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"Head for the Border" by Steve Oram Introduction Background In late 1870 the Prussians had placed Paris under siege in the Franco-Prussian War. In order to relieve the siege, an Army of the East was created, commanded by General Bourbaki. The task was to attack the Prussians close to the Swiss border to divert Prussian forces from Paris. In early 1871 they attacked Villersexel and Belfort, key French towns near the border at Basle. In initially successful, the Prussians did indeed divert troops from Paris that threatened the rear of Bourbaki's troops. After 2 month's of tough marching and fighting, Bourbaki's tactical withdraw turned into the inevitable rout. The army found itself at Les Verrieres, a crossing point on the Swiss border about 50km from Lausanne On the 26th January Bourbaki attempted suicide and his role was taken over by General Clinchant. Two days later The French and Prussians signed an armistice at Versailles, but the unfortunate Army of the East was excluded. This added to the despair in the troops. Having attempted one last time to breakout, and failed, Clinchant contacted the Swiss requesting internment. On 1st February 1871 Clinchant and General Herzog, Commander in Chief of the Swiss Army signed an agreement that enable the Army of the East to start crossing into Switzerland. The Scenario This scenario is based upon the meeting of the French and Swiss Generals that resulted in the signed agreement. It takes place in a valley at Les Verrieres, and starts at the signing of the agreement. If the signed agreement makes it back across the border, the Prussians will have to watch the Army of the East march into internment. If they can prevent this then they will be able to finish off Clinchant's troops and weaken the French further.
Terrain and Special Rules The border pass at Les Verrieres is typical low Alpine forest moving up to High peaks on the border. Mont Risqux is the local high point. At this time of year there is almost certainly snow lying. The pass should be on one exit of the table, this being the Eastern edge. The exit should be north of the Eastern edge mid point. The Prussians should enter from the North. The 5 gun emplacements should be based in the northern 2/3rds of the board, with each at least 20cms apart, with 3 on the eastern half, 2 on the western half. The French and Swiss should be based at the southern edge. The Swiss Flag and one of the French L'Epee will be on the ground, representing the signing of the agreement. This must be in the south eastern corner of the board, within 10 cms of the corner edge. At the start of the game the French/Swiss should roll a D6 to see how many rounds it is before they can take off. This represents the agreement being signed. Once this turn has expired normal take-off rules apply. Should the Zurich Flag, carrying the agreement, crash then the agreement will be deemed destroyed on a 6 roll on a d6. If it is not destroyed then it may be 'rescued' by the first Nef to land, be that Prussian, French or Swiss. If the Nef crashes into a wooded area then it will take d6 moves for the agreement to be recovered. Only Nefs landing within 20 cms may attempt to secure the Agreement. If 'rescued' by the Prussians it is deemed to be destroyed. Hence it will be sensible for any Nef carrying the agreement to land and pass the agreement on... As a special for this scenario Brigade have produced a crashed Zurich model to represent the shot down Nef. Forces and Deployment The forces used are detailed below, using appropriate models from the Brigade range.
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Prussian Forces
French Forces
Swiss Forces
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