28 September – North Germany – Day 7

Day 1 of the siege of Salzwedel

The city is defended by 2^nd corps and the reserve

1^st French corps and the reserve have laid siege to the city

The French are only slightly stronger than the defenders

So the siege is not complete

The garrison will be able to collect one days supplies each day

But they will not receive any additional supplies

The defenders will receive reinforcements for battle casualties

There are 8 days supplies in the city

But both 2^nd corps and reserve are about to run out of supplies

Blucher orders the release of one days supplies each day

1^st and 3^rd Prussian corps are also short of supplies

Blucher orders both to hold, resupply and regroup

However due to the siege there is only one days supplies available

The French are in a better supply position

They have reorganised their supply system

1^st and reserve corps have only one days supplies

But both are brought up to three days

This is sufficient as they are the siege force and do not expect to move or fight

3^rd and 13^th corps both have three days supplies

But 3^rd corps is still being reorganised and require reinforcements

13^th corps is fully operational

Napoleon orders them to attack Kladen

The battle of Kladen was a comprehensive victory for the French.   It opened with an ineffective artillery exchange.   The Prussian hussars charged the Polish lancers, and the first round was a draw.  However the Poles won the second round, then failed their morale and pursued the hussars.

Due to the poor performance of the Prussian gunners, the French infantry closed with the Prussian line without serious casualties.  The loss of their cavalry meant that the Prussian infantry had to remain in square, and they were soon broken and routed.   At nightfall five out of six Prussian brigades were broken and seeking safety in Kladen.