"Johann von Thielmann's Saxons in 1809" Topic

At the risk of becoming the rather annoying "noob" with lots of questions. Does anyone know were I could find more information on the Saxon troops that Johann von Thielmann invaded Bohemia with on the 25 May,1809?

I'm assuming it wasn't a very big force as from what I can tell he was forced to retreat by 6000 Austrians and the Duke of Brunswick counter invading Saxony. Also as far as I can tell large numbers of Saxons formed Napoleon's IX corps so I'm again guessing, like the Austrians, Thielmann's troops were scrapped up from some left overs for this secondary theatre?

Best book to gor for, including marvellous iconogaphy is

Hemmann, Thomas : Der Krieg in Sachsen 1809 dargestellt von Geissler und Dauerweid, books on demand

Additionally to vW recommendation you should get a copy of the book by Anton Ernstberger with title "Die Deutschen Freikorps 1809 in Böhmen", published 1942.

It covers on more than 500 pages the role of the several "Freikorps" formed in 1809 – not only the Brunswick but also in Hesse and Franconia.

Greetings from Berlin
Markus Stein

"With Eagles to Glory" says for mid June:

Grenadier battalion von Einsiedel
Combined Bn (2 grenadier & 2 line co.)
I/von Oebschelwitz
Detachment of Burgsdorff Reg't (101 men)
Two foot batteries -- 14 guns
Zastrow Cuirassiers -- 4 squadrons
OTL v Gablenz Hussars -- 3 squadrons
von Polenz Chevauxlegers -- 1 squadron
One horse battery -- 8 guns

2,880 men.

The list for May shows 4 less horse artillery pieces, 1 less squadrons of hussars, 2 less squadrons of cuirassiers, and no Burgsdorff detachment. The combined battalion did not exist, but the 2 independent grenadier companies did, as well as 2 depot battalions, which were made up of sweeping from other depot battalions. These 2 battalions were reduced to 2 companies of fit soldiers and combined with the grenadiers to make the combined battalion.

3,300 men, many unfit for field duty. I think a big chunk of that number came from the 2 depot battalions that apparently were mostly composed of invalids.

Thanks everyone.

79thPA@ looks like a very poor bunch I love it and a force small enough to actually collect. Quite surprised Thielmann launched an invasion of Bohemia with that lot no wonder it didn't go well.

I cannot see a poor bunch, the combined grenadier battalion, certainly trained soldiers, some goes for the cavalry – the horse artillery was recently formed and in contrast to that one formed under Bernadotte in his Saxon corps – they had already a modern dress with shakos.

Von winterfeldt@ my comment was more aimed at this part of 79thPAs post

"3,300 men, many unfit for field duty. I think a big chunk of that number came from the 2 depot battalions that apparently were mostly composed of invalids."

A short time later the Westphalians met up with Thielmann in Saxony. I believe it was a mixed advance guard type of brigade. I can get you the Westphalian list this evening.

79thPA@ that would be good thank you. I think I'm sold on 1809 in Bohemia and Saxony much smaller forces, lots of interesting little "armies" and not much in the way of elite units it's ticking lots of boxes for me.

I agree. Saxony, Bohemia, Dalmatia, and the Tyrol are all interesting little sub-campaigns within the larger 1809 campaign.

Westphalians under GB d'Albignac:

1st Infantry Regiment (1,680)
6th Infantry Regiment (1,700)
Garde-Jager Battalion (600)
1st Cuirassier Regiment (400)
Garde Chevauxlegers (500)
artillery battery (6 guns)

79thPA@ thank you again very useful for my project 👍