Grand Cavalry Charge
JMM, hei!
Have you ever thought about implementing a grand cavalry charge in the Les Grognards system?
When I say “grand” I mean GRAND! As in a whole corps of cuirassiers and carabiniers charging knee to knee with the lights covering the flank (as in Eylau, as in Alt Egglofsheim, as in Austerlitz, as in Eckmuhl!)
As you know eight regiments of cuirassiers charging in a disjoint manner is not the same as two whole divisions ( with the same eight regiments) charging together under a cavalry leader capable of animating them (like a Murat or a Kellerman!)
The French were masters of divisional and corps level grand cavalry charges par none. And this inter-regimental and brigade cooperation won them many a charge. In many an European army, permanent cavalry organization higher than the brigade level was unknown. The British in Waterloo for example did not employ higher than brigade level organization.
My point is, whether it would be possible to implement a grand cavalry charge phenomenon on Les Grognards with its attendant higher morale boost and the sledgehammer shock value.
It could be argued that the following conditions have to be met in the game before you can launch a grand cavalry charge:
1* At least a division (with minimum four regiments) of heavy cavalry should be available in a geographically contiguous part of the battlefield. Call this the reserve cavalry division.
2* The division should be fresh: it should not have taken part in the battle up to that point and the losses due to long range enemy artillery fire should not have been excessive ( say less than 3 %)
3* A clear stretch of unbroken, relatively level ground of at least 600 yards should be available immediately in front of the reserve cavalry division. If infantry or broken ground impedes the reserve cavalry division then the division should maneuver towards open, unimpeded ground before commencing the grand cavalry charge.
4* A cavalry leader of known caliber and dash should be available to lead the cavalry in. Names like Murat, Kellerman, Ney, Montbrun, LaSalle, Grouchy, Nansouty, d’Espagne, Milhaud, Lefevbre Desnouettes come to mind.
Once all of these conditions are fulfilled, the player should have the option of launching the grand cavalry charge directing it towards a specific enemy area (not towards a particular brigade or division).
This grand cavalry charge should have extra morale and attack bonuses associated with it. Given the right circumstances this could be a battle winner.
I believe that only French Army should have the option of using it. Historically speaking no other army of the era had any training in divisional level cavalry maneuvers.
What do you think? Is it possible to implement such a feature?
Best Regards,
Cuirassier
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