The Battle of Luneburg

Campaign Background

This wargame is also part of a campaign based in 1813. It takes place one day after the previous battle of Horst. This part of the campaign dealt with the French counter offensive to halt the Prussian push to take Hannover

A Prussian corps were deployed in and around Luneburg.

The French Garde Imperial were ordered to take the town.


Wargame

The wargame was fought in October 2008 using 28mm figures

Paul commanded the French
Jan commanded the Prussians

The Prussians are determined to hold Luneburg, and put up a fierce defence. The leading Grenadier brigade is thrown back and the left hand supporting brigade also lose their morale and are Shaken. The third brigade has finally taken the town, but are disordered. The fourth brigade, on the left, are advancing to take on the Prussian reserves.

The French cavalry have driven off the Prussian cavalry, but not without casualties themselves. The Prussian garrison is in rout, and both supporting infantry brigades are shaken, the nearest one has formed square to deter the French cavalry


The Prussians are in retreat, but they have put up a good fight. The French have lost 2 cavalry and 6 infantry, the Purssians 3 cavalry and 7 infantry. However all of the French casualties are on the Imperial Garde.

The French have won the battle, but at heavy cost. The earlier French defeats at Horst and Buckholz would mean that the Garde would also have to retreat, despite their victory.

The Battle of Horst

Campaign Background

This wargame is also part of a campaign based in 1813. It takes place one day after the previous battle of Bucholz.

Horst is north west of Bucholz, and 3rd Prussian corps were deployed in and around the town. 3rd French corps have orders to take the town.

Wargame

The wagame was fought in October 2008 using 28mm figures

Paul commanded the French
Jan commanded the Prussians


The French entered through the hills on the right. The Prussian hussars moved forward to spot them, but were charged by the cuirassiers and routed (on left of photo).

The Prussian artillery in the foreground have already routed the leading French infantry brigades, but the loss of their cavalry support has caused them to abandon their guns and seek safety behind the infantry square.

The French have lost three of their infantry brigades (left), but one brigade still poses a threat as it is supported by artillery and the cuirassiers.

The Prussian infantry (right) advance in column to support the garrison of Horst.



The remaining French infantry brigade, and the cuirassiers, have both failed their morale due to the rout, and are now Shaken.

The French commander orders a general retreat leaving the Prussians in control of the town.

Battle of Bucholz

Campaign Background
This wargame is part of a campaign based in 1813.

The French are retreating towards Hamburg and have turned to hit the advancing Prussians at Bucholz.


Wargame
The wargame was fought in September 2008, using 28mm figures

French (Paul) on right
Prussians (Jan) on left

Photo 1 – Prussians defend Bucholz

1^st Prussian corps are deployed in and around Bucholz.

2^nd French corps approach from the right. On their right the cuirassier brigade has routed the Prussian hussars.

Photo 2 – French approach Bucholz

With the loss of their cavalry the Prussians have been forced to form square against the French cavalry.

The French infantry are strung out due to their approach march over the hills.

Photo 3 – French left break

The French artillery, and two infantry brigades, rout over the hills, leaving their guns behind. One infantry brigade is still engaged with the enemy beside Bucholz, supported by another brigade and the cuirassiers. All have received casualties.

Photo 4 – French withdraw

Greatly outnumbered the French are about to withdraw, covered by their cavalry.
The Prussians have suffered only light casualties

Campaign Result
This was a major defeat for the French, and they continued their retreat towards Hamburg.