19 March 1813 – Central Germany - Day 6

 

In the north 5^th French corps attack Sommerda to prevent 2^nd Russian corps marching south to join the main army at Weimar.

 

In the centre the main French army redeploy at Erfurt in preparation for the critical attack on Weimar.   Supplies are moved from Gotha to Erfurt.

The main Russian army are already in position to the west of Weimar.  They use the delay to resupply and replace battle casualties.

 

In the south 4^th corps are forced to retreat east, following their defeat at the battle of Saalfeld.  The victorious 14^th Westphalian corps enter the town.

 

The battle of Sommerda was hard fought, with both sides suffering heavy casualties

The French lost 3600 and three brigades in rout

The Russians lost 2100 and two brigades in rout

At nightfall the Russians still held the town, and won the battle