20 - Franklin (Hist)
Why Should You Play This Scenario?
This is not a scenario I would rush to play or recommend to others. I include it here though because it is an important historical battle and is one of the two main battles on Campaign Franklin. If you do choose to play it, expect a very hard battle where you will have to accept heavy losses to even reach the enemy lines.
Infantry Summary
On paper, we have a huge advantage in quality and in the number of units on the field of battle. But our brigades are decimated and a shadow of their former selves. And it only gets worse after the Battle of Franklin.
I can't give any side an advantage here since the battle does not occur in the open fields (where the Rebels might dominate).
No Advantage
Cavalry Summary
Part of Forrest's Corps is fixed throughout the battle. Not that is matters very much. This is a battlefield and fight that cavalry are not suited to take part in.
No Advantage
Artillery Summary
Hood attacked before the large part of his artillery arrived. Major mistake.
Advantage
The supplies for the two sides are about even and don't help either side more than the other.
No Advantage
While the Rebels do have higher ratings, these won't help you very much in a frontal attack on enemy fortifications.
No Advantage
Setup
This battle begins with Hood's army moving forward to attack Schofield's lines around Franklin. The Federals are behind embankments and breastworks in many places. Coupled with numerous abatis, their line is extremely strong. Their only weakness is on their right flank around Franklin. But because of the fact that the scenario lasts just ten turns, there is nothing you can do to exploit this.
Setup Summary
The Federal position here is extremely strong. Enough said.
Advantage
This is just a brutal battle in so many ways. Your army has no real advantages at all. With just ten turns, you have no time to maneuver or do anything more than charge straight ahead. There was a reason so many soldiers made this charge knowing that death awaited them.
Three Tips
1) Accept the Pain
You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. If you are adverse to bloody scenarios where you are plowing straight ahead into enemy gunfire, you probably won't like this scenario.
2) Strike the Federal Center
This is your only realistic chance to win the scenario. The Federals have left two brigades in front of their defenses (the historical reason for this isn't worth getting into here) and you need to strike them very hard. Hood's hope was that his men might rout these brigades and use them as human shields to attack behind as the retreated for the main Federal line. Then follow them into, and over, the works. This is your best chance in this scenario I believe.
3) The Pain will be Over Fast
The scenario is ten turns. If you fail miserably, the beating will come to a quick end. Small consolation perhaps.
Final Thoughts
The Battle of Franklin was a disaster historically. This scenario reflects that. Those about to die, we salute you.