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Moltke Tactical Problem 39
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- čas přidán 8. 08. 2024
- This series presents in shortened video form the tactical problems Field Marshal Moltke presented at the Prussian Army Staff College. Moltke coined the phrase that "No plan survives first contact with the enemy main body." He believed fighting effectively was exploring a series of options and these options were explored in his Tactical Problems.
In these videos we look at these problems, and their solutions, with the lens of playing wargames well.
This video is about the question, and solution for Problem 39.
I would have thought 2, just to cover the retreat of the two small battalions, and link up with them for a proper fighting retreat.
His problems often keep a close watch on lines of communication. That's why it is presented as it is.
Alright, pausing Like I have gotten used to doing. I would argue the best option here is "option 3". The task is to screen, not outright engage. Setting up divisional command in Arnstadt, and deploying on what looks like a ridgeline to the west near Fiskfeld or Bitlstedt (hard to read that zoomed in lol). There you can pose as a potential threat and await for further orders from army HQ.
I think in this case you line up with the Field Marshal quite nicely!
This is a tricky one. I’m thinking 1 because it gives you the most room to fall back with a fighting retreat if needed, possibly delaying the enemy more
After watching: given the enemy force is unknown it does make sense to withdraw to assess the situation. You’re no good for screening if your force gets quickly enveloped and slaughtered by a larger force, as is possible with options 1 or 2
@@bramstedt8997 I think you are right on that point. 1 and 2 can get you overly committed. Thanks for giving this one your attention!
heh, I fell for the rookie mistake of getting too confident after beating the first group. my option was 1, thinking that my force should move fast and defeat the two enemy groups in detail. my reasoning was that combined they may be too strong for me to hold out against. That's why for me, 2 was way out, because the enemy could surround and destroy my force (or detach one group to move east to erfurt while the rest pin me down in ohrdruf). But yeah given that we actually dont know the enemy force composition, the ridge lines further east is much a safer choice (and also operates towards the objective)
The solutions always ensure the longer term objective tips the balance of shorter term action. Thanks for having a look!
Where did you get these maps? I can find the tactical problems book but there's no maps included...
I found an archive of online maps of Prussia from the period!
A couple of difficulties with the original book. Many of the place names are the original Prussian so you need a Prussian era map. Second, it’s a translation of a translation so the language can be hard to understand. For example, they use inconsistent words in the same problem for each force, which can be confusing. Fascinating to read and I suggest getting a copy of the problems in pdf!
I don't like the options. While 1 and 2 seem too aggressive against a larger force, 3 seems too big of a fallback; we have to slow down the enemy after all.
I would take defensive positions somewhere between Ohrdruf and Arnstadt.
Fair point. I think you could make the case that would work.
problem is that east of ohrdruf looks like flat farmland, and the ridge lines SW of arnstadt are east-west and dont seem too good in defending and attack from the west. In fact it seems perfect for the enemy to roll up by marching along it. unless the enemy took the big road along option 3