At the start of the war the VII Federal Corps, the Bavarian army, found it self isolated from the other federal formations in western Germany. It therefore attempted to close up the gap between itself and the VIII Federal Corps. Yet following earlier clashes at Dermbach the Bavarian army had fallen back to defensive positions along the Frankishe Saale river. On the 10th of July the Prussians attacked these positions at various points to further widen the gap and isolate the Bavarians. The largest action was to be at Kissingen.

The purpose of this page is to provide the details for re-fighting this battle, using modified 'Fire and Fury' rules. The modifications to the rules are at Fire and Furia Francese, while the campaign modifications are at War of 1866 Rules.

Orders of Battle:

The Prussians:

All infantry are armed with the Needle gun, NG. The artillery are armed as noted. Roll a D6 for each unit that does not have an 'E' leader. On a roll of a 6 cavalry units have an 'E' leader, on a roll of a 5 or 6 all others have an 'E' leader.

13th Infantry Division: von Goeben 1 E. Ldr.

Reserve: von Tresckow 1 Ldr.

• 1st Btn, 13th Inf Regt: 6 / 5 / 3

• Fusilier Btn, 15th Inf Regt: 6 / 4 / 2

• 2nd Btn, 15th Inf Regt: 6 / 5 / 3

• 4th Kurassier Regt: 3 / 2 / -

• Artillery: 1 Horse batery (SA)

The Bavarians:

The infantry are armed with the Podewils rifle, a MLR. The artillery are armed as noted. Units marked 'L' are in skirmish order. Roll a D6 for each unit that does not have an 'E' leader. On a roll of a 6 units have an 'E' leader.

VII (Bavarian) Corps: Prinz Carl of Bavaria 1 P.Ldr.

1st Division: Stephan 1 P. Ldr.

3rd Division: von Zoller 1 Ldr.

Divisional Artillery: 3 guns (2 BLA, 1 SA) - note 1 gun is from the 1st Division but fought with the 3rd at this battle.

Deployment and Reinforcements:

Prussians:

10:00 von Goebens and all of the 25th Brigade arrive at Point A in any desired formation.

11:00 The 26th Brigade arrives within 6" of Point B in any desired formation.

The Reserve may enter the table at any time on or after the 12:00 turn. They enter at Point B in March Column, Limbered, etc. The Prussians suffer a victory points penalty if these units are used.

Bavarians:

At the start:

5th Brigade, 3rd Division: In any desired formation within 2" of Kissingen and on the east side of the river.

Von Zoller and the Divisional Artillery: Limbered, within 6" of Winkels.

12:30 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division: Arrives at Point C in March Column, Limbered etc.

14:00 Prinz Carl of Bavaria arrives at Point D.

15:30 1st Brigade, 1st Division: Arrives at Point C in March Column, Limbered, etc.

16:30 Stephan and the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division: Arrives at Point C in March Column, Limbered, etc

Terrain

Special Rules:

The Destroyed Bridge: The bridge is in reality only partially destroyed, as any troops that approach within 3" of it will discover. Infantry only take a full move to cross via it and are given a disruption marker.

Victory Points:

All the normal Fire & Fury victory rules, as amended by the suggestions in the general European rules, Fire and Furia Francese or the War of 1866 Rules

In addition the following scenario specific rules are used.

Bavarians:

10 v.p's if there are no unspent Prussian units east of the river

5 v.p's for control of Kissingen at the end of the game.

5 v.p's for control of Winkels at the end of the game.

Prussians:

10 v.p's for control of Nudlingen at the end of the game.

5 v.p's for control of both Winkels and Bodenlaube at the end of the game.

The Historical Battle:

Initially things went well for the Bavarians, who where defending the 'only' crossing of the river. The Prussians moved up against the river, but could make little headway in the face of determined Bavarian resistance. With the initial Prussian force pinning the Bavarians attention, von Wrangel's force was tasked with trying to outflank the Bavarians. It was then discovered that the 'Destroyed' bridge had in fact only partially been destroyed. So slowly and careful the bridge was improved and a force was dispatched across the river. Thus outflanked the Bavarians fell back for Kissingen following heavy fighting.

Sensing there advantage the Prussians pushed on towards the heights, clearing first the cementary and then Winkels. It looked to be all over for the Bavarians they had stubbornly fought all the way back to the hills in the face of a superior foe, but nothing seemed to stop them. Yet more action to come for help was on hand. Early news of the attack had reached Prinz Carl and he had called for reinforcements. These arrived in the nick of time and halted the Prussian advance on Nudlingen. Meanwhile other troops launched a counter attack via Simberg, which caught the Prussians completely by surprise. After some initial confusion, the Prussians were forced back to the area around Winkels. Here they desperately clung on until with the pressure mounting every where they tried one last charge to save the situation. What they didn't now was that the Bavarians were themselves very short of ammunition and the proved the last straw. So once again the Bavarians withdrew, this time completely and permanently, bringing the battle to a close.