17 March 1813 – Battle of Friedland

Tactical map of battle area

Background to battle

14 Westphalian have orders to attack

4 Russian have orders to hold

Westphalian – 11600 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Russian – 15200 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Table at start of wargame

Both corps start on the table

Russian HQ moves towards Kassel start of  move 1

0800-1300

Westphalian cavalry move on to hill to protect advance

Remainder of corps advance between hill and woods

Russian cavalry deploy to counter lancers

Two infantry brigades remain in garrison

Remainder, and artillery, deploy to block Westphalian advance

Russian artillery open fire and hit leading infantry brigade

Infantry suffer 10% casualties, but pass morale test.

1300-1800  

Lancers charge Russian dragoons to protect the infantry advance

The result is a draw, no casualties but both brigades disordered

The artillery have failed to cause serious casualties

The infantry are engaged in two skirmish battles

On the right the Westphalians have lost 10% casualties and are shaken

1800-2100  

The Westphalian lancers have won the cavalry melee

The Russian cuirassier have withdrawn shaken

However the Russian infantry have won the firefight.

One Westphalian brigade routs with 20% casualties

The supporting brigade joins the rout with 10% casualties

They rout into the supporting gunners, who are shaken

Conclusion

The outnumbered Westphalians fought well, but lost

With two brigades in rout they abandoned the attack

Friedland remains firmly in Russian hands

The Westphalians have lost 1200 infantry and have 2 brigades in rout

The Russians have not lost any casualties, but their cavalry are shaken

Outcome

The battle is a clear Russian victory

Fortunately the Westphalian cavalry are able to cover the retreat

Battle Summary

This was not a battle that the Westphalians could reasonably hope to win

The Russians were not only stronger, they also held Friedland

The Westphalians advanced bravely, but suffered the first casualties to artillery fire

All three brigades now had casualties, but still pushed home their attack

The lancers engaged the Russian cuirassiers and eventually won the melee.

Russian gunners failed to cause any further casualties

Two Westphalian infantry brigades closed with two Russian

The Russians won the firefight, and both Westphalian brigades routed.

A Russian victory was the expected outcome of this uneven battle.

The Westphalians have lost 1200 infantry and have 2 brigades in rout

The Russians have not lost any casualties, but their cavalry is shaken