Kleiner Feldzug 1757: The Battle of Gitschina

As we saw in the resolution of the May I turn, the Prussian forces of FM Kurt Christof, Count von Schwerin fell upon the Austrian army of FML Andreas Count Hadik von Futak in the vicinity of Gitschina in the course of the move.

The battle is still being resolved, but I thought I'd share the initial setup.

Hadik's army is to the top of the map, deployed on a ridge with field fortifications protecting its four units of infantry and its artillery in a strong redoubt. On the Austrian right (to the left of the map) are two brigades of Austrian cuirassiers. On their left are a brigade of Croatian grenzers in their red cloaks and a brigade of chevaux legers.

Approaching them is von Schwerin's army, all still on movement formations. On the Prussian left are a brigade of hussars (yellow) and two of their own cuirassiers. In the center are two heavy batteries (outlined in black) flanked by grenadiers (gold edged) and fusiliers (pink edge). Behind those are three brigades of musketeers, making up the reserve.

During the first turn of the battle, the Prussians advanced relentlessly, finally shifting their leading brigades of infantry into line as they passed the town. Their cavalry accelerated, deploying and hurling themselves on the Austrian cavalry, which repulsed them, counter attacked, and were repulsed in their turn.

Seeing the slow advance of the Prussian main body, Hadik launched his light troops in a dash across the front of his army, hoping to strike the Prussian cavalry in the flank. Will they succeed? Will the Austrian cavalry hold out? Look for future dispatches!