7 May 1813 – Second Battle of Sulza

Tactical map of battle area

Both armies are weakened by battle casualties

Davout is determined to reverse French failures

He orders 6^th French army to attack Sulza

 

French – 8 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

Russian – 8 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

Table at start of battle

French are on the left

Macdonald has created a reserve of three infantry and one cavalry brigades

Russians are on the right

Winzingerode has created a reserve of three infantry, one cavalry and artillery brigades

End of move 2

French advance towards Sulza

Reserve moves over the hills either side of the main road

8^th and 15^th Corps move through the north and south valley’s

End of move 4

French and Russian artillery open fire

One Russian brigade is hit, breaks and runs away

End of move 6

8^th French corps advance

5^th Russian corps move down from hill to meet them

 

French reserve cavalry charge artillery

Cossacks counter charge, lose melee and rout

French cavalry fail to rally and charge nearest infantry brigade, who also rout

Gunners abandon guns and  take shelter in remaining infantry square.

 

15^th Vistula corps await outcome of attack in the centre

Artillery hit Russian square in support of artillery

Infantry pass morale test, but now have 20% casualties

Summary

With three brigades in rout Winzingerode orders a general retreat

 

The French have suffered no casualties

The Russians have lost 3 infantry and 1 cavalry casualties (1300 men)