16 May 1813 – Battle of Friedland

Tactical map of battle area

Both corps ordered to advance and engage

Unexpected, and unwanted, battle east of Friedland.

Russian – 16000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

French – 16000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Table at start of wargame

The French (left) have deployed south of Friedland

The Russians (right) are deployed on the ridge

Rosdorf is off table on the right

Both corps have orders to advance

0800-1200

The French have advanced to occupy the centre ground

Two infantry brigades have been sent to secure the high ground on their left

The cavalry have been ordered to advance and engage the Russian Cossacks

The Cossacks charge and win the cavalry melee

The French cavalry rout with 10% casualties

This is a serious set back so early in the battle

1200-1600

With the loss of his cavalry brigade Brayer realised he could not continue to attack.   He ordered his corps to halt and hold their position

The two brigades on the hill deployed into line to await the Russian attack.

They had to test their morale as the Russian columns came into sight

They both passed, held their ground and skirmished with the enemy columns.

Wintzinerode now ordered his corps to advance and engage the French.

As they did so his artillery concentrated on the square supporting the French artillery

They suffered 10% casualties but continue to hold their ground

As the Russians advanced Brayer rallied his cavalry behind the square.

1600-2000

The final phase of the battle was a disaster for the French

The Russian artillery routed the square defending the French gunners

The recently rallied French cavalry broke and ran as a result

Russian Cossacks charged and routed the French gunners

They were themselves routed by the nearby French infantry

Meanwhile the firefight on the hill developed

The left hand Russian brigade was routed with heavy casualties

But the remaining brigade broke and routed both of the French brigades

By nightfall the whole of the French corps was in rout

Conclusion

6^th French corps is broken and in retreat, with not a single brigade to cover their rout

3^rd Russian corps have two brigades in rout, but the rest of the corps is combat ready

The French have lost 4500 casualties

The Russians have lost 3000 casualties