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Wednesday, May 24, 2017

22 June 1813 – Battle of Helmstedt



Tactical map of battle area
Napoleon takes advantage of the Prussian disorder after the battle of Jeggau
He orders 1st French corps to attack 4th Prussian corps
In doing so he exposes the still weak 13th Polish corps

Prussian – 15200 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns
French – 16000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns
Table at start of wargame
The French old guard are deployed in and around Jeggau on the left
The Prussians are deployed around the coach inn to hold the approach to Helmstedt
Helmstedt itself is off table on the right

0800-1200
The Prussians are content to await the French attack
They have extended to their left to meet that attack
                                                    
Napoleon has deployed his cavalry and artillery south of the pass
One infantry brigade is in reserve and in support of the artillery
The other three brigades advance under cover of the high ground in the centre.

1200-1600
Napoleon orders a general advance
His cavalry advance to cover the infantry
They are charged by the Prussian dragoons
The Prussians lose and withdraw shaken
The guard cavalry then charge the artillery
The gunners rout with 20% casualties
The Prussian dragoons rally and the guard cavalry withdraw
As the guard infantry advance they come under artillery fire
One brigade lose 10% casualties but continue to advance

1600-2000
Napoleon orders a general attack on the Prussians south of the coaching inn
Horse Chasseurs charge and rout the Prussian dragoons
1st Grenadiers charge and rout the gunners
2nd Grenadiers charge and rout the nearby infantry square
As night falls the Prussian commander orders a general retreat

Conclusion
Pirch has lost one infantry brigade plus his cavalry and artillery
The remaining three infantry brigades withdraw in good order during darkness

The Prussians have lost 1500 casualties and three brigades in rout
The French have lost 400 casualties

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