After the disastrous cavalry battle at Skalice, The Austrians withdrew a few miles closer to Koniggratz and redeployed for battle near the village of Rasosky. After receiving new orders from the "King" the Prussians under Bevern waited a few days before following up. It became quite clear that the "King" had rebuked Bevern and had ordered him to attack the Austrians immediately!
The two armies now contained the following troops:
Austrian Serbelleni Corps: 12 infantry bns, 6 Grenadier cos, 2 Grenz regts. , 2 Kur. regts, 2 Dr. regts, 2 Hus. regts. and 7 12lb gun models. Totals= 1408 infantry figures, 316 cavalry figures, 712lb gun models/ 28 artillerymen
Total = 1752 figures (17520 real men)
Bevern's Command :
8 Infantry regts.,4 Grenadier bns., 2 Kur., regts, 2 Dr. regts, 1 Hus. regts, & 8 12lb gun models. Totals =1,280 infantry figures, 368 cavalry figures and 8 12lbers/ artillerymen=32, Totals= 1,680 figures ( 16800 "real men").
Essentially they were equal in numbers, but both armies' cavalry had suffered terribly in the Battle of Skalice!
They met for battle outside of the small village of Rasosky on the road to Koniggratz!
see AAR; at
link
the first shot is of the Austrian initial deployment: 2 battle lines of infantry with cavalry on flanks:
next: Prussian battle line… also in traditional deployment
Next both battle lines exchange "volley fire"!
the whole front is locked in a firefight!
Butcher Bill:
Austrians: no guns lost. nor artillerymen
Cavalry: 114 lost – 36%
Infantry; 361 lost – 25.6%
Generals killed: none
Total Losses = 475 figures/ 27%
Prussians: no guns lost. nor artillerymen
Cavalry: 48 lost – 13%
Infantry; 333 lost -26%
Generals killed: 3
Total Losses=381 figures/ 22%
A very bloody battle!
The Austrians are retreating towards Koniggratz and can expect to loose more men to straggling and desertion.
Although Bevern is under orders to keep attacking Austrians where ever they may be, his army is not able to continue campaigning without rest and new supplies….especially food and ammunition!
"The King" although happy with the results is not satisfied with Bevern's "overall" performance and questions why he was not able to "bag all the Austrians"!
The 1757 Campaign continues…….
Cheers from Texas
paints brigs for the British fleet.
