26 March 1813 – Battle of Gotha

Tactical map of battle area

Background to battle

Three French corps have orders to attack Gotha

One Russian corps has orders to hold Gotha

There are no Russian corps within supporting distance

French          38,800 infantry, 3000 cavalry, 90 guns

Russians       12,000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Wargame

Because of the complicated background to the battle no wargame will be fought

The result will be calculated by map movement and Campaign Rule 09

0800

This map shows the location of each corps at first light

All three French corps have orders to attack

2^nd Russian corps has orders to hold

1200 

5^th French corps attacks to pin 2^nd Russian corps in Gotha

2^nd and 14^th corps advance to join the attack

1600

14^th French joins 6^th French attacking the walled city

2^nd French moves to join attack

2000  

All three French corps attack the city

Conclusion

An obvious French victory

The French have lost 1200 infantry

The Russians have lost 2000 infantry, 100 cavalry and 100 gunners

Outcome

Russians retreat under cover of darkness

Battle Summary

2^nd Russian corps have orders to hold the walled city of Gotha

There are no other Russian corps within supporting distance

5^th French corps attacks the city to pin the garrison

They are joined by 2^nd and 14^th corps

The battle continues all day

At nightfall the Russians retreat

The French lose 1200 casualties

The Russians lose 2200 casualties