North Germany - Introduction

Northern Germany Strategic Map

Background

Napoleon considered the Prussians to be allies, and they had agreed to hold the Russian Army east of Berlin at the river Oder, whilst he reorganized the French Army behind the river Rhine.   He was unaware of the secret  allied treaty.    He was also unaware that the Russians had crossed the river Oder on 20 January 1813.

On 10 February 1813 Generalfeldmarschall Blucher took command of the Prussian Army, which was concentrated to the west of Berlin.   He issued orders for them to move west, cross the river Elbe and secure Magdeburg.   They entered Magdeburg on 20 February 1813.

Napoleon had ordered the First French Army to be formed at Hannover.   On 26 February 1813 he arrived there and took command.   He was determined to teach the Prussians a lesson for their betrayal.

First French Army

Napoleon commanded four corps.   The Old Guard, two French corps and one Polish corps.
Each corps consisted of four infantry brigades, one cavalry brigade and corps artillery.   

Prussian Army

Blucher commanded four corps
Each corps consisted of four infantry brigades, one cavalry brigade and corps artillery.