13 May 1813 - Central Germany

Wittgenstein has ordered 4^th corps to hold Eisenbach.  The remainder of his army is deployed to hold the Rosdorf, Barchfeld and Meiningen.

Davout orders 5^th corps to attack Eisenbach and the rest of his army to advance.   6^th corps occupy Friedland and 14^th corps Kaufungen.   2^nd corps is in position to support the attack on Eisenbach if necessary.

13 May 1813 – Battle of Eisenach

Tactical map of battle area

General Langeron has been ordered to hold Eisenach, which is 20 miles west of the main Russian deployment area.

Davout has ordered a surprise attack, in order to take Eisenach before the Russians can react to his advance.   5^th French corps is ordered to attack, with 2^nd corps moving to support in case they should fail to take the town.

French – 16000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Russian – 16000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Table at start of wargame 

4^th Russian corps is deployed in and around Eisenach.

5^th French corps is deployed in column of attack on the left

Marshal Davout has taken personal command of the corps.

0800-1200

The French have advanced their artillery to open fire on the town.

The infantry have halted out of artillery range

The cavalry have taken cover behind the farm, but are within supporting range of the gunners.

The Russian cavalry have also taken cover behind the farm

Their artillery are conserving their ammunition until the enemy infantry advance

1200-1600

The French artillery have caused 10% casualties on the town garrison

Davout now orders the infantry to advance, and the cavalry to support them

As they advance they come under fire from the Russian gunners

One of the leading brigades suffer 400 casualties

1600-2000

Davout orders an attack on the town

The cuirassiers charge and rout the Russian gunners with 20% casualties

The Russian dragoons charge and rout the disordered cuirassiers with 20% casualties.

The two leading French infantry brigades storm the town

One of the two are routed with 30% casualties

The garrison also lose 30% casualties, but they are elite infantry and hold the town

At nightfall the Russians continue to hold Eisenach

Conclusion

The French have lost one infantry brigade and their cavalry

The Russians have also lost their best infantry brigade and their artillery

Wittgenstein must decide whether to continue to hold Eisenbach

Davout must decide whether to reinforce and attack again tomorrow

The French have lost 2200 casualties and two brigades in rout

The Russians have lost 1400 casualties and their artillery in rout