This is a scenario for 'Dominion of Marlborough and Peter The Great from a side-conflict of the Great Northern War. It's an excuse to get Ottomans on the table (and for me to use my Nottomans).
The 1711 battle of the Pruth River was a pivotal confrontation during the Russo-Turkish War of 1710–1711, which saw Tsar Peter the Great of Russia take on the Ottoman Empire under Grand Vizier Baltacı Mehmet Pasha. The battle was more a diplomatic and logistical crisis culminating in a negotiated escape for Russia, but I have set it up as a conventional battle. It represents a couple of days fighting, with the cavalry forces of both sides clashing before the Ottomans besiege the Russian camp.The Battle of Pruth River (July 18-21 1711)
The Russian army was a large one of over 38,000 troops, supported by the Moldavian prince Dimitrie Cantemir, who had defected to the Russian side. However Peter underestimated the logistical difficulties and overestimated the support he would receive from local populations and allies like Wallachia. Meanwhile the Ottomans quickly mobilized a larger arm - some 120,000 men - comprising Janissaries, Sipahis, and provincial levies, and they were also joined by Crimean Tatars.
By July, Peter’s army had advanced as far as the Pruth River, but became dangerously overextended, cut off from resupply, and trapped between the river and a superior Ottoman force. The Ottomans used their numerical advantage and superior knowledge of the terrain to surround the Russians near Stănilești.
In the early 18th century, Russia was expanding its influence southward, especially following its victory at Poltava (1709) over Sweden. The defeated Swedish king, Charles XII, took refuge in Ottoman territory, encouraging the Sultan to declare war on Russia. Eager to establish Russian access to the Black Sea and check Ottoman influence, Peter launched a campaign into the Danubian Principalities (modern-day Romania and Moldova) in 1711 hoping to strike a decisive blow.
The Russian army was a large one of over 38,000 troops, supported by the Moldavian prince Dimitrie Cantemir, who had defected to the Russian side. However Peter underestimated the logistical difficulties and overestimated the support he would receive from local populations and allies like Wallachia. Meanwhile the Ottomans quickly mobilized a larger arm - some 120,000 men - comprising Janissaries, Sipahis, and provincial levies, and they were also joined by Crimean Tatars.
By July, Peter’s army had advanced as far as the Pruth River, but became dangerously overextended, cut off from resupply, and trapped between the river and a superior Ottoman force. The Ottomans used their numerical advantage and superior knowledge of the terrain to surround the Russians near Stănilești.
Ottomans: 1 x Elite Line Infantry (Janissaries) , 1 x Elite Artillery, 1 x Pistoliers, 2 x Dragoons
Russians: 2 x Fortified Line Infantry, 1 x Line Infantry (Moldavians), 1 x Dragoons , 2 x Unreliable Dragoons
Russians: 2 x Fortified Line Infantry, 1 x Line Infantry (Moldavians), 1 x Dragoons , 2 x Unreliable Dragoons
Ottomans (Attackers)
Russians (Defenders)
Fighting took place from July 18–21, primarily as a series of skirmishes and defensive actions. The Russian infantry entrenched themselves in a fortified camp after becoming separated from their cavalry. Ottoman forces launched repeated assaults and maintained pressure through cavalry harassment and the deployment of around 300 pieces of artillery. Despite being surrounded and outnumbered, the Russian troops held firm in a desperate defense.
Russian supplies dwindled rapidly and disease and starvation set in. Sensing the vulnerability of Peter's position the Ottomans pressed negotiations. Despite having the upper hand militarily Mehmet Pasha was cautious, possibly fearing a drawn-out campaign, or having been bribed by Russian envoys.
The resulting Treaty of the Pruth allowed the Russian army to withdraw in exchange for territorial and diplomatic concessions, including the return of Azov to the Ottomans and the destruction of Russian forts. While a humiliation for Peter diplomatically, he avoided disaster. The Ottomans, despite their advantage, failed to exploit their victory decisively.
As with anything I post here, feedback is more than welcome, especially alternative views on the setup or army compositions.
Design Notes: I gave the Ottomans elite infantry and artillery to represent the furious assaults on the Russian camp as well as the sheer weight of artillery they were able to bring to bear. Another option would be to make the artillery disciplined instead, which would increase its longevity against the Russian infantry. The Ottoman pistoliers represent some decent cavalry, using missile to weaken an enemy before charging. All other cavalry, on both sides, is represented by dragoons, and these could also represent Cossack foot units as well. The Russian cavalry went off looking to attack the Ottoman's supplies and camp, and became detached from the main army. Hence the unreliable rating. The initial setup means that the battle should flow from an initial series of cavalry actions to an assault on the Russian infantry in their fortified camp.
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