2 November 1813 – Battle of Eisleben

Tactical map of battle area

1^st Russian corps has orders to hold Eisleben

They can retreat as soon as they are aware that two French corps are attacking

2^nd corps will arrive in square 13 at the start of move 1

14^th corps will arrive in square 13 at the start of move 5

  

French – 32000 infantry, 2000 cavalry, 60 guns

Russian – 20000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Table at start of battle

Eisleben is the walled town top centre

19 infantry brigade is the garrison

2^nd Russian corps is deployed in the centre square

2^nd French corps will arrive lower right at start of move 1

HQ and 14^th Westphalian corps will arrive behind them start of move 5

Move 1 : 0800-0900

2^nd Russian corps redeploy to meet French advance

2^nd French corps arrive and advance in column of march

Move 2 : 0900-1000

2^nd Russian corps complete their redeployment

2^nd French corps continue to advance

Move 3 : 1000-1100

2^nd French corps swing towards Russian position

2^nd Russian corps wait for them to come within artillery range

Move 4 : 1100-1200

2^nd French corps start to deploy

Artillery unlimber, half infantry continue to advance

2^nd Russian corps move first, unable to fire now French are within range

Move 5 : 1200-1300

14^th Westphalian corps arrive on table, led by CinC

2^nd Russian corps fire on French gunners, no casualties

React to sight of Westphalians arrival

Two infantry brigades retreat, remainder form square

2^nd French corps hit infantry to right of artillery

They receive 10% casualties but pass morale test

French lancer brigade advance to pin enemy rear guard

Move 6 : 1300-1400

2^nd French corps artillery fire and no casualties

2^nd Guard Grenadiers charge and rout Russian artillery

14^th Westphalian corps continue to advance

14^th Lancers charge and rout Russian dragoons

Russian gunners routed with 20% casualties

Nearby infantry brigade lose morale and rout

Dragoons lose melee and rout with 10% casualties

Three nearby infantry brigades are shaken

Move 7 : 1400-1500

2^nd French corps cavalry rally and corps advance

24^th Westphalian corps cavalry also rally

Corps continue to advance in column of march

2^nd Russian corps are broken

Routed cavalry and gunners cause all infantry to test morale

Three brigades are broken, one pass morale and cover retreat

Conclusion

2^nd Russian corps are broken and in rout

The garrison of Eisleben abandon the town and join rout

2^nd French and 14^th Westphalian corps advance to occupy Eisleben

The French have lost 200 casualties

The Russians have lost 700 casualties