5 April 1813 – Battle of Bayerbach

Tactical map of battle area

The Austrians have taken Bayerbach, Branau and Eggelsberg

In doing so they have over extended their lines of supply

All six corps are running short of supplies

 

The Bavarians are fully supplied, having retreated to their depots

However they have suffered more battle casualties than the Austrians

Despite this Massena is determined to take advantage of the situation

He orders 7^th French army to attack Bayerbach

 

French – 6 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

Prussian – 6 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

 

Start of move 1

Both Austrian corps are deployed on the table at the start of the game

4^th infantry brigade is in the left hand town section

Most of 2^nd corps are deployed outside the town

They are ready to move into the area between the town and the farm

 

Both Bavarian corps will arrive top and centre left at the start of move 1.

End of move 2

The Austrians have adjusted their deployment to meet the Bavarian approach

The CinC has created a reserve, in the centre, of two infantry brigades

 

The Bavarians are advancing

10^th corps have detached one brigade to enter the inn on the right

The CinC has also created a reserve of two brigades, also in the centre.

End of move 4

The Austrian reserve has been disbanded, brigades sent back to their corps

2^nd corps have retreated slightly to avoid being outflanked

1^st corps cavalry charge guns, but are counter charged by 9^th dragoons

Melee is a draw, both sides now have 30% casualties and are non operational

 

Bavarian artillery open fire, but no casualties

10^th corps occupy inn

Cavalry advance left of the inn to outflank 2^nd corps

9^th corps dragoons counter charge to save gunners

Melee is a draw, both cavalry brigades non operational

End of move 6

The Austrian reserve is moving through the town to rejoin 2^nd corps

1^st corps redeploy and wait for enemy to attack

Cavalry melee is a draw, both lose 40% casualties and both rout

 

10^th Bavarian corps advance

Bavarian reserve advance

9^th Bavarian corps hold their position

End of move 8

2^nd Austrian corps now have the two detached infantry brigades back

Their cavalry fight an undecided melee, both sides have received 10% casualties

1^st Austrian corps retreat one infantry brigade who have received 30% casualties

 

10^th Bavarian corps advance on the left

Their cavalry continue to melee on their left

The Bavarian reserve receive artillery casualties but continue to advance

9^th Bavarian corps artillery have forced an Austrian brigade to retreat

                                                                  End of move 10

On the left there is extensive hand to hand fighting.

Bavarian reserve and 10^th corps have closed with 2^nd Austrian corps

Despite considerable casualties, neither side is giving way

 

On the right 1^st Austrian and 9^th Bavarian corps each have two infantry brigades

The Bavarian artillery moves forward into close range

The Bavarian infantry advance

End of move 12

The Austrians won the extended infantry melee on the left

Bavarian infantry took the town, but had to retreat with the rest of 10^th corps

9^th Bavarian corps also retreated with 10^th corps

 

The Austrians won the game

 

Summary

Both sides suffered heavy casualties, particularly the cavalry

The Austrians lost more casualties, but had better morale

They lost 5 brigades in rout, to 4 Bavarian brigades

 

The Bavarians have lost 11 infantry and 6 cavalry casualties (5000 men)

The Austrians have lost 13 infantry and 6 cavalry casualties (5800 men)