Battle of Possneck Day 2 – Move 6

1300-1400  15^th August 1813

Table at start of Move 6

9^th Russian division is now too close for 14^th Westphalian division to retire (nearest camera)

4^th French division (in the centre) could retire, but would leave 14^th division open to a flank attack

3^rd French division (top) is about to be attacked by both 6^th and 8^th Russian divisions.

French corps at end of Move 6

2^nd French Corps

Victor has ordered 3^rd division to retire towards the river

4^th and 14^th divisions remain on hold orders

Dubreton (left) ordered 12^th chasseurs to attack the leading Russian dragoon regiment

The chasseurs lost the melee, suffered 10% casualties and routed

Both chasseur regiments now have 20% casualties and are effectively non combatant

Things are looking desperate for 3^rd division and the French left flank

Vial (centre) holds the centre.

His artillery have again failed to inflict any casualties on the enemy

Maison (right) has also failed to inflict significant casualties

The Russian infantry are in skirmish combat with his gunners and their supporting infantry

He has ordered his cavalry to deploy on the hill to his left and his infantry in the centre

Russian corps at the end of Move 6

3^rd Russian Corps

Wintzingerode has ordered his four divisions to engage the French

Rudzewitsch (left) is in contact with the Westphalians

His two leading infantry regiments skirmish with the gunners and supporting infantry

He is still on Engage orders, but has requested permission to Attack.

Woroncow (centre left) has advanced beyond Possneck

He has furthest to go to reach the French, and his guns are now masked

Melnikow (centre right) is trying to coordinate his attack with Galitzin

The two divisions are separated by the woods and communication is difficult

Galitzin (right) has won the initial cavalry melee, and routed the French chasseurs

The ground is now secure for the deployment of the remainder of 6^th division

Game Notes

The four Russian divisions are on Engage orders

The infantry are allowed to exchange skirmish or musket fire with the enemy

However they are not allowed to press home their attack and melee

To do so the corps commander must first change their orders to Attack.

They are fortunate that the French gunners have proved particularly ineffective

Their infantry have reached combat range with only minor artillery casualties

Despite their initial lack of cavalry support they now have the advantage in this battle

With the arrival of 6^th division they outnumber the French by four to three.

Rule 11 covers skirmish combat

Rule 12 covers musket firefight combat

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/