10 March 1813 – Battle of Donauworth

Tactical map of battle area

Background to battle

1 and 3 Austrian corps launch surprise attack over river Leech

9 French hold Donauworth.   12 French react to attack

Austrian – 26400 infantry, 2000 cavalry, 60 guns
French – 27200 infantry, 2000 cavalry, 60 guns

Table at start of wargame

All four corps start on the table

The river is fordable by infantry and cavalry at half normal move rate and disordered

The bridge can be crossed by all arms in column of march at normal move rate and formed.

0800-1100

Austrians cross river behind a determined cavalry screen

The Bavarian and Baden corps advance to engage the Austrians

The cavalry on both sides repeatedly charge the enemy horse

Each melee is a draw, both sides withdraw to rally and then charge again

The Austrian infantry are under heavy artillery fire, but escape any casualties

1100-1800  

2^nd Austrian corps advance and force the Bavarians back into the town

2 Austrian cavalry charge guns, gunners retreat into nearby square

1^st Austrian corps advance to engage Baden

Baden cavalry charge and rout Austrian hussars

Austrian infantry advance and engage in skirmish fight with Baden infantry

Baden artillery pound grenadier square, who hold despite 30% casualties

1800-1900  

The battle is decided when Austrian infantry deploy into line and advance

They win firefight against Baden infantry in column

One brigade routs, two more are shaken

Baden commander orders a general retreat

Conclusion

The Austrians have crossed the river and are firmly in command of the west bank

The Bavarians/Baden have lost 3200 infantry, 100 cavalry and 100 gunners

The Austrians have lost 2800 infantry and 100 cavalry

Outcome

The Austrians have won a convincing victory

At nightfall 9^th Bavarian corps still hold Donauworth

With the Baden retreat they are in danger of being surrounded

They retreat under cover of darkness

Battle Summary

With the element of surprise the Austrians send their cavalry to hold the west bank of the river Lech.   Their artillery cross the bridge and the infantry ford the river.

The Baden and Bavarian cavalry advance to pin them on the river bank.   Despite repeated cavalry charges, the Austrians manage to establish and then expand their bridge head.

As the Austrians advance they come under heavy fire from the enemy artillery.   Despite this they continue to advance, and the Bavarian infantry retreat into Donauworth.  Their cavalry are routed and their gunners abandon their guns.

The main Austrian attack is now switched to the Baden.   Despite heavy casualties the Austrian infantry continue to advance and engage in an inconclusive skirmish fight with the Baden infantry.  

The battle is decided when the Austrian infantry form line, advance and defeat the Baden columns in a fire fight.

The Austrians lost 2900 casualties and have one brigade in rout and one shaken

The Bavarian lost 3400 casualties and have two brigades in rout and two shaken.