Prelude to the Battle
In the Spring of 1757, during the general advance of the Prussian columns on Prague, General Königsegg attempted to defeat Bevern’s column at it crossed the Neisse (present-day Lužická Nisa River). On Wednesday April 20, Königsegg chose an excellent position at or round Reichenberg (present-day Liberec), one march from Zittau and one from Liebenau (present-day Hodkovice nad Mohelkou). Reichenberg was nestled among hills in the Neisse Valley and offered fine capabilities. There was especially an excellent hollow on the left or western bank of Neisse River, across from Reichenberg. This hollow was backed by woody hills, with brooks and woods all around. Königsegg posted his army in this hollow, planting batteries and falling abatis.
Bevern’s column came upon General Königsegg who was maneuvering ahead in superior force (26,000 men). Königsegg had with him Maquire who came from the right to cut off a large Prussian convoy on its way to join Bevern at Zittau. Königsegg had not completed concentration of his corps at Reichenberg but could field some 16,000 men. Bevern for his part had to send a strong detachment against Maquire, retaining only 15 battalions and 20 squadrons with him. Bevern approached Reichenberg in the evening of April 20 and found his way barred and had to take camp with the Neisse in front of him.
http://www.kronoskaf.com/syw/index.php?title=1757-04-21_-_Combat_of_Reichenberg
The Game
Turn 1. Prussians advance on the Austrian positions, sending their right flank cavalry forward to sweep the flank.
Turn 2. Austrians send their center cavalry forward to engage the Prussian center. The Prussian cavalry is pushed back.
Turn 3. The Austrian cavalry in the center continue to push back the Prussian cavalry. The Prussian right flank infantry pushes forward, but has to weaken their attacking forces to cover their exposed left flank.
Turn 4. The Prussian Center is all but destroyed. The Prussian right flank is repulsed with heavy losses in their attacks and goes on the defensive.
Turn 5. The Prussians quit the field with their center gone, their left flank attacking forces bogged down in the woods and their right flank on the edge of collapse.
– Manteuffel