Campaign Move 18

1600 to 2000 19 August 1813

 Campaign Map at 2000 19^th August 1813

Battle of Jena – Day Two

The Polish division lost one third of their division in the fight for the town of Jena.   As the survivors fled from the town the reserve brigade joined them in rout.   They had already lost half of their cavalry, and just one regiment of infantry and one of cavalry were left to support the artillery and hold the centre.

The Italian division formed Napoleon’s reserve.  They had suffered heavy casualties earlier in the campaign, and had no artillery.  

The Imperial Garde held their ground to the end.   Heavily outnumbered in infantry and cavalry they refused to give an inch.   The Russian cavalry forced the infantry to form square, and the heavy 12 pounder guns took their toll.

7^th French division held the right flank, and fought hard to hold the village.   But the loss of Jena isolated them from the Garde, the Poles had broken and run and the Italians were too weak to fill the gap in the centre

At 1600 Napoleon ordered a general retreat.   The battered French army fell back in good order and kept the Russian horde at bay.   But it was clear to all that Napoleon had suffered a crushing defeat.  

French casualties were 5300 and they lost two thirds of their artillery

Russian casualties were 3400,  almost half of which were cavalry.

This was the second decisive French defeat within two days.  There were no reserves, and he had lost one third of his artillery.  The Russians outnumbered him in infantry, cavalry and artillery.   Napoleon lost more than a battle at Jena – he also lost the campaign!

Campaign Move 17

1200 to 1600 19 August 1813

Campaign Map at 1200 19^th August 1813

Battle of Jena – Day Two

Throughout the morning the 6^th division, on the Russian right wing, took a pounding from the Guard artillery.   By midday the division had lost almost one third of its infantry and a similar proportion of its cavalry, and had been driven back to the edge of the river Saale.  But Galitzin held his position and not a single regiment broke ranks.   This stubborn defence forced Napoleon to keep the Guard in place to secure his left flank.

The remainder of the French artillery also caused heavy casualties, but were unable to stop the four Russian divisions crossing the river and deploying on the west bank.

The Russian cavalry now advanced and brushed aside the weaker French, Polish and Italian cavalry.   This forced the infantry to form square, and allowed the Russian infantry and cavalry to move forward ready to attack.

By late afternoon Russian grenadiers had stormed Jena and routed the Polish defenders.   The loss of the town isolated the weaker French right wing from the steady influence of the Garde.

The Russian artillery now outnumbered the French, though their gunners were not so effective.   Their cavalry dominated the French, Italian and Polish horsemen.   Their infantry greatly outnumbered the enemy.

The balance of power now swung to the Russians, and Wittgenstein was determined to take full advantage.

 

Campaign Move 16

0800 to 1200 19 August 1813

 

Campaign Map at 0800 19^th August 1813

Battle of Jena – Day Two

Napoleon orders 1^st and 13^th divisions to hold Jena and the area to the north.   He is aware that 7^th and 16^th divisions arrived from Erfurt late the previous afternoon.  They are waiting behind Jena out of sight of the Russian army.

Wittgenstein is pleased with the first days fighting.  5^th division have crossed the river in the south, and both 4^th and 6^th divisions are ready to cross at first light.   He orders a renewed attack at first light.   He has also ordered 12^th division to join the attack, and they are expected to arrive before noon.

The battle opens with the three Russian divisions crossing the river.   This brings them within range of the French gunners, who inflict heavy casualties, particularly on the Russian cavalry screen.

7^th French division moves into position south of Jena which halts the Russian southern attack.   Napoleon is waiting for 16^th division to arrive west of Jena before he orders a counter attack.