Decisive Campaigns and Battles AAR

[nalivayko]

Settings: Playing as France, version 1.07, latest beta patch, hard, aggressive (did not want AI to be too furious).

AAR goals: speed through the peace time and pay more attention while at war. Document the most decisive campaigns and battles, giving background and short story. Pay no attention whatsoever to anything in between.

Country goals: Own all core provinces (figures), win by vp (like it would be hard as France). I will not grab too much while I am winning, I will cede nothing when loosing. Will try to play with honor - help allies and small countries, declare war only when I have cb, expand historically (or, at least, try to stay within the historic aims of the current monarch). Leave South America to Spain (I got too greedy in my last game as France and took all of it for myself), try to colonize Canada, Lousiana, India and Small Antilles. Stay away from everything else outside of Europe. Catholic Netherlands as my vassal and ally. Etc. Keep reputation below tamished.

My own goals: since I am infamous for not finishing my aars, this gives me a chance to enjoy writing one without much pressure. This is just an account of randomly (yeah, right) picked campaigns
and battles... It does not have to end in 1820. Of course, if I am not too greedy and don't have too many rebellions and bb wars, I might... just might... just do it.

[Amric]

Interesting...

[nalivayko]

The Inheritance of Anjou

Charles VIII's Italian and Spanish campaigns. Siege of Taranto. Battles of Madrid (1497) and Seville(1497).

FORCES ENGAGED: France (54,000), Brittany (10,000), Navarra (26,000), Savoy(above 10,000), Papal States (10,000) vs Spain (above 48,000), Portugal (unknown), Naples (7,000).

HEROES: Field chief judge Foix (France - 3/2/4), Lt. General La Palice (France - 2/3/2), Prospero Colonna (Spain), Bayard (Savoy), d'Este (Papal States), d'Albert (Navarra), Borgia (Papal States, Navarra).

HISTORICAL SETTING:

With the death of Ferdinand of Aragon, the kingdom of Naples was given to the weaker ruler Alfonso, who continued to rule the kingdom as Spanish vassal. However, Charles VIII of France, a direct heir to the house of Anjou, also had legal claims on the kingdom and was not ready to see it slip into the hands of the Spanish rulers.

As Spain rejoiced at the fall of Granada (1492) and discovery of the west passage to India, Charles VIII grew more and more jealous of his southern neighbors. Finally, when in 1494 Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain decided to add Navarra to their realms, the French monarch found that he could no longer tolerate the existing status quo.

In summer of 1494 Charles signed a treaty of military access with Lisbon, using it to transfer his fleet to the Mediterranean. On November 9th, 1494, French geralds arrived at Napoli and Madrid with declarations of war.

Portugal joined on the side of Spain. Papal States, Brittany and Savoy on the side of France. However, the war between France and Naples was to be fought without allies - Charles wanted that prize for himself and no other.

In the beginning of conflict Spanish army is Europe's best, consisting mainly of veterans and accustomed to the use of cannons on the battlefield. French, while being among the first to use cannons for siege, still lack in the understanding of the true nature of artillery.

THE CAMPAIGN:

At the beginning of war France has two generals of note: Field Chief Judge Foix, commander of the Armee de Roi (18,000 inf, 9,000 cav) and Lt. General La Palice, commander of the Armee de Italie (22,000 inf, 5,000 cav). The latter is to rendezvouz with Admiral Bidoux (10 warships, 14 galleys and 1 transport) at Marseilles and then proceed to attack Naples, while Foix is to take defensive action against Spain in Languedoc.

Charles VIII's plan is to use Papal territory as a base for invasion of Naples, while defending his own lands and those of Navarra in the west. However, d'Albert of Navarra has other plans. Furious over Spanish betrayal, he leads 16,000 men in attack on Bilbao, assaulting the city after one week of siege and almost breaking through its walls. Charles, who is at the time with Foix, cannot not keep himself on defensive and orders Foix to take all the cavalry (near 9,000 men) and invade Rousillon.




While the focus of the campaign was to be Italy, Foix makes everything in his power to shift it to Iberia. While La Palice fails to defeat the 7,000-strong enemy army at Naples (loosing 4,000 and inflicting only 3,000 casualties), Foix destroys one enemy force after the other. In December he suprises 1,000 recruits in Rousillon and then falls upon two more thousand Spaniards near Gerona. In January of 1495 he defeats 4,000-strong infantry force near Saragossa and marches on Valencia, where in February he annihilates 1,000 enemy horse and captures and destroys 10 enemy cannons.



In March, La Palice finally rallies his army and defeats Napoli defenders in the open field, loosing 2,000 of French and killing nearly 5,000 Italians. Armee de Italie starts the siege of Napoli.

Meanwhile, Armee du Nord, which consists of all Foix's infantry, marches on Gerona, while leaving a rear-guard to besiege Perpignan. Spanish loose more recruits in the north and in April they also loose Bilbao to Navarrese army. Prince d'Albert marches on Saragossa, while Foix calls on Armee du Nord to march on Madrid, so he can have enough manpower to start the siege.

In May of 1495 d'Albert besieges Saragossa and his leutenants invest Gerona. A month later Papal general, d'Este, takes over in Rousillon, adding 7,000 Frenchmen to 10,000 army and quickly taking Perpignan for Pope. Charles is furios over such treachery - he has legal claims on Rousillon, while Pope Alexander VI in his opinion should stick to conquests in Italy. Alexander replies with a very polite letter, stating that Charles' refusal to call upon his allies to fight against Naples is the sole reason Papal forces are operating this far from home.

Evidently, Popes still remember good old days of Avignon captivity and still crave for a piece of southern France to call their own.

During summer of 1495 Napoli defenders show no sign of loosing their heart, still counting on their Spanish masters to come to their aid. Madrid, which has 15,000-strong garrison, also defies French army. Armee de Roi, which is besieging the city, consists of only 10,000 infantry and 8,000 knights.

Armee Royale (after being used to dishonorably by d'Este) arrives at the walls of Salamance in Leon and starts a siege of the city. It is even smaller than Armee de Roi - it consists of only seven thousand infantry.

At this time French allies have full control of the Western Mediterranean. In addition to twenty five French ships, Pope and Savoy supply twenty of their own. Brittany's fleet makes appearance west of Galicia.

In November of 1495 Armee Royale prevents an attempt by 1,000 Spanish volunteers to raise the siege of Salamanca. A first offer of peace arrives from the Spanish royal couple, which took residence at Seville. They offer 200,000 ducats. How quaint. The walls of Naples are breached and attempts are made to enter the city through its aquedouc. Victory is near.

And while French knights rule the battelfield, French diplomats achieve victories of their own. Navarra is brought to French alliance and the war for Anjou inheritance transfers into the war of Navarrese defense. Bretons assits d'Albert in the siege of Gerona, while d'Este is ordered by Charles to take a defensive position at Pau. He unhappily complies.

In January of 1496 Bayard of Savoy arrives at the walls of Salamanca. The city is almost ready to surrender, but this overly aggressive and ambitious general decides to steal the victory from de Barlas - commander of the Armee Royale - and orders an all-out assault, which, not suprisingly, fails. Bayard at once raises camp and leaves with 10,000 army. The city would soon surrender to French - the last attack cost Spanish four times as many casualties as to French and Savoyards.

In February d'Albert employes services of another Pope's general - Borgia and with his help captures Gerona. Spain sues for peace, offering the same 200,000 ducats. D'Albert accepts, as Judas did accept his 30 silver pieces almost fifteen hundreed years ago.

In March Napoli falls. La Palice leaves 6,000-strong garrison and with the rest of his army (5,000 infantry, 4,000 cavalry) marches on Taranto. A month later he suprises 4,000-strong Italian cavalry force in the mountains of Apulia. Using pikeman to his advantage he routs the enemy and in pursuit annihilates all but a very few of them. Not a moment too soon, as 2,000 Spanish infantry arrives at the scene of the battle few hours later. Tired and exhausted from the previous engagement, Armee de Italie still carries the day... just in time before it is ready to break. If the Spaniards managed to arrive earlier, La Palice would have little chance in winning this battle.

Through summer and fall d'Este fights off Portuguese attempts to capture Pau. His initial force of 10,000 melts down to 400. Charles is deeply touched by the general's resolute defense and forgives him the capture of Perpignan.



Meanwhile, Spanish gather 8,000 men at Toledo, trying to force Field Chief Judge to abandon the siege of Madrid. All in vain. Madrid falls in September of 1496 and so does Salamance. Admiral Bidoux transfers Napoli garrison to Sicily, while 6,000 reinforcements (4,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry) are raised (for the first time during the war) in Guyenne.

The capture of Spanish capitals gives Charles VIII the maps of the West Indies - or, as he suspects, the maps of the entirely New World. He finds two islands, recently cleansed by Spanish of their inhabitants - St. Martin and Guadelope. The expeditions to the latter fail - the Spanish have four thousand troops guarding it. St. Martin, however, is quite easily colonized.

In October plague hits southern France. French and Spanish subjects alike show growing discontent toward the war. But while French complain in the taverns, Spanish peasants pick up the arms. Financed by Pope's gold, Balears revolt and so does Malta. Unable to reach them, Ferdinand and Isabelle pretend to ignore the problem. However, the rebels in Asturias are less lucky and, while we at it, less alive than their compatriots across the sea.

Taking advantage of it, Armee Royale invades Catalonia, while Armee de Roi marches on Valenica, while Bretons bring 9,000 to raid Estramadura.

In December 6,000 reinforcements are given the name of the Armee du Nord. They march to Bearn to replace d'Este, who retreats east to Rousillon. Meanwhile, Spanish finally field large enough army to note and it is led by a capable general by the name of Prospero Colonna.

In February Colonna takes his 15,000-strong army to the walls of Salamanca, attempting to bring the city back to the Spanish control. Barcelona falls and Armee Royale marches on Gerona, where it has a brief rendezvouz with Bayard. The latter, having reinforced his army at Savoy, is back in Spain after a nice long vacation. He offers his services in capturing Gerona and briefly wonders at the lack of enthusiasm among French. Then he leaves for Aragon.

In March Armee du Nord routes 1,000-strong Portuguese force in Cantabria, while Bayard bypasses Saragossa and attacks Colonna at Salamance. Against his 17,000 men Colonna has only 15,000, and yet he manages to soundly defeat Bayard, killing 9,000 Savoyards, while loosing only 2,000 Spaniards. Bayard is forced to retreat toward Madrid.

Troubled by these news, Charles urges Foix to hurry the siege of Valencia, which falls in April. Foix assembles his 18,000-strong army and marches on Salamanca, where French garrison is giving serious thoughts to surrender. Colonna immedeatly counters his move by lifting the siege and marching on Madrid.

The stage is set for one of the most decisive battles of the 15th century.

At the same time, in Sicily a thousand of Spanish knights try to raise siege of Palermo. 5,000-strong Portuguese force attacks Armee du Nord at Bilbao, while combined forces of France and Savoy (17,000 infantry and 8,000 cavalry) led by Foix and Bayard await Spanish army (7,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry) led by Colonna. Spanish morale is at its highest. The allied army is upset by a recent loss of it's Savoyard part at Salamanca. As two armies line up for the battle, Foix receives news of a new defeat - Armee du Nord was routed by Portuguese in Cantabria. The victory at Palermo is yet unknown. As far as Field Chield Judge is concerned, the outcome of this war will be decided at the walls of Madrid.

To be continued...

[Amric]

I'm on tenterhooks! Whip the Spanish!

[nalivayko]

The Inheritance of Anjou

Charles VIII's Italian and Spanish campaigns. Siege of Taranto. Battles of Madrid (1497) and Seville(1497).

...continued

THE BATTLE OF MADRID:

Spanish start the battle with cavalry charge against allied left flank - where Bayard's demoralized troops offer little resistance before starting to retreat. Only Bayard's leadership stops the retreat from turning into a rout.

Meanwhile, Spanish infantry advances on French right and center. At first, they make rapid progress, especially after some 2,000 Spanish knights abandon their pursuit and charge in the gap between Savoyard and French forces. French infantry stands ground in the right, but the center begins to waiver.




Spanish continue their attack, despite taking heavy losses. The center collapses and Foix is convinced that the battle is lost. He commits his last cavalry reserves in one last desperate charge and all Spanish advantage in technology, all their skills and previous experience, all their bravery and determination cannot stop the fury of the French knight's charge. The lances of the Spanish knights - hallowed as to be less heavy - break on French armor. Those who are thus disarmed, attempt to use their swords, but they are of little use, and they are too few to make a difference.

The last French charge overwhelmed Spanish cavalry, restored the morale of Bayard's left flank and threw Spanish infantry into confusion. As French infantry turned back on them, the confusion turned into a rout. Not a single Spanish soldier survived the pursuit. French fury had no limit - Colonna itself was killed trying to escape south to Toledo. Allies lost a little more than two thousand dead. Colonna's army was annihilated.

The Battle of Madrid - the Furia Francese as it will be called later - signals a turning point in the War for Anjou Inheritance. Spain's greatest leader is dead and with him the best army Spain could have put in the field. Portuguese are thrown back to Asturias, Gerona falls to de Barlas and his Armee Royale and Palermo surrenders to the Army des Flandres (former Napoli garrison).

Foix, the real victor of the Furia Francese (Bayard was lucky to share some of the glory), marches on Toledo, where he defeats smaller Spanish army of 7,000, causing Spain 3,000 in casualties and capturing three cannons. His campaign in the southern Spain ends in Andalusia, where his finds the last large Spanish army. At the walls of Seville his 15,600-strong Armee de Roi (half infantry, half cavalry) encounters 12,500-strong Spanish force (8,000 infantry, 4,000 cavalry), which however enjoys the support of the seven field cannons.

THE BATTLE OF SEVILLE:

French infantry attacks without a stop and, while Spanish cannons cause real damage among it, manages to engage Spanish infantry for a brief while. Spanish counter-attack in the center throws French back, but then Foix, using his advantage in cavalry outflanks the Spanish army. This Cannae-like victory at Seville leaves no doubt as to the outcome of the war. French losses are again minimal - 1500 dead. Spanish army is again annihilated.

The following battles are too marginal to be described in detail. Second battle of Seville costs Spain another 7,000 dead. Foix then invades Portugal and, by defeating Portuguese in an daring attack across Tago River and laying siege to Lisbon, forces King Joao II to surrender (he pays 25,000 ducats - rather symbolic price for peace).

THE SIEGE OF TARANTO:

In January of 1498 Charles VIII dies and leave his son Louis XII as King of France. Barlas takes Cantabria, while La Palica, jealous of Field Chief Judge's successes and tired of waiting for Taranto's defenders to surrender, throws his army twice against the walls of the city. Second time's a charm - as it always was the case with this general - Taranto falls in July of 1498, costing French 2,000 men. La Palice marches on Messina, where the story repeats itself. Two asaults, the second one successful.

Meanwhile, King Alfonso of Naples agrees to cede Apulia to French crown - a shame Charles VIII did not live to see this - and pays 50,000 ducats in war indemnities. The valiant defenders of Taranto were his last hope and with La Palice victories there and at Messian, the hope was gone. Ferdinand and Isabella offer, no, beg for peace too. With half of their country occupied by France, Savoy, Brittany and Papal States the Spanish rulers beg of Louis XII to take his pick. The capture of Messina gives him this chance.


OUTCOME:

In April of 1499 Spain cedes Gerona and the island of Sicily to France and Rousillon to Pope. Impressed with d'Este brave conduct on the battlefield, King of France decides to tolerate Papal authority on his lands. Spanish royal couple also agrees to empty its treasury - a clear sign of weakness as they did not even think of negotiating.



SIGNIFICANCE:

French victory established France as a leading military power in the West, confirmed Valois' claims on former Anjou lands in Italy, and secured it's border with Spain from possible invasion for many years by pushing it southward and preventing Spain from acquiring Navarra.

It also gave France knowledge of the West Indies and resulted in building a settlement on St. Martin in the Caribbean.

Finally, this war was the last one fought by French without the support of the field artillery. And yet, French military was suprisingly successful against Europe's best army - as Spanish monarchs liked to boast. It proved that superior strategy can overcome superior tactics... at least, when aided by superior numbers and numerous allies.

FRENCH LOSSES:

Combat losses: above 18,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry.

Attrition losses: near 7,000 infantry and cavalry plus one galley lost off the shores of Corsica.

French allies losses are unknown, but undoubtfully large due to the aggressive nature of allied generals. D'Albert and Bayard made their name by storming the enemy fortresses without a day of preparation. D'Este, on the other hand, won Rousillon without a single shot. Papal losses, by the most moderate estimates, are still above 10,000 - most of them taken at Pau, defending it from the Portuguese.

SPANISH ALLIANCE LOSSES:

While attrition losses and not accounted for and no one kept the record of how many Spaniards or their allies were killed in battles with allied armies, it is estimated that approximately 50,000 Spanish, 10,000 Portuguese and 11,000 Napolese soldiers were killed in battles with French. Without a doubt, a significant number perished in battles with French allies.

[nalivayko]

Damn you, Amric, if not for your post, I'd be sleeping right now

Enough for now, I'll have to play 10-20 years to see if there's anything worse writing about.

Thanks for reading my stuff so late at night.

[Alexandru H.]

That's one of a hell of AAR. I really like its form and hope to see more...

[Amric]

Originally posted by nalivayko
Damn you, Amric, if not for your post, I'd be sleeping right now

Enough for now, I'll have to play 10-20 years to see if there's anything worse writing about.

Thanks for reading my stuff so late at night.

I do that to everyone! I enjoy this AAR quite a lot and I will wait more patiently for the next installment.

[nalivayko]

Conquest of Lorraine

Bayard's campaign against Saxony. Siege of Nancy. Battles of Mainz(1522) and Dresden(1523).

FORCES ENGAGED:

France (14,000 during most of the campaign, 27,000 at the end)

Saxony (up to 50,000 at times), Brandenburg (20,000)

Austria: neutral (approximately 60,000)

HEROES: Pierre Bayard (France - 4/2/4/1), Mauritz (Saxony), von Frundsberg (Austria).

HISTORICAL SETTING:

In yearly 1500's the boundaries within the Holy Roman Empire were in constant shifting. Two year long war between Austrian and Bavarian alliances left the Rhine principalities weak and without much defense. Saxons were the ones to benefit from it the most, conquering Munster and Hessen. By allying with Brandenburg, Saxony secured its northen flank and looked forward to expand soutward. It's chance came soon when the war with Palatinat became inevitable. Saxons conquered Mainz and expanded even further by annexing Cologne and taking Lorraine from Strassburg.



Austria was not inactive either. Under brilliant leadership of Karl V (ruler of Spain, Austria and Naples, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire), it was able to vassalize Milan, annex Kleves and Geldre and muster large enough force in Artoi to prevent François I of France to press his claims on the province.

He was, however, very eager to press his claims on Lorraine. François was planning on an easy war with Saxony, but the Emperor had his eye on this province as well. In 1521 Austria declares war on Saxony and soon 40,000 troops besiege Nancy.

THE CAMPAIGN:

There is an anecdote about how François I, who was so desperate to get Lorraine and yet not willing to enter into direct confrontation with Habsburgs, asked his generals for advice. Long gone were the days of Foix and La Palice and no one was able to suggest anything of the value to the King. Only aging Bayard stepped forward and boldly asked François to give him 1,000 knights and he would capture Nancy for France - no matter what Friedrich of Saxony or Carlos of Spain (or Austria or whatever he is the ruler of nowdays) have to say about it.

Everybody though him gone mad, including King himself. Yet, the roayl greed overcame common sense and Bayard's wish was granted.

SIEGE OF NANCY:

In October of 1521 the French envoy delivers the declaration of war to Dresden. Immedeately Bayard and his thousand knights leave Champagne and join 13,000 Austrians at their camp near Nancy. By these time the Imperials lost 27,000 men trying to take the city and are welcoming any advice.



Bayrd has plenty of those. He tells Austrians to attack from the east, dig tunnels in the west, build a siege tower here and send cannons there. He urges them to bring more reinforcements and by January of 1521 Austrians have more than 30,000 troops in Lorraine.

François is planning ahead - he is not sure how Bayard is going to keep his promise, but he realizes that even if it is kept, it would be hard to force Saxons to cede Lorraine without more victories. The problem is that France has no common border with the rest of the Saxon territories. In between lie Austria and Strassburg - the first will never allow the passage of troops, while the latter remains a possible target for French troops due to its ownership of France Comte. It would not be wise to befriend them now and attack later.

The solution comes easy - although it won't be as easy to implement it. The King signs treaties of military access with Savoy and Wurtemburg. His reasoning is that if Bayard can take Nancy with 1,000 knights, he is as worthy general as Hanibal was. If Hanibal could cross the Alps with elephants, certainly Bayard can cross them with horses.

To prepare for future invasion of Saxony, the army is split in two. Infantry and cannons stay back in Champagne, while cavalry, numbering 13,000, is sent off to Lyonnais.

The winter flies by and Austrians still did not capture Nancy. Bayard comes up with another advice - burn villages around the city and terrify it into submission. Austrians get to work wth troubling efficiency. The end result is that magistrate of Nancy, which was already contemplating the surrender, open the gates of the city... to Bayard.

Bayard lost 147 men during the whole siege, while Austrians spent thousands and thousands. Needless to say, the Emperor is outraged. François I, on the other hand, is throwing a big celebration in Paris. Bayard is not invited. Reinforced with two thousands knights, he heads for Savoy. Time is scarce, for Austrian army heads for Mainz directly through newly conquered Palatinat. Bayard has to cross the Alps in time to take part in the siege.



It takes him from April to July to get as far as Baden, where he learns that a capable Austrian commander - von Frundsberg, the conqueror of Palatinat, is besieging Mainz with 25,000 troops. Bayard arrives at Mainz and tries to repeat his Nancy scenario. But luck is not on his side, as von Frundsberg receives orders from Vienna to lift the siege - Carlos is ready write off his loss and move on. He forces Friedrich III to pay 68,000 ducats and pulls Austria out of the war.

August of 1522. Bayard is left with 2,769 knights in Mainz - not enough to even besiege the city. Opposing him is 48,000-strong Saxon army in Hessen led by Mauritz.

Fortunately for Bayard, Mauritz underestimates his opponent. He arrives at the walls of Mainz with only 2,300 infantry and 3600 knights. Bayard has only 2700 knights, who have to fight in the woody terrain, which they are not used too. And yet, his personal bravery and brilliant generalship turn the tide of battle in his favor. Mauritz is forced to retreat, loosing all of his infantry and 600 knights. Bayard looses 900 men, but reinforcements are already on the way. More than ten thousand French knight cross the Alps, following in his footsteps and join him in October.

Bayard's victory encourages Wurzburg and Bavaria to declare war on Saxony and while Bayard is besieging Mainz. 25,000-strong Wurzburg force battles 22,000 Saxons in Wurzburg. Saxons loose twice as many men as their foes (who lost about a thousand), but remain the last men standing. Wurzburg army has to retreat toward Dresden.



Winter strikes hard and French have to think about their own survival. Luckily, harsh weather does not last in January, which gives Bayard a chance to press on with the siege. On January 26 Mainz falls to the French troops. They lost 2500 men to winter and yet took a city without a single blow of lance.

The next year and a half is spent avoding the battles with superior Mauritz force and trying to assist Prince of Wurzburg. Ulrich I looses control of his own city and yet tries to capture Dresden. When he fails to take it with assault, Ulrich leads his army back to Wurburg where he receives such a beating from Mauritz that he runs without a stop back to Dresden. Mauritz pursuers and on April 20, 1523 catches up with Ulrich ten miles south of Saxon capital.

Bayard decides to assist Ulrich and places his 9600 knights on the flanks of 18,000-strong Wurburg army. Mauritz has 10,000 infantry and 3,500 knights. Despite numerical superiority the allies loose the battle, as demorilized Wurburg force breaks in the center and runs almost as soon as the battle is started. French resist Saxon onslaught for a while, but Saxon landsknechts had an advantage in the woods and they used it to the fullest.



Saxon losses were a little above 1,000 men. French lost 1500. Wurburg army lost 4,000. Saxon victory made Bayard even more cautious and he returned to his strategy of avaoding major battles and taking whatever cities that he could. The only one he could was Munster and it surrendered by December. At this time nationalist movements acorss Saxony picked up the speed and both Bayard and Mauritz had to battle rebels as well as each other.

Bayard returned to Wurzburg to aid Ulrich in taking back his capital, but the latter preferred to become Saxon vassal.

The beginning of 1524 was spent in trying to avoid Mauritz and his army, who fortunately lifted the siege of Mainz and begin chasing Bayard across Saxony. Bayard's task was even more complicated by 20,000-strong Brandenburg army, which defended the province of Anhalt throughout the entire campaign. Yet he managed to defeat separate Saxon detachments twice, killing about 6,000 Saxon knights and then cutting 1,000-strong infantry detachment in Dresden to pieces.

Friedrich of Saxony still refuses to cede Lorraine, offering 318,000 ducats instead. In September Armee de Roi is struck with disaster. While leading a reconnoinsance force to the walls of Dresden, Bayard is hit with enemy bullet in the head and dies in a matter of seconds. The army is headless and François I decides the time has come to show more support for his troops. In October 10,000-strong cavalry force arrives to the walls of Dresden to link up with Armee Royale, while 12,000 infantry and 10 cannos slowly advance through Wurzburg.

In November small Saxon army (5,000 men) attempts to take Munster back by storming the city. Not suprisingly they fail. French infantry finally catches up with cavalry and French army in Saxony is up to 28,000 men and 10 cannons. Friedrich III is finally convinced the war is lost and agrees to French demands, ceding Lorraine.

OUTCOME:

France finally had Lorraine. Saxony made one step back, but may still remain a major player in the Empire. Habsburgs took advantage of French-Saxon war and peacefully annexed Bohemia and Milan. The hostilities speeded up the rise of Reformation. A month after the end of the war Brandenburg became first Protestant country.



SIGNIFICANCE:

Bayard's daring actions proved that one can still win with minimum of forces if using the right tactics and combining politics with strategy. His operations deep inside Saxon territory with small cavalry force showed the advantages of speed vs force.

Politically, France was able to prevent Austria from isolating it from the west, but failed to slow down Austrian expansion in Germany.

FRENCH LOSSES: 2-3 thousand infantry, 9,000 knights. Half lost to attrition.

SAXON LOSSES: 13,000-15,000 men killed in battles by French alone.

AUSTRIAN LOSSES: exact number not known, but it is in tens of thousands.

[Amric]

Very nicely done! Nice way to use minimal forces. Take over the other fellow's siege. Brilliant use of tactics.

[nalivayko]

Thanks Actually my tactics cost me in the end - I tried to win the war with minimal force and that prolonged it for three years. If I would have pumped 20,000 more into the war the campaign would have been much shorter... On the other hand, I tried to keep losses to minimal, especially passing through neutral territory and putting a large army in the field would only have increased casualties.

[Amric]

Precisely. Plus in the end you got what you wanted which was Lorraine.

[Storey]

I almost missed this. I like the idea for this AAR. If you keep your reputation no worst then tarnished you probably won't have to worry about a lot of revolts, which should make it more pleasurable to write. Good description of the battles.


Joe

[nalivayko]

Siege of Calais

French-English War of 1536. Campaigns in England and North America. Siege of Calais.

FORCES ENGAGED:

France (Europe: 9,000 infantry, 14,000 cavalry, 24 cannos, 13 warships, 15 galleys, 1 transport; New World - 6,000 infantry, 3,000 cavalry, 5 warships, 3 transports)

England (Europe: approximately 30,000 men, 30 ships; New World - 25,000 men, 17 ships)

HEROES: Duc of Guise (France - 2/2/4/1), Brandon (England), Annebaut (France 3/2/3).

HISTORICAL SETTING:

By 1536 France expanded her holdings in New World, mainly in North America. In 1520's Verazzano sailed back and forth East Coast of the continent, bringing back to France maps of sea routes and some coastal provinces. Next followed colonization of Placentia, Carolina and Connecticut and conquest of Lenape, where Duc of Guise got his first experience in battlefield tactics.

However, France was not alone in the area, as Verazzano expedition brought back the news of the strong English presence west of Newfoundland.



For centuries England was French main foe and to the day they kept their presence on the French soil. Calais - the door to France as English call it - was a thorn in François I's backside. He was determined to remove it - and the presence of unfortified English colonies in Americas gave him the chance.

Military France was superior to her island neighbor. While her navy was behind English in quality, at least the numbers were more or less equal. French cavalry proved its worth against Spain and Saxony and the King was certain that English would run as fast as the others. from it

Politically, one could not find a better time for the war with England. Pope's refusal to grant divorce to Henry VIII and his wife, Catherine of Aragon, brought England to the Protestant camp. This and the fact that Catherine of Aragon was Emperor's own niece, meant that Spain and Empire would not interfere on the side of England.

In the same time, English war with Saxony and Brandenburg meant that Protestants would not be eager to aid English eithe state, and other Catholics.

French will be aided by their traditional allies: Navarra (which King Henry II of Navarra acknowledges François I as his suzeren), Savoy and Pope. English will be supported by Genoa, Modena and Tuscany. Those Italian states could have forced Pope and Savoy out of the war, if it was to last for a long time.

THE CAMPAIGN:

On January 26 of 1536 François I of France made it known to Henry VIII of England that the war between their states is inevitable. The French King made an effort to ask for Calais right away, hoping to avoid losses on both sides. Henry's reply was very laconic - hell, no.

Strangely enough, the start of the war the war starts on the same day de Guise receives reinforcements to his army in Picardie in a way of 20 cannons. He divides his army in two - 10,000 cavalry is instructed to stay in Picardie, guard against possible English invasion and be prepared to invade England themselves in case French navy manages to perform a miracle and conquer the waters of English Channel.

The rest of his army - 9,000 infantry, 4,000 cavalry and 24 cannos - is led to the double walls of Calais.

Admiral Annebaut arrives to the shores of Picardie with 13 warships, 13 galleys and 1 transport. He is soon joined by 10 ships of Savoy, returning from Bremen (Savoy was at war with Saxony, which ended couple of months ago. France pulled out of the conflict years earlier). Together they sink 3 English warships - a good sign in the beginning of campaign.

In America 9,000-strong Armee Royale lands in Gaspecie. It's capital - Newtown - has no walls and is captured quite easily.

Annebaut's and Savoy's fleets manage another victory over English navy (8 warships and 12 galleys). After exchanging shots for a good day and at a good distance, English decide to retreat south.

In March Armee Royale descends on Micmac and masacres 2,000-strong cavalry detachment defending New Brunswick. The city is too without walls and surrenders without a shot made.



French navy, however, is cut off from it's bases by 7 English warships and 5 supporting vessels. French admiral (his name was lost in the annals of history) decides to batte his way throughlgive battle instead of sailing all the way around Newfoundland. His eight ships (5 warships and 3 transports) fight through superior English fleet and force English commander to retreat toward Isle Royale.



The attempt is made to take onboard 1,000 knights and capture the above-mentioned island, but the arrival of another English fleet (5 warships and 1 supporting vessel) forces French to retreat (loosing 1 warship) south. The decision is made after two days of skirmishing. Both sides report no losses.

In April 8 English warships engage Annebaut near the shores of Kent. Even without his Savoy allies, he manages to give France victorya . Two English warships are sunk. French lose one galley.

In May he is finally able to transport Armee des Flandres (less than 10,000 knights from Picardie) to Kent. They immedeately fall on unsuspecting English army being recruited there and massacre 3,000 English knights.



Meanwhile, de Guise is able to break throught the first set of walls around Calais. The siege is a quite affair with defenders putting all their hopes on help from England. The help, however, comes from a different direction, on the shoulders of enthusiastic

French allies. Some 14,000 troops from Savoy and Rome approach the city in May and de Guise is worried that the province will not be able to support both his troops and allies in the same time. He leaves 2,000 men to cover the city and retreats to Picardie, soon to return and take command over allied troops.

In July Armee des Flandres falls upon small English army at Lincoln, led by Brandon. The latter has 3,800 knights and 20 cannons. However, French cavalry's charge is so sudden and fierce that his cannons play little role in the issuing battle. French lose 200 men, killing on all English men and their commander.

This brilliant victory is soon offset by English navy, as 6 English warships, using favorable wind to attack, drive Annebaut back to the French ports of Normandie. However, his loss of one galley is equally compensated by the loss of one warship on the English side. Admiral wastes little time in repairing his ships and returning the control of the Channel to French.

In August Armee des Flandres destroys another English cavalry force at the walls of London, before returning to pillaging English countryside. English lose three thousand knights, French losses are less than a thousand.

In September Henry VIII is finally able to field a sizable (more than 14,000 men) army in south England, which forces Armee des Flandres to stay on the run. The probability of victory is high, but the French commander is instructed by François I to avoid battle.



In November a white flag is raised above the walls of Calais. Duc de Guise accepts the surrender on behalf of his King and sends captured enemy banners to Paris. Simultenously, the Armee des Flandres ambushes and destroys another small English cavalry detachment. 1,000 English knights perish.

RESULTS:

De Guise is soon send to London to negotiate the formal surrender of the city. Henry VIII drives a tough bargain, refusing to pay for the expenses King of France had to take to return what's rightfully his anyway. He argues that 175,000 pounds is too much to ask when French receive Calais. The bargain is struck at 100,000. Henry ends up paying 15,000. After almost two hundreed years of English rule Calais' towers are once again flying French colors. French troops evacuate English colonies in America and the island itself.



SIGNIFICANCE:

The siege and capture of Calais put an end to English dreams of ever returning to France as conquerors.

FRENCH LOSSES: 2,000 combat and attrition casualties, 1 warship and 2 galleys sunk.


ENGLISH LOSSES: 14,000 combat casualties, 6 warships sunk in battles with French navy.

ALLIED LOSSES: inconsequential.

[Amric]

Finally caught back up with this one. Was gone for a few days. Good stuff as usual!

[Snow King]

Very good AAR!

[nalivayko]

Thanks both of you. I am feeling like I will have to write a little interlude soon and explain what's going on in the world around me. Probably will do this after Henri II's rule.

EDIT: And, as we know, this is where this AAR ended