The Battle of Colbitz

Campaign Background

This was part of a mini campaign set in 1813.

After their defeat at Bismark, the fourth French corps retire towards Magdeburg, where they are joined by sixth corps. The combined army march back towards Bismark, but find second and third Prussian corps blocking the road at Colbitz.

Wargame

The wargame was fought in November 2008 using 28mm figures

Paul commanded the French
Jan commanded the Prussians

First French attack

Second French corps attack Colbitz from the north along the Magdeburg road. They fight their way into the western section of the town, but are driven back again. As they retire they are charged by a brigade of Prussian cuirassiers (left), but they hold their ground and rout the cavalry.

Two of the four French infantry brigades are shaken (yellow marker nearest camera) whilst a third in rout (red marker on right) and take the gunners with them. Only one brigade remains (left nearest camera) to cover the withdrawal.

Second French attack

Sixth French corps attack the town from the south. A cavalry brigade leads the infantry columns, and they have already repulsed a Prussian cavalry brigade. After the brief cavalry melee the French (left with green marker) are disordered but have forced the Prussians (right with yellow marker) to retire shaken.

Before they reach the Prussian line, second corps (top of photo) have already broken and are in retreat. This has allowed the Prussians to redeploy their artillery (centre near town) which now outnumber the French two to one.

On receiving news of second corps rout the French commander in chief orders sixth corps to withdraw towards Magdeburg and cover second corps.

The Battle of Bismark

Campaign Background

This was part of a mini campaign set in 1813.

The French are marching on Berlin and as they reach the town of Bismark the Prussians are spotted approaching from Stendel.

The Prussians attack the town before the French can occupy it and prepare it for defence.

Wargame

The wargame was fought in November 2008 using 28mm figures

Paul commanded the French
Jan commanded the Prussians

The Prussians attack Bismark just as the French enter the town. After a brief fight the French are driven out of the town. The Prussian brigade on the left is shaken, the centre and right are disordered. They will have to make their morale before they can move into the town.

On the left the Prussians approach Bismark, on the right the French rout from the town. Not only have the garrison lost their morale, but also the supporting brigade. Nearest the camera the only remaining French brigade is shaken, and if he fails his morale will join the rout.



The French cavalry and artillery hold the Prussians at bay to allow their broken infantry to escape.

The Battle of Celle

Campaign Background

This is the final battle of a campaign based in 1813. It takes place three days after the previous battle of Luneburg.

The 2^nd and 4^th Prussian corps continue their advance and have reached Celle, where they are attacked by the Garde and the Westphalian corps.

Wargame

The wargame was fought in October 2008 using 28mm figures

Paul commanded the French
Jan commanded the Prussians

The Prussians hold Celle on the cross roads, and have deployed to their right to hold the Imperial Garde at bay. Each side has taken up position to counter the enemy, and a stale mate has resulted.

Napoleon has ordered the Garde to advance, and they are taking casualties. The right hand brigade has already broken, and the supporting brigade is shaken. Both the artillery and the supporting square have taken casualties.

The Westphalian corps advances to attack Celle. The town is held by a grenadier brigade and they hold against two attacks. By late afternoon the garde is withdrawn to avoid further casualties, and the Westphalians also retreat.

Yet another French defeat, and Napoleon must order yet another retreat.

As the French fall back the Blucher takes both Hamburg and Hannover, bring the campaign to a successful conclusion for the Prussians