19 April 1813 – Battle of Barchfeld

Tactical map of battle area

Both armies have battle casualties and supply problems

Marshal Davout orders desperate surprise attack

Russian – 32000 infantry, 3000 cavalry, 87 guns

French – 31600 infantry, 2900 cavalry, 90 guns

Table at start of wargame

All Russian corps start game on the table

French HQ, 6 and 14 corps arrive start of move 1

French 2 corps arrive start of move 5 

0800-1200

12 Russian brigade has been ordered to vacate Barchfeld and rejoin 3^rd corps.

1^st Russian corps has advanced to join 3^rd corps

4^th Russian corps are still waiting for orders to advance

6^th French and 14^th Westphalian corps have been ordered to engage the Russians

Their cavalry cover the deployment of the artillery and infantry

Davout is moving to join 2^nd corps and give them orders

1200-1600

2^nd French corps arrive and deploy out of range of 1^st Russian corps

6^th French and 14^th Westphalian corps are ordered to advance and engage Barchfeld

Their cavalry charge and rout 3^rd Russian Cossacks and gunners

The arrival of 4^th Russian corps halts the French advance

Their cavalry rout 6^th French cavalry

Russian artillery rout 23^rd French brigade

This allows 3^rd Russian corps to hold the town and woods

Both armies have suffered considerable disorder

Both will have to regroup before they can continue the battle

Conclusion

3^rd Russian corps have lost their cavalry and artillery

Despite this Wittgenstein held Barchfeld and won the battle

The Russians have lost 700 casualties and two brigades in rout

The French have lost 2100 casualties and two brigade in rout