I'd run this battle - one of the opening encounters in East Prussian in August 1914 - several times previously using Op14 and 6mm toys on a 3x4 foot table. This time we has rather a lot of 54mm toy soldiers and a 20x20 foot floor! I used my cut-down version of Funny Little Wars, adapted for the Great War.
A number of more experienced players correctly identified this as a map. If you're still not sure where Gumbinnen is, look to the extreme right (or East, if you prefer) of the map below.
One of the challenges of recreating battles in this part of the world is that place names and indeed countries have changed several times since 1914.
And here is the town itself, looking suitably prosperous and Prussian. What could go wrong?
This lot will stir things up! Just two of the four Russian divisions deployed.
Toys were provided pretty much equally by Lloyd (that's his Russians in the photo) and myself. We had an excellent turnout of players: John, Martin, Lloyd, Pete, Matt, Jack, Bish, Andrew and FLW author Mr PHW. My thanks as always to all who participated and provided photos.
The three German divisions provided by Lloyd. I provided another two.
The German HQ
Russian HQ and Cossacks
The German HQ deployed in Insterburg. And blocking the railway line with lorries.
German 1st Cavalry Div screening their left flank. We used a degree of hidden movement, with playing cards representing units. Or blanks. Is there anyone out there?
The Umpire (your humble correspondent) completely making up the resolution of a cavalry melee while in the background, Pete, Lloyd and Matt look on despairingly.
By now quite a lot of units were visible. Both sides had wisely deployed their divisions' cavalry squadrons to scout ahead. In the distance can be seen some unpleasantness brewing north of Gumbinnen.
Battle lines forming....
...while officers urge their units forward...
...cavalry scouts fall back and machine guns are rushed forward.
In range! An exchange of small arms fire.
Gaps soon appear in shot-up units.
A lot of angry Russians heading for Gumbinnen!
Field artillery is deployed and opens fire.
While an infantry battle rages to the north (right) of Gumbinnen, the Russian Naval Battalion (centre) has been badly shot up by German fire.
Russians in firm control of Goldapp (left) with the Germans looking too weak to take them on.
Meanwhile, all is calm and serenity at the German HQ.
Gumbinnen is by now looking a bit knocked about....
...but a relief column is on it's way. Note Russian aeroplane looking out for just this sort of thing.
...and another Russian attack sees them reach the town. But watch out for those newly-arrived Germans!
The confident Russians advance west from Goldapp.
The view from German HQ.
Grimness in Gumbinnen. The Russians have broken in to the town and overrun the German artillery positions. But they're now under attack from more Germans!
In front of Goldapp, both sides are digging in.
The fighting intensifies!
There seem to be enough Germans to give them the upper hand.
At this point we drew a veil over proceedings. In Conclusion, we decided that the game was an honourable draw with advantage to the Germans. The Russians had captured Goldap but the Germans, but the Germans had worn out the Russian corps. Historically, it was news of the German reverse at Gumbinnen which finally broke the nerve of 8th Armee command and led to the appointment of Hindenburg and Ludendorff. The rest, as they say, is history...
A very enjoyable game to plan and run. It's always nice to get the toys out and this was the first time that my Great War Russians have been deployed en masse.
More of this sort of thig coming soon!
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