Carolus Rex - Die Aufzeichnungen des General Blouse zum Großen Nordischen Krieg
Zu finden im historischen Archiv von Borogravien im Schloss Prinz-Marmaduk-und-Pjotr-Albert-Hans-Josef-Bernhardt-Wilhelmsberg:
The Great Northern War, 1700-1721
by Michael Fredholm von Essen
Swedish military might and regional power had expanded immensely during the seventeenth century. A series of successful conquests, from the Thirty Years’ War to the campaigns in the 1650s of the warlike King Charles X, had transformed the little northern kingdom of Sweden into a regional great power centred on the Baltic Sea. By the end of the century, the accession to the Swedish throne of King Charles XII, a mere youngster without known military experience, convinced the neighbouring monarchs that it finally was payback time. In 1699, King Frederick IV of Denmark and Norway, King Augustus II of Saxony and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and Tsar Peter I of Russia formed a triple alliance against Sweden. The three monarchs wanted to reconquer lands lost to Sweden during its expansion into a great power. King Frederick wished to regain the lost Scanian provinces and Holstein-Gottorp. King Augustus coveted Swedish Livonia, while Tsar Peter desired the ports on the eastern Baltic shore. The result of their ambitious plan was the Great Northern War, a conflict that lasted for a generation, devastated northern Europe, and directly led to the rise of the Russian Empire as the leading great power in eastern Europe.
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Notes on the armies
Sweden/Finland
When we speak of the Swedish army, we are talking about an army composed of Swedes but also Finns and soldiers from the various areas of the Swedish empire like Estonia and Livonia. For most of the war the Swedish army was generally respected and feared by their opponents due to their effectiveness in battle and at times, ruthlessness.
The Swedish main army was typically well led, organised, trained, and equipped - their provincial armies less so. As the war dragged on, the quality of the Swedish army declined as the quality of their opponents improved.
There were two basic types of troops, the first being regulars (“värvade”who were full time soldiers which included the Guards, garrison troops and technical specialists like artillery. This also includes units raised for the war in the areas controlled by Sweden which didn’t have the “Indelningsverket” system.
The other troop type was raised under a system called “Indelningsverket” in Sweden and “Ruotujakolaitos” in Finland. Each province was assessed and, dependent on the population, wealth etc. was obliged to provide a defined number of units of infantry and or cavalry.
Typically, farms in a Province were to join forces and equip an infantryman. Those farms were called a Rote. The soldier was given some land and a house or “Torp” to live when not on duty - while the rest of the men in the rote escaped conscription.
The cavalry was conscripted in a similar way with each Rusthåll (same as a Rote) providing a horse and horseman. Providing a cavalry man with horse and equipment gave the Rusthål tax breaks and avoided conscription.
You can see these “Torps” (wooden houses) throughout Sweden today, many Swedes continue to live in them during the year. The idea being that each soldier fed and looked after themselves when they weren’t training. This gave the Swedes a pool of trained soldiers ready to mobilise quickly and was much cheaper than full time soldiers. A dead soldier had to be replaced by the province thereby keeping the army re-supplied with troops.
To expand the army temporary “Männing” regiments were also raised – these raised additional troops on top of the existing Indelningsverket system. So, a Rote would provide an infantryman for the Södermanland Regiment and replace this individual should they be killed. This Rote may also be grouped with three other Rote to provide, between them - an infantryman for the Södermanland och Östgöta Tremännings Regiment – recruited across two provinces. This Rote could also be grouped with five other Rota to provide infantry for a Femmänning Regiment. This also happened with cavalry regiments.
Swedish units tended to be a description of the area they were raised in and of the kind of unit they were – like the Södermanland och Östgöta Tremännings Regiment. You will notice that many of these names don’t fit into the unit boxes in the game, and has had to be abbreviated in different ways.
It was a system which was able to maintain the Swedish units in the field for as sustained period. Another strength of the Swedish army lay in a standardised doctrine. This doctrine had been developed under previous Swedish monarchs. Infantry and cavalry units were also raised in Swedish occupied territory.
Infantry Battalions were usually 600 men strong in 4 companies. Regiments had 1 to 4 battalions – usually two battalions. Regulations required infantry were equipped with pike and musket until almost the end of the war on a 1/3 pike, 2/3 musket ratio – unless pikes weren’t available.
Tactics were standardised, aggressive and based on shock – called Gå-På (literally - go on). Basically, the battalion would advance in step and in silence towards the enemy enduring their fire. At about 70 paces, half of the musketeers would volley into the enemy and the march would continue. At about 20 paces the remaining musketeers would volley, the pike men would level their pikes, the musketeers draw their swords and charge at the enemy. A very effective tactic against poor quality or unsteady opponents who usually broke before contact - but one which could lead to high casualties against a determined opponent. Should an attack fail – it would be repeated until you were successful or defeated.
Game changes: these tactics are reflected by giving the Swedish and Finnish units the following:
• A melee bonuses – to reflect the impact of the Gå-På tactics.
• An increased movement rate as the Swedes marched in cadence (in step)
• Swedish units usually have higher morale.
• Swedish leaders having higher leadership and command values.
• Swedish Gå-På infantry have reduced fire factor to represent the lower proportion of muskets in a unit.
Cavalry and Dragoons were usually between 800 – 1000 men strong and usually operated in two squadron groupings of about 250 men. They were equipped with swords, pistols, and carbines for self-defence. Dragoons did not dismount to fight and operated all senses the same as cavalry.
Swedish cavalry tactics were also based on shock. Squadrons attacked in an “arrow” formation with the squadron leader at the apex (this may also explain the excellent promotion opportunities for soldiers). The Squadron would manoeuvre “knee to knee and boot to boot” hitting the enemy at the gallop. A more aggressive doctrine then their opponents.
Game changes: these tactics are reflected by giving the Swedish and Finnish units the following:
• Swedish cavalry get a melee bonus.
• Swedish cavalry and dragoons employed the same tactics. Dragoons were dragoons in name only. Swedish dragoons and cavalry would not normally dismount – there were exceptions like at the Battle of Stresow.
• Swedish units usually have higher morale. The Guard cavalry and dragoons have the highest morale.
Artillery could be quite effective (when used) such as at Gadesbusch and Holowczyn. Technical innovations allowed the light Swedish artillery to keep pace with the infantry. However generally nothing different to most other armies.
• Swedish light guns have higher movement rates.
The GNW could be quite a vicious conflict and the Swedes were feared. As a background to the main campaigns a counter-insurgency was often conducted with many examples of what would now be classed as war crimes committed by all sides. The Swedes had a particular contempt for the Russians and frequently massacred prisoners. At Fraustadt the Russians turned their coats inside out to show the red lining to look like Saxon infantry. After the battle, several hundred Russian prisoners were killed by the Swedes.
Leadership – The main Swedish army had an outstanding leader in King Charles XII. For other officers, social status and rank were not always an impediment to progressing up the ranks. Charles XII aimed to promote on the basis of merit, so many of the top Swedish commanders started their careers as troopers or privates. So generally, there is good leadership in the Swedish army however there were exceptions.
As a generalisation, the Swedish main army was very good - well trained, led with very effective tactics. Other provincial Swedish armies could be more varied in quality. The fact that many of their opponents weren’t as good made them look even better – the classic quality versus quantity.
However, as the war dragged on – this advantage narrowed as their opponents become more experienced and the Swedes declined in quality. Defeat at Poltava in 1709 saw the gradual decline of the Swedish military.
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Denmark
At the time of the GNW, Norway was under Danish rule, so in the game Norwegian units are part of the Danish army. However, they will be treated separately in this document.
The Danish army could be considered a capable army but was somewhat unlucky in the GNW, losing most of the key engagements with the Swedes. The Danish infantry were considered to be solid while the cavalry was more average.
The Danes had some capable commanders.
The Danes had abandoned the pike and were musket equipped, relying primarily on firepower to defeat an opponent. Danish regiments consisted of 11-20 companies split into 2-3 battalions. On paper, Grenadiers companies had 112 men and line companies had 81 men of all ranks. Largely thanks to the Danish monarch renting out their regiments, the crown found it necessary to raise a militia in 1701 of eight infantry regiments and two dragoon regiments. Conscripts served for six years and worked on the farm with occasional drill in peacetime, despite this, militia service proved to be unpopular.
Game changes: these tactics are reflected by giving Danish infantry the following:
• The Guards and Grenadier regiments have higher morale than other regiments.
• Danish leaders are generally classed as competent with some capable leaders.
Cavalry employed more of a controlled charge than the Swedes. Cavalry regiments were supposed to have six companies of 57 men of all ranks and Dragoon regiments had six companies of 67 men of all ranks.
Game changes: these tactics are reflected by giving Danish units the following:
• Danish dragoons can dismount.
• Danish elite cavalry and dragoons get a melee bonus.
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Norway
In 1700 the Kingdoms of Norway and Denmark were united in a personal union under
the King, Fredrik 4. Each maintained its own separate military establishment; although,
officers moved freely between them. Although the Norwegian Army had a few enlisted (“Geworbne”
Most of the Norwegian units were kept in Norway to defend the country against any possible Swedish invasions, but some were sent to Denmark for service there. Norwegian regiments were involved in the defense of Zealand in 1700 and were also part of the invasion of Northern Germany in 1715.
Leaders are of average quality.
The Norwegian infantry was organized in the same way as the Danish infantry and were of the same quality as the regular infantry. All regiments had 9 conscripted companies, except for the Trondhjemske Regiment which had 10. In addition, the regiments also had 3 reserve companies, except for the Bergenhusiske and Trondhjemske Regiments, which had 5 each. Each company had between 8-12 grenadiers. The strength of the regiments and companies varied because of the varying size and population of the regimental and company districts.
• Norwegian infantry is armed with muskets and of average quality (C quality)
Most of the Norwegian cavalry were dragoons, which can dismount and fight at foot. These are of average quality.
Norway also had some special types of troops, i.e., ski troops and jägers (called “fyrrør” in the Norwegian Army). In 1711 two companies of these special troops were raised. Those selected were to be "the best and healthiest men". Recruits were promised Lance Corporal pay and a "claim or right to lease a farm after the war". Enlistment would be for the duration of the war. These units were used primarily for reconnaissance, security, and cross-border operations, and were probably considered elite. Only the ski units are part of the game (1718 Campaign).
Game changes: these tactics are reflected by giving Norwegian ski units the following:
• These troops have higher quality (B) and also higher movement rate in the winter scenarios.
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Russia
The other main protagonist. The Russian army under Czar Peter I started the war in a very poor state and with a performance on the battlefield that matched. Czar Peter I began a programme of modernising the Russian military. Over the period of the war the Russian military gained experience and grew in competency.
Peter I had initially sought Western Europe military expertise. The Russians eventually stopped trying to copy Western European tactics and adapted their tactics to play to their strengths. They knew the Swedes would attack and how they would attack and developed tactics to counter them. The Russians exploited their superiority in numbers – “quantity has a quality all of its own” – and used the Russian weather, Dragoons and mounted infantry in flying columns and the vast spaces to grind the Swedes down. The Russians were able to counter Swedish tactics quite effectively by the end of the war.
The Russian army at the end of the GNW was a different beast to the one that started it.
Initially Peter I obtained the service of foreign leaders for regiments. This caused problems i.e., language issues, mistrust of the “foreigner” in charge - for example. Recognising the issues with leadership, Peter looked to Russians for officers to provide Russian solutions to deal with the Swedes. By the end of the war the Russian army had enough experienced and sufficiently competent officers who understood their troops and how to defeat the enemy.
At the start of the war the Russian army was a mishmash of medieval type levies, Streltsi and some new regiments being formed by the Czar. Poor morale, inadequate training, lack of experience, poor/inadequate/ineffective leadership led to very poor performances early, for example at Narva.
Gradually the reforms took hold and new regiments were formed, equipped, and trained. There is an increasing amount of Russian research starting to be accessible in English – Boris Megorsky is a good example. Even Russian research on the army for most of the war can be patchy due to limited or no records. The Russians also hold a lot of information on captured Swedish uniforms/flags etc which is useful.
Russian units were equipped primarily with muskets, but the front row was supposed to have every other soldier armed with a pike. Like the Swedes it wasn’t always possible to equip every soldier with a pike or they were abandoned for practical reasons for a campaign and the later years of the GNW.
The organisation of the Russian infantry and dragoons changed over the war in terms of numbers of companies and strength. Typically, infantry regiments had around 1200-1300 men in two battalions and dragoons had 5 squadrons each of two companies and a strength of between 1000-1200 men for each regiment. As the war progressed, the size of the Russian military grew so that by the end of the war, some 105 infantry and 37 dragoon regiments had been raised. Regiments and casualties were replaced largely by conscription.
The two Guard regiments and the Ingermanlandski regiments were the more experienced and better units. Most other Russian infantry will have a D grade but compensate for this with superior numbers.
Game changes: these tactics are reflected by giving Russian infantry the following:
• The two Guards and Ingermanlandski regiments have higher morale. Most infantry are graded “D”
• Most leaders are average or below.
Russians utilised Cossacks and similar to harass and wear down opponents. See Polish/Lithuanian section.
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Saxony
The Saxons proved to be one of the most persistent of Sweden's enemies.
They were one of the original members of the anti-Swedish coalition. At this time the Elector of Saxony was also the King of Poland, so some of the troops were recruited in Poland, also at times the Polish army operated with the Saxon army. In the first phase of the war, up to 1707 they campaigned mostly in Poland and suffered a string of defeats. In 1707 they were forced out of the war as Charles the XII of Sweden launched an invasion of Saxony.
Following the catastrophic Swedish defeat at Poltava in 1709 they re-entered the war, but with not so much vigour as before. At first, they just sent mounted contingents, from 1713 they also committed infantry but not on the previous scale.
Under King Augustus the Strong (“Strong” allegedly due to his large numbers of illegitimate children – some 350+). The army of Saxony was quite capable but was going through a bad patch during the GNW. Recruitment issues, poor morale, a large number of inexperienced troops, understrength regiments etc which generally led to average or underwhelming performances.
Saxon troops had their moments – at Punitz for example, the Saxony infantry beat off the Swedish cavalry and forced a draw on the Swedish infantry.
Saxon leaders were generally capable, and with some better officers.
The infantry was armed with muskets, and are generally of a C grade, while Guards etc can be rated higher. No additional rules. Infantry units had 15 companies of 150 men each – on paper.
Cavalry and dragoons who dismount. C or D grades, some units for example the Guards have higher grades. Mounted units had 12 companies of 58 men per company.
Game changes:
• Elite cavalry may have melee bonuses.
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Poland and Lithuania
The participation of Poland- Lithuania in the Great Northern War was not planned or desired by the Poles and Lithuanians. This though did not stop it from being a disaster for them. At this time the country was an elective monarchy, but the monarch had relatively weak powers. The King in 1700 was Augustus of Saxony and it was this that led to their involvement in the war.
Initially when the war started Augustus of Saxony determined to just participate in the war as head of Saxony only. He did not enjoy the support of the Poles and Lithuanians for his war. So, during the 1700 the Saxon army was based and operated in neutral Poland in its campaign against the Swedes. Understandably a situation that could cause some problems which indeed it proved so to do. For following the successful elimination of Denmark from the war and the Battle of Narva in 1700 the Swedes turned to knocking Saxony out of the war. Unfortunately, this meant invading Poland as that was where the Saxon army was.
The Swedish invasion came at a very bad time for the Poles. The army was in disarray and had been reduced as the Poles and Lithuanians had not expected a war. In addition, there were many divisions within society, a situation which only increased as some factions turned to the invading Swedes for support. Initially it was hoped that the opposing armies could just be left to fight it out. But of course, now they were doing so on Polish and Lithuanian territory! The turning point was the Swedes replacing Augustus as monarch with their own candidate.
This forced everyone to choose sides and led to what was in effect a civil war in Poland and Lithuania. The first major action the Poles were engaged in was in 1702 at Kliszow. In which the unilateral retirement from the battle led to the allied defeat. The following years saw a long campaign by the Swedes and their Polish allies to force Saxony out of the war. This they finally managed in 1706 but this did not improve the situation as the civil war continued.
The turning point was in 1708 and 1709. As the main Swedish army moved east to launch the Russian campaign, they turned against them. In November 1708 the decisive battle of the civil war happened at Koniecpol. The defeat of the pro Swedish forces at this battle hardened the anti-Swedes and convinced many neutrals and wavers that their cause was doomed. In 1709 this was reinforced by the news of the disastrous, for the Swedes, Battle of Poltava. There was still plenty of fighting left to be done but the Swedish army left in Poland to support the pro Swedes withdrew and Russian forces moved to support the anti-Swedes.
Peace was concluded between Sweden and Poland-Lithuania on December 27th, 1719. But it was not with the same nation that had existed before the war. Before the war Poland-Lithuania had been a strong nation but events during the Great Northern War had fatally weakened her. It was to be a long time before the end finally came but after this experience Poland-Lithuania was never the same again.
Infantry would be Trained. They most likely used rank firing but may still have had some pikes as well.
Cavalry
Hussars: These are armoured (heavily armoured) heavy cavalry armed with lance, pistols, carbines, and swords! They charge at the gallop and should generally be Veteran’s . Hussars were in regiments with Pancerni banners.
Pancerni: These are also supposed to be armoured but not as much as the Hussars. They would have pistols, carbines, and swords, plus possibly bows and spears. Pancerni would be Trained with possibly some veterans – bodyguard, Hetman’s own banner, etc.
Hussars were always in mixed units with Pancerni, but some regiments could be all Pancerni.
Cossacks (Kozack): These are unarmoured light skirmishing horse. They could have bows, carbines, spears, swords or pretty much anything. But they fought in open order and skirmished.
Dragoons: These, and ‘Rajtar’s’, were ‘foreign’ regiments, i.e., they were Poles/Lithuanians but using foreign tactics. So, these are basically standard dragoon units from the time. Polish/Lithuanian dragoons frequently dismounted and fought on foot.
Rajtar is the Lithuanian name for standard western style heavy cavalry. Again, these were Poles/Lithuanians but using foreign tactics, but these are similar to western ‘Horse’, ‘Cavalry’ or ‘Cuirassier’ regiments. Both dragoons and Rajtar would ‘charge’ at the trot, and possible fire pistols as they did this, when mounted.
Noble Levy: These are a kind of mounted feudal levy armed with whatever they happened to have. These units are strong contenders for the ‘worst troops existing’ at the time.
Game changes:
• Hussars – Armour and melee bonuses.
• Pancerni – Armour and melee bonuses,
• Cossacks (Kozacks) – higher movement rates.
• Dragoons – can dismount
• Rajtar – melee bonus
• Noble levy (inc Russian Noble Levy) poor quality – no additional changes or redeeming qualities.
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How Morale was determined
The grades allocated to units was based on an assessment of their training, leadership and morale at that stage of the war. So, a Guards Regiment would be expected to be an A grade, we also considered their performance in battle and adjusted accordingly. So, at the Battle of Veprik the Russian infantry would be typically expected to be a D grade, however their performance was more akin to superior troops, so they were upgraded to a B.
A: Elite troops: These troops are well trained, well led, experienced and perform very effectively on the battlefield. Examples include the Swedish Guards and other Guard units. Troops may not meet the above criteria but their performance in battle warrants an A grade.
B: Superior troops: These are well trained, experienced and reliable troops. Most Swedish units fall into this category. Troops may not meet the above criteria but their performance in battle warrants a B grade.
C: Good troops: These are troops who are trained, with some experience and usually perform well. Most troops fall into this category, for example Danish and Saxony line infantry. Troops may not meet the above criteria but their performance in battle warrants a C grade.
D: Poorer quality troops: These are troops whose morale and drill doesn't match up to the other armies and are less reliable. They can fight well enough if managed carefully. The Russians are the most common D troops. Troops may not meet the above criteria but their performance in battle warrants a D grade.
E: Very poor troops: These are troops with limited training, usually poorly led and with wavering morale - generally unwilling to spill their blood for the cause. These are usually levies or militias. Troops may not meet the above criteria but their performance in battle warrants an E grade.
F: Shockingly poor troops: Troops whose morale is so low they have absolutely no intention of remaining on the battlefield. Only a handful of units get this grade and generally earlier on in the conflict. The Russian Provincial cavalry at Narva are a good example of F grades – fleeing the battlefield before the Swedes had even turned up. Troops may not meet the above criteria but their performance in battle warrants an F grade.
Inhalt:
+ Die Schlacht in Holstein 1700 - "Live" PBEM auf Seiten der Schweden, gegen den werten Silkow
+ Im Polnisch-Litauischen Bürgerkrieg 1700 - "Live" PBEM auf Seiten der Schwedenverbündeten, gegen den werten Silkow
+ Die Schlacht um Narva am 20.November 1700 - "Live" PBEM auf Seiten der Schweden, gegen den werten Silkow
+ Die Schlacht bei Riga am 19.Juli 1701 - "Live" PBEM auf Seiten der Schweden, gegen den werten Silkow
+ Die Schlacht bei Klissow am 19.Juli 1702 - "Live" PBEM auf Seiten der Schweden, gegen den werten Silkow
+ Die Schlacht bei Pultusk am 1.Mai 1703 - "Live" PBEM auf Seiten der Schweden, gegen den werten Silkow
+ Die Schlacht bei Gemauerthof am 27.Juli 1705 - "Live" PBEM auf Seiten der Schweden, gegen den werten Silkow
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