The Battle of Dottingheim

It's hotting up in Dottingheim and environs.
The sketch map shows the tabletop layout.

 

It is September, and in Pils Holstein the harvest is about to begin, although the recent heavy rains have delayed this somewhat.

Rumours of a build-up of French forces for one of their probing attacks into the borderlands of Pils Holstein are not uncommon. But of late, these have been rather more consistent, and an attack in the area of Dottingheim seems imminent.

With Markgraf Heinrich having been replaced in local command now making his way to Breitlinghoven to attend to urgent affairs on his estates, his successor, von Kreist, assesses the position.

Rumours of a build-up of French forces just across the border mean that he will reinforce this position, guarding the crossing points and fords over the Trentenbruch. The watercourse has been swollen by the late summer rains, giving von Kreist time to assemble a blocking force to assist the militia gun-team who permanently man the gun position ("Der Grossenbomber") atop the hill.

As the golden wheat in the fields around Dottingheim sways in the breeze, Kreist realises the air is warm, and that means the ground will soon dry out... and a French attack will be more likely.

Briefings have been sent to the respective commanders, and we're ready for the showdown this coming Saturday.