06 Second Battle of Ascherlseben - 10th May 1813

The Prussian corps of General Yorck holding the town is attacked by two French corps advancing south from Egeln. Yorck has elected to hold and defend the town.

This will be a two hour scenario with a simple set of victory conditions - take and hold the town for the French and retain control of it for the Prussians.





Further details in the private forums.

Doodle Poll here.

Today I will finally have the time to post up more details in both sides private forums. I would like to get both this game and Dessau played this week. Neither is very big and we could probably play both with only 2 players a side, though 3 would be better. I therefore intend to play both games on this basis so we can move on to the 12th - 15th May turn as asap.

Playing one of these games today (Tuesday 12th) would be good.

We are going to play this battle today, Wednesday 13th April at the later than usual time of 22:00 BST. We have 4 players so far which is enough, more are of course welcome. If there is a sudden influx of players that fill-in the Doodle Poll who can make the earlier (usual) time of 20:00 BST, we will play then instead.

Thanks all.

In a shocking and surprising turn of events, as the French approached and deployed, the Prussians made a retrograde move and attempted to leave the town and march east towards the Saale. The road to the river immediately became blocked with the brigade and divisional transport wagons and the French attacked, inflicting a crushing and humiliating reverse upon their enemy. A final scramble for the Saale bridge near Bernburg saw the Prussian cavalry run away to safety but without honour and many guns and prisoners in the infantry were lost as well as a significant amount of baggage, powder and other supplies.

Yorck's corps is no longer fit for battle and his men are deeply demoralised by this unhappy turn of events. Many point the blame at Yorck himself for announcing the intention to stand a day earlier, then changing his mind, while others blame General Wittgenstein, the army commander for unclear and contradictory orders.

With the defeat at Saalfeld, Allied morale has plumbed to a low level and several senior officers now speak openly about a retreat across the Elbe.

Day did not go as planned and I am sorry I was not here for the battle. Rest of the week should go smoother.

We did not play this as an SoW game. I determined a defeat on the Prussians as promised if they did not stand and fight. I'm truly surprised Yorck chose to try and withdraw. He should have stood his ground.

I will be there today.