19 March 1813 – Battle of Sommerda

 

Tactical map of battle area

Davout is anxious to attack the Russian army before they can concentrate at Weimar.   He orders 5^th French corps to attack 2^nd Russian corps and pin them at Sommerda

 

French – 4 infantry brigades, 1 cavalry brigade, 1 corps artillery         

Russian – 4 infantry brigades, 1 cavalry brigade, 1 corps artillery

Table at start of battle

2^nd Russian corps is deployed directly in front of Sommerda

They are angled to prevent either a frontal attack on the town

But also to counter a drive against the Weimar road

Their orders are to defend the town, but if forced to retreat move to Weimar

To do so they must protect the road from the town to bottom right of the table

5^th French corps will arrive centre left at the start of move 1

Move 4

5^th French corps send their cavalry to secure he high ground

But also to threaten the Weimar road

The rest of the corps advance directly towards Sommerda

 

2^nd Russian corps redeploy to meet the French infantry

Their cavalry move to their left flank to counter the French cavalry

 

Both French and Russian artillery fire on the enemy infantry

Russians fail to hit their target

French hit square beside artillery and cause 10% casualties

Infantry pass their morale test

 

French cavalry halt short of edge of hill

The Russian guns cannot engage them, because they cannot see them

However they must advance to the edge to charge the Russian cavalry

Move 8

Artillery on both sides concentrate their fire on the enemy infantry

The Russians hit three times, the French twice

 

French cavalry charge Russian cuirassiers.

First round of melee is a draw, with each losing 10% casualties

French break and rout after second round of melee, losing a further 20% casualties

 

Meanwhile French infantry advance to attack

One brigade charge and rout the Russian gunners

Move 10

Russian cavalry (with 20% casualties) charge French infantry (with 10% casualties)

Infantry win melee and cavalry rout into nearby square

 

French infantry charge Russian artillery, who fire canister but fail to stop infantry

Gunners rout with 20% casualties

 

Supporting Russian infantry charge French infantry, who lose melee and rout

 

French commander orders a general retreat

 

Summary

After a hard fought battle the Russians still hold Sommerda

The French have lost 8 infantry and 4 cavalry (3600 casualties)

The Russians have lost 4 infantry, 3 cavalry and 2 gunners (2100 casualties)

There are three French brigades in rout and 2 Russian brigades