Thursday, July 31, 2008

Reich Duke Wilhelm wins Great Victory over dreaded Prussians at Blatzberg, Maj Gen von Coors vindicated

Maj Gen von Coors deployed his Corps of Observation in a strongly prepared position, in front of the village of Blatzberg, to await the on coming Prussians. Although greatly out numbered, he was willing to fight to the death until Reich Duke Wilhelm's reserves could come to the rescue. The Corps of Observation avoided battle for nearly a week while Maj Gen von Coors sought the perfect battlefield. Anchoring his right flank on the River Blatz and his left flank by dense forest, he positioned his infantry and artillery on the high ground. His cavalry and grenzers blocked the main road that could force him to retreat yet again. As the Prussians deployed, they were hampered by the narrow valley and strong position of the Beerstein troops. After several hours of deploying, they had no choice but to conduct a frontal attack. The first brigade was repulsed with heavy casualties forcing the second line to regroup before they could attack. In the meantime, Maj Gen von Coors' cavalry counterattacked capturing a battery and destroying a Grenadier unit. As the second line advanced, Reich Duke Wilhelm arrived on the field behind the Prussians. Panic ran through the Prussian army as their second attack also failed. Maj Gen von Coors watch as his cavalry captured a howitzer battery and engaged the Prussian Cuirassiers. As the Prussians tried to retreat back toward their supply line, Reich Duke Wilhelm's re-enforcements closed in. The Prussian Commander, realizing he had no were to go asked for terms. With minimal casualties, Wilhelm captured 12 Flags, 4 Standards, and three batteries. Maj Gen Kieth and his dispirited troops were paroled on written promise that none of the officers or troop would participate in any further hostilities against The Reich Duchy of Beerstein. For his courage, valor, and tenacity, Reich Duke Wilhelm invested Maj Gen von Coors into the Military Order of the Golden Crown, proclaimed him Baron von Blatzberg, and presented him with a local estate. Major Honking Thirst was recognized with a battlefield promoted to Colonel. General MacKay's artillery severely punished the advancing Prussian lines and was recognized for his exceptional skill. The unparalleled efforts of these heros presented the Reich Duchy of Beerstein it's greatest victory. Reich Duke Wilhelm proclaimed five days of thanksgiving and rejoicing! Photos of the battle are posted on my site.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

On the Border...



The Austrian Military Border- Sunday morning , mist sweeps across the heath outwith the military settlement...

Two battle hardened veterans converse as they mount guard on a typical Sunday morning. They talk of the price of pigs, target practice, the merits of Orthodoxy and rumours of a new officer being sent all the way from Vienna who is due to arrive tomorrow. A crack causes them to turn round only to see wood pigeons taking off and alighting once more...

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

General von Coors and Major Honking Thirst keep a close eye on Prussian maneuvers

Major General Adlolph von Coors and Major Honking Thirst have been monitoring Prussians maneuvers near Hopsberg. General von Coors believes the Prussians are making final preparations to reinvade Beerstein. He has sent an urgent appeal for Reich Duke Wilhelm to bring all possible reserves immediately. His plan is to pin the Prussians and allow the Reich Duke to enjoin the battle in the Prussian's flank. Speed and stealth could mean victory!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

intrigues

Rumors flying around the court indicate that many courtiers are upset with Frankszonia.
In recent battles, Frankszonian forces have fought against Vile Stagonia, Hesse Homburg, and other loyal Imperial / Reich stadts. Furthermore, they note that the economic rivalry between Frankfurters and Wieners continues unabated.

Is some plot to discipline the rash Gallian puppet Hurtzhog in progress?

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Nobility gather to honor wounded generals

The nobility gather at the Reich Duke's hunting lodge to honor wounded generals.

Duchess Lynda is regaled with the recent adventures of General Picklemany and Maj. Gen. Blutundedonner, Baron von Alesgarden.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Beerstein "Beer and Pretzel" Rules

Beerstein's "Beer and Pretzel" rules are posted on the Beerstein site. Please note the two charts, Movement and Fire, did not space correctly. Line up each column under its heading and all will be right with the world. Also the game sequence is: artillery fire, infantry fire, movement, combat, and recovery. Nothing new or original here, just simple and quick to play. Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Beerstein Boys Defeat Dreaded Prussians at Alesgarden

Reich Duke Wilmhelm von Beerstein is pleased to announce his brave army soundly defeated the dreaded Prussians at Alesgarden! Although all Beerstein rejoyces, the battle was hard fought and their were many casualties. Baron von Brewski was killed while leading his valiant cuirassier brigade against the Prussian heavy cavalry. His son Col. Ludwig von Brewski led his Corona Cuirassiers in a desperate charge that forced the Prussian heavy cavalry back across the ford of the River Ales. Duke Wilhelm immediately promoted Ludwig to Brigadier of his fathers beloved Cuirassiers and invested him into the Order of the Goblet. Lugwig will hence be known as the Third Baron of Brewski. Generaloffizer Mckay's transfomation of our artillery was a major factor in our victory. He was invested into the Military Order of the Golden Crown, our highest award for victory, gallantry, and daring do on the field of battle. Gen der Brigade Lothar von Blutundedonner was serious wounded while leading his third gallant charge of the Dragoons. His brigade completely routed the Prussians who managed to cross the south bridge. Duke Wilhelm was so impressed he named Lother Baron von Alesgarden and he will be forever known as "Blutundedonner of Alesgarden."Lothar was invested into the Military Order of the Golden Crown and is recovering at the Duke's hunting Lodge. Duchess Lynda is also overseeing the medical treatment of General Picklemany who was thrown from his horse. Both generals are expected to fully recover, however, General von Blutundedonner may lose the sight in his right eye. General Picklemany's Hungarians were roughly handled with two units routing. The Warsteiner Fusiliers stood like a wall and covered the withdrawal of the rest of the brigade. General Picklemany's actions were instrumental in holding the line, and was invested into the Order of the Golden Crown. Another hero was General Lista who brought his brigade up just in the nick of time to save General Picklemany's Hungarians from being overrun. General Lista was invested into the Order of the Golden Crown and named Baron von Lista. The fighting was so difficult that Baron von Lista and General Picklemany's brigades were only able to pursue the routing Prussians as far as the River Ales. Photo of this glorious victory will appear on the Beerstein blog. Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Reich Duke Wilhelm and the Duchess meet to welcome foreign generals.

Four Foreign Brigade Commanders have arrived to serve with the Reich Duchy of Beerstein's army in a campaign against the dreaded Prussians. The Reich Duke and Duchess have met with these brave heros and their commands. Photos are on the Reich Duchy of Beerstein blog. Enjoy!