Battle Report: 31st August 1996

Crimean Russian ~vs~ Crimean French

(Robert Avery ~vs~ Richard Avery)

Report

Heavily outscouted by the hordes of Russian Cossacks, the French deployed first: their infantry forming attack columns in the centre, with their cavalry and artillery supporting on the wings.

The Russians massed their entire cavalry force on their left flank, matched the French infantry with their own, and placed the heavy artillery safe behind the river on their right.

The battle commenced with an advance on both sides: with the French moving strongly forward across their entire frontage and sending off a small detachment of Turks to cross the river to threaten the Russian heavy guns. The main advance was, however, delayed by the failure of the 3^ieme Battalion, 1^ere Brigade to advance quickly without disorder.

The Russians advanced in echelon: sending their left flank forward in an attempt to drive the French onto their centre with the best of the Russian infantry.

The first real action was a massive cavalry charge: with the vast Cossack regiment thundering towards the French Cuirassiers. The French counter-charged, won the impact, followed up, and a massive cavalry melee developed around a hedge. At first the Cuirassiers made good progress, but then the sheer weight of the Cossacks’ numbers (a 2½:1 advantage) overwhelmed them.

The rest of the French force, however, continued unchecked: with the 2^ieme Battalion, 1^ere Brigade charging over the hedge straight at the Russian heavy infantry. Despite heavy losses from artillery fire, the Glorious Deuxieme thundered into contact and the Russians, appalled by the fact that they hadn’t stopped the French with musket fire, broke before the fearsome column.

The 2^ieme had, however, advanced too far: and were quickly sent scurrying back over the hedge. Their charge had provided, however, the cover needed for the French to get the rest of their men into position: with the 3^ieme Bttn, 1^ere Brigade routing the battered Cossacks with rifle fire.

Unfortunately, the delay by the 3^ieme at the beginning of the battle now proved vital: the short Crimean winter’s day drawing to a close. With victory within his grasp (the best of the Russian troops either routed or shaken), the French Commander, reluctant to fight at night, was forced to withdraw.

Casualties

The Russians lost half their Cossacks and a smattering of infantry: most of their men running away before impact!

The French 2^ieme,1^ere lost 280 out of 720 men; with the Infantrie de Marine losing 120 men to artillery fire. The French Cuirassiers were almost completely wiped out: with only 40 out of 240 men returning.

Results

A winning draw for the French.

Analysis

A good battle both in terms of excitement and looks! It was a great shame that time constraints didn’t permit a continuation: but probably quite lucky for the Russians!

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