This list of formation types is designed to help beginning
Republique players to relate real life Napoleonic formations with those used
for game play. The list indicates only very basic averages, and players should
remember that real life units varied enormously in both quality and size. In
some armies, green troops were still fully trained and could perform
impressively. In other cases, regular troops who had been allowed to become
demoralized put in rather poor performances. Unit descriptions include type,
average size (number of combat bases) and average troop grade. The infantry lists also
include skirmisher availability and quality. The cavalry lists include a
classification of cavalry types. At the beginning of each section is a short
description of each army, along with an average ratio of artillery batteries to
infantry/cavalry bases. These recommended artillery ratios are purely for
reference to help players develop a fair sense of usage.
The Skirmishers column describes the Presence and Grade of
skirmish markers available to that unit type. Presence levels will be Numerous (one marker deployable per combat base), Moderate (one marker per two bases) or Limited (one marker per three bases). Grades will be Excellent, Good, Adequate or Poor. See the rules text for more details.
Prussia (1806)
In 1806, the Prussian Army was one of the more intensely
drilled and enthusiastic forces in the world, but it had not seen serious (or
prolonged) combat in decades and its troops were heavily dependent on their
supply train. The army was also hampered by its antiquated system of
grand-tactical maneuver which restricted battlefield deployment and mobility.
The senior officer corps was also fraught with divisions which could interfere
with timely reaction to enemy movements.
The 1806 Prussian Army used the Divisional Column system.
German Duchies through 1807 will tend to use Prussian organization. Recommended
artillery ratios: 1 battery per 7 bases (varied greatly). Command category is
Cumbersome. The 1806-1807 army never used the French maneuver system.
Infantry regiments |
Size |
Grade |
Skirmishers (Presence/Grade) |
Line |
3 bases |
Green |
- |
Grenadier (brigade) |
2 bases |
Average |
- |
Fusiler |
2 bases |
Green |
Moderate/Poor |
Foot Guard |
3 or 4 bases |
Average |
- |
Jager |
1 base |
Green |
Numerous/Adequate to Good |
Cavalry brigades |
Size |
Grade |
Type |
Cuirassier |
3 bases |
Average |
Heavy |
Dragoon/Uhlan |
3 bases |
Average |
Medium |
Hussar |
3 bases |
Average |
Light |
Mounted Jager |
3 bases |
Average |
Light |
Prussia (1813)
The Prussian Army of this period was recovering from its
annihilating defeats at the hands of the French in 1806. They had brilliantly
maintained a rotating system of reserve training, but this could not replace a
fully trained standing army, nor could it help the terrible supply situation.
As a result, the 1813-1815 Prussian Armies were plentiful and enthusiastic, but
poorly trained and equipped. The Prussian Army of 1812-1814 used the Corps
system. Each corps used "brigades" which were the equivalent of divisions used
by other nations. They are shown as Divisions in the game in order to keep the
order system clear. Prussian artillery should be considered green. The Prussian
Army began using French formation change system in 1810.
Infantry regiments |
Size |
Grade |
Skirmishers (Presence/Grade) |
Line |
5 bases |
Average |
Limited/Adequate |
Reserve |
5 bases |
Green |
Limited/Poor |
Landwehr |
4 bases |
Militia |
- |
Cavalry brigades |
Size |
Grade |
Type |
Cuirassier |
3 bases |
Average |
Armored |
Dragoon |
3 bases |
Green |
Medium |
Uhlan |
3 bases |
Average |
Medium |
Hussar |
3 bases |
Average |
Light |
Landwehr |
2 bases |
Militia |
Light |
Infantry
"Brigades"³ |
Infantry regiments |
Cavalry |
Artillery |
Infantry |
1 Line, 1 Reserve, 1 landwehr |
1 base Light |
1 medium foot |
|
|
|
|
³ - Behave as divisions in the
Republique rules. |
Infantry Corps |
Infantry "Brigades" |
Cavalry |
Artillery |
Line |
4 Line |
1 brigade light |
1 Heavy foot, 1 medium foot, 1 medium horse |
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