Disaster at Nicopolis 1395

The Hungarian and Ottoman armies were enlarged to 24 elements forming a vanguard, main body and rear guard of equal strength. Simulating an army moving out of its camp to deploy on the battlefield, the defender positioned his vanguard first followed by the attacker. Placement of the remaining groups followed in the same pattern.  

The battlefield, as seen from the Hungarian position, have woods and a stream to the right and the gentle hills represent the slope of a hill line positioned table. Nicopolis is off table to the right of the Hungarian deployment.

Battle one

The Hungarians have deployed their light cavalry on either flank of the French and Burgundian knights positioned in centre.  

Ottoman infantry form the centre supported by Serbian knights with the majority of the Sipahis cavalry on the left, Akinji light horse on the right.

The battle began with the Akinji assailing the Hungarian left. As the lines closed, the Ottoman pursued his effort on the right losing control of the battle developing elsewhere. Taking full advantage of this the Hungarians scored a crushing victory, 11-1.

Battle two

A replay of the battle allowed the Ottoman an opportunity to reorganize the composition of his wings and centre. Artillery have replaced the Serbian knights and both wings have a balance of Akinji and Sipahis cavalry.

This time, the Ottoman struck both enemy flanks, inflicting heavy casualties on the Hungarian right. The situation became desperate drawing both commanders in single combat.

The situation finally stabilised, allowing the French and Burgundians to pierce the Ottoman centre, sealing a Hungarian victory, 8-3.

 

Battle three

The Ottoman, having a better plan, desired another match. The Hungarians deployed in the same manner with the Ottoman cavalry placed on the left and centre, the Ottoman infantry was positioned on the right.

In the engagement that followed, the Hungarian right suffered severe losses with the Ottoman close to turning the Hungarian flank.

Bringing more pressure against the Hungarians, the Ottoman attacked the enemy centre. Unfortunately, the French and Burgundian knights had other ideas and bested the Sipahis assault. Another Hungarian victory, 8-4.

 

Hindsight

I have no doubt the game would have turned in favour for the Ottoman if the French and Burgundians were to charge impetuously. However, the mounted crossbowmen (actually archers) positioned on each flank, reigned in their advance to 1BW per turn.