Battle for Valutino 1

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The Battle for Valutino Crossing.
(Napoleonic Warfare in Russia 1812)
by
Richard Mc Clean.

Introduction: This Scenario takes place on the 22nd of August 1812, about five days after the two day battle of Smolensk. Whilst the main French Army rested before advancing even further East, a flying column made up of mainly Italians supported by a few French Cavalry Units; were sent on ahead to the town of Valutino to secure the main bridge over the River Dneiper.

The retreating Russians had failed to blow up this strategic crossing point. Quickly realising their mistake, they decided to send a small force back to Valutino to destroy the bridge. The Game hinges on the Russian Player trying to destroy the bridge, whilst the French Player must prevent this.

The Rules and Army List used in this Scenario are the NDW Club Rules " Warfare in the Age of Napoleon". However any set of Rules can be used, simply convert our Lists to those you normally use.
As you will notice, we like to use large Units. The Game will work quite well with smaller sized Units. The figures used were 25mm from various manufacturers, Front Rank, Connoisseur and with the majority being Bicorne Miniatures.

The terrain is simple enough to arrange. If you do not have a wide enough river an ordinary sized Wargame river will do. Inform all sides that it cannot be crossed except at the bridge and inform them that it's actual width is at least twice what it is. This is because the Dneiper is a major river and was over 200 yards wide at this point. In this game I prohibited all small arms fire across the river and Artillery were not allowed to fire canister from one bank to the other. Do not forget to half all movement and Firing Ranges across the bridge as this is as wide as the river.

The Italians used here are classed as Militia. This is for this Scenario only as the Italians (do not confuse them with those from Naples etc) showed that they were just as willing to die for Napoleon as the native French were. In my own French Army I always use the Italians as Militia just to vary the contents of my Army. This is no reflection on their actual Historical War Record.
The Field Artillery attached to the Italians are 6/9 pounders, not 12 pounders. Our Rules do not make any difference between these Guns, they are all classed as Field Artillery. I include this point just in case your own Rules make a difference in the guns' poundage.

For those of you who are interested in Napoleonic Wargames, especially in 25mm; the North Down Warlords (NDW) have several Members who would be glad to introduce you to this colourful Period. We currently have French, British and Russian Commanders. Other nationalities are needed as well as more Russian troops.

 

IF YOU INTEND TO PLAY THIS SCENARIO AS A PLAYER, THEN READ NO FURTHER.

 

BRIEFING: General La Pasta, Commander of the Italian 14th Division. Sir you are to proceed to Valutino with all haste, where you will secure the main bridge over the River Dneiper. There you will await the arrival of the Grand Armee. You have at your disposal your own Division along with a battery of Field Artillery. Brigadier Legras is following up with some Cavalry. They are expected at your location around mid-day. Our Polish allies report that they have spotted troop movement heading your way. We must assume that the Russians intend to rectify their earlier mistake of not blowing the bridge. Do not let this bridge fall into enemy hands.

 

BRIEFING: General Neverwinski, Commander of the 1st Division, 6th Corps. Boris, I hope that you are sober for a change. Now read this carefully and then act on it immediately. The French are at the Valutino Crossing. I want that bridge destroyed, no matter what it takes or costs in lives. Take your Division along with the Cavalry I have sent you and do your duty. PS there is a case of Vodka in it for you.

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