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Monday, October 19, 2015

26 March 1813 – Battle of Suhl

Tactical map of battle area

Background to battle
 6 French corps have orders to attack Suhl
3 Russian corps have orders to hold F1

French – 11600 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 90 guns
Russian – 15200 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 90 guns
Table at start of wargame
6 French – arrive start of move 1
3 Russian – start on table
0800-0900 
French arrive (far left) and advance south of woods
0900-1000
French start to deploy out of artillery range
One brigade is sent to occupy woods

1000-1100
French artillery unlimber
French cavalry move north of woods to threaten artillery
Russian cossacks are in the wrong place to counter them
1100-1200
French cavalry charge and rout Russian gunners with 20% casualties
Cossacks charge disordered cavalry, but lose melee and retire shaken
1200-1300
French prepare to attack Suhl
Shaken Cossacks fail morale and rout


Conclusion
With the loss of his artillery and cavalry it is clear that Wintzingerode can not hope to hold Suhl.   He orders a general retreat before the French can pin his infantry
The Russians have lost 200 gunners and both artillery and cavalry in rout
The French have suffered no casualties

Outcome
The French have won the battle and taken Suhl


Battle Summary
The Russians held a strong position and outnumbered the French
However they had to use half of their infantry to hold Suhl
The remainder were deployed either side of the town
The exposed south was supported by cavalry and artillery
The French concentrated against the south flank
Their cavalry advanced north of the woods, and charged the exposed gunners
Cannister failed to stop the French, and the gunners routed
The cossacks charged the disordered French cavalry
But they lost the melee and joined the rout
Without either cavalry or artillery the Russian commander had a difficult choice
He could withdraw all of his infantry into Suhl and accept a siege
Or he could retreat before the French could pin his infantry
He choose the latter
The Russians lost 200 gunners and 3 guns
The French suffered no casualties



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