14 March 1813 – Central Germany - Day 1

 

Both commanders want to gain intelligence about the enemy before they commit to battle.   To do so both send cavalry patrols into the disputed ground between them.

 

In the north this develops into a battle at Wiessensee

 

The battle opens with a skirmish for the town, which develops into a full attack

Both commanders send in a second brigade to support the fight

The French charge the Russians, but lose the melee and rout into their reserve

The reserve brigade fail their morale test and also rout

As they retreat they come under fire from the Russian artillery

They suffer a further 10% casualties and continue to rout

 

With the loss of two infantry brigades the French cannot continue to attack

They break contact and retreat