13 April 1813 – Battle of Wittingen

Tactical map of battle area

The campaign opens with 2^nd Prussian army attacking Wittingen

The town is defended by 3^rd French army

 

3^rd French Army – 8 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

2^nd Prussian Army – 8 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

Table at start of battle

3^rd French army are deployed on the left of the table

St Cyr has placed two infantry brigades in the town and taken command of them

 

2^nd Prussian army are deployed in column of march on the right of the table

Blucher has created a reserve of both corps artillery and two infantry brigades in the centre.

End of Move 2

16^th Italian corps (left) move forward and occupy the farm

The rest of the French wait for the Prussians to advance

 

4^th Prussian corps (top) advance slowly over the hill

Reserve (centre) move to support 4^th corps

3^rd Prussian corps (bottom) move down from the hill

End of Move 4

4^th Prussian corps (top) reach left of hill and deploy into column of attack

Prussian reserve artillery engage French gunners

3^rd Prussian corps (bottom) move down from hill and form column of attack

End of Move 6

3^rd and 4^th Prussian corps halt out of artillery range

Prussian reserve artillery rout 5^th French corps gunners

But fail to cause any casualties to French infantry or cavalry

End of Move 8

The Prussians must attack now, or risk running out of time

Top – 4^th corps advance, their cavalry charge French cuirassiers

Centre – Reserve advance to bring guns into close range

Bottom - 3^rd corps advance towards farm, French cavalry move forward

End of Move 10

Top – Prussian cavalry lose melee, infantry forced to halt and form square

Centre – Reserve artillery break and rout nearest French infantry brigade

Bottom – 3^rd corps attack farm, French infantry advance to support garrison

French cavalry support counter attack, melee is a draw

End of Move 12

Top – French have held the flank.   They have routed one cavalry and one infantry brigade.   They have also lost one infantry brigade and their artillery.

 

Centre – French have held the town.

 

Bottom – Italians have lost the farm, but held the flank.   They have routed one infantry and one cavalry brigade.   However they have lost their own cavalry and two infantry brigades, including the garrison of the farm.          

 

Summary

The French have lost more casualties than the Prussians.  However they have held their position, including the town.   They have won the battle.

 

The French have lost 11 infantry, 6 cavalry and 1 gunner casualties (5100 men)

The Prussians have lost 9 infantry and 8 cavalry casualties (4400 men)