8 March 1813 – Battle of Warburg

Tactical map of battle area

Background to battle

5^th French corps has orders to attack Warburg

2^nd Russian corps has orders to hold F08

French – 12000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

French – 12000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Table at start of wargame

Both corps are on the table at the start of the game

0800-1200

The French sent two brigades to occupy the nearest town section

The remainder of 5^th French corps advanced and deployed close to the cross roads

The Russian commander ordered his corps to advance

He sent one brigade to occupy the nearest town section, and a second in reserve

The remainder of 2^nd Russian corps deployed opposite the French

The battle was about to commence.

1200-1600  

Throughout this period the fighting was concentrated on the town

Each side held half of the town and their infantry fought to control the other side

The Russians were more effective and inflicted 30% casualties

Despite this the French infantry held their half of the town

Both French and Russian artillery pounded the town

Again the Russian gunners were more effective (as shown by this “double six”)

1600-2000  

The French replaced their infantry in the town and the fight continued

French cuirassiers twice charged the Russian heavy cavalry

The first melee was a draw, the second a French victory and the Russians routed

The battle was decided when the decimated French infantry in the town routed

Conclusion

Between them the two French brigades in the town had lost 1600 casualties

The Russian infantry only 400 casualties

Having fought for most of the day the French infantry finally broke and ran

This coincided with the French cavalry routing the Russian horse

Outcome

With two brigades in rout General Vial ordered a general retreat

Without any cavalry the Russians were unable to pursue the French

But it was a clear Russian victory

Battle Summary

It was clear from the beginning that control of Warburg would mean victory

The battle opened with a race to occupy the town

Both took half of the town and a long skirmish battle resulted

Both fed in a second brigade to support the first

French and Russian artillery deployed to fire on the enemy half of the town

The Russian infantry and artillery proved the more effective

The French lost 1600 casualties in the town, the Russians only 400

French cuirassiers twice charged the Russian heavy cavalry

The first melee was a draw, the French won the second

But the loss of the town was the deciding factor

The French retreated with a total loss of 1600 casualties

The Russians won with a total loss of 500 casualties