Recently posted my scenario for the Battle of Wartenburg Oct 3, 1813 along with complete scenario AAR report on the play test. Links below.
The battle of Wartenburg was a small battle compared to the grand battles of the 1813 campaign. The Army of Silesia marched to the Elbe River near Wartenburg, spanned the river with Russian and Prussian pontoonier detachments, then spent (wasted) several days organizing their initial crossing forces while the French basically did nothing to oppose their crossing. Ney woke up to the messages of his staff commanders and sent the full IV Corps under General Bertrand to defend the river crossing. The last division (15th Italian) arrived the day before the Prussians performed their serious river crossing march on October 3rd.
General Bertrand was unaware he was facing the entire Army of Silesia, he thought only the 1st Korps of Prussia under General Yorck was local to his position at Wartenburg. Had he known the true state of events, his messages to Marshal Ney would have been urgent for reinforcements. Still, the entire might of the Army of Silesia wasn't used by Blucher and Yorck, only the four Prussian brigades saw any serious action on the 3rd of October.
During the evening of October 2nd to 3rd, the Prussian advance guard (mostly the 1st and 2nd Brigades), crossed the river pontoon brigades and, early in the misty morning light, bumped into the alert French defense at the dike. After several sharp close engagements, the 1st and 2nd Brigades fell back… some accounts say routed back, requiring the personal intervention of Generals Blucher and Yorck to stem the discouraged Prussian infantry. Having rallied their troops, the Prussian command staff changed their plan of attack to the scenario starting positions. 1st Brigade (Steinmetz) stood before the French 12th Division (Morand) positions at the dike, detaching several battalions and cavalry to join 2nd Brigade (Pz. Carl Mecklenburg-Strelitz) along the Elster to Bleddin river road. 2nd Brigade would then attack along the river bank roadway (path really), defeat the 38th Wurttemberg Division (Franquemont) and march around the French defenses at Wartenburg. The 7th and 8th Brigades will follow and support the 2nd Brigade's advance. Simple plan… but all planning disappears when the cannon roar.
Scenario page link: link
Scenario AAR link: link
Monthly Los Angeles (CA) historical scenario gaming in the warren. If interested contact WR via information on his blog.
Enjoy. M aka WR
paints brigs for the British fleet.
