5 May 1813 – Battle of Jena

Tactical map of battle area

This is the third battle of the campaign

The French attacked and lost at Naumburg

The Russians attacked and lost at Saafeld

The French are determined to win this battle

 

French – 8 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

Russian – 8 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

Table at start of battle

French are deployed on the left in front of Weimar

Russians are deployed on the right, Jena is off table right

Both commanders have created a reserve

Both have one corps artillery and three infantry brigades

End of move 2

2^nd French infantry advance on hill, cavalry in northern valley

 

French reserve artillery have deployed, infantry continue to advance

 

6^th French infantry enter fortified inn

Artillery have unlimbered to fire on Russian cavalry

End of move 4

2^nd French infantry continue to advance on hill, cavalry keep pace in the northern valley

 

French and Russian artillery exchange fire

Russian reserve infantry receive casualties, but pass morale test

 

6^th French and 1^st  Russian artillery exchange fire

No casualties on either side            

End of move 6

2^nd French corps approach the end of the hill

 

Reserve artillery continue to fire on Russian infantry

Reserve infantry advance within Russian artillery range

 

6^th French artillery continue to fire on Russian infantry

Infantry and cavalry advance within range of Russian artillery

End of move 8

2^nd French corps hold their position on the hill

Waiting to see the outcome of the reserve attack

2^nd Russian corps withdraw towards farm

 

French reserve advance to attack.

French reserve artillery hit Russian gunners

They fail their morale and are shaken with 10% casualties

Russian reserve artillery hit French infantry

They pass their morale and are disordered with 10% casualties

 

6^th French corps attack

Artillery hit Russian infantry who pass morale with 10% casualties

Cavalry charge Cossacks, but lose melee and retire shaken

End of move 10

2^nd French corps halt on  hill to await support from reserve

French reserve attack

Infantry charge and rout shaken gunners

Supporting infantry fail their morale and join rout

 

6^th French corps retreat

Their cavalry rally and cover the retreat

 

Summary

The French have won in the centre, lost in the south and draw in the north

Their reserve artillery move into position to support the attack in the north

The Russians have won in the south

With the loss of their centre, the Russians withdraw towards Jena.

 

The French have lost 2 infantry and 1 cavalry casualties (900 men)

The Russians have lost 3 infantry, 1 cavalry and 1 artillery casualties (1500 men)