6 September 1813 – Central Germany – Bayreuth Campaign

Tactical Map

The campaign opened with the Russian Army west of the river Saale, with three corps deployed between Kulmbach and Bayreuth.   A fourth corps was further south holding Escherbach and the southern river Saale.

Davout opened the campaign by sending two corps to take Escherbach and outflank the river line.   4^th Russian corps retreated north with heavy casualties.

Wittgenstein reacted by moving 2^nd and 3^rd corps to plug the gap

Davout now moved his attack to the far north, and sent 2^nd corps to take Kulmbach and cut the Russian lines of communications.   1^st Russian corps counter attacked and sent the French back west of the river.

Three French corps attacked Bayreuth and again defeated the Russians, who retreated north towards Kulmbach.

Both armies concentrated for the final battle, which would be fought at Kulmbach.   The French won again and forced Wittgenstein to order a general retreat.

The campaign ended in a French victory.  

Strategic Map

 The Bayreuth campaign was the sixth phase in Central Germany between Second French and the Russian armies.   It lasted 12 days and there were four battles.  The French won three, the Russians just one

                                          

French lost 4800 infantry, 200 cavalry and 3 guns

Russians lost 8800 infantry, 600 cavalry and18 guns

The French won the Bayreuth campaign phase

The campaign started on 12 September and ended on 30 January 2019