead of squares against cavalry. When enemy's cavalry approached the outer files filled the gaps between the troops. Such compact formaion was formed quickly, the troopers in 1st rank outstretched their bayonets while those in 2nd rank fired. The men in 3rd rank loaded the muskets and passed to the 2nd rank.
    "The physical ability and high intelligence of the common man
    enables the French to profit form all advantages offered by
    the terrain and the general situation, while the phlegmatic
    Germans ... form on open ground and do nothing but what their
    officer orders them to do." - General Scharnhorst
    Freytag-Loringhoven wrote, "The Prussian infantry at one time took the Frederician maxim of marching boldly upon the enemy too literally, and insisted that skirmishing is the mark of a coward." They were wrong, skirmishing required energy, stamina, imagination and innitiative. Some Prussian generals understood it, General Scharnhorst writes, "It is also worth some consideration that light troops offer the greatest opportunity for the training of good and useful officers, because daily actions accustom them to danger, and by being left to rely more on their own judgement they are taught how to tear themselves from the machine-like process of their profession. All previous teaching is as useless as it is inapplicable, and therefore the officer's boldness, judgement, and independence grow almost daily."
    The Guard Infantry Brigade have participated in some heavy fighting during the campaign of 1813 in Saxony. The Foot Guard Regiment and the Guard Jäger Battalion have suffered heavy losses at Großgörschen (Lutzen). The guardsmen also fought at Dresden, Leipzig and elsewhere, and in 1814 at Paris. The Guard Jägers took part in many skirmishes throughout the 1813 and 1814 campaigns. The Prussian and Russian Guards, and other allied elite troops, participated in the grand entry into conquered Paris.
    The Prussian grenadiers were not a precious elite kept in reserves and out of harm's way.
    They participated in numerous combats, especially those units attached to the advance guard.
    Two grenadier battalions participated in as many as 20-30 combats, the remaining four in
    12-15 combats on average. In 1815 the two best battalions (see below) became part of the
    1st Grenadier Regiment (1. Grenadier-Regiment-Kaiser-Alexander). Unfortunately this superb
    unit took no part in the Waterloo Campaign.
    1st East Prussian Grenadier Battalion
    (1. Ostpeußischen Grenadier-Bataillon)
    30 battles/combats:
    1806-1807 - Thorn, Eylau, Friedland, Allenau, Bartenstein, Heilsberg, Gollau, Königsberg
    1813 - Lutzen, Lausigk, Kolditz, Bautzen, Reichenbach, Katzbach, Hochkirch, Wartenburg,
    Möckern (Leipzig), Freiburg, Hörselberg and blockade von Mainz,
    1814 - Vitry, Montmirail, Château Thierry, Mery, Lizy, Gué à Trêmes, Laon, Trilport, Paris.
    Life Grenadier Battalion
    (Leib-Grenadier-Bataillon)
    21 battles/combats:
    1807 - Verteidg, Colberg, Sellnow, Ausfallgefechte and Wolfsberg.
    1813 - Groß-Görschen, Bautzen, Katzbach, Naumburg, Hochkirch, Reichenbach,
    Bischofswerda, Hänichen, Möckern, Freiburg and Hörselberg,
    1814 - Montmirail, Château Thierry, Laon, Trilport and Paris.
    The light infantry had greater allowance of practice rounds per year than the line troops. In 1812 the target practice was:
    - for Fusiliers 30 practice rounds
    - for Schützen 60 rounds
    - for Jägers 60 rounds
    "We [Prussian skirmishers] moved up via Meusdorf and the brickworks against Probstheida.
    The first thing that hit our skirmishers - of which I was one - was an a r t i l l e r y crossfire.
    It didn't take long for us to be scattered. We reformed and threw ourselves into a sunken
    road up against the loopholed garden wall of the village. We waited until the French had
    fired a full volley at our main body , jumped out of the road and rushed forward to take
    half the village. The surprised French fell back before us, abandoning a battery of 10 guns
    in the centre of the village." (Digby-Smith - "1813: Leipzig" p 195)

    During the pursuit after Waterloo, the Prussian 12th Brigade attacked the French at Limal.
    A sunken road obscured by the darkness forced the Prussian skirmishers to move sideways.
    "We advanced with our skirmishers out in front and a long and determined battle broke out
    with the enemy voltigeurs in darkness and amid the man high corn that covered the fields.
    This soon became chaotically confused, with man fighting man. In this, my men and I had
    to face enemy voltigeurs and cavalry sometimes to our front, sometimes to our rear. About
    midnight, where possible, our skirmishers pulled back to the columns and a bayonet attack
    was made at the charge. However, because of the darkness and high corn, it was impossible
    to see and keep order. Thus, this action achieved as little as the skirmish fight."
    [Ltn. Mannkopff commanded the skirmish platoon of the 4th Company/31st Infantry Regiment.
    The Jägers were armed with rifles (regular or as gifts from huntsmen and foresters) and "were always considered a crack formation." They were the most professional elite of the infantry. Some were huntsmen and foresters and experienced marksmen and experts at concealment in wooded area. Unfortunately there were only very few units of jägers. The crack Jagers were probably to the Prussians what the 95th Rifles were to the British. The main difference between the two units was probably the uniformity of weapons. The Prussians were unable (financially) to supply all their jagers and schutzen with regular rifles.
    In 1815 additional battalion of jägers was raised from the Saxon Jäger Battalion, Saxon 'Volunteer Banners' and jäger company of Russo-German Legion. The Saxons however had little enthusiasm for the war in 1815 and serving in the Prussian army. There was not much love between the Prussians and Saxons
    Theoretically the Landwehr were to be used only for home defence
    purposes within the frontiers of Prussia, but in practice they were
    used exactly as if they were regulars." ( - Digby Smith)
    The performance of the Landwehr in combat varied. They stampeded on several occasions and also had some splendid actions. Digby-Smith writes: "The Prussian Landwehr received their baptism of fire at Lowenberg. The Schweidnitz battalion braved canister fire and threw the enemy back at the point of the bayonet. They were only taken out of the line when they ran out of ammunition, and when they marched past Yorck he had his line regiments present arms to them. Blucher wrote: 'At first it was only so-so with the Landwehr battalions, but now that they've had a good taste of powder, they're as good as the line battalions.' Napoleon, however, had a very different opinion of them. When he saw some captured Landwehr, he wrote: 'The enemy infantry is absolutely wretched; this encourages me." (Digby-Smith, - pp 18-19)
    During the Campaign of France in 1814 Field Marshal Blucher was satisfied with the Landwehr. He wrote, "The bravery of our troops is extraordinary and our Landwehr is in no way inferior to our veteran troops." (Leggiere - "The Fall of Napoleon" p 366)
    In 1815 in the battle of Ligny, the II Battalion of 1st Westphalian Landwehr formed square on top of a hill near Brye. The Landwehr was charged three times by French cuirassiers and heavy cavalry of Old Guard. Each time the Landwehr fired volley and the French retired with casualties.
    Although some Landwehr battalions fought with distinction (see examples above) they have been criticized for being a poor imitation of the regular troops. They received uniforms made of poor cloth that shrank in the first rain, many were without shoes and coats, and their muskets were of low quality. They were not only poorly clothed and armed, they were also poorly fed. The morale in many battalions often collapsed even after victorious battle. (The next day after the battle of Katzbach, one battalion had only 200 of 500 men fit for action. Another battalion was 270 out of 570 men.)
    At Leipzig in October 1813, one Landwehr battalion was cut off on a side street near the Grimma Gate and the French infantry slaughtered them. Almost 50 % of this unit were killed and wounded !
    During the Waterloo Campaign “The 15th and 16th Brigades contained Silesian Landwehr regiments
    that were noted for having the army's highest desertion rate.” (Leggiere – “Bulow and the Campaign
    of 1815” p 57)


    CONCLUSION:

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    Prussian Infantry before 1806 is a slow moving relic, unsuited to modern warfare.
    After 1806 the infantry gets better and becomes and effective fighting force.
    Grenadiers are experienced troops, not a bubble wrapped elite.
    All round Prussia has good reload, slightly above French in acc and good with the bayonet.
    Prussian skirmishers are sub standard, not used to using initiative.
    Landwehr are good militia, but still shouldn't be relied on.


    Cavalry:

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    Since the times of King Frederick the Great , Prussia's cavalry had a
    reputation that struck awe . Under a leader as renowned as Seydlitz ,
    the Prussian cavalry achieved the nearest to a state of perfection that
    it was ever going to. So great was its reputation in the Seven Years' War
    that Napoleon made a special point of warning his regiments in 1806
    to beware of the Prussian cavalry.
    "Das Paradies der Erde liegt auf den Rucken der Pferde"
    Paradise on earth is on the backs of horses.
    (Motto of German/Prussian cavalry)
    The cavalry was probably the most vaunted arm
    of the Prussian army until 1806.
    During the Napoleonic Wars the Prussian cavalry enjoyed several notable victories against the French and their allies. One of the greatest cavalry charges of the Napoleonic Wars was conducted by the Prussians at Leipzig in 1813. Prussian General von Yorck gathered his troops near Mockern (north of Leipzig), and attacked with 2 squadrons of Brandenburg Hussars (308 men) and 1 squadron of horse volunteer-jagers who stood in a hollow ground and were unseen to the French. Behind them advanced the Brandenburg Uhlans. Once they came closer to the infantry, the hussars "wheeled out" and charged.
    The French formed two squares and fired. The salvo however made little impression on the hussars, they broke and pursued the infantry. The poor foot soldiers ran towards own artillery and thus masking their fire. In effect the entire battery was captured by the hussars. Regiment of Wurttemberg cavalry struck the Prussians on the left flank but was immediately charged by 2 squadrons of Prussian uhlans (342 men). The uhlans and hussars broke two regiments of Wurttemberg and captured 9 guns.
    During the pursuit the Prussian cavalry met battalion of the French 1st Marine Infantry Regiment and slashed it to pieces. The uhlans continued their brilliant charge and broke several other squares. Jurgass sent forward 1st West Prussian Dragoons, Lithuanian Dragoons and several regiments of Landwehr cavalry.
    In 1813 at Gross Beeren, Prussian cavalry crushed their opponents. Two Prussian cavalry regiments were directed to Neu Beeren, where they encountered the French cavalry. "The Prussian cavalry charged Fournier's 2,000 troopers. Surprised by the night assault, the French were pressed against the forest and scattered in several directions. A portion fled into the forest, while others surrendered to the Prussians. The majority galloped onto the plain between Gross Beeren and Heinersdorf, where they were either captured or ridden down by the pursuing Prussian cavalry. In the confusion a group rode right through Bulow's staff and past the general, who mistook them for celebrating Prussians !"
    (Leggiere - "Napoleon and Berlin" p 171)
    In 1813-1815 no central reserve of cavalry, the battle winning ram,
    was created (like in France) and the individual cavalry brigades
    were dispersed among the several army corps.
    It means the cavalry was subordinated to infantry
    and didn't play any major independent role.
    The King (of Prussia) hereby forbids all officers of cavalry,
    under pain of being cashiered in disgrace, ever to allow
    themselves in any action to be charged by the enemy, for
    the Prussians themselves are always to charge the enemy."
    The 1812 Regulation however prevented the Prussian cavalry
    from taking the initiative and was seen as a mere appendage
    of the infantry.
    "Before 1806 the Prussians used a linear attack known as the Attacke mit drei Gliedern, or 'attack with three ranks'. This was established by the Regulation of 1796. Tactically it was a two-rank line with a third rank formed behind them which acted as a flanking corps.
    This rear rank was formed by drawing the four files from the left wing of each Zug. The third rank was then divided into two groups which were posted behind each wing of the regimental line. It would then swing out and attack the enemy flank and rears as opportunity permitted.
    The Prussian 1812 Regulation laid down strict instructions that a small reserve was to be formed behind either flank to protect the squadron from a flank attack as well as to swing out in an attack on the enemy's exposed flanks. The 1st Zug of the 1st Squadron formed the reserve on the right and the 3rd and 4th Zuge of the 4th Squadron formed that of the left. ...
    The Prussians before 1806 made extensive use of echelon tactics. The process was delineated in the Regulation of 1796. The echelons were placed 30 paces apart. They found the echelon attack naturally easier to handle and manoeuvre than the long undivided linear attack. Surprisingly, the Prussian 1812 Regulation doesn't not speak of the echelon attack." (Nafziger - "Imperial Bayonets")
    "Here, I must give the greatest credit to the Lithuanian Dragoons, incl. the Volunteer Jager Squadron, who had performed to the highest standards during the entire campaign ... for the way in which they carried out the next manoeuvre could not have been done better on the parade ground. I had them turn right about by troops, right wheel in squadrons and charged the [French] battalion in echelon ... We had to jump both the ditches which lined the road ... The French were in column and hurrying towards Wiederitzsch ... we got among them and there followed a great bloodbath ..." - Wilhelm Ludwig Victor Graf von Donnersmark
    The Prussian hussars were of average height and rode on smaller but agile horses. They had a reputation of not being easily intimidated, and invaded taverns and promenades of cities, talking loudly and rattling their sabers. If the hussars were not as disciplined and trained as dragoons and not as strong and robust as the cuirassiers, the hussars were the most dashing. They participated in many bold actions and went through the most difficult situations. They also skirmished, scouted and pursued the enemy. From 25 to 29 June 1815 (several days after Waterloo) two regiments of Prussian hussars had ridden a total of 170 km and since 15 June they had been marching and fighting almost continuously, which was taking its toll both on men and horses.
    "During a charge, they (Landwehr) were brave to the point of forgetting all obedience and order;
    ... after a charge that had been repulsed, only natural obstacles were, as a rule, able to stop them."


    CONCLUSION:

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    The Cavalry is of high quality, and well organized at a lower level, although not frequentley concentrated and split between corps.


    Artillery:

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    The artillery had been a neglected branch of
    the army since the time of Frederick the Great.
    Promotions and advancement in the artillery were
    not as good as in cavalry and infantry.
    "Against that fellow [Napoleon]
    you need cannons and lots of them."
    - Prussian General Blücher
    The Prussian artillery had been a neglected branch of the army.
    "By 1806 the Prussian 'moving batteries'' still used the 1782 model,
    which Carl von Clausewitz described as the worst in Europe."
    The deliberate steadiness of the Germans adapts them especially for the artillery service. So this is quite surprising that the Prussian artillery had been a neglected branch of the army since the time of Frederick the Great. Promotions and advancement in the Prussian artillery were not as good as in cavalry and infantry. It was in contrast to the French artillery, considered as th best in the World in that times. "By 1806 the Prussian 'moving batteries'' still used the 1782 model, which Carl von Clausewitz described as the worst in Europe." (Leggiere - "Napoleon and Berlin" p 14)
    The Prussian gunners used gunpowder that consisted of 6 parts saltpeter, 1 part sulphur, 1 part coal, provided that all parts are as pure as possible. English gunpowder was considered superior. The quality of French powder was poorer than English.
    "We keep too much artillery in reserve, and we replace a battery
    whenever it has used up all its powder and shot; as a consequence,
    many batteries try to get rid of their ammunition quickly."
    "Frederick the Great's Engineer Corps had been weak
    in both training and performance. He attempted to
    rectify this by increasing its pay and prestige, and a
    formal structure was established. In 1788 an Engineers'
    Academy was opened."
    Hofschroer - "Prussian Staff ..." p 18


    CONCLUSION:

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    Artillery is of poor quality and morale.
    It uses outdated equipment and is not deployed effectively.


    Faction Guide:
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    Faction at a glance.


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    Advantages:
    • Infantry has excellent shooting abilities
    • Strong cavalry
    • Good militia
    Disadvantages:
    • Extremely bad artillery
    • Has bad all-round stats before the 1806 Reforms
    Playing as Prussia will not be easy. Prussia is the only neutral faction at the start of the game, but is under constant threat of attack from France. With Napoleon pushing eastwards at an alarming speed, you must prepare for the worst. The Prussian army is an ancient one which has a proud history and tradition, but victories in the past will not protect them now. The habits of intense drill make infantry slow to recruit, yet the results are clear to be seen - the Prussian infantry is one of the finest in Europe, although it is often let down by the poor quality of it's muskets and equipment.


    The cavalry will win many battles for this faction - it is the finest branch of the army and not in need of the drastic reforms that the infantry cry out for.
    The artillery, however, is this faction's weak-point. The Prussian gunners are often classed as cowards, and a poor standard of gunnery and powder further degrade the reputation of this army branch.
    If you, the player, really want to take the fight to France's door then heavy investment will be needed - the infantry needs reforms to get them up to scratch with contemporary European standards and the artillery system needs a complete re-think. Money will need to be spent on new equipment - poor powder and bad muskets consistently let this faction down.
    The armies may fight as they did under Frederick, but this is the age of Napoleon and new tactics will be needed to end the rule of The Little Corporal.




    Infantry
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    Infantry overview



    Advantages:
    • High reload
    • Good accuracy
    • Will traverse battlefield in good order due to high amounts of drilling.
    Disadvantages:
    • Poor skirmishers
    • Slow to recruit
    • Poor quality muskets
    • In need of 1806 reforms
    Prussian Infantry are average size, with infantry regiments of 240 men. The Soldiers are proffesional and hugely disciplined, and can hold their ground well. They can reload as fast as the British and this means they can easily beat most foes in a shootout. Training times are slow due to the intense drill needed to achieve the high fire rate and professional battlefield movement. Their skirmishers, while good shots, are not used to free thinking and, as such, are not as high quality as they could be. The Prussian musket is an old model - it is heavy, clumsy and more delicate than the British Land Pattern. This, coupled with bad quality powder, means that Prussian infantry are more prone to misfire. The lighter shot fired may also be a slight disadvantage if coming up against heavily armoured targets.


    The 1806 reforms are an expensive, but necessary, must for Prussia. Without them her armies will have rings danced around them, even by the slow moving British. Battlefield humiliations will also become all too common without these necessary reforms.



    Artillery
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Artillery overview


    Advantages:
    • Cheap to recuit and maintain
    • Has developement potential
    Disadvantages:
    • Uses Antiquated Pieces
    • Has Low Morale
    • Uses Poor Quality Powder
    • Poor Quality Gunners
    Prussian Artillery is the weak link of the army. It is of poor quality and will easily be out-shot by professional gunners. Prussian gunners are often classed as cowards; some would say rightly so - they are prone to fleeing the field at the first possible oppurtunity.



    Cavalry
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Advantages:
    • High morale
    • Very well organised
    • Excellent swordsmen
    Disadvantages:
    • Expensive
    • Slow to train
    Prussian Cavalry is the pride of the army, a true elite force. The cavalry troopers view themselves as elites above all others, an opinion shared by others. They are highly skilled as individuals and work well as a group. They know that they have a reputation to live up to and their pride will be an advantage - will be very hard to break on the field of battle. The Prussian cavalry is a highly skilled force, and is more than capable of going head to head with the powerful heavy cavalry of France and Russia.



    Russia

    Faction Research:

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Russian Research

    Infantry


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    "Bullet's an idiot, bayonet's a fine chap"
    Charles Emmanuel de Warnery writes in 'Remarques sur le militaire...' that the Russian privates surpassed all European counterparts since "they are always in good humor, even when in the greatest misery." (By the way, Napoleon's pampered Old Guard was nicknamed 'The Grumblers'. The Bavarians and the British troops can be also be considered as being well fed and supplied.)
    The bayonet is the true Russian weapon and the push of the bayonet is far more decisive than musketry"

    "These shorties are not worthy of our bayonets" and drove them away, just with musket butts , guffawing with laughter. Sir Robert Wilson - "Campaigns in Poland 1806 and 1807"
    The Russians however were convinced they are the masters of bayonet. Unter-Offitzer (NCO) Tikhonov writes, "The Frenchmen were courageous, as they remained firm under artillery fire ... and even made a stand against the cavalry, and no one could best them as skirmishers. But they could not resist our bayonet."
    A witness of the battle of Smolensk recalled that "I found the commander of the regiment, Major-general Tsibulsky, in full uniform, mounted on horseback among his marksmen. He replied that he was unable to restrain his men, who after exchanging a few shots with the French repeatedly tried to dislodge them by bayonet assaults, without awaiting orders. Even as he spoke, there was a shout of "Hurrah" from the line of men.
    He [Tsibulsky] began to shout, even drove the marksmen back with his sword. At his presence, his command was obeyed, but only a few paces from him the cry of "Hurrah!" resounded again and again, and the men flung themselves on the enemy.... Light wounds were ignored until the wounded fell from exhaustion and loss of blood." (Tarle - "Napoleon's Invasion of Russia")
    French officer, Baron de Marbot writes, "The Russians had to be beaten down man by man ... our [French] soldiers fired upon them at 25 paces, they continued their march without replying, every troop filed past,without saying a word,or slackening its pace for a moment. The streets were filled with dying and wounded, but not a groan was heard ... You might have said that they were firing at shadows. At last we charged the Russians with the bayonet and only when we pierced them could be convinced that they were dealing with men. " (- Baron de Marbot after the Battle of Golymin in 1807)
    Lads , shoot at everything French ,
    and keep up the scare with bayonets!"
    - NCO of grenadiers
    Maloyaroslavetz 1812
    In November 1808 was ordered that the bayonet should always be carried fixed, as for the grenadiers and musketiers, as for the jägers
    The Russian infantry advanced in four cadences:
    - tchyi shag of 60-70 paces per minute
    - skoryi shag of 100-110 paces per minute
    - udwonyi shag of 140-160 paces per minute
    - rapid pace used by skirmishers and sometimes by the formed infantry
    (Anybody have figures for other nations?)
    "The Russians withstand fire fearlessly,
    but their own fire is badly directed ... "
    Kutuzov insisted that troops must be inspected and tested in aimed fire. Barclay de Tolly writes: "The purpose of the training is not in that the men would pull the triggers evenly and all at the same time, but that they would aim well..." He also issued several orders on the training in aimed fire.
    Kutusov's and de Tolly's efforts brought little fruit because the individual soldier was allowed only 6 or even less rounds per year. In comparison the British 'Rifles' and Prussian jägers and Schützen were allowed 60 rounds per man.
    To make things worse for the Russians it was ordered that regiments, which participated in combat were to be given no ammunition for training. Such were the shortages of ammunition that some troops were trained to fire with clay bullets. (Zhmodikov "Tactics of the Russian Army..." Vol. II, p. 12)
    General Langeron described a firefight at Austerlitz: "Soon, the French lines initiated a very sharp and very murderous fire of musket and canister upon the brigade of Kamensky which in a moment had many men rendered hors de combat. (Kamensky's brigade) answered with a less sharp and badly directed fire, the majority of our soldiers fired in the air... in justice I ought to say that despite the superior number of the enemy, despite their little experience of war and the effect on them of an unforseen attack on their rear, despite the noise of gunfire, which many of them were hearing for the first time, they maintained themselves admirably for nearly 2 hours and in these two hours more than half of the two regiments were left dead." (Langeron - "Journal inedit de la Campagne de 105; Austerlitz" p 75
    So as I see it Russian Infantry is:
    Extremely hard to rout, highest base morale of any nation.
    Poor at shooting.
    Deadly attacking with bayonets and good in defense with them.
    They are also hard to restrain (maybe no guard mode for lower units)


    Cavalry


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    "As a horseman, the Russian regular cavalryman had no experience,
    except in the schools. He was not born to the use of horses and he
    had to learn both how to ride and how to care for them. Yet the
    Russian cavalry distinguished itself throughout the campaign
    and was often victorious over the French with all its training."
    Petre - "Napoleon's Campaign in Poland 1806-7"
    This is often said that the Allies' cavalry (Russian, British, Austrian and Prussian) were superior to the French in horsemanship and swordsmanship. The French however surpassed them in organization and tactics. The larger the formation the more advantage it gave to the French. Wellington once said "I considered our (British) cavalry so inferior to the French from the want of order, that although I considered one squadron a match for two French, I didn't like to see four British opposed to four French: and as the numbers increased and order, of course, became more necessary I was the more unwilling to risk our men without having a superiority in numbers."
    Probably it was not so extreme with the Russian cavalry, as they scored some great wins in very large cavalry battles(Heilsberg, Friedland, Leipzig, La Rothiere). The one at Heilsberg was quite spectacular.
    So as I see it Russian cavalry is:
    Better individullay than the French, but not as disciplined, so maybe less morale and defense but more attack.


    Artillery


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    The [Russian] artillery seems particularly fine and well appointed."
    - General Sir Charles Stewart
    "The Russian artillery is of the most powerful description."
    - Sir Robert Wilson
    Officer Vasili Kostenetzki was a colossus who could break a horseshoe
    with his bare hands. He also carried a pallash of enormous size and
    length which he used at Borodino against the French infantry
    George Nafziger considered the Russian artillery in 1812 as "highly professional and very well trained" and their horses as "the finest horses available". About the unicorns he wrote that they "had a greater range and more accuracy than the howitzers used by the other European armies." (Nafziger - "Napoleon's Invasion of Russia")
    In 1814 the Russian foot artillery was considered to be the best of Allies' foot artillery. Their service at La Rothiere was admirable. At Craonne, the French admitted that the crusty Russian gunners served their guns better than it did their own gunners. Lorraine Petre writes, "The (Russian) artillery was the best the Allies had ..." (Petre - "Napoleon at bay, 1814" publ. in London 1977)
    "They are formidable duelers"
    - French infantryman
    "The piece is well formed, and the cartridge solid,
    without being heavy, the harness and the rope-tackling
    is of the best description..." - Sir Robert Wilson
    Weight of Russian carriages:
    - for medium 12pdr cannon - 577 kg
    - for small 12pdr cannon - 495.5 kg
    - for 6pdr cannon - 331-393 kg
    - for ½ pood unicorn - 593-688 kg
    - for ¼ pood unicorn - 336 kg
    - for ¼ pood horse unicorn - 360 kg
    (Anyone have other nations figures?)
    Comparison of the ammunition provision for the 12pdrs cannons
    suggests that in a firefight the Russian would have been out shot
    by the French heavy hitters.
    1. French artillery - 222 rounds
    2. Russian artillery - 172 rounds
    3. Austrian artillery - 150 rounds
    4. Prussian artillery - 114 rounds
    5. British artillery - 84 rounds
    In 1812 the field artillery comprised of:
    - 176 12pdr cannons
    - 524 6pdr cannons
    - 524 foot unicorns (10pdr and 20pdr)
    - 132 6pdr horse cannons
    - 132 horse unicorns (10pdr)
    So from this I draw the conclusion that:
    Russian Artillery will hit hard, and be almost as good as the French.
    Will be the best in melee, it seems the gunners were large and strong, and even some references tell of Horse art units mounting cav xcharges.
    Art Roster:
    12 lbers
    6 lbers
    10 lber unicorns
    20 lber unicvorns
    6 lber horse
    10 lber horse unicrons
    Siege guns
    The Tsar Cannon-Unique unit that I may include if a I can get a good enough model...


    Guards


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    It is impossible by any description to give an exaggerated idea of
    the perfect state of these troops; their appearance and equipment
    were admirable." - General Sir Charles Stewart

    "... a wide difference between the staple of the Russian Army and the Tzar's Guards. The latter are very select, nothing, indeed can be superior. The grenadiers of the guard are generally very tall men, the discipline and well-dressed state of these men are very imposing." Sir Robert Wilson campaigned with the Russians. he writes, "... there cannot be a nobler corps, or one of more warlike description, and the simplicity of the dress gives to the man the full character of his figure and mien."
    " The Prussians are excellent troops ,
    but after seeing the Russian foot guard
    I cannot look at them."
    - Eyewitness in 1814
    "The French blasted canister at us and then their cuirassiers charged. Our battalions were formed in squares, and they surrounded us on all sides. We allowed them to come closer and then fired at 50 paces, killing and wounding many of them. We shouted Urrahhh! and charged the cavalry with bayonets. The [French] cuirassiers fled." (- an officer of Lithuanian Lifeguard Regiment)
    Colonel Alexander Kutuzov (not General Kutusov, the commander-in-chief) writes, “Arriving there, we fully experienced the severity of the enemy canister fire. … Colonel Hrapovitsky, who remained in front of the troops, ordered the [three battalion] columns to deploy en echeque. … the enemy, trying in vain to defeat our regiment, increased the artillery fire, and although it devastated our ranks, it failed to produce any disorder among the men… Soon, the enemy cavalry appeared to the right from us and forced the I Battalion to leave its position in en echeque and line up with the columns of the II and III Battalions. At the same time, Colonel Hrapovitsky ordered columns to form squares against the cavalry. The enemy cuirassiers made a vigorous attack but quickly paid a heavy price for their audacity. All squares, acting with firmness, opened fire and delivered battalion volleys from the lateral faces. The enemy's armour proved to be a weak defence against our fire and added no courage to them. The cavalrymen quickly showed us their backs and fled in disorder. A fresh cavalry made of horse grenadiers [carabiniers ?] tried to remedy the failure of the attack but was received in the same manner, and fled back in shame.
    Around 12 p.m. our gallant commander Colonel Hrapovitsky was wounded in the thigh and ankle by canister … Shortly before that Colonel Kozlyaninov, the acting commander of the regiment, was also wounded by canister. … After the enemy cavalry was repelled, the enemy resumed artillery fire and his canister showered our immobile columns. On General Konovnitzin's order, Colonel Musin-Pushkin dispatched the III Battalion to occupy the heights to the left. Led by Captain Martynov, the III Battalion captured these heights and sent out skirmishers. Captain Martynov was wounded and his successor Staff Captain Katenin, received order from General Vasilchikov, to make an oblique movement forward and march to cover a battery deployed on battalion’s right flank, about 200 paces away.
    The enemy artillery fire, which was directed at that battery, did not prevent our column from accomplishing this mission in complete order. While the III Battalion was accomplishing these feats, General Konovnitsyn, remaining with us and sharing the same dangers, ordered to have the columns of the I and II Battalions deployed in oblique … and then formed squares against cavalry. The French cavalry again resumed its charges but was repulsed by the crossfire of these two battalions. The cavalry did not dare to harass our battalions ever since and only observed us from a distance. The French artillery, however, inflicted horrible casualties on us, but the approaching enemy skirmishers were driven back on multiple occasions. Around 5 p.m. Colonel Musin-Pushkin was wounded in the chest and I assumed the command of both the regiment and brigade." (- Colonel Alexander Kutuzov to Lavrov, 1 [13] September 1812)
    From this I gather:
    The Guards will be unrivalled in melee, and good at shooting, but not as good as British and Old Guards at shooting.
    They will be almost unbreakable.


    Faction Guide:
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Faction at a glance.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Advantages:
    • Large infantry unit sizes
    • Cheap units
    • Large and strong artillery units
    • Excellent In melee
    • Good cavalry
    • Excellent morale
    Disadvantages:
    • Very bad shooting capability
    • Poor economy
    • Units are hard to control on battlefield
    • Disorganised units
    Playing as Russia the player will have a challenge on their hands. The Russian economy is in a poor state; The army is in need of improvement; A major war looms on the horizon. But all is not woe. The Russian Motherland itself provides a near infinite amount of resources, men and the ultimate defence - The Russian Winter. None have ever truly conquered this formidable force of nature, and when Napoleon eventually comes knocking it can always be relied upon.



    The discipline of the Russian army is just as harsh, but it has produced the results intended. The Russian infantry is a cheap, conscripted force but it is incredably tough. They are prone to rush into melee, something that not even the harsh discipline has managed to control. Due to the large population of Russia, her armies are very large and cheap - something that will surely work to her advantage.
    Russian cavalry is another cheap force, but is best used in hit and run assaults; being as disorganised as it is, it would never stand up to the likes of Prussian cavalry.
    Russian artillery is one of the finer branches of the army. It is a proffessional fighting force and it's size will make it one of the most powerful battlefield forces.
    Investment is key for Russian success - the economy is backward; the discipline used on the infantry has produced little more than a collection of melee-prone cannon fodder; modern technology is needed.
    With a strenghtened economy, and a vast, open space to fall back on the Russian's could do more than the quality of their infantry would suggest.
    Who knows - Napoleon could very soon find Kutusov at the gates of Paris.


    Infantry
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Infantry overview


    Advantages:
    • High Morale
    • Excellent Melee Fighters
    • Cheap and easy to maintain
    • Can be recruited very fast
    Disadvantages:
    • Poor reload and accuracy due to lack of training
    • Poor quality muskets and equipment
    • Hard to control on battlefield
    Russian infantry has one of the largest sizes, with infantry regiments of 280 men. The soldiers are made up of conscripts who have had little training and, as such, will be outclassed by the professional armies that they might face. They should not be relied upon in a shootout - they have the worst shooting abilities of all the major factions. However, they are extremely brave and can defeat almost any enemy up close. In fact the soliders are somewhat prone to melee. As the soliders commander you will have trouble controlling them on the battlefield - if they see an enemy come up close they may charge without orders.





    Russian Infantry can be relied to hold its ground in the face of almost anything and it will take a very determined effort to break Russian units. Russian infantry is also cheap and quick to produce due to the conscription tactics used in this period.
    The Russian infantrymen wield an antiquated musket that is less reliable and durable than newer French and British models. It also fires a smaller shot than the British Land Pattern, making taking out heavily armoured targets a more daunting prospect.
    Investment in the infantry is a wise move for a Russian player. With more advanced muskets and training the Russian infantry will be a force that all must fear. This however will require a good economy, something Russia does not possess.


    Artillery
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Artillery overview


    Advantages:
    • Largest unit sizes
    • Good reload and accuracy
    • Russian 'Unicorn' Cannons
    • Can handle themselves in melee
    Disadvantages:
    • Not as skilled as French gunners
    • Slightly expensive
    Russian Artillery is a battle winning force, capable of shattering enemy formations with ease. Russian Artillery has the largest size of all nations, and has access to the formidable Unicorn guns, capable of firing explosive shells into enemy troops from afar. Russian gun crews can also handle themselves well in melee, but will still need support. Russian artillery won'y benifit form research and investment as much as the infantry will, but with the same training as the French gun crews Russian Artillery will truly become the king of the battlefield.





    Cavalry
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Cavalry overview


    Advantages:
    • High morale
    • Good swordsmen
    • Cossacks are formidable "Hit and Run" troops
    Disadvantages:
    • Poorly trained
    Russian cavlary, while not as well trained as the French or Prussians, is well organised and made up of high quality swordsmen. They are hard to break and will be a tough foe for most enemy horsemen. With a little more training Russian Cavlary will soon become a true match for the heavy cavalry of other nations.





    France

    Faction Research:

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    France Research

    I'll start of with the artillery roster.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    As some of you may know there were two "systems" of artillery in France during the time-frame of this game: The Gribeauval system and the System of The Year XI. The System of The Year XI is a much more modern system, with a much more capable roster. At the start of the game you will still be using Gribeaval's system, and through numerous technological advances you will be able to introduce the The System of The Year XI.
    One of the problems that Napoleon faced was that after The System of The Year XI was introduced, it simply wasn't feasible to simply roll out the new guns and call back all of the old ones.
    In 1803 the Gribeauval System was replaced by the System of the Year XI. Tooling up for the new weapons took time and was only well begun by 1805.
    (Elting - "Swords Around a Throne" 1997 p 258)
    Unfortunately the constant wars forced the use of the old guns or mixing them with the new guns.
    To accommodate this, the tech tree will be edited such that changing the system over isn't as simple as researching one tech. You will steadily have to roll out the new guns, and will often find yourself defending your border provinces with Gribeauval's older, less reliable guns. (There's a full tech tree feature coming soon)


    Year XI roster

    3pdr Mountain guns
    6pdr Horse Artillery
    6pdr Foot Artillery
    12pdr Horse Artillery
    12pdr Foot Artillery
    24pdr Siege Guns
    6 inch Howitzer Horse Artillery
    6 inch Howitzers
    8 inch Howitzers

    Gribeauval system roster

    3pdr Mountain guns
    4 pdr field guns
    8 pdr field Guns
    12 pdr field Guns
    6inch Howitzers
    24pdr Siege guns

    These guns will have a wide range of varying stats so that, for example, a 12pdr hosre artillery unit is not necessarily better than a 12pdr foot artillery. It may be faster, but it will loose out in other stats.


    French Battlefield Morale:

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Low to start with - generals are more important to this faction more than any other. They are essentially an army of unwilling conscripts.

    "I used to say of him (Napoleon) that his presence on the field made the difference of 40,000 men. "
    - Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington
    Wellington was extremally unwilling to stand on his own against Napoleon. One could almost venture to say that the Duke was running scared of Napoleon - and thats why he not wanted to face him alone at Waterloo.


    French Battlefield Movement speeds:
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    The French are considered fast movers on and off the field of battle. I believe it would be wrong to make them the fastest; they are just seen as fast when compared to Brits. Here's a piece on British speed to demonstrate my point:

    In the very end of the battle of Waterloo, Wellington and Blucher decided together that the Prussians alone would continue the pursuit. This decision is usually explained by citing the exhausted condition of Wellington's infantry, but Blucher's were surely no less tired. More likely the choice reflected the plodding management and slowness of movement that characterized British troops. [Professor A. Barbero]
    In the beginning of the 1815-Campaign the Prussians got 3/4 of their men to the right place at the right time, Wellington only miserable 1/3 of his total forces. Prussian officer Müffling asked Wellington why the Brits advance so slowly and Wellington explained:
    "Do not press me on this, for I tell you, it cannot be done. If you knew the composition of the British Army and its habits better, then you would not talk to me about that. I cannot leave my tents and supplies behind. I have to keep my men together in their camp and supply them well to keep order and discipline." [Peter Hofscshroer] (The Irishmen however could live on little nourishment, they outmarched the
    English who had the habits "of good eating and plenty of it too.")
    John Mills of British Regiment of 'Coldstream Guard' wrote:
    "Their (French) movements compared with ours are as mail coaches to dung carts. In all weathers and at all times the French are accustomed to march, when our men would fall sick by hundreds ..."
    The Spaniards reproached the British for the tardiness of their marches.
    "Clumsy, unintelligent, and helpless as the British soldier is when thrown upon his own resources, or when called upon to do the duty of light troops, nobody surpasses him in a pitched battle where he acts in masses...The fire of British infantry is delivered with such a coolness, even in the most critical position, that it surpasses, in effect, that of any other troops. ... This solidity and tenacity in attack and defense, form the great redeeming quality of the British army, and have alone saved it from many a defeat, well-merited and all but intentionally prepared by the incapacity of its officers, the absurdity of its administration, and the clumsiness of its movements." ("The Armies of Europe" in Putnam's Monthly, No. XXXII, published in 1855)
    So it can be seen that the French were fast compared to the Brits, but on a par with the Prussians. So rather than make the French fast, we are going to slow down the British.


    French Battlefield Tactics:
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    French tactics are slightly melee orientated (I know, we've all heard it before ).
    The French never seemed to tire of contrasting their own energy in the assault versus their enemies' stolid nature, particularly when Germans were involved. '
    The [German] infantry is constant enough when standing fast, but it is not lively in the attack and cannot carry off a coup de main. Chamlay agreed in the superiority of the French infantry on the offensive, starting in 1690,
    "The same confidence typified opinion in the War of the Spanish Succession ... No less a figure than Marshal Villars praised 'the air of audacity so natural for the French infantry ... is to charge with the bayonet ..."
    (Lynn - "Giant of the Grand Siecle" pp 487-488)

    Musketry Stats:
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Musketry stats will be defined for all factions depending on how much money you decide to put into live + blank ammo training. They will start similar enough between factions, with a few receiving bonuses, but the quality of your infantry will ultimately be decided by the amount of money that you decide to put into training. This will be better explained in the tech tree preview.


    Artillery Stats:

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Stats wise: High all-round, the French have the best artillery in all of Europe.
    "The French artillery has always ranked very high. Almost all improvements made in gunnery, during the last three or four centuries, have originated with the French. The theoretical branch of artillery has also been constantly a favorite science with the French; their mathematical turn of mind favors this; and the precision of language, the scientific method, the soundness of views, which characterize their artilleristic literature, show how much this branch of science is adapted to the national genius." ("The Armies of Europe" in Putnam's Monthly, No. XXXII, published in 1855)
    Area of weakness:

    A quote from Napoleonystika.com:
    The new howitzer required 2 powder charges to the 3 required by the old 6'4" howitzer. Gribeauval's howitzers were criticized as clumsy designs
    of limited range.


    Faction Guide:
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Faction at a glance.


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Advantages:
    • Large infantry unit sizes
    • Best all-round artillery
    • Cheap units
    Disadvantages:
    • Low quality infantry
    • Over-reliant on generals
    France will challenge you as a player. Playing as France you will have access to the largest artillery roster in game and one of the largest sizes of infantry units. French infantry is low quality all round and is suited to melee, but it is cheap and quick to produce, as well as having a size advantage. You also have the choice of two artillery rosters - the older, cheaper Gribeauval system, or the newer, more expensive Year XI system. If you do decide to research the new system, you will face the same problem Napoleon himself faced - how to get the newer, more capable units to the front. General's will be an important asset to this faction - it's army of conscripts may be unwilling but it is said of Napoleon that his presence makes the difference of 40,000 men.


    Infantry
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Infantry overview


    Advantages:
    • Large unit sizes
    • Well-suited to melee
    • Fast movers, on and off the field of battle.
    • Cheap and easy to maintain.
    • Can be recruited very fast.
    Disadvantages:
    • Poor reload and accuracy due to lack of training.
    • Low morale; over-reliant on generals.
    • Not as organised on the battlefield due to lack of training.
    • Use less reliable muskets than the British
    French infantry has one of the largest sizes, with infantry regiments of 280 men. The soldiers are made up of conscripts who have had little training and, as such, will be outclassed by the professional armies of some of her enemies. They cannot reload as fast as the Prussians or British but they are well suited to melee. The presence of a good general will make all the difference when using French infantry.



    French infantry is also cheap and quick to produce due to the conscription tactics used in this period.
    The French also have another advantage in battle - they are the quickest movers. They can move faster than all of their opponents and have extra campaign map movement points.
    The French infantry also wield the Charleville musket - it doesn't fire as heavy a shot as the British Land Pattern and is less reliable than the British weapon - of course, lower quality weapons are cheaper to maintain.
    If the economy affords it, investment in the infantry via the tech tree and buildings would be wise - with the same standards of training and equipment of the British, the French infantry could become the most powerful in all of Europe.


    Artillery
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Advantages:
    • Large unit sizes
    • High all-round stats
    • Offers a large and flexible potential roster
    Disadvantages:
    • Needs heavy investment to achieve maximum efficiency
    • Expensive
    French artillery is the best in the game. There are two systems available when playing as the French - the Gribeauval system and the Year 11 system. Both of these systems are fully capable in their own right, but both have advantages. The Gribeauval system is cheaper to maintain - if the economy can't support it, it's not wise to try and bring in the new system. The Year XI system has stat advantages and a slightly larger roster, but is more expensive - it is worth it if it can be afforded.


    The entire French artillery roster can be viewed in custom battles for the players sake, but it will be different in game. In a campaign the stat differences will be greater due to the tech tree and, when the various year XI techs are researched, the Gribeauval system guns will no longer be recruitable. The amount of money you put into French artillery will be reflected in it's performance - but it has the potential to ruin your economy.


    Cavalry
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Advantages:
    • Has good battlefield stamina.
    • Can be recruited quickly
    • Has high morale
    Disadvantages:
    • Bad quality of swordsmanship among cavalrymen
    • Has reduced campaign map movement points, due to horses being overworked in battle.
    French cavalry is at a high standard, but at a disadvantage due to the individual cavalryman's notorious habits of over-working their horses. In battle the cavalry all have high stamina levels, but the extra work put on them reduces their campaign map movement speed. Although they were regarded as inferior individual swordsmen, they made up for it by their organization - they can be recruited quickly and have high morale.



    The French cuirassier is the real elite now- expensive to maintain and limited in numbers, but a fearsome opponent. French cavalry will not benefit from technological advancement as much as other army divisions but, as always, the player decides on their quality by the amount of money spent on them.
    French cavalry isn't the cheapest to maintain, but can be viewed as the "good-all-round" section of French armies.


    Britain

    Faction Research:

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Great Britain Research

    Infantry

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The best part of the land
    forces was the infantry
    William Napier writes, "The result of a hundred battles and the united testimony of impartial writers of different nations have given the first place amongst the European infantry to the British
    French General Foy wrote, "The English [infantry] do not scale mountains, or scour the plain, with the suppleness and rapidity of the French; but they are more silent, more orderly, and more obedient, and for these reasons their fire is better directed, and more destructive.
    Though not so stubborn under a heavy fire as the Russians, they draw together with less confusion, and preserve their original formation better.
    Their composition exhibits something of the German character, combined with more activity and energy. The system of manoeuvres which they have adopted since the year 1798, is borrowed from the Prussians. ... In retreat it stands firm, and commences its fire by volleys from the battalions, followed by a well-supported file-firing. It turns round cooly to check the enemy hanging on its rear; and while marching, it fires without separating."
    "The English infantry does not hesitate to charge with the bayonet; the leader, however, who would wish to employ British infantry to advantage, should move it seldom and cautiously, and reckon more upon its fire than its manoeuvres."
    The British recruits were instructed to march 75 steps per min. Each step was of 30 inches. But 108 steps /min. were used during filing of companies into column, or from column into line. This pace was also used by battalions manoeuvering as columns. It was not used by large bodies of men in movement on account of fatigue. (- Philip Haythorntwaite)
    The British military was broken into 2 schools of thought, the 'American' and the 'German'.
    - The American school was characterised by open formations and light infantry tactics
    well suited to the broken terrain and vast woods of North America where enemy had little
    or no cavalry and artillery. The American school of thought favored infantry formed on
    2-ranks and the use of light infantry armed with rifles.
    - The German school of thought was characterised by disciplined, close order drill, well
    suited to the open plains of Central Europe where the enemy had thousands of cavalrymen
    and hundreds of cannons. This school of thought favored infantry formed on 3- or 4-ranks.

    The British musket Brown Bess was larger and more durable
    than the French musket. The British rifle was the most accurate
    infantry firearm of the Napoleonic Wars.
    The rate of fire ranged from 2 to 5 shots per minute
    There were lead allowance for yearly exercises in life fire training.
    - British riflemen - 60 rounds and 60 blanks per man
    - British light infantry - 50 rounds and 60 blanks
    - British line infantry - 30 rounds
    The rifles were more accurate weapons than the muskets. According to E. G. Prühs (Pruhs - "Die Schlacht bei Waterloo" publ. 1983) in 1815 at Waterloo the Hannovarian jägers of Graf von Kielmannsegge's brigade fought against French skirmishers. The French suffered 40 killed and wounded, while the Germans had lost only 20 men !
    The British Baker rifle was probably the most accurate of all firearms during the Napoleonic Wars. On the training ground and under perfect conditions 100 % hits were recorded at 100 paces.
    French General Foy wrote, "Well posted, as Wellington knows how to post it, and attacked from the front, I consider the English infantry to be impregnable ..."
    Despite their privileged nature as an elite force in comparison to the normal infantry, the Foot Guards still helped in the digging of trenches (for example during the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo), an arduous duty made especially more by the terrible weather.
    Against cavalry the Foot Guards formed themselves in squares. Generally square was a formation wherein the center was occupied only by few men (commander, color-bearer, wounded etc.) The squares were repeatedly attacked by heavy cavalry and mercilessly pounded by artillery.
    Ensign Gronow of the 1st Foot Guard writes, "Our squares presented a shocking sight. Inside we were nearly suffocated by the smoke and smell from burnt cartridges. It was impossible to move a yard without treading upon a wounded comrade, or upon the bodies of the dead; and the load groans of the wounded and dying was most appaling. At 4 o'clock our square was a perfect hospital, being full of dead, dying, and mutilated bodies." Wellington himself took refuge in this square. He appeared very "thoughtful and pale."
    In the very end of the battle, the exhausted British-German-Netherland cavalry took up positions behind the infantry squares, to prevent the soldiers from being seized by panic and running away. Their horses' muzzles almost touched the backs of the infantrymen in the rearmost ranks. In the square formed by the British III/1st Foot Guards the sergeants were standing behind the privates, levelling their pikes to compel them to remain in formation. The Foot Guards held their ground to the very end. Not a single square was broken.
    At Hougoumont, the struggle continued unabated. The British Guards light companies, the Brunswickers and one of du Plat's KGL battalions fought with two of Foy's regiments. ... A battery of French howitzers lobbed shells into the buildings, setting them alight. The chateau, the farmhouse, the stables and storehaouses all went up in flames. The British fell back into the chapel and the gardener's house from where they continued to fire on the French..." (Hofschroer - "1815 Waterloo Campaign - The German Victory" p 81)
    The British Foot Guards were excellent troops. They were not the good-looking parade outfits full of rose-cheeked young men who never smelled the gun powder. They participated in several campaigns and fought hard at Talavera, Quatre Bras and Waterloo. Their only weakness was their small numbers. The British and Prussian kings had relatively small (royal) guards when comparing to the Russian and French Emperors' (imperial) guards. Austria had no guard units.
    "The Legion was known for its excellent discipline
    and fighting ability."
    Tomkinson of the 16th Light Dragoons ... believed that Scottish troops were
    the best in the army in situations calling for coolness, steadiness and
    obedience to orders; he thought them less valuable in skirmishes ... ."
    The regiment's first combat was at Fontenoy in 1745, where they surprised the French with "their own way of fighting", each time they received the musket volley Colonel Munro ordered his men to "clap to the ground" while he himself, because of his corpulence, stood alone with the colours behind him.
    The most Irish of all was the 88th Regiment of Foot. The 88th was established in 1793. Wellington himself later described them as "that most astonishing infantry". According to Sir Oman the 88th was "the most Irish of all Irish regiments".
    The 88th enjoyed a reputation for plundering and hard fighting. General Picton gave them the nickname of The Devil's Own.
    At Bussaco 1810 the 88th "saved the situation" by acting with great promptitude. Wellington himself witnessed the action and shouted: "I never witnessed a more gallant charge than that just now made by this regiment."
    At the siege of Cuidad Rodrigo, 19th January 1812 General Picton gave this particular address to the 88th: "It is not my intention to expend any powder this evening. We'll do this business with the cold iron."
    In 1814 the 88th proceeded to Canada and in 1815 arrived too late to take part at Waterloo.
    In September 1813 Marshal Soult, wrote to the Minister of War that sharpshooters from the British 60th Foot (Royal Americans, they were mostly Germans) were killing the French officers in a fast rate: "the losses of officers are so out of proportion with the losses in soldiers".
    Many of these men were expert marksmen. During the dramatic retreat to Corunna rifleman Plunket shot the French Général Colbert at a range of between 200 and 500 metres. Plunket had run forward to make this shot, and before returning to his own lines he reloaded, and shot a trumpet-major who had rushed to the aid of the fallen general.


    CONCLUSION:
    British Infantry have high morale, but not as high as Russia.
    They have the best reload and accuracy capabilities of anyone.
    Guards and KGL are excellent troops, easily capable of destroying lesser foes, Guards are best shooters and good in melee.
    Rifles are exteremely accurate, but are vunerable in melee.


    Cavalry

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    Our cavalry officers have acquired the trick of galloping at everything
    and then galloping back as fast as they gallop at the enemy."
    - Wellington
    " I considered our cavalry so inferior to the French
    from the want of order , that although I considered
    one squadron a match for two French,
    I didn't like to see 4 British opposed to 4 French :
    and as the numbers increased and order, of course,
    became more necessary I was the more unwilling to
    risk our men without having a superiority in numbers."
    - Wellington
    "... testimony of impartial writers of different nations have given
    the first place amongst the European infantry to the British;
    but in a comparison between the troops of France and England,
    it would be unjust not to admit that the cavalry of the former
    stands higher in the estimation of the world."
    (William Napier - Vol II, p 367)
    The uniforms of British cavalry made great impression on many onlookers and their horses were one of the best in Europe. Their sabers and firearms were well made, and the men were brave and good sworsdmen. The weakest point of British cavalry however were their tactics and discipline in real combat. "The heaviest English cavalry is far from possessing the uniformity and the firm seat of the French and Austrian cuirassiers; and their light-horse is still more inferior in intelligence and activity to the Hungarian hussar and the Cossack. They have no idea of the artifices of partisan warfare, and they know little how to charge en masse. When the fray commences, you see them equally vulnerable and offensive, cutting instead of thrusting, and chopping with more fury than effect at the faces of their enemies..." ( - General Foy)
    John Gaspard Le Marchant (1766 – 1812).
    "He was impressed by the Austrian cavalry who were operating alongside the British,
    and was particularly struck by the disparaging remark of an Austrian officer who
    thought that the British swordsmanship was "entertaining" but reminded him of a
    "farmer chopping wood."
    "On his return to Britain Le Marchant exerted himself to improve
    the equipment and combat training of the British cavalry."
    The Austrian cavalrymen "were as superior to us
    as we were to the trained-bands in the city."
    - General John Le Marchant
    Affection for, and care of, his horse, is the trait, par excellence,
    which distinguishes the German dragoon from the English."
    The German would sell everything to feed his horse;
    the English would sell his horse itself for spirit . . . . .
    In the Peninsula the only means of enforcing some attention to
    their horses amongst our English regiments was to make every
    man walk and carry his saddlebags whose horse died or was ill."
    (- Captain Mercer, British artillery)
    The cavalrymen of the King's German Legion exceled in horse care. Costello wrote, "Indeed, while alluding to the cavalry of the German Legion, I cannot help remarking on the care and fondness with which they regarded their horses. A German soldier seldom thought of food or rest for the night until his horse had been provided for." (Costello - "The Peninsular and Waterloo Campaigns" pp 24-25)
    ... the French soldiers were so struck with
    the elegant dresses of the light dragoons .."
    - General Foy


    CONCLUSION:
    The British Cavlary are ill disciplined, well equipped and good swordsmen, therefore high attack, but low charge, and average morale and defence.
    The Kings German Legion cav are an exception, and are good cavalry.


    Artillery


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    The British artillery was well trained, efficient and motivated.
    Ther officers were very much educated professionals.
    However, the effects of all this excellent training and schooling
    was often negated by the small size of the artillery corps and
    the fact that promotion was by seniority rather than by merit.
    "Frames, caissons, barrels, and bullets, powder,
    and every part of the equipage, are remarkable
    for the goodness of the materials, as well as
    excellent workmanship."
    - French General Maximilien Foy
    In battle they [British gunners] display judicious activity,
    a perfect coup d'oeil, and stoical bravery. ... English troops
    take few guns into the field with them ..." - General Foy
    General Foy wrote: "The artillery holds the first rank in the army; it is better paid, its recruits are more carefully selected, and its period of enlistment is limited to 12 years."
    Combat at Coa: "The [British] artillery attached to the Reserve
    instantly opened fire upon it [French infantry columns] and such
    was the excellence of the practice, that the enemy's column, after
    a heavy loss, withdrew before it had been able to fire a musket."
    (Summerville - "March of Death" 129)
    "Very high prices are paid for the horses employed to draw the guns,
    and they are, consequently, extremely good. The harness is as good
    as that used in French carriages. No nation can rival the English in
    the equipment and speed of their conveyances." - French General Foy
    There was however a lot of drunkenness
    and absence among the train drivers.

    CONCLUSION:

    British art is well trained and well equipped.
    It has a small number of guns and is expensive.


    Faction Guide:
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Faction at a glance.



    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Advantages:
    • Excellent Infantry
    • Powerful Navy
    • Excellent Economy
    Disadvantages:
    • Poor cavalry
    • Artillery is low in size and expensive
    • All troops very expensive and slow to train
    Playing as Britain will be a challenge. Britain's economy is very strong, but somewhat over-reliant on trade routes which will need protecting. This will require a strong navy, but France poses no immediate threat - she has no navy to speak of, but a strong naval presence must still be kept close to home to prevent the French navy from re-forming. On land Britain relies on its infantry, a fine force of volunteers. The cavalry is ill-disciplined and not a good match for some of the continental forces. British artillery, while of good quality, is of small size and limited availability - it will not be a battle winner.


    The army, as a whole is a slow moving force and movement must be carefully planned.
    Looking to the near future, the army needs development. Although it is not in need of the drastic investment that its continental allies are, it's movement speed will work against it.
    Whatever the British army does, it must do it quickly - Napoleon's attention will not be forever focused to the East, and the channel cannot protect England forever.

    Infantry
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    Infantry overview


    Advantages:
    • Excellent shooting capability
    • High morale
    • Average in melee
    Disadvantages:
    • Slow moving off field
    • High cost
    • High upkeep due to buying supplies from locals, and good standard of equipment
    • Slow to train
    British Infantry is of an average size, with infantry regiments of 240 men. The soldiers are well trained professionals and easily outclass other nations infantry in shooting. They can handle themselves in melee, but cannot stand up to a determined Russian or French bayonet attack. British infantry can be counted on to hold their ground in most situations. But they are expensive and slow to train, due to the long training required to attain such a high rate of fire and accuracy.The British are slower than almost all other armies on the campaign map, so careful planning is required when on the attack to avoid the threat of being outmaneuvered by enemies.



    The British wield the Brown Bess musket, which is an extremely reliable weapon and fires a heavy shot. It also has the advantage that it can also use captured enemy ammunition, something that the French cannot do and will be very useful when on the campaign.



    Artillery
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    Advantages:
    • Good accuracy and reload
    Disadvantages:
    • Expensive
    • Low in number
    British artillery is of a good quality. It has professional crews and high quality equipment, but a small number of guns, so may still be outshot by other nations larger batteries. British artillery is better used in a supporting role, rather than a battle winning tool as the French and Russians use it.




    Cavalry
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Advantages:
    • Has high attack
    • KGL cavalry is high quality and can stand up against most others
    Disadvantages:
    • Poor organization and discipline
    • Slow moving off-field
    British Cavalry is of a fairly poor quality. The men are strong individual swordsmen, but do not keep formation or respond to orders well, a trait which constantly works against them. The cavalry suffer from the common problem facing all of Britain's troops - a slow movement rate. The KGL cavalry is of good quality however, being good enough to go head to head with other nations heavy cavalry. British Cavalry can be improved by investment, more so than the other branches of the army. Much can be learned from the Drill Manuals of other nations, and with a little more discipline, the British cavalry could soon become a fearsome fighting force.



    Last edited by T.C.; January 03, 2011 at 10:34 AM.
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