3 March 1813 – Battle of Donauworth

Tactical map of battle area

Background to battle

To keep control of the bridge the Austrians would have to prevent the Bavarians from taking control of Donauworth.    If they did so, the Austrians would have to retreat to maintain the “no mans land” square between the two armies.

Both corps have one infantry brigade absent on garrison duty

Austrian – 12000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

French – 12000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Table at start of wargame

Both corps start on the wargames table on blinds

0800 - 1100

The battle opened with the Bavarian cavalry advancing to “spot” the Austrian position

This forced the Austrians to replace their blind with figures before the Bavarians

One Bavarian brigade was sent to occupy Donauworth

The remainder of the corps deployed north of the town

The Austrian dragoons advanced to counter the enemy cavalry

They also sent one infantry brigade to occupy the town

The remainder of the corps deployed opposite the enemy

The Austrian artillery hit the Bavarian gunners as they unlimbered

The Bavarians passed their morale test, but would suffer reduced accuracy

By lunchtime  both sides had occupied the nearest part of the town

The artillery fired on the enemy garrison, and the garrisons skirmished

The Bavarian gunners were firing at close range, but with reduced efficiency

No further casualties were received by either side.

1100 - 1500

The battle settled down to an exchange of skirmish fire between the two sections of the town, supported by artillery fire from both sides.   The Bavarian gunners were more effective, as they were within short range of the enemy garrison.

Both sides sent a second infantry brigade to support the garrison.   They do so by moving into the centre of the town section.   When required they can swop with the garrison by using three command points.   Neither brigade can fire during this move.

1500 - 1800

As the town fighting moved in favour of the Bavarians, the Austrian commander changed his tactics.   He replaced his battered garrison with the reserve brigade.

He also redeployed his artillery to fire on the enemy cavalry.  He also ordered his heavy cavalry to advance to engage the lighter Bavarian cavalry.

His gunners missed their target.   His cavalry could only manage a draw against the lighter enemy cavalry

1800 - 1900

Whilst the cavalry melee was taking place, the Bavarian gunners continued to fire on the enemy garrison.   The new garrison failed their morale and routed.   The battered reserve, still within the town, joined them

Conclusion

With the loss of Donauworth the Austrians lost the battle

They would have to retreat over the river

The Austrians have lost 1200 infantry and two brigades are in rout

The Bavarians have lost 400 infantry, 100 gunners and three guns

Battle Summary

The Austrians have orders to hold the bridge over the river Lech

However to do so they must also prevent the Bavarians from taking Donauworth

If they do so, the Austrians will have to retreat.

This is to maintain the “no mans land” between the two armies.

The Bavarians put one brigade in the town

The remainder of the corps deployed north of the town

The Austrians follow suit

The Bavarian gunners advanced to short range of the enemy held town section

In doing so they suffered 100 casualties from the Austrian artillery

This would reduce their firing effectiveness.

The battle consisted of skirmish fire between the two garrisons

Supported by artillery fire on the enemy held part of the town

Both sides replaced their garrison with fresh brigades

Eventually the Austrian garrison lost their morale and routed

The Bavarians took possession of Donauworth

The Austrians retreated towards Aichach.

The Austrians have lost 1200 infantry and two brigades are in rout

The Bavarians have lost 400 infantry, 100 gunners and three guns