3 March 1813 – Battle of Augsburg

Tactical map of battle area

Background to battle

10^th Bavarian corps attack the isolated 3^rd Austrian corps at Augsburg

11^th Bavarian and 12^th Baden corps “march to the sound of the guns”

1^st Austrian corps also “march to the sound of the guns”

French – 32000 infantry, 3000 cavalry, 90 guns

Austrian – 28000 infantry, 2000 cavalry, 60 guns

Wargame

Not fought as a wargame

Used uneven battle chart to decide casualties

0800 - 0900

3^rd Austrian corps occupied a very isolated position at Augsburg.

Their nearest support was 1^st corps at Bobingen, a full day’s march to the east.

Despite this they were ordered to move north to E06, and 1^st corps to march to replace them at Augsburg.

At first light 10^th Bavarian corps attacked Augsburg.

They caught 3^rd Austrian corps preparing to march north to E06

As the battle opened both 11^th Bavarian and 12^th Baden corps “marched to the sound of the guns.

0900 - 1200  

By midday 3^rd Austrian corps had been forced to abandon Augsburg and retreat towards the river Lech.   1^st Austrian corps were approaching from Bobingen, but would have to cross the river to support them

10^th Bavarian corps were fighting in Augsburg.   12^th Baden corps were approaching, and would join them by 1600.   11 Baden corps were also approaching, but would find it difficult to find space to deploy due to the bend in the river Lech.

Schwartzenberg would have to decide whether to order 3^rd Austrian corps to hold the west bank, or retreat to the safety of the east bank.   To hold the east bank would risk the destruction of 3^rd Austrian corps 

1200 - 1600

Schwartzenberg decided to take the safe option.   3^rd Austrian corps were ordered to retreat to the east bank.   1^st Austrian corps were ordered to join them to hold the eastern end of the bridge

Meanwhile the Third French army had concentrated around Augsburg

1600 - 2000

At nightfall he two armies were separated by the river Lech

The Austrians held the east bank

The French occupied Augsburg held the west bank

Conclusion

The Austrians were lucky to escape with such odds

They crossed to the east bank of the river Lech

Austrians lost 1600 infantry

French lost 800 infantry

Battle Summary

This was an uneven battle with two French corps against one Austrian corps

It was not fought as a wargame

3^rd Austrian corps occupied a very isolated position at Augsburg

Their nearest supports were at Bobingen, a days march away

They were also on the opposite bank of the river Lech.

Two Bavarian corps attacked Augsburg at day break

After a short fight Schwartzenberg ordered 3^rd corps to retreat

Austrians lost 1600 infantry

Bavarians lost 800 infantry