The War Room XVI: Battle of Poltava, 1709

The Swedish Empire takes on the Russian Tsardom during the Great Northern War.

[itgpvmz]

Its really interesting to learn the history behind Combat Mission games! Especially after playing the Northern War campaign

[larsdejong]

Okay, I clearly need to read up on the great Northern war. By now, I am quite familiar with the players of the eighty years war, but both Peter and Frederik seem like fascinating characters.

Honestly, this plan was suïcide from the very start. Maurits rightfully doubted his chances in marching behind enemy lines in Flanders. The idea do so in Russia of all places, with virtually no roads and massive distances, is borderline insane.

Yes, the attack on the camp failed miserably. But, in many ways, Peter had already won before the battle had started, thanks to his greater understanding of logistics. Besieging Poltava and then getting arrogant, even though he had just been outsmarted, sealed the deal.

A fascinating battle from a tactical, operational and strategic perspective indeed.

(that was a very long and winded way of saying: excellent video. :)

[CAPDude]

You should cover the Vicksburg campaign of the American Civil War. Super interesting both tactically and strategically

[ironchancellorottovonbisma]

These are so well made. Thank you for all the hard work that goes into these videos. If I were more financially stable I would definitely be subscribing to see these early! Thank you!

[wojszach]

In Poland that attack into Poland is called deluge, for obvious reasons, getting swarmed by moles(their love to dig in at any possibility and availability) in blue

[BatyusFrodo]

Poltava
Rode to certain death and pain

[robertkalinic]

The cursed third redoubt where the swedish human cannon balls confused the boiling pots of cream sauce for the stacks of hay.
Charles was heard yelling at the sky with his fist shaking: "God i wish we had ladders that can be carried in single box when dismantled and made ready on a short notice with simple screwdriver!".

[gareththompson]

This is right at the tail end of the pike and shot era (around when there's getting to be far more shot than pike). I think this period is really fascinating as a halfway point between medieval and Napoleonic warfare. Just as I find 1870-1914 fascinating as a halfway point between Napoleonic and modern warfare.

[tremendousbaguette]

Reminds me of the classic "carolus rex praematura morte" cartoon on r/polandball

[wheneggsdrop]

Definitely would love to hear this story of the Great northern war from your perspective. From Sweden to the Baltics to Russia, to Ukraine, to the Ottomans. An extremely interesting campaign.

[LeflairZone]

Funnily enough the closest other military that springs to mind when talking about the Swedish army during this battle is... the Japanese in WW2.

Swedish Banzai charges will continue until morale improves.

Another interesting conflict featuring the Swedes is the 30-year war, and not for the Gustav Adolphus part (which is quite brief), but his Field Marshall Lennart Torstenson decade+ campaigning - who came very close to Vienna(!).