Battle of Lutzen, 16 November 1632 Tweet Battle in the Thirty Years War . The Protestant army, led by Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, had advanced into southern Germany with 20,000 men. In September 1632, Wallenstein invaded Saxony with 30,000 men, threatening Gustavus's lines of communication. Gustavus was forced to respond, marching north before entrenching to wait for reinforcements. At this point, Wallenstein splitt off a third of his army. Hearing this, Gustavus rushed to attack. The two armies made contact on the evening of 15 November, and spent the night drawn up in battle formation, with the Imperial army defending a ditched road. On the morning of the 16th, a mist delayed the start of the battle, and Gustavus was not able to attack until 11.00 am. Gustavus led a cavalry charge, which forced the Imperial musketeers from the ditch, and pushed the Imperial cavalry back.

Wallenstein set fire to the town of Lutzen, and the smoke from the town temporarily blinded the Swedish centre, which was then surprised by an Imperial cavalry charge. The line held, and was reinforced by Gustavus, who led his cavalry back to aid his centre. At this point, the Protestant cause suffered a serious blow - Gustavus himself was killed during the cavalry fight that followed. Command was taken over by Bernard of Saxe-Weimar. At this point, the force that Wallenstein had detached earlier in the campaign, and had urgently recalled on the 15th, arrived on the battle field, and temporarily forced the Swedish army back across the ditched road. Despite this temporary setback, Bernard of Saxe-Wiemar was able to force the Imperial troops to retreat into Lutzen, abandoning their artilley and baggage, before being forced to fall back on Halle . The Imperial army lost 12,000 men, while the Swedes lost 10,000 men as well as Gustavus Adolphus himself, whose death took the gloss off was was otherwise a victory for the Protestant cause.

Battles of the Thirty Years War: From White Mountain to Nordlingen, 1618-1635 (Contributions in Military Studies): Amazon.co.uk: William P. Guthrie: 9780313320286: Books Product Description Review "Guthrie's Battles of the Thirty Years War attempts to fill this gap, and it does so in solid if formulaic style, laying out the strengths of the opposing forces, the abilities and personalities of the commanders, and the tactical details of the actions... Without this book one is forced to glean this kind of detail from a myriad of obscure works written in several languages. Nor does Guthrie simply summarize these older works; he also provides intelligent, original analysis-both tactical and strategic-of his own.

Scholars will also find Guthrie's brief but effective intorduction useful, for it provides a detailed explanation of military technology, tactical organization, and military practice of the period, something that is lacking in anglophone historiography...this is a well-researched and unique reference work that should find favor with scholars of the Thirty Years' War or early modern warfare."-The Journal of Military History ..."an immensely handy reference to military operations during the first 17 years of the war, with a focus on the actual engagements. There are numerous tables discussing the apportionment of personnel among the arms, mini-biographies of commanders notable and not so notable, and much more. Well worth reading--and having--for anyone with a serious interest in the conduct of war during the early seventeenth century."-The New York Military Affairs Newsletter ?William Guthrie has performed a splendid service by writing a book that describes each of the major engagements of the Thirty Year War from its outbreak to the entry of France, at which point it expanded into a pan-European conflict.?-Arquebusier ?...an immensely handy reference to military operations during the first 17 years of the war, with a focus on the actual engagements.

There are numerous tables discussing the apportionment of personnel among the arms, mini-biographies of commanders notable and not so notable, and much more. Well worth reading--and having--for anyone with a serious interest in the conduct of war during the early seventeenth century.?-The New York Military Affairs Newsletter ?Guthrie's Battles of the Thirty Years War attempts to fill this gap, and it does so in solid if formulaic style, laying out the strengths of the opposing forces, the abilities and personalities of the commanders, and the tactical details of the actions... Without this book one is forced to glean this kind of detail from a myriad of obscure works written in several languages. Nor does Guthrie simply summarize these older works; he also provides intelligent, original analysis-both tactical and strategic-of his own.

Scholars will also find Guthrie's brief but effective intorduction useful, for it provides a detailed explanation of military technology, tactical organization, and military practice of the period, something that is lacking in anglophone historiography...this is a well-researched and unique reference work that should find favor with scholars of the Thirty Years' War or early modern warfare.?-The Journal of Military History .,."an immensely handy reference to military operations during the first 17 years of the war, with a focus on the actual engagements. There are numerous tables discussing the apportionment of personnel among the arms, mini-biographies of commanders notable and not so notable, and much more.

Well worth reading--and having--for anyone with a serious interest in the conduct of war during the early seventeenth century."-The New York Military Affairs Newsletter "William Guthrie has performed a splendid service by writing a book that describes each of the major engagements of the Thirty Year War from its outbreak to the entry of France, at which point it expanded into a pan-European conflict." - Arquebusier "Guthrie's "Battles of the Thirty Years War" attempts to fill this gap, and it does so in solid if formulaic style, laying out the strengths of the opposing forces, the abilities and personalities of the commanders, and the tactical details of the actions. . . . Without this book one is forced to glean this kind of detail from a myriad of obscure works written in several languages. Nor does Guthrie simply summarize these older works; he also provides intelligent, original analysis-both tactical and strategic-of his own.

Scholars will also find Guthrie's brief but effective intorduction useful, for it provides a detailed explanation of military technology, tactical organization, and military practice of the period, something that is lacking in anglophone historiography...this is a well-researched and unique reference work that should find favor with scholars of the Thirty Years' War or early modern warfare." - The Journal of Military History "[A]n immensely handy reference to military operations during the first 17 years of the war, with a focus on the actual engagements. There are numerous tables discussing the apportionment of personnel among the arms, mini-biographies of commanders notable and not so notable, and much more.

Well worth reading--and having--for anyone with a serious interest in the conduct of war during the early seventeenth century." - The New York Military Affairs Newsletter "William Guthrie has performed a splendid service by writing a book that describes each of the major engagements of the Thirty Year War from its outbreak to the entry of France, at which point it expanded into a pan-European conflict." - Arquebusier "Guthrie's "Battles of the Thirty Years War" attempts to fill this gap, and it does so in solid if formulaic style, laying out the strengths of the opposing forces, the abilities and personalities of the commanders, and the tactical details of the actions. . . . Without this book one is forced to glean this kind of detail from a myriad of obscure works written in several languages. Nor does Guthrie simply summarize these older works; he also provides intelligent, original analysis-both tactical and strategic-of his own.

Scholars will also find Guthrie's brief but effective intorduction useful, for it provides a detailed explanation of military technology, tactical organization, and military practice of the period, something that is lacking in anglophone historiography...this is a well-researched and unique reference work that should find favor with scholars of the Thirty Years' War or early modern warfare." - The Journal of Military History "[A]n immensely handy reference to military operations during the first 17 years of the war, with a focus on the actual engagements. There are numerous tables discussing the apportionment of personnel among the arms, mini-biographies of commanders notable and not so notable, and much more. Well worth reading--and having--for anyone with a serious interest in the conduct of war during the early seventeenth century." - The New York Military Affairs Newsletter About the Author William P. Guthrie is an independent researcher. He holds a PhD in Political Science. This is his first book. He is currently working on a follow-up volume, covering the second half of the Thirty Years War. Customer Reviews The Thirty Years' War 1618-1648 What Impact Did the Thirty Years' War Have?

The Thirty Years' War basically shaped the map of modern Europe as we know it today. It also changed European balance of power radically. The member states of the Holy Roman Empire were granted full sovereignty. The essential structure of modern Europe as a community of sovereign states was established. After the two World Wars, the Thirty Years' War has been the third most traumatic period in the history of Germany. THE BATTLES OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR Approximately 40 battles were fought during the Thirty Yearsï¿½ War. Some of them were: The Battle of White Mountain , also called Battle of White Hill, November 8, 1620. Imperial victory. Ferdinand II won, Frederick V lost. Who Won the Thirty Years' War? Who Lost? The winners of the war were Sweden, which gained control over the Baltic; France, which became the chief Western power; and the United Netherlands, which became an independent republic. The losers of the war were Austria and Spain, which lost their dominant political positions. Spain also lost the Netherlands. The ultimate loser of the war, however, was Germany. Its cities, economy and population suffered greatly.

Estimates vary as to the exact number of German lives lost in the Thirty Yearsï¿½ War. Some rough estimates are as high as 12 million. And here is another map of Germany in 1648: Albrecht von Wallenstein in the Thirty Years' War Updated February 18, 2016. Albrecht von Wallenstein - Early Life: Born at Heømanice, Bohemia on September 24, 1583, Albrecht von Wallenstein was the son of a minor noble family. Initially raised as a Protestant by his parents, he was sent to a Jesuit school in Olmütz by his uncle after their death. While at Olmütz he professed to convert to Catholicism, though he subsequently attended the Lutheran University of Altdorf in 1599. Following additional schooling at Bologna and Padua, von Wallenstein joined the army of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II. Fighting against the Ottomans and Hungarian rebels, he was commended for his service at the siege of Gran.

Albrecht von Wallenstein - Rise to Power: Returning home to Bohemia, he married the wealthy widow Lucretia Nikossie von Landeck. Inheriting her fortune and estates in Moravia upon her death in 1614, von Wallenstein used it buy influence. After splendidly fitting out a company of 200 cavalry, he presented it to Archduke Ferdinand of Styria for use in fighting the Venetians. In 1617, von Wallenstein married Isabella Katharina. The couple had two children, though only one, a daughter, survived infancy. With the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War in 1618, von Wallenstein declared his support for the Imperial cause. Forced to flee his lands in Moravia, he brought the province's treasury to Vienna. Equipping a regiment of cuirassiers, von Wallenstein joined the army of Karel Bonaventura Buquoy and saw service against the Protestant armies of Ernst von Mansfeld and Gabriel Bethlen. Winning notice as a brilliant commander, von Wallenstein was able to recover his lands after the Catholic victory at the Battle of White Mountain in 1620.

He also benefited from the favoritism of Ferdinand who had ascended to post of Holy Roman Emperor in 1619. Albrecht von Wallenstein - The Emperor's Commander: Through the emperor, von Wallenstein was able to acquire the large estates that had belonged to his mother's family as well as purchased huge tracts of confiscated land. Adding these to his holdings, he reorganized the territory and named it Friedland. In addition, military successes brought titles with the emperor making him an imperial count palatine in 1622, and a prince a year later. With the entry of the Danes into the conflict, Ferdinand found himself without an army under his control to oppose them. While the army of the Catholic League was in the field, it belonged to Maximilian of Bavaria. Seizing the opportunity, von Wallenstein approached the emperor in 1625, and offered to raise an entire army on his behalf. Elevated to Duke of Friedland, von Wallenstein initially assembled a force of 30,000 men. On April 25, 1626, von Wallenstein and his new army defeated a force under Mansfield at the Battle of Dessau Bridge.

Operating in conjunction with the Count of Tilly's Catholic League Army, von Wallenstein campaigned against Mansfeld and Bethlan. In 1627, his army swept through Silesia clearing it of Protestant forces. In the wake of this victory, he purchased the Duchy of Sagan from the emperor. The next year, von Wallenstein's army moved into Mecklenburg in support of Tilly's efforts against the Danes. Named Duke of Mecklenburg for his services, von Wallenstein was frustrated when his siege of Stralsund failed, denying him access to the Baltic and the ability to confront Sweden and the Netherlands at sea. He was further distressed when Ferdinand announced the Edict of Restitution in 1629. This called for the return of several principalities to Imperial control and the conversion of their inhabitants to Catholicism. Though von Wallenstein personally opposed the edict, he began moving his 134,000-man army to enforce it, angering many of the German princes. This was hampered by the intervention of Sweden and the arrival of its army under the gifted leadership of King Gustavus Adolphus.

In 1630, Ferdinand called a meeting of the electors at Regensburg with the goal of having his son voted as his successor. Angered by von Wallenstein's arrogance and actions, the princes, led by Maximilian, demanded the commander's removal in exchange for their votes. Ferdinand agreed and riders were sent to inform von Wallenstein of his fate. Albrecht von Wallenstein - Return to Power: Turning his army over to Tilly, he retired to Jitschin in Friedland. While he lived on his estates, the war went badly for the emperor as the Swedes crushed Tilly at the Battle of Breitenfeld in 1631. The following April, Tilly was defeated at killed at Rain. With the Swedes in Munich and occupying Bohemia, Ferdinand recalled von Wallenstein. Returning to duty, he swiftly raised a new army and cleared the Saxons from Bohemia. After defeating the Swedes at Alte Veste, he encountered Gustavus Adolphus' army at Lützen in November 1632. In the battle that ensued, von Wallenstein's army was defeated but Gustavus Adolphus was killed.

Much to the emperor's dismay, von Wallenstein did not exploit the king's death, but rather retreated into winter quarters. When the campaign season began in 1633, von Wallenstein mystified his superiors by avoiding confrontations with the Protestants. This was largely due to his anger over the Edict of Restitution and his beginning secret negotiations with Saxony, Sweden, Brandenburg, and France to end the war. While little is know regarding the talks, he claimed to be seeking a just peace for a unified Germany. Albrecht von Wallenstein - Downfall: While von Wallenstein worked to stay loyal to the emperor, it is clear that he was seeking to aggrandize his own power. As the talks flagged, he sought to reassert his power by finally going on the offensive. Attacking the Swedes and Saxons, he won his final victory at Steinau in October 1633. After von Wallenstein moved to winter quarters around Pilsen, news of the secret talks reached the emperor in Vienna. Moving quickly, Ferdinand had a secret court find him guilty of treason and signed a patent removing from command on January 24, 1634.

This was followed by an open patent charging him with treason which was published in Prague on February 23. Realizing the danger, von Wallenstein rode from Pilsen to Eger with the goal of meeting with the Swedes. Two nights after arriving, a plot was put into motion to eliminate the general. Scots and Irish dragoons from von Wallenstein's army seized and killed many of his senior officers, while a small force, led by Walter Devereux, killed the general in his bedroom. Selected Sources Lützen 1632: an epic Thirty Years War miniatures scenario for C&C:N | Commands & Colors: Napoleonics | BoardGameGeek United States Florida The struggle at Lützen in 1632 had a decisive impact on the narrative of the Thirty Years War. The engagement also provides an interesting showcase for the tactics used in the Thirty Years War. While the battle could be described as a slugfest there is plenty of action all over the board so both players can remain involved. Lützen is a good match for a modification of the Commands & Colors: Napoleonics system because the historical commanders conveniently divided their forces into a Left Wing, a Center, and a Right Wing.

The basic structure of each army (infantry, musketeers, artillery, leaders, and three types of cavalry) blends well with the existing C&C:N rules. PLEASE NOTE: It is my understanding that Richard Borg has been working on a TYW version of Commands & Colors . My scenario has no connection to Mr. Borg's project. I have not seen the prototype or read the rules. If you think this adaptation of the C&C:N system is uninspired, please don't assign any blame to Richard. The primary focus of this article will be the rules modifications. There will also be a brief discussion of the challenges presented when depicting the command structure on a typical Thirty Years War battlefield. The session begins at 11:00 AM as the Swedish formations advance. Gustavus Adolphus has deployed his army in two lines with cavalry on both flanks. Wallenstein has positioned the Imperial army in a strong defensive position. An entrenched skirmish line of musketeers will screen the Imperial infantry. Artillery has been posted on both ends of the line. Imperial cavalry formations are swept back in echelon to protect the flanks.

The walled gardens of Lützen anchor Wallenstein's right and a waterway known as the Flossgraben offers protection on the Imperial left. Wallenstein is attempting to hold on at Lützen until Pappenheim arrives with substantial reinforcements. Gustavus needs a quick victory to defeat the Imperial army before the two forces can unite. Each infantry or cavalry miniature represents a highly variable number of soldiers, depending on the quality of the troops and the performance of that unit during the battle. On average, a single plastic figure on the board would depict 200 men in 1632. The map in not exactly to scale but each hex is intended to represent approximately 150 yards. Lützen is on the western edge of the board. This photograph depicts the right end of the Imperial line. Imperial infantry brigades contain five miniatures. Imperial cavalry units represent more than one squadron so the formations contain three figures... but elite cavalry units (with flag) have four miniatures. Artillery units include four miniatures. The leader miniature (on black horse) represents Wallenstein. The red line represents entrenchments constructed by the Imperial army before the battle.

Drainage ditches along the Leipzig Road were turned into field fortifications. A skirmish line of musketeers (yellow tokens) was positioned in these trenches to screen the Imperial infantry brigades and delay the Swedish advance. The powerful Imperial artillery battery shown in the previous image was positioned on a low elevation known as Windmill Hill. Since this terrain feature is an important element of the Lützen narrative I created a special C&C:N terrain tile. Imperial artillery rolls an extra battle dice when the battery fires. Since the position around the miller's stone house was a strongpoint for musketeers there is also an extra dice on Battle Back after a Swedish unit conducts a melee with the Imperial artillery battery. Swedish infantry brigades contain seven figures... although at Lützen most of the infantry in the army led by Gustavus was actually composed of German allies. Gustavus is mounted on the black horse. Swedish cavalry formations also contain three (regular) or four (elite units with flag) miniatures. The tactical doctrine developed by Gustavus featured musketeers intermingled with each cavalry formation to add defensive firepower.

When the entire wing advanced these musketeers coalesced into larger units to perform their typical duty as skirmishers or light infantry. This motley assortment of miniatures represents a misguided ruse de guerre created by Wallenstein. To conceal the weakness of his left flank the Imperial commander gathered a large assortment of wagon drivers, baggage handlers, and camp followers. The decision to deploy this mass of noncombatants as a deterrent to a Swedish attack soon proved to be a mistake when the mob became entangled with Croat cavalry and the improvised formation dissolved into chaos. This formation may never be moved. Any unfortunate Imperial unit attacked while adjacent to this mob suffers an additional battle dice penalty. The formation dissolves instantly if a Swedish unit moves into an adjacent hex. It is important to remember that this phantom brigade does count as a destroyed unit when determining victory... these people sacked their own baggage train as they fled from the battlefield, taking along many desperately needed draft horses. Here is an image of the fighting near Lützen. Croat cavalry (also known as Crabats) are mounted on gray horses. These irregular troops were intended to be deployed as light cavalry and had little value on the battlefield.

In 1632 the Croats protected the flank of the Imperial army and attempted to seize the Swedish baggage train. Croat cavalry rolls a single battle dice during a melee and does not have the ability to Battle Back. Since the Croats are light cavalry they can move three hexes. A unit of Imperial musketeers is defending the walled gardens of Lützen. The town was set aflame on Wallenstein's orders so those hexes are impassable. A garden hex provides a -1 defensive benefit but these areas may only be entered by musketeers or a leader. Known as "Commanded Musketeers" in 1632 because they functioned independently, these special figures perform like C&C:N light infantry. Musketeers can move two hexes if they don't fire. Musketeers roll two battle dice if they fire without moving... just one otherwise. Musketeers are extremely vulnerable to cavalry charges. This is the left end of the Imperial line. The artillery unit shown here was known as the "Ditch Battery" and possession of these guns changed hands repeatedly during the battle. The entrenchment hexes with the musketeer skirmish line tokens have a special function.

Swedish infantry can't fire through a hex containing a musketeer token, but the token is removed immediately if a Swedish infantry unit moves adjacent... the Imperial musketeers in the skirmish line simply withdrew to join the infantry brigades standing behind them. Cavalry units may never enter a trench hex. Musketeer formations receive a -1 defensive bonus in an entrenchment hex but infantry brigades gain no benefit. There is no additional movement cost to enter these hexes. This is the Swedish baggage train. Both sides possess one of these units and the wagons contained the army's supplies or reserve ammunition. The unit occupies two hexes and may never be moved. The baggage train disappears immediately if an enemy formation moves adjacent and scores a rich harvest of victory points for the opposing commander. This group of Imperial reinforcements includes Pappenheim and his corps. The leader miniature and the cavalry formations arrive on the third turn. Pappenheim arrives with his two cavalry units on the Halle Road... for our purposes, the dividing line between the right and center sections of the board. The Croats arrive on the other side of the map.

The infantry units appear three turns after the rally event occurs, so this might be a good time to discuss the assortment of cards used in this scenario. Gustavus Adolphus has a 6 to 4 edge in command cards. This scenario uses my special "hot" deck with all of the superfluous cards removed. For example, there are no Scout cards to slow down the action. Exciting cards like Cavalry Charge enhance the play experience and remain in the deck; most of the dreary Probe cards have been jettisoned. Several other cards have been converted to random events. For example, the Rally card is a random event which primarily affects the Swedish commander. It is randomly inserted near the middle of the deck before the session begins. The reorganization of both armies is resolved the instant the card appears. First, any units adjacent to Gustavus rally automatically and are eligible to receive a figure. Then all eight dice are rolled by the Swedish commander. Any replacement figures called for by the result are deployed by the Swedish player. Now the Imperial commander rerolls all the "stinker" dice that produced no Swedish miniatures, placing any replacements he acquires.

Finally, the Swedish commander can take one Line Command action (with either horse or foot units, but not both together) in a manner similar to the rule in Commands & Colors: Ancients . However, the activated formations may only move forward. They may not attack. This special rule is intended to duplicate the careful handling of the Swedish reserve line by the talented Knyphausen. Other converted events like Bombard and Give Them the Cold Steel (we'll call that the "Push of Pike" card) help the Swedish commander. The short supply card serves as a timer and is buried near the bottom of the deck. When it appears the session ends immediately. Gustavus leads an advance by units on the Swedish right flank. The musketeers previously intermingled with the Swedish cavalry squadrons have advanced to the ditch and flushed the Imperial skirmish line out of two hexes. Croat light cavalry has little chance against the elite Swedish mounted formations, particularly when Gustavus leads the charge. Leaders perform several functions in the scenario. Each of the three commander miniatures has a different set of abilities. Wallenstein was not a dynamic battlefield commander. He rode along the line offering encouragement to the troops, mostly on the right flank.

Wallenstein can support any adjacent units. He can also issue a command to a single unit within three hexes of his position at the beginning of a turn. Pappenheim was a bold commander with a reckless disregard for danger. He led by example, in front of his men. Pappenheim can support any adjacent units. He can issue a command to a single unit within three hexes of his position at the beginning of a turn. Pappenheim also provides one bonus battle dice to any attacking unit he is stacked with during a melee. Gustavus Adolphus was one of history's Great Commanders. On the battlefield of Lützen his intrepid performance during a cavalry charge was the action of a cuirassier colonel, not a soldier directing an army of 18000 men. Gustavus can support any adjacent units. He can issue a command to any two units within three hexes of his position at the beginning of a turn. Gustavus provides two bonus battle dice to any attacking unit he is stacked with during a melee. Leader casualty rules are an important element of a Lützen scenario. All three commanders were hit in 1632.

Gustavus was killed in action. Pappenheim was mortally wounded. Wallenstein was hit in the thigh by a musket ball which failed to penetrate his skin but caused a painful bruise. In this scenario a death occurs when two crossed-sword results appear after a leader casualty check. A single crossed-sword result indicates a leader is slightly wounded but remains in play. To reflect the expectations placed on commanders during this period of warfare any leader who has not suffered a wound during the sessions costs that player a victory point. Each player has a special "general" miniature, shown here waving a sword. This figure represents a trusted subordinate like Brahe or Holk, an officer who will take the initiative when opportunity appears or shift troops into position when a crisis threatens. A player may dispatch this "general" anywhere on the map and issue an order to one unit. In this photograph the "general" is ordering an artillery battery to fire on the advancing Swedish infantry brigades. During the Thirty Years War artillery did not have the power of the guns used during the Napoleonic era.

Artillery normally rolls a relatively weak 2-1-1-1-1 pattern on the battle dice but the more effective Windmill Hill battery rolls a 3-2-1-1-1 sequence. Artillery units may never be moved. Since the Swedish artillery was delayed at the Flossgraben crossing no Swedish cannon may be fired during the first turn while the battery slowly gets into position. Artillery never retreats and ignores all flag results. If all four miniatures are hit the guns can be captured by an opposing infantry brigade. Gustavus leads an assault on the Ditch Battery. The small flag tokens placed in front of his infantry brigades are used with the Swedish Salvo rules. Gustavus ordered his infantry brigades to hold their fire until they had closed to within a few yards of the Imperial line. The flag is removed if a Swedish brigade fires, but if the first salvo is against an adjacent Imperial unit the Swedes receive a +1 battle dice bonus. Infantry brigades contained a mix of pikemen and musketeers. Infantry formations roll three battle dice during a melee.

Since the increasingly flexible Swedish infantry had more effective regimental cannon (the famous 3-pounder guns) Swedish brigades roll two battle dice during ranged fire. Imperial brigades roll just one battle dice. A moving Swedish brigade may roll one battle dice but Imperial brigades may not move and fire. Wallenstein is supporting the Imperial line. Since he ordered the implementation of the red sash as the recognition sign for the Imperial army I marked his black horse miniature with a red label. Pappenheim arrives just in time as a Swedish assault strikes the Imperial right flank. An advancing Swedish infantry brigade had driven the Imperial musketeers out of the ditch and is preparing to charge the Windmill Hill battery. Both sides suffered heavy losses during the clash of cavalry that followed and the Swedish infantry took a pounding. Perhaps the beleaguered Swedish army needs Dr. Fabricius to start singing hymns and rally the broken formations! Elite cavalry formations (four miniatures with a flag) roll three battle dice. Regular cavalry formations roll two battle dice. While an infantry brigade can endure sustained combat a cavalry unit will soon be ground into dust after repeated melee rounds. An infantry brigade led by Gustavus has captured the Ditch Battery.

The powerful Imperial counterattack offers a chance to discuss the "musket & pike" rules for cavalry action. This might be described as a Combined Arms rule for my Thirty Years War version of C&C:N. In this period an infantry brigade threatened by cavalry would form a dense wall of pikes... similar to the Napoleonic square but in an extremely primitive form. In my rules system an infantry brigade may have the opportunity to go into "pike formation" when an active cavalry unit is in an adjacent hex. If an infantry brigade is attacked by cavalry when it is not in pike formation the cavalry unit receives a +1 bonus on the battle dice. Here is the problem: an infantry brigade in pike formation suffers a +1 penalty on the battle dice when attacked with ranged combat. The player must decide if the threat from the cavalry unit is severe enough to risk suffering heavier losses if the unit is targeted by muskets or artillery. There is another Combined Arms element involved. An infantry brigade already adjacent to an enemy infantry brigade is prohibited from entering pike formation. In the example shown here the Swedish brigade must accept the cavalry charge and suffer the consequences.

This situation is quite similar to the vanquishing of the Old Blue Brigade at Lützen when a formation of Imperial cuirassiers struck the Swedes while the brigade was entangled with Imperial infantry. The careful sequencing of movement and combat is crucial when infantry and cavalry are maneuvering together. Musketeers can never enter pike formation. This is another example of the Combined Arms rule. An Imperial infantry brigade is threatened by an active Swedish cavalry formation. The player decides to put the brigade in pike formation, as indicated by the marker. The Imperial player accepts the risk of ranged fire from the Swedish infantry near the ditch. No orders are required for this action. In my opinion, it would not be necessary for an army commander (or even a wing commander) to get involved with this decision unless he was directly attached to the formation. In the smoke and confusion of a battlefield (particularly the chaotic Lützen battlefield) how could that officer even be in position to issue such an order? That is the job of the brigade commander, and there is no convenient way to incorporate that sequence of events into the C&C:N rules. Let the player decide on a unit by unit basis.

The red flag token indicates that a lost artillery battery is "available" to both players. The first player to move an infantry unit into the hex can claim the guns. The bitter struggle for the Windmill Hill battery continues. The special Rally event card has appeared and the Imperial army had better luck with replacement figures. All three commanders have been honorably wounded but Gustavus has survived! The pressure is on the Swedish player because the infantry from Pappenheim's corps is on the march to Lützen. A depleted Croat light cavalry unit (gray horses) has been sent on a wild ride across the Flossgraben in an attempt to capture the Swedish baggage train. The stream was not completely impassable; earlier in the day the Swedes had constructed primitive log bridges to jump the waterway. In this scenario a player can create a ford tile by expending an order. However, due to the time pressures at Lützen that is an unlikely event. A marauding elite Swedish cavalry unit has seized the Imperial baggage train. The unreliable Croat cavalry remaining behind to guard the Imperial left has scampered off the board (Croat cavalry suffers double flag results) and the mob of noncombatants has been dispersed.

A captured Imperial artillery battery is fired by a Swedish gunner. In 1632 an enterprising Swedish officer brought forward ammunition and ordered the Imperial cannon of the Ditch Battery turned against their former owners. During the Thirty Years War a battery could be captured and retaken several times during a battle. Brigades from the second line have been moved forward by the Swedish player. The special event cards (like the Bombard card that provides the Swedish player with a free shot for his artillery... the Swedes banged away at Wallenstein's infantry all day long) also give the Swedish player that extra Line Command we discussed earlier. This allows the Swedish player to regain his early momentum, just as in 1632. Pappenheim's infantry (red arrows) has arrived to plug the hole in the Imperial line. The windmill battery has fallen into Swedish hands but Pappenheim is still breathing and ready to lead a counterattack. Most of his cavalry performed poorly in 1632; his tough infantry arrived late and did not influence the outcome of the battle. In this session the Imperial reinforcements arrived before sunset. The lines have shifted back and forth with neither player gaining an advantage.

Gustavus rode over from the right flank (leaders can move three hexes) and is attempting to push forward. The next card drawn is the Short Supply event; this ends the session immediately. The final victory point calculation reveals what might be called a marginal Swedish victory, largely due to the loss of the Imperial baggage train and heavier casualties suffered by Wallenstein's cavalry. However, in strategic terms Gustavus has failed to achieve his objective of defeating the Imperial army in detail before the two wings could unite. OK, time to summarize. How can I express this modestly, with proper humility? Never mind all that... this was my best C&C:N yet! I'm looking forward to more TYW sessions plus a couple of battles from the English Civil War. Thanks for taking a few minutes to read this lengthy article. Thank you for the positive comments. elcarto wrote: I mapped that larger field for the same named battle in the La Bataille Napoleonic system, and so remember most of those features. The map for this scenario fell into place almost immediately. In 1632 the Imperial front line contained five infantry brigades with an artillery battery on each flank.

I had already decided to use the BattleLore map to get extra maneuver room on the flank. By placing the five infantry brigades in the center that pair of powerful artillery units could be placed in boundary hexes which can be activated from either sector. Practically perfect positioning. Here is a quickie demonstration using blocks: New York Hiya Pete, Very, very nice work! I had a couple of questions, but you answered them along the way. Do you belong to any gaming clubs down in FL? In 54mm I've never done TYW, but have done English Civil War. There is a great series of minis scenarios books by Partizan Press of which I've only scratched the surface, as I do game so many periods, but I do have them all: English Civil War Gaming Scenarios Volumes 1-4 Wargaming English Civil War Cavalry Actions English Civil War Sieges: Rules and Scenarios For Wargames I think there's even a scenario set in America, back when a certain Florida wetlands was known as 'The Foreverglades.' Unfortunately I'm just learning digital photography, and don't have anything to post (as you asked me in another thread).

For ECW I use lots of Playmobil tudor style buildings, and a 'Jamestown Settlers' set for civilians/clubmen! Let me know if you're ever coming up to NYC and we'll set up a game and a visit! Matthias, I've been to Goteborg, whose University is referenced in the old film Journey To The Center of the Earth. BATTLES OF BREITENFELD & LUTZEN (BATTLEFIELD) - The Complete Pilgrim - Religious Travel Sites The Complete Pilgrim - Religious Travel Sites BATTLES OF BREITENFELD & LUTZEN (BATTLEFIELD) December 8, 2015 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment Leipzig, Germany (1631 & 1632 AD) The Battles of Breitenfeld and Lutzen took place at the beginning of Swedish Intervention on the continent and roughly marked the turning point of the Thirty Years War in favor of the Protestants. These two engagements saw the armies of Sweden and the Protestant Union smash the hitherto seemingly invincible Hapsburg armies.

Though there was still nearly two decades of fighting to come, including some Catholic victories, from 1632 onward the survival of the Protestant movement in Germany was assured. History In the wake of the disaster at White Mountain, the Protestants in Europe were forced on the defensive for the next five years, though fighting went on almost continuously throughout Germany, the Low Countries and France. Finally, in 1625, the Protestant powers of Scandinavia began to finally take a more active interest in the conflict when the Protestant states of Germany seemed on the immenence of collapse. The first to intervene were the Danes, who sent armies in to stabilize the flagging Protestant cause. For five years they tried, unsuccessfully, to attain a victory against the Hapsburgs, but were defeated at every turn. In 1629 they withdrew from the conflict. However, Sweden, the greatest power in Northern Europe, joined the war against the Catholics the next year. In 1630 a large Swedish army, led directly by King Gustavus Adolphus, arrived in Germany and began to drive the Catholics out of the north. Many German Protestants flocked to the Swedish banner.

The Hapsburg army under Tilly were sent out to stop them, and the two sides met at Breitenfeld in September 1631. Fought between the two greatest military leaders of the war, Adolphus proved the greater. The catholics were routed, suffering nearly eighty percent casualties in the process, the protestant losses were also high. The Hapsburg army, severely weakened, was forced to fall back. It suffered another blow a few months later when the near-legendary commander Tilly died of natural causes. The next year, the Protestants continued to take back territory while the Catholics regrouped. A second showdown became inevitable, and the two armies met again st Lutzen in November 1632. Again the Swedes were victorious, though casualties were very high on both sides, and Adolphus himself was killed in the fighting. Visiting The Breitenfeld and Lutzen battlefields are among the most honored military sites in Germany. The Battle of Breitenfeld is commemorated by several monuments, including one in honor of Gustavus Adolphus as a champion of freedom of religion.

The Lutzen Battlefield is similarly commemorated, with a giant stone monument marking the spot where the Swedish king was killed. The two battlefields are located in the suburbs of Leipzig, Breitenfeld five miles to the north and Lutzen ten miles to the west, approximately 100 miles southwest of Berlin. All battlefield sites at both locations are open, with no cost of admission. Web: (official tourism website of Leipzig). Filed Under: Battlefield Tagged With: Germany Where would you like to go?

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Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is the culmination of years of his work and passion. Timeline of Thirty Years War « Steven's Balagan c 1512 Background The Map, from Wikipedia: Imperial Circle , shows the imperial circles in 1512. It is based in part on a map published in the “Historical Atlas” by Prof. William R Shepherd, pub. Henry Holt & Co. (New York, 1911) Defenestration of Prague 23 May 1618 1618-21: Bohemian Revolt In 1617 Ferdinand of Styria, was elected by the Bohemian Estates to become the Crown Prince of Bohemia and the heir to the throne ( Wikipedia: Thirty Years War ). In May 1618 Ferdinand sent two Catholic councillors (Vilem Slavata of Chlum and Jaroslav Borzita of Martinice) to Prague as his representatives. On 23 May 1618 a group of Bohemian Protestants seized the governors and threw them out of the palace window. Unexpectedly they survived unharmed.

This event, known as the Second Defenestration of Prague, is what started the Bohemian Revolt. The conflict soon spread through all of Greater Bohemia (Bohemia, Silesia, Lusatia and Moravia), then Upper and Lower Austria. The Bohemians, desperate for allies against the Emperor, applied to be admitted into the Protestant Union led by the Calvinist Frederick V, Elector Palatine. The Bohemians hinted that Frederick would become King of Bohemia if he allowed them to join the Union and come under its protection. However, similar offers were made by other members of the Bohemian Estates to the Duke of Savoy, the Elector of Saxony, and the Prince of Transylvania. The Austrians, who seemed to have intercepted every letter leaving Prague, made these duplicities public. This unravelled much of the support for the Bohemians, particularly in the court of Saxony. 19 Sep – 21 Nov 1618: Siege or Battle of Pilsen (Plzeň) A Bohemian Protestant army under General von Mansfeld successfully besieged and assaulted the city of Pilsen in Bohemia ( Wikipedia: Siege of Plzeň ).

Ferdinand II 20 Mar 1619: Ferdinand becomes King of Bohemia On 20 Mar 1619 Matthias died and Ferdinand automatically became the King of Bohemia ( Wikipedia: Thirty Years War ). Ferdinand was also subsequently elected Holy Roman Emperor as Ferdinand II. 10 Jun 1619: Battle of Sablat (Záblati) An Imperialist Army under Count Bucquoy defeated a Protestant Bohemian army led by Count Mansfeld ( Wikipedia : Záblati ). Mansfeld lost at least 1,500 infantry and his baggage train. 5 Aug 1619: Battle of Wisternitz (Věstonice) A Protestant Bohemian army defeated an Austrian army under Dampierre ( Wikipedia : Dolní Věstonice ). Frederick V Bohemia 17 Aug 1619: Frederick V becomes King of Bohemia The Bohemian rebels formally deposed Ferdinand as King of Bohemia and replace him with the Palatine Elector Frederick V ( Wikipedia: Thirty Years War ).

8 Nov 1620: Battle of White Mountain A Catholic army of 25,000 men including Imperialists under Buquoy and of the Catholic League under Count Tilly decisively defeated 21,000 Bohemians and mercenaries under Christian of Anhalt near Prague ( Wikipedia : White Mountain ). The Catholics had 18,500 infantry and 6,500 cavalry, and suffered 700 dead or wounded. Christian had 10,000 infantry and 11,000 cavalry, and lost 5,000 dead or wounded. In addition to becoming Catholic, Bohemia would remain in Habsburg hands for nearly three hundred years ( Wikipedia: Thirty Years War ). 1621-24: Palatinate Phase With the defeat of the Bohemian revolt Frederick V lost his territories and was outlawed from the Holy Roman Empire ( Wikipedia: Thirty Years War ). His title of elector of the Palatinate was given to his distant cousin Duke Maximilian of Bavaria, and his lands in the Palatinate were given to Catholic nobles. Catholic League and Spanish forces began the subjugation of the Palatinate.

24 May 1621: Protestant Union dissolved The Protestant Union was formed 14 May 1608 and dissolved 24 May 1621 ( Wikipedia: Protestant Union ). 27 Apr 1622: Battle of Wiesloch / Mingolsheim At the village of Mingolsheim a Protestant army under General von Mansfeld rebuffed a Catholic League army under Count Tilly. ( Wikipedia : Wiesloch ). 6 May 1622: Battle of Wimpfen A Catholic army including forces of the Catholic League under Marshal Tilly and Spanish troops from the Low Countries under Gonzalo de Córdoba defeated a Protestant army ( Wikipedia : Wimpfen ). Georg Friedrich, Margrave of Baden-Durlach, had only 14,000 men (mostly mercenaries) to face the approximately 25,000 Catholics. 20 June 1622: Battle of Höchst A Catholic army mauled a much smaller Protestant Union army under Christian of Brunswick as the Protestants crossed the Main river west of Frankfurt ( Wikipedia: Battle of Höchst ).

The approximately 25,000 Catholics comprised forces of the Catholic League under Marshal Tilly and Spanish troops from the Low Countries under Gonzalo de Córdoba. Brunswick managed to cross the river but lost 2,000 of his 12,000 men and most of his baggage. 29 Aug 1622: Battle of Fleurus A Spanish army under Gonzalo de Córdoba defeated a German Protestant mercenary army headed for Dutch service in the Low countries ( Wikipedia : Fleurus ). Wikipedia : Fleurus has a comprehensive Order of Battle and deployment for both armies. Córdoba had the smaller army, with only 8,000 against the 14,000 in the German army. Córdoba had 5,200 infantry in the centre deployed in four composite squadrons. The 2,000 cavalry were deployed on the wings. Gauchier, on the right, had five cavalry squadrons plus 800 commanded musketeers deployed in woods. De Sylva had four cavalry squadrons on the left. About half of the Spanish infantry were veterans. The majority of the cavalry were Walloon recruits.

Amongst the cavalry there were four veteran cuirassier companies, 25 newly raised cuirassier companies, and 23 newly raised arquebusier companies. The Spanish had 4 guns. The Protestants were under von Mansfeld and Christian of Brunswick. Mansfeld had 8,000 infantry in the centre formed into eight composite battalions and deployed in a checker board of two lines. The 6,000 cavalry were on the wings, 10 companies on the right under Streiff and 50 companies on the left under Brunswick. The Protestants had 11 guns. The Protestant infantry were poor quality but the cavalry were good quality and predominantly cuirassiers. Córdoba had assumed a blocking position north of the town of Mellet, near Fleurus. Being much weaker in cavalry he secured his flanks with woods. After a short bombardment the Protestant commanders launched a general assault in an attempt to break through the Spanish position. The poorly trained German infantry in the centre became disordered as they advanced, inviting the Spanish left flank cavalry to attack. The opposing German cavalry drove the Walloons off, but had no luck against the Spanish infantry.

The massed troopers on the German left drove the Spanish right flank cavalry back on the second attempt and attacked the Tercio of Naples (the best unit in the Spanish array). The German infantry failed to close and the Spanish veterans held their ground, and assisted by the musketeers in the woods, wounded Brunwick and drove off his troopers. After five hours of fighting Mansfeld conceded the field. The Protestants lost 5,000 dead, wounded, or captured, compared to the Spanish 300 dead and 900 wounded. The following day the Spanish cavalry destroyed the remaining Protestant infantry as they marched. Of the 24,000 men that left the Palatine only 3,000 Protestant cavalry managed to reach the Dutch. 6 Aug 1623: Battle of Stadtlohn Count Tilly defeated a smaller Protestant army under Christian of Brunswick near Stadtlohn in Westphalia ( Wikipedia : Stadtlohn ). Tilly’s approximately 25,000 men caught Brunswick’s 15,000 recently raised troops as they retreated towards the United Provinces. Brunswick deployed on a hill from where they saw off several attacks.

Eventually the Catholics broke the Protestant’s cavalry flanks. Brunswick’s infantry then tried to flee, but were prevented by a bog to their rear. Brunswick lost 6,000 killed, 4,000 captured, and presumably 2,000 deserters and all of his artillery and ammunition. Only Christian and 2,000 cavalrymen escaped. 1624 In 1624 England, France, the United Provinces of the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Savoy, Venice, and Brandenburg formed an anti-Hapsburg alliance to fight against Spain and the Holy Roman Emperor ( Wikipedia : Stadtlohn ). Christian IV Denmark 1625-29: Danish intervention Christian IV of Denmark had a strong interest in the events in Germany ( Wikipedia: Thirty Years War ). He was Lutheran so supported the Lutheran rulers of Lower Saxony. But he also had land in German. He was Duke of Holstein and the ruler of Hamburg (from 1621), and his second son was made bishop of Bremen.

As a result Christian had himself appointed war leader of the Lower Saxon Circle and by 1625 had raised an army of 20,000-35,000 mercenaries, partly funded by France and England. The Protestants were suddenly infused with fresh hope as Denmark became the first major European nation to formally enter the war ( Wikipedia : Dessau Bridge ). With the new alliance came ambitious plans involving Christian of Brunswick to attack the forces of Tilly in the Rhineland, and for Mansfeld to challenge Wallenstein in the Archbishopric of Magdeburg. 25 Apr 1626: Battle of the Dessau Bridge General Wallenstein defeated Count Mansfeld ( Wikipedia : Dessau Bridge ). Wallenstein had 20,000 men to Mansfeld’s 12,000, although initially Mansfeld was under the impression he had more men. Because of this misconception Mansfeld attacked across the bridge over the Elbe river. He realised his mistake as the Catholic masses were brought to bear. Trapped against the river Mansfeld lost 4,000 dead, wounded, or captured.

27 Aug 1626: Battle of Lutter-am-Bamberg A Catholic League army under Count Tilly defeated the forces of Christian IV of Denmark at Lutter am Barenberge in the Imperial Circle Estate of Lower Saxony ( Wikipedia: Lutter am Barenberge ). Both armies had 20,000 men. On three occasions the imperial infantry broke through the Danish line only to be repulsed by a cavalry counter-attack. However when the Catholics captured the entire Danish artillery the Danes paniced and retreated towards the town of Stade. The Danish losses were approximately 4,000 dead, 2,000 wounded, and 2,500 prisoners. 5 Jul – Oct 1628: Siege of Stralsund The Imperialist General Wallenstein failed to take the port of Stralsund ( Wikipedia : Stralsund ). Wallenstein swore to take the port in three days, but never did, withdrawing after an 11 week siege. The port was defended mainly by the inhabitants, aided by a small garrison of Swedes and Scots.

12 Aug 1628: Battle of Wolgast Imperialists under Wallenstein defeated the army of Christian IV of Denmark at Wolgast, Germany ( Wikipedia: Wolgast ). 1629: Treaty of Lübeck In the Treaty of Lübeck Christian IV retained Denmark but had to stop his support for the Protestant German states ( Wikipedia: Thirty Years War ). This gave the Catholic powers the opportunity to take more Protestant land during the next two years. Gustavus Adolphus Sweden 1630-35: Swedish intervention Gustavus Adolphus (Gustav Adolf), King of Sweden, was the next foreign ruler to come to the aid of the German Lutherans and to seek political and financial advantage in Germany ( Wikipedia: Thirty Years War ). Both France and the Dutch sent subsidies. In 1630 Gustav landed 13,000 men at Peenemünde ( Wikipedia: 1st Breitenfeld ). From 1630 to 1634, Swedish-led armies drove the Catholics back, regaining much of the lost Protestant territory.

Nov 1630 – 20 May 1631: Siege and Sack of Magdeburg Imperialist forces besieged Magdeburg from Nov 1630 until 20 May 1631 ( Wikipedia: Magdeburg ). When the city fell the Imperial soldiers rapidly went out of control and started to massacre the inhabitants and set fire to the city in twelve different locations. Of the 30,000 citizens, only 5,000 survived. For fourteen days, charred bodies were carried to the Elbe River to be dumped to prevent plague. The devastation was so heavy that the several news expressions entered common parlance: “magdeburgization” – a a term signifying total destruction, rape and pillaging. “Magdeburg justice”, “Magdeburg mercy” and “Magdeburg quarter”, all of which basically meant no quarter specifically as it applied to Catholic prisoners of Protestant forces. 22 Jul 1631: Battle of Werben 16,000 entrenched Swedes under Gustavus Adolphus drove off 23,000 Imperialists under Count Tilly ( Wikipedia : Werben ).

The Swedish batteries and the cavalry under Wolf Heinrich von Baudissin were the main contributors to victory. The Imperialists tried again a few days later and won; the Swedes lost 6,000 men. 17 Sep 1631: First Battle of Breitenfeld The Swedes under Gustavus Adolphus defeated a Catholic League army under Tilly at the crossroads village of Breitenfeld 6 km north of the walled city of Leipzig ( Wikipedia: 1st Breitenfeld ). Tilly got the battlefield first ( Wikipedia: 1st Breitenfeld ). He deployed his left flank near Breitenfeld and his right by Seehausen. The Catholics had 14 infantry squadrons of about 1,500 men. These squadrons had a front of 150 men and a depth of 10 men, with a centre of pikemen and musketeers on each flank. One of these infantry squadrons was attached to each wing along with the cavalry. The other 12 infantry squadrons comprised the centre of the army and were grouped into sets of three squadrons. The centre squadron in each set was slightly ahead of the other two.

Pappenheim commanded the cavalry on the left and Fürstenburg those on the right. Tilly had no reserves except for some cavalry placed behind his infantry. The Swedish army had 24,000 men and their Saxon allies had 18,000 under the Elector John George I ( Wikipedia: 1st Breitenfeld ). The allied armies deployed separately with the Swedes on the right and the Saxons to their left. Both Gustav and John George had cavalry on their wings, so the allied army had cavalry in the centre. The Saxon infantry deployed conventionally but the Swedes adopted two long thin lines. Each infantry unit was five men deep for pikemen, and six men deep for musketeers. Then shallow depths allowed Gustav to free up troops for a reserve. The artillery of each side began firing about midday and the Swedes quickly got the better of the exchange ( Wikipedia: 1st Breitenfeld ). After a couple of hours Count Pappenheim charged with the left flank Catholic cuirassiers. Swedish musketry repulsed the Germans seven times. The Swedish reserve cavalry then counter charged the Imperial cavalry and drove them off towards Halle.

The Swedish cavalry pursued until recalled by Gustav. The right flank Catholic cavalry charged and routed the Saxon cavalry, who fled towards Eilenburg ( Wikipedia: 1st Breitenfeld ). Tilly consequently sent the majority of his infantry in an oblique march diagonally across his front to attack the remaining Saxons. The entire Saxon army fled the field, stopping only briefly to loot the Swedish camp. As Tilly reorganised his men to attack the Swedish flank, Gustav redeployed his second line at right angles to the front to face the threat ( Wikipedia: 1st Breitenfeld ). Meanwhile the Finnish Hakkapeliittas attacked across the former front and captured the Imperial artillery. These guns were then repositioned to play upon the left flank of the Catholic line. The massed fire power of the Swedish and captured guns soon broke the Imperial troops. Tilly was injured in ensuing retreat. Catholics: 7,600 dead, 6,000 captured, 12,400 deserted, 3000 wounded.

Swedes: 3,500 dead/wounded, Saxons: 2,000 dead Tilly only had 6,000 men left ( Wikipedia: 1st Breitenfeld ). In contrast Gustav made up his losses by recruiting prisoners and ended up with more men than he started with. 15 Apr 1632 Battle of Rain / Battle of the River Lech 40,000 Swedish troops under Gustavus Adolphus defeated 25,000 Catholic League troops under Count Tilly near the city of Rain ( Wikipedia : Rain ). Tilly had his men entrenched on a hill beyond the River Lech. Gustav hoped to catch the entire Catholic army by launching a strong feint attack across the River Lech directly against the Germans; this attack was supposed to allow his cavalry to cross the river unnoticed 10 km south of the imperial left wing. As it happens, once Tilly was wounded, the flanking manoeuvre wasn’t necessary and the Catholic army crumbled in the face of the frontal attack . Operations commenced the night prior with the Swedes building a bridge of boats across the Lech river.

In the morning 300 Finnish Hackapelite troops crossed the river in the face of German fire. The Hackapelites dug earthworks for batteries which then protected the rest of the Swedish’ army as they crossed the river. With his army across the river, Gustavus immediately stormed the hill. Tilly and his second in command (Aldringen) were both wounded early in the battle – Tilly subsequently died – leaving the army leaderless. As a result Maximilian I, Elector of Bavaria, ordered a retreat before the Swedish cavalry arrived. The Catholics abandoned their baggage and artillery on the field. A storm and high winds that night blocked the roads and prevented a Swedish pursuit. The Imperial forces lost 3,000 men and the Swedes 2,000. Late Summer 1632 Battle of the Alte Veste With Gustavus Adolphus triumphant in Germany Ferdinand II recalled Wallenstein into military service ( Wikipedia: Battle_of_Allte Veste ). Wallenstein raised a new army and in late summer moved to threaten the Swedes at Nürnberg by creating a fortified camp nearby. Gustavus Adolphus repeatedly, and unsuccessfully, tried to entice Wallenstein into open battle.

With supplies dwindling the Swedes attacked the Imperial camp at the Alte Veste (Old Fortress). This was a derelict castle on a wooded hill that dominated the Imperial camp. When the Swedish infantry failed against the enemy trenches and abatis, the cavalry were sent in dismounted. Wallenstein saw his opportunity, sallied his cavalry and cut down many of the exhausted Swedes. The Swedish cavalry reserve prevented a complete disaster, but it was a clear Imperial victory. Lennart Torstenson, the Swedish artillery commander, was taken prisoner. Gustav Adolf received reinforcements days later and Wallenstein left camp and moved north. 3-4 Sep 1632 Battle of Fürth Wallenstein and Maximilian joined forces on 11 Jul 1632 forcing Gustav to retreat to Fürth on the outskirts of Nuremberg (Wedgwood, 1992). The allies followed and built a strong encampment on a long ridge overlooking the river Rednitz near Gustav’s position. Being numerically weaker Gustav summoned his forces from all over Germany. Thus began a battle of attrition.

The Swedes and Bavarians suffered from lack of food and fresh water, but Wallenstein’s men did not. The Swedish reinforcements arrived 16 Aug and on 3-4 Sep Gustav attacked the Catholic camp. The Swedish cavalry could not deploy in the rough shrub covered slopes so the infantry attacked alone. They were repulsed with heavy losses. On 18 Sep Gustav abandoned his position and headed south towards Austria. Wallenstein headed north towards Saxony. 16 Nov 1632 Battle of Lützen ( Wikipedia: Lützen ) Autumn 1632 – 33 In Autumn 1632 Marshal Horn led a large detachment of Swedish up the Rhine and occupied most of Alsace (Wedgwood, 1992). In Mar 1633 Horn joined up with a force under Bernard of Sae-Weimar at Oberndorf in the Black Forest. They turned their attentions to Bavaria. The Bavarians under Aldringer retreated into Munich, although many men surrendered to the Swedes. Horn’s first target was the fortress city of Breisach on the upper Rhine.

Maximilian unsuccessfully appealed to Wallenstein for assistance; Wallenstein was actually engaged in peace talks with his opposite number Arnim and sent no aid. The Bavarians were more successful with the Spanish. In May the Spanish agreed to shoulder the expenses of the war and the Cardinal-Infant had an army ready to cross the Alps. In July the Swedish closed around Breisach. Wallenstein then launched into action, but only to send Holk into Saxony where in August Holk died and his army disintegrated due to rain and disease. In September Wallenstein again engaged Arnim in peace talks, which came to nothing. By then the Spanish advance guard (under the Duke of Feria) was at Innsbruck on its way to Breisach. Wallenstein had been preventing Aldringer joining the Spanish but the latter disobeyed orders and met Feria at Schongau. (stopped at p 351)… 6 Sep 1634 Battle of Nördlingen This is a summary only. For the full story have a look at Picouet: The Battle of Nordlingen .

A Catholic army comprising Imperialist and Spanish troops decisively defeated the Protestant army of Sweden and Saxony ( Picouet: The Battle of Nordlingen ; Wikipedia: Nördlingen ). The Protestants were trying to break the Catholic siege of Nrdlingen. Ferdinand of Hungary, the future Holy Roman Emperor, commanded the Imperialists and his cousin the Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand led the Spanish. The Catholics had 23,000 infantry, 13,000 cavalry and 32 guns. The Spanish contingent comprised 18,000 men, including 13,500 infantry; of the latter 3,100 were actual Spanish nationals. The Spanish included reinforcements under the Count of Cervellón or Serbelloni (joined 26 Aug 1634). The Protestants were unaware of the Spanish reinforcements so expected their enemies to have only 7,000 infantry. The Protestant commanders were Duke Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar (Saxons) and Gustav Horn (Swedes). The Protestants had 16,300 infantry, 9,300 cavalry and 62 guns.

Operations began at 1400 hours on 5 Sep 1634 when the Protestant vanguard encountered the Catholic piquets. Skirmishing began at 1500 hours near Lachberg’s hill as the Protestants tried to drive off the Spanish dragons and imperial Croats . The Catholics began a delaying action to allow the main body to deploy near Albuch hill. An additional 3,000 Catholic cavalry joined the fray and it took the Protestants until 1800 hours to capture Lachberg’s hill. The Protestants reached the next obstacle, Haselberg hill, at 2100 hours. This was defended by a Spanish force of 600 musketeers (three mangas) and 200 dragoons, subsequently reinforced by an addition 400 musketeers. It took the Protestants another four hours convince the Spanish to withdraw. By this time the Catholics were deployed, and had six infantry regiments/tercios dug in on Albuch hill. The battle began at 0500 hours on 6 Sep 1634.

The mercenaries of the Swedish Blue, Black and Yellow Horn regiments repeatedly threw themselves against the defences on Albuch hill but without lasting success, largely thanks to the Old Tercios (Tercios Viejos) of Fuenclara, Idiáquez, and Toralto,. The Imperial and Saxon forces were largely observers of this engagement. Ferdinand of Hungary launched his men into attack, however, when Saxe-Weimar depleted the Saxon line by sending two of his three infantry brigades to reinforce his Swedish allies. The Saxons quickly broke and the Swedes soon followed suit when they saw their line of retreat being blocked. The Protestant survivors fled to Heilbronn and Horn was captured in the pursuit. Protestant Losses: 12,000 – 18,000 killed, wounded, deserted or prisoner Catholic Losses: 3,500 men (1,500+ for the Spanish Army) The battle marked the end of the Swedish attempts to dominate Germany ( Wikipedia: Nördlingen ). Most of the German Protestant princes sought peace with the Emperor (the 1635 Treaty of Prague) but France entered the war to combat Spain’s ambitions.

30 May 1635 Peace of Prague and Demise of the Catholic League The Catholic League ceased to exist with the Peace of Prague of 30 May 1635 ( Wikipedia: Catholic League (German) ). Battle of Wittstock 4 Oct 1636 Battle of Wittstock A Swedish army under Baner defeated a combined Imperialists (under von Hatzfeldt) and Saxons (under John George I) in the hills and forests south of Wittstock in north Germany ( Wikipedia : Wittstock ). Baner had only 16,000 men to the enemies 22,000. For 11 days Baner had been trying to gain a tactical advantage over his larger enemy, and on 4 Oct 1636 Banér’s army intercepted their opponents. The Imperials formed up a range of sandy hills called the Scharfenberg. They strengthened their front with six ditches and a wall of linked wagons. Baner, however, elected not to attack over the open fields in front of the enemy position, and instead attacked the Imperialist left flank.

The Imperials were forced to redeploy to meet the new threat … The Swedes lost only 3,100 dead or wounded but inflicted 7,000 killed and a further 2,000 prisoners who were subsequently recruited into the Swedish army. Cardinal Richelieu France 1636-48: French intervention Catholic France now pitched in on the side of the Protestants, specifically the Dutch and the Swedes ( Wikipedia: Thirty Years War ). This was as a direct result of on-going competition between France and the Hapsburgs in Spain and the Holy Roman Empire. Spain, in retaliation, invaded French territory. 10 Oct 1637: Fall of Breda Feb 1638: Battle of Rheinfelden 26 May 1642: Battle of Honnecourt 20 Aug 1648 20 Aug 1648: Battle of Lens In the last major battle of the war a French army under Louis II de Bourbon, Prince de Condé, defeated a Spanish army under Archduke Leopold ( Wikipedia : Lens ).

The French had captured Lens, a fortified city in the Spanish Netherlands, in 1647. A year later the French government was distracted by the Fronde (a rebellion), and the Spanish saw an opportunity to retake the city. The Prince de Condé rushed from Catalonia to Flanders and cobbled together an army of 16,000 men and 18 guns (including a Swedish contingent) to face the Archduke’s 18,000 men and 38 guns. Cavalry dominated both armies, with more than half the troops being horse. The Spanish deployed on high ground so Condé decided to withdraw. This encouraged the Spanish cavalry to skirmish with the French rear guard. The fighting escalated into a fully fledge battle. The Spanish infantry under Nelson Antonio Fernandez III drove their French counterparts back, breaking the Gardes Françaises regiment. However, on French cavalry routed the Spanish horse and enveloped the Spanish centre. The French lost 3.500 casualties, but inflicted 3,000 dead or wounded and took 5,000 prisoners. 7 May 1648: Battle of Zusmarshausen

Question: In which war were the battles of Lutzen and White Mountain?
Answer: Thirty Years War