Russians (defending)
5 X Kn
2 x LH
2 x Sp
2 x Ps
1 x 2Ax
Mongols (attacking)
3 x Cv
9 x LH
Above: The initial set-up.
The Russians, on the right, have the spears in the centre flanked by knights and out on their right wing the light horse, psiloi and auxilia.
The Mongols have centre of cavalry, most of the light horse on their right (nearest the camera) and the remaining light horse on their left.
Below: Each set up separately: Mongols on the left, Russians on the right.
The Russians very cleverly sent their psiloi and auxilia, light archers and axe-wielding 'murderous rustics', into the woods which completely dominated the battlefield on the Mongol left. Picture below left.
Their light horse - Pechenegs by the look of them - acted as a link between them and the main body. The Mongols left about a third of their force to contain these and embarked on an attack on the Russian left, composed of knights. Picture below right.
Their light horse - Pechenegs by the look of them - acted as a link between them and the main body. The Mongols left about a third of their force to contain these and embarked on an attack on the Russian left, composed of knights. Picture below right.
In the ensuing stramash the Mongol light horse got the better of the Russian knights [picture below] to such an extent that the Pechenegs were obliged to come over to help.
On the way they were intercepted by the heavy cavalry of the Mongol centre. First one then the other were ridden down [below].
The Mongol light horse then proceeded to roll up the Russian left [below].
The Mongols scored a comprehensive victory, winning 4-1. The Russians didn't do anything wrong, really, apart from roll a succession of ones and twos for PIPs.
