12. Battle of Weisenburg - 19th May 1813

The Prussian Corps of von Yorck, now, the French have learned, being commanded by Generalleutnant von Kleist is at the small town of Weisenburg on the open rolling farmland of the central German plain. Advancing upon Kleist from the west is a force of French thought to comprise two corps, or parts of two corps, their XI and V. Prussian cavalry have noted that Prince Eugene is leading the French in person.

The French cavalry patrols have determined that the Prussians are holding a north-south line on the high ground that dominates the town just to the east of it. The Prussian cavalry have advised their command and staff that the French appear to be advancing upon them in three columns, thought to be the two infantry corps plus a third unknown force, possibly a cavalry column.

The town of Hrytzow represents Weisenburg and both sides must secure the town at the close of the day to claim victory.

The roads that lead to Dessau, Trebbin and Potsdam are indicated and these represent Prussian exit zones.



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We fought this battle today on a sudden impulse as we had 8 players in teamspeak.

It was a tough but short fight and bloody for both sides. The French who fielded about 11,000 men to the Prussians 6,000 took almost 3,000 casualties while inflicting 2,000, most of those during the Prussian retreat. Von Thumen's Prussian cavalry made things unpleasant for Zucci's Italian brigade on the French southern flank, routing two battalions early in their attack. The outcome was in the balance until the French managed to get their artillery in action on a low knoll in their centre where it succeeded in driving away the Prussian guns. After that the battalions went in and the Prussian position unravelled.

Von Kleist ordered a retreat towards Trebbin but in the closing moments of daylight his rear brigade (von Borstell) was overrun by the pursuing French 28th cavalry brigade led by General Montbrun and all but destroyed.

Von Kleist has recoiled to Trebbin. Prince Eugene holds Weisenburg and has cut the Prussian supply road from Berlin to Wittgenstein's army.

Replay file.