16 April 1813 – Battle of Gadebusch

Tactical map of battle area

2^nd Prussian army still have considerable battle casualties from Wittingen

Both cavalry brigades have suffered 20% casualties

But they must hold Gadebusch until Blucher receives news from Fletchingen.

 

3^rd French Army – 7 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

2^nd Prussian Army – 7 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

Table at start of battle

2^nd Prussian army are deployed in front of Gadebusch at the start of the battle

There is a strong reserve in the centre of 2 infantry, 1 cavalry and 1 corps artillery

3^rd corps hold the left flank with only 2 infantry brigades

4^th corps on the right flank is stronger with 2 infantry, 1 cavalry and corps artillery

 

3^rd French army will arrive on the left edge of the table at the start of move 1

End of move 2

3^rd French army are advancing from the left

 

4^th Prussian corps are moving into position far side of village

Prussian reserve 12 pounder artillery open fire, but no casultie

3^rd Prussian corps deploy on hill

End of move 4

5^th French corps start to deploy

Prussian cavalry charge artillery, gunners take shelter in square

16^th Italian cavalry move forward to engage Prussian cavalry

End of move 6

4^th Prussian corps withdraw

5^th French corps follow up

 

French reserve infantry and artillery advance

 

16^th Italian cavalry charge Prussian reserve cavalry

Italians win and Prussians retreat shaken

However both brigades now have 30% casualties so are non effective

Italian infantry advance towards hill

End of move 8

5^th corps artillery open fire on Gadebusch at short range

But no casualties to garrison

 

French reserve artillery unlimber and open fire on Prussian reserve

Reserve infantry advance

 

3^rd Prussian corps advance to left edge of hill

Italian infantry skirmish with Prussian infantry on hill

Prussians receive 20% casualties but pass morale test

End of move 10

5^th corps artillery continue to fire on garrison, who receive 10% casualties

French cavalry charge and melee Prussian brigade, early result a draw

 

Large infantry melee in the centre between the two reserves

French artillery redeploy to fire on village

 

The Italian attack on the hill is going well

The first Prussian brigade has been routed

They are supported by an elite grenadier brigade, who hold their ground

 

At this stage either side could still win the battle

End of move 12

5^th French corps rout 4^th Prussian corps, but suffer heavy casualties

French reserve win in the centre and take the farm

16^th Italian corps lose melee for hill and rout

 

At nightfall the Prussians retreat and abandon Gadebusch

Summary

3^rd French army won the battle in the last two rounds

However they have suffered so many casualties it will take days to recover

 

3^rd Prussian corps hold the southern hill, but most of the corps are in rout

 

The French have lost 10 infantry and 6 cavalry casualties (4600 men)

The Prussians have lost 17 infantry, 7 cavalry and 1 artillery casualties (7600 men)