This is a big set piece battle with the Russian Grenadier division advancing on the Austrian 24th division behind a river. From the rules, it’s hard to tell if the river is a small river or stream, it’s called both in the write up and special rules. I went with the small river.

The Austrians have the advantage being behind the river, as that slows the Russians in trying to cross. The Russians have to cross the river then open an 8 hex road to the south off the map, and capture a town in between. A tall order when they barely outnumber the Austrians.

The Austrians actually have the better morale, being 8/7 vs. the Russians 8/6.

In my game the Russians came on in style, and attacked across the river in a broad approach, but got repulsed in all attacks. Unlike I suppose in history, my Austrians dug in, as being purely on the defensive did not warrant just standing in the open and trading shots. That may have spelt the difference, as the Russians only tried a few assault combats. Assault in Infantry Attacks is a risky business. You have no armor, so, it’s just man against man. No, the Austrians can use Cold Steel, but that’s just suicidal, as the enemy gets first fire with two shifts to the right, regardless of odds. So, unless it’s a very weak opponent, it’s best to gain fire superiority then advance when the enemy is demoralized, but, if that doesn’t happen, well, you loose.

Bottom line, the Russians probably will never win this scenario as they just don’t outnumber the Austrians enough to push them back. Unless of course, the Austrians decide to go on a major attack, then the situation is just reversed.

A good example of early WWI combat. The defense has the advantage, and unless you greatly outnumber your foe, the attack will be bloody indeed.