28 June 1813 – Battle of Walbeck

Tactical map of battle area

The Prussians have lost five of the six battles in the campaign to date

They have been forced to retreat and are making a final stand just west of Walbeck

If they lose this battle, they will lose the campaign.

Both armies start the battle with considerable battle casualties

However the Prussians have suffered more than the French

They are particularly weak in infantry and artillery

Prussian – 34000 infantry, 2700 cavalry, 60 guns

French – 44800 infantry, 2900 cavalry, 87 guns

Table at start of wargame

Both armies are deployed either side of the table

Prussians have unlimbered their artillery and occupied the woods in the south

French artillery are limbered and ready to advance

Napoleon is with 1^st corps, Blucher is with 2^nd corps

0800-1200

The French artillery have moved into long range and opened fire

Their infantry and cavalry remain out of Prussian artillery range

Prussian 3^rd corps cavalry have received casualties, but passed their morale test

The remainder of the artillery fire have proved ineffective.

1200-1600

Napoleon orders all three corps to attack.

In the north his artillery rout the Prussian cavalry

The infantry advance and engage in skirmish fire

In the centre the guard cavalry rout the Prussian dragoons

Their artillery also rout one of the infantry brigades

The guard infantry advance to attack the remainder

In the south 13^th Polish corps are less successful

Their cavalry are repulsed when they charge the Prussian artillery

Their infantry advance to attack, but are held by the Prussian infantry.

1600-2000

In the north 3^rd Prussian corps hold their own but suffer more casualties and lose two brigades in rout.   3^rd French corps continue to attack until nightfall.

In the centre 2^nd Prussian corps are destroyed and all five brigades are in rout.   1^st French corps suffer only light casualties

In the south 4^th Prussian corps hold and repulse the French attack.   13^th Polish corps are forced to call off the attack, and lose one brigade in rout.

Conclusion

Blucher has suffered heavy casualties and with his centre broken is forced to retreat under cover of darkness.

The French have lost 2200 casualties and one brigade in rout

The Prussians have lost 6200 casualties and nine brigades in rout