The Defence of Gunstheim - August 1870

The following is a summary of our most recent fictional Franco-Prussian War engagement, a multiplayer game involving four players. It is the third in a small series of Franco-Prussian War encounters this year, though unfortunately I have not had time to write reports for these prior games.

The situation was something of chaotic on the 13th of August. The day prior Marshall Bazaine had been thrust into a position he did not desire. The once simple Fusilier, now Marshall of France, was in command of the Army of the Rhine. Yet the designation of "Army of the Rhine" was misleading, as the army was far from concentrated and the Prussians were pressing its various parts from several directions. The most significant today was that of Third Army under Crown Prinz Friederich. Of Third Army's six corps no less than three corps were advancing on advanced elements of Frossard's II Corps.

At noon on the 13th Frossard had just two divisions in the area of Gunstheim, in particular 1st Division under General Verge, and 2nd Division under Bataille. Frossard's reports to Bazaine however indicated the inherent defensive qualities of the position. A long ridge line provided a strong defensive position and the Prussians were likely to be delayed by the meandering Hochbach stream. Despite this Frossard risked being quickly outflanked. Despite the inherent risk Bazaine ordered what troops he had nearby to reinforce Frossard, and moved to view the field in person. Bazaine hoped the reinforcements would arrive to protect the exposed flanks of the position.

Frossard would not need to wait long. Soon after 2pm Prussian troops were detected advancing in strength on Gunstheim. Despite this it was not until 3pm that elements moved to force the banks of the meandering Hochbach stream. The Prussian advance is best described in three sectors. On the Prussian right an infantry and cavalry division of Trumpling's VI Corps were ordered to conduct a turning movement well to the French left. In the centre Kirchbach's V Corps advanced directly on Frossard's position. One division would however be delayed by a particularly marshy area of the Hochbach, the other not. In support were two divisions of Bose's XI Corps, though these were strung out in march column and would be three hours before they would deploy. Finally, on the Prussian left two infantry divisions of Hartman's II Bavarian Corps advanced against the French right. 

Frossard had deployed his two divisions, some 14,000 bayonets, in a reverse slope position slightly forward of the town of Gunstheim, while garrisoning the town itself. Further, Frossard opted to retain his artillery, some 36 cannon, in reserve. However, he deployed each division's Mitrailleuse battery, each of six guns, forward in the line in direct support of the infantry. No sooner had they been fully deployed than Bazaine recommend that the Mitrailleuse batteries be withdrawn and also held in reserve.


Above, general view of the battlefield around 4.30pm. The Prussians and Bavarians are on the right of the photo with the Bavarians in the foreground. Below, a view from the Prussian lines of the centre. The French opposite are beyond the crest. The yellow markers denote the disordered units that have crossed a marshy section of the stream.


Hastened by Bazaine's dispatches around 3pm the 1st Division under General Cissey, itself part of General De Ladmirault's IV Corps, arrived. This division was ordered to the exposed right where the Bavarians were advance with speed. By 4pm a number of regiments were deployed in an area of woods from which they can lay down fire across the open ground. Below, elements of General Cissey 1st Division deploy. The white markers denote infantry that have gone prone, or unlimbered artillery.

A unit of Chasseurs was thrown further out and soon after 4pm began to engage the Bavarians. Yet French resolve was soon tested when the isolated Chasseurs were overcome by a determined Prussian attack, a fitting response to their well aimed volleys.

Around 5.30pm the battle entered a new phase. While Prussian artillery engaged those forces around Gunstheim, Prussian infantry in the centre crested the ridge line and began to fire at Frossard's infantry. On the right the Bavarians also surged forward. Determined firefights erupted along the line. The Prussian plan indeed called for the French right to be broken. One French officer recalls Frossard's frustration at this point knowing only too well that the Prussian casualties would be much higher had the Mitrailleuse remained in place and not been withdrawn as directed by Bazaine. 

In an effort to relieve pressure on the French right Cissey ordered his four infantry regiments forward supported by artillery and Mitrailleuse. The infantry generally advanced then went to ground, where there their Chassepot rifles could do maximum damage while avoiding the impact of the return fire.


Above and below a view of the unfolding battle. Above, with a focus on the French right.

Below, a more general view showing the French right and part of the attack against French right centre. While below, viewed from the Bavarian lines.


Below, a slightly different perspective. A Bavarian artillery battalion and a Prussian schutzen regiment have failed their morale tests a result of the effectiveness of the increased fire of cartridge weapons at close range.


Below another view, this time from the French centre with the town of Gunstheim in the foreground. French reinforcements are also visible entering the field. In particular Frossard's 3rd Division under De Laveaucoupet which reinforced the left. This deployment halted the advance of the Trumpling's weak VI Corps which were finally demonstrating against the French left.


Around 6.30pm, and aware of the arriving French reinforcements the Prussians in the centre, and Bavarian on the left, surged forward. Casualties in the next hour were significant. The Bavarians were forced back and the nearby 9th Prussian Division collapsed, the survivors though reformed were unwilling to press forward. The remaining Prussian Division of the centre, Schmidt's 10th Division, would continue the fight but within an hour would also collapse.

With the Prussian centre critically weakened and the attack stalled, Crown Prinz Friederich hastened the deployment of Bose's XI Corps. Yet valuable time was lost shaking out of march column and crossing the Hochbach stream. While the Prussian commanders grappled with these dilemmas De Laveaucoupet's French division, deployed to French right. As dusk neared the French were advancing.

De Laveaucoupet's aim being to outflank the Bavarians and roll back the Prussians. The Bavarians however put up a stirring defence and delivered another series of charges just prior to nightfall causing a number of French casualties. Yet as darkness fell it was clear that Crown Prinz Friederich's attack had failed, and the French had held.

The scenario was developed with the Road to Glory Scenario System included with the rules. Players draw two cards from a deck of 27 cards and then select one. The combination tending to determine the scenario and reinforcement schedules. For this game the French selected "Advance Guard - Echelon Centre Card #7". The Prussians in contrast had selected "Returning Detachment - Right Card #15". The table layout, while fictional, was heavily influenced by that at the Battle of Froschwiller. As to the miniatures they are all from the Heroics & Ros 6mm range with the French from my collection and the Prussians from Robin's.


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