Ageod WW1 Manual Cover.qxd

● The Russian Front extends to the Romanian border (Balkan), and to
the Don river (South: Armenian front). If Transylvania is invaded, the
Russian Front ends where one finds the Romanian Army or (by
default) at the last Russian Army in Transylvania.
● The Balkan Front extends to all of the Balkans, and/or throughout
Austria-Hungary if the Front moves there (except next to the Russian
Army).
● If Romania is at war against Russia and invades Russia, the Balkan
Front must end in Bessarabia, Romanian “territory” (even though it is
in Russia).
● If Italy is in the war, the Italian Front runs from the Swiss border to the
sea (facing either Austria or France, depending on which side Italy is
on).
● If Switzerland is attacked, its border is part of the French (not Italian)
front.
● The Armenian Front extends to all of Turkey in front of Russian X
Army (Kavkaz), or XII Army (often, along the Black sea coast). In
Russia, the Armenian Front extends to the Southern Don river
(Russian Front starts from the Northern Don River).
● If the Entente lands troops in Germany, this “separate” Front belongs
to the French Front.
● The same if Germany lands in Russia (Russian Front), etc.
The French, Italian and Russian fronts (sectors) are considered the “Main”
ones and will be those that will see the most decisive Grand Offensives
(see next)
Difficult Coordination against Central Powers
The Entente had a problem in coordinating several attacks, by different
Entente Powers, against the same Central Powers nation. That is to say, to
attack their Armies (no matter where they are on the map).
The Entente may carry out 2 battles (either Main or secondary) each turn
against Germany or against Austria, without problem.
Starting from the 3rd battle, it is necessary to roll a test (D6):
[1–2] 3rd attack authorized, [4–6] failure (no 3rd attack)
A “Reaction”battle during the opposing turn does not count (it is to be
ignored).
Failure: if the 3rd battle fails, it still counts as a “battle” played on the Front.
No other battle is authorized during the same turn against this same
Central Powers nation (except through a successful Reaction).
Success: the 3rd battle takes place. The Entente may attempt a 4th battle
(new test), etc.
Certain cases:
The same against Turkey (or Italy) when it is a Central Power.
If a Grand Offensive is launched after 2 battles against the Central Powers
nation (to be attacked), it is necessary to do a test (3rd attack). If the test
fails, the Offensive does not take place. It must be adjourned for 1 turn.
52 World War One: La Grande Guerre 1914-1918
If a Grand Offensive is in progress, the Main battle must take place during
the first 2 battles (without problems). If it takes place afterwards, it must do
a test (3rd attack). If the test fails the Grand Offensive ends suddenly. It
is obliged to stop.
If an Entente Power attacks by itself, no test is required to attack a third
time. However, in this case, no other Entente attack is authorized against
that Central Powers nation. Otherwise, it is necessary to ask for a test
starting with the 3rd attack.
11.7 The Grand Offensive
Beginning in 1915, the number of attacks is limited. A side may attempt a
Grand Offensive per year on one sector of one of the three “main” fronts,
on a preplanned date. The Main attack takes place at a pre-designated
region. The battle is preceded by a preliminary bombardment against the
enemy trenches.
Each side may also use new Combat Tactics, new Technologies, and even
(later) the “Combined” Doctrine (combining maneuver and trench warfare).
It is the Grand Offensive that might decide the war. It is played around a
Main attack where the Attacker should concentrate his strengths. It will be
played in a very detailed manner. This battle may continue from turn to turn,
and has important political consequences, depending on its outcome.
11.7.1 Presentation
Beginning in 1915, a side may launch a Grand Offensive on each of the
following 3 sectors: French, Russian and Italian Fronts.
The Grand Offensive starts on a given date on a precise region (chosen in
advance).
● On the Western Front, it is necessary to conquer this Target region for
victory.
● On the Eastern Front, it is necessary to
conquer the Target region +5 other regions.
The Main battle is very detailed and is at the heart
of the offensive. The success of the offensive
depends on its success or failure.
● It may last several turns in a row, as long as the
Attacker has neither won nor admitted his
defeat.
● The Main battle is preceded by a preliminary
bombardment against enemy trenches, which
may cause losses and breakdown the
trenches.
● The Main battle can last a maximum of 10
rounds, with a lull at the end of the 4th round to
rebuild weakened units (by sacrificing other
units on the front).