16 April 1813 – Battle of Meiningen

Tactical map of battle area

Davout has ordered 14^th corps to garrison Meiningen

They have one brigade detached on garrison duty at Kaufungen

They also have 70% casualties to a second infantry brigade

He has ordered 6^th corps to hold and resupply

However he is travelling with them, and can react as necessary

Wittgenstein has concentrated his Army at Barchfeld.

He wants to take Meiningen before the French can consolidate their position.

He orders 3^rd and 4^th corps to attack

3^rd corps has one brigade detached on garrison duty at Barchfeld.

4^th corps has only three infantry brigades due to battle casualties

French – 20000 infantry, 2000 cavalry, 60 guns

Russian – 24000 infantry, 2000 cavalry, 60 guns

Table at start of wargame

6^th French corps have orders to halt and resupply (bottom left)

14^th French corps are in and around Meiningen (bottom right)

3^rd Russian corps are moving through the village (top centre)

4^th Russian corps are on road to Meiningen (top right)

0800-1200

4^th Russian corps (top) have deployed to attack Meiningen.

Their cavalry have forced the French to retreat from hill

Their artillery have caused 10% casualties on French infantry brigade

Their infantry are deployed ready to attack town

3^rd Russian corps (bottom) have deployed to pin 6^th French corps

6^th French corps are stronger than the enemy

But to avoid a flank attack they have had to deploy rather than support 14^th corps

1200-1600

Both Russian corps advance to attack

4^th Russian cuirassiers (top) advance to support infantry

14^th French lancers charge and rout them

Lancers fail their morale and pursue inflicting 20% casualties on the cuirassiers

1600-2000

Both Russian corps advance to attack

Wittgenstein takes command of 3^rd corps cavalry

He leads them against 6^th French corps cavalry

The engagement continues for three hours

The Russians finally rout the French cavalry

3^rd Russian corps advance and engage 6^th French corps

The artillery soften up the enemy infantry

The Russian infantry advance and rout two brigades

4^th Russian corps were intended to support this attack

However the cavalry melee in the centre prevented them doing so

Instead they moved to attack 14^th corps

Two Russian brigades engaged one Westphalian brigade in line

The Westphalians won the firefight and both Russian brigades routed

Conclusion

At the end of a very hard fought battle neither side has won a convincing victory.

The Russian left wing has broken with the cavalry and two infantry brigades in rout

The French left win is also broken with similar consequences

However at nightfall the Westphalians continue to hold Meiningen

The French have lost 4300 casualties and three brigades in rout

The Russians have lost 4200 casualties and three brigades in rout