25 June 1813 – Battle of Gardelegen

Tactical map of battle area

1^st Prussian corps is Bluchers last battle ready corps

The other three are in retreat following their recent defeat

1^st corps still has cavalry and gunner casualties from their defeat at Jeggau

Napoleon has ordered 4^th French corps to attack them

Another victory will secure the campaign for the French

Prussian – 12000 infantry, 900 cavalry, 27 guns

French – 12000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Table at start of wargame

The city of Gardelegen is off table on the right

1^st Prussian corps is deployed on the right to hold the approach

4^th French corps are deployed on the left ready to advance

0800-1200

The French have advanced into the centre square

Their artillery open fire and hit the Prussians in the woods

The landwehr pass their morale test and hold their position

Extend table to the right

The table has been extended to the right   This is to allow the fighting to take place in the centre of the table.  The city on the right is Gardelegen

1200-1600

The French artillery continue to fire on the woods

The Prussian garrison receive another 400 casualties and are shaken

The French commander orders his infantry to advance and take the woods

Their cavalry advance to cover the attack

With the French infantry now in range the Prussians guns open fire

They hit the leading brigade, who fail their morale and rout with 400 casualties

The supporting brigade also fail their morale and join the rout

Conclusion

Having lost half of his infantry general Rouget calls off the French attack

Although the Prussians have suffered more casualties, they have won the battle

It will take at least two days for the French to rally and resupply

The French have lost 400 casualties and have two brigades in rout

The Prussians have lost 800 casualties but still hold Gardelengen