14 April 1813 – Battle of Celle

Tactical map of battle area

General Kliest, commander of 1^st Prussian corps, has orders to hold the town of Celle, which is on the right flank of the Prussian army.

General Barrois, commander of 3^rd French corps, had been ordered to cross the river Weser and threaten Celle.   This attack is intended to draw the Prussian reserve to the north, and away from the main French attack planned on the southern flank.

French – 16000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Prussian – 16000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Table at start of wargame

To carry out his orders, and avoid a major battle, Barrois decided to cross north of Celle, and threaten the Prussian flank.   To do so he would first have to secure a foothold on the eastern bank.

On 13^th April he sent his dragoon brigade to recce the far bank, and if possible secure the bridge.   They were engaged by a Prussian hussar brigade, but the dragoons won the melee and the Prussians withdrew.

At first light on 14^th April the French crossed to the eastern bank.

Kliest had one division in Celle.  His second division, and his corps artillery, were deployed to cover the road bridge leading to the town.  He ordered his hussar brigade to observe the northern bridge, and the two brigades in the town to join the remainder of the corps.

0800-1200

The French dragoons again advanced and charged the Prussian hussars.   The hussars refused to counter charge, and were routed by the dragoons.   This allowed the French to cross the river unopposed.   The loss of their cavalry caused some problems for the two brigades in Celle, one had to form square west of the town to cover the routed hussar brigade.

However the Prussian gunners caused casualties amongst the French infantry as they crossed the river and deployed to attack.   One brigade suffered 10% casualties, but held their morale.

1200-1600

The two right hand French brigades advance to engage the Prussian infantry.   Their artillery fire on the Prussian square in support.   The square receive 10% casualties, but continue to make their morale.

With his corps so widely dispersed, Barrois must decide which flank to give priority.   He moves to take command of the infantry skirmish on the right.   The Prussian artillery is outflanked, and retreats behind the infantry support.   The four infantry brigades skirmish, but to little effect.

1600-1900

Barrois orders his two brigades to advance and initiate a firefight.  His artillery continue to fire on the square, who hold their formation despite 30% casualties.

The French win the firefight, and both Prussian brigades are routed.  The nearby artillery limber and retreat.   The badly damaged square test their morale because of the infantry rout.  They lose their morale and join the rout

Conclusion

Kliest has lost three of his four infantry brigades.  He orders the remainder of his corps to break contact and retreat towards Lehre.

The French have lost 1200 casualties

The Prussians have lost 2800 casualties