Since the primary objective is to reach Berlin, I would go with option 1 as it seems to be the path of least resistance. If it were stipulated that I could not leave enemy forces in my rear on the march to Berlin, then I would go with the flexibility offered in option 2. Option 3 seems like a risk of getting bogged down and funneled in the terrain around the lakes. After watching: Moltke’s elaboration on option 2 is one of the more brilliant solutions I’ve seen so far in this series. Using a detachment and the terrain to effectively bypass the enemy force without allowing them to threaten your supply lines is pure genius
Option 2 leaves the largest corps of the enemy force (but still smaller than yours) stuck between you and the bog. They must retreat (if they can get around the bog) or likely be defeated. If that brigade can be defeated, the opportunity for defeat in detail may open. Regardless, option 2 is the best use of the terrain in your favor. It also lets the bog cover your left flank.
im not that comfortable marching a sizeable amount of men betwen the flooded lakes and the reviver, so i would go with number 1 as my main objective is to get to the end point not to search and destroy, id guess if i could easily punch trough then it wouldnt be that bad of an idea, but that would rely on the quality of the men. Option 3 is a little bit silly tough.
Some wargamers will do much to try a nice flanking maneuver, even if it ends up putting you in a cul-de-sac. Moltke chose 2, however. What do you make of that solution?
I can see the logic for the solution; my original thought was option 1. The bog makes it difficult for the larger force to come directly to the aid of the group you're striking, and it also is at a good distance from the other unit, preventing easy reinforcement.
I too would have chose 1, the terrain seems better for shaking out into line. Doubtless the field has been flooded to give their own artillery as much play as possible over that strip of land (though perhaps I overestimate the artillery ranges of the time and my 3 to 1 advantage in guns). I guess I forgot about the Prussian doctrine of cold steel.
Action nr 2 has some caveats. Unless you drive your forces through Mittenwalde from south-east to north-west there's a risk that the rear guard at Mittenwalde will feign a retreat north, leaving the way to Königs-Wusterhaus seemingly open to only deal with the smaller force stationed there. The rear guard could travel around the flooded fields to Königs-Wusterhaus via Ragow, Deutsch-Wusterhausen and reinforce the city OR only move to Ragow then return and attack me from behind. At the same time the force an Sonsiger Heide could either reinforce Königs-Wusterhaus themselves or do a flanking maneuver behind your main force. The attack of Königs-Wusterhaus is flanked by the flooded fields to the west and the lakes on the east. While this will protect my flanks I'm also in a vulnerable situation with little room to maneuver should the forces hold Königs-Wusterhaus or do a slow retreat giving the enemy the initiative to act on my movement.
Thank you algorithm for recommending me this
We are blessed by the goodness of the Algorithm! Glad to have you here
Since the primary objective is to reach Berlin, I would go with option 1 as it seems to be the path of least resistance. If it were stipulated that I could not leave enemy forces in my rear on the march to Berlin, then I would go with the flexibility offered in option 2. Option 3 seems like a risk of getting bogged down and funneled in the terrain around the lakes.
After watching: Moltke’s elaboration on option 2 is one of the more brilliant solutions I’ve seen so far in this series. Using a detachment and the terrain to effectively bypass the enemy force without allowing them to threaten your supply lines is pure genius
The Field Marshal seemed to have developed some skills in these matters in his 68 years of active service!
Option 2 leaves the largest corps of the enemy force (but still smaller than yours) stuck between you and the bog. They must retreat (if they can get around the bog) or likely be defeated. If that brigade can be defeated, the opportunity for defeat in detail may open. Regardless, option 2 is the best use of the terrain in your favor. It also lets the bog cover your left flank.
Good call! That route provides the most direct one to push the enemy back. Thanks for commenting!
im not that comfortable marching a sizeable amount of men betwen the flooded lakes and the reviver, so i would go with number 1 as my main objective is to get to the end point not to search and destroy, id guess if i could easily punch trough then it wouldnt be that bad of an idea, but that would rely on the quality of the men.
Option 3 is a little bit silly tough.
Some wargamers will do much to try a nice flanking maneuver, even if it ends up putting you in a cul-de-sac.
Moltke chose 2, however. What do you make of that solution?
It'd be nice if you showed the OOB numbers visually that you describe in the scenario preface. I'd probably do number 1.
Dang it Moltke!
Got you again, you rascal!
I could do that in the future. I think the point is your force is larger than their and I could emphasize that instead.
I can see the logic for the solution; my original thought was option 1. The bog makes it difficult for the larger force to come directly to the aid of the group you're striking, and it also is at a good distance from the other unit, preventing easy reinforcement.
I too would have chose 1, the terrain seems better for shaking out into line. Doubtless the field has been flooded to give their own artillery as much play as possible over that strip of land (though perhaps I overestimate the artillery ranges of the time and my 3 to 1 advantage in guns). I guess I forgot about the Prussian doctrine of cold steel.
Option 1 has merit as it puts you in the right direction. There could be a screen option to protect the LOC while forcing them north too.
Action nr 2 has some caveats. Unless you drive your forces through Mittenwalde from south-east to north-west there's a risk that the rear guard at Mittenwalde will feign a retreat north, leaving the way to Königs-Wusterhaus seemingly open to only deal with the smaller force stationed there. The rear guard could travel around the flooded fields to Königs-Wusterhaus via Ragow, Deutsch-Wusterhausen and reinforce the city OR only move to Ragow then return and attack me from behind. At the same time the force an Sonsiger Heide could either reinforce Königs-Wusterhaus themselves or do a flanking maneuver behind your main force. The attack of Königs-Wusterhaus is flanked by the flooded fields to the west and the lakes on the east. While this will protect my flanks I'm also in a vulnerable situation with little room to maneuver should the forces hold Königs-Wusterhaus or do a slow retreat giving the enemy the initiative to act on my movement.
Well done!