The Battle of Wurnsdorf - 1813

The majority of my Volley & Bayonet games are multiplayer games, but equally enjoyable are the games with just one player aside. Now the command confusion that multiplayer games can introduce is replaced by a battle of wills. This report attempts to capture some of the tension as Richard and I deployed for a fictional engagement set in September of 1813.

Marshall Ney knew he was dangerously dispersed but the arrival of the dispatch rider confirmed his worst fears. Marmont reported a concentration of Austrians advancing from the east. Further he had forward just two divisions from his own corps while reports indicated elements of two reinforced Austrian Corps were converging towards him. Ney first dispatched several of his staff to hurry the reinforcements before he moved to observe the situation first hand. 

By the time of his arrival on the field it was 3pm and the situation was worsening. The French left was anchored on the town of Wurnsdorf where Marmont had placed Lagrange’s division. The division contained many recent recruits and while morale was high Marmont felt the division was better suited to defensive fighting. Compans’ Divisision meanwhile extended to the right. The division’s position included a portion of high ground. This high ground and it’s ridge lines would, Marmont hoped, delay the Austrian advance gaining valuable time. 

Around 4.30pm Compans’ Division, who had secured the high ground, where subjected to a series of Austrian attacks. One French brigade was forced back. Below, the Austrians attack.

With the high ground now untenable a new line was formed behind the hill. Simultaneously, the first of a series of Austrian attacks were made against Wurnsdorf which was garrisoned by the 6th French Provisional Brigade. Well deployed and fighting with determination, the French infantry blunted the Austrian attack throwing it back in disorder. 

By 5pm the first of the French reinforcements arrived. Lauriston had two divisions at his disposal. Ney aware of the critical situation along the line, ordered the bulk of the reinforcements to the right while retaining a scratch reserve in the centre. As a result Rochambeau’s 19th Division was ordered to extend the right supported by Bachelet’s Brigade from Albert’s 10th Division. The remaining brigades of 10th Division were held as a reserve in the centre. Below, the situation with the French reinforcements visible.

The momentum of the Austrian attacks now slowed as their forces reorganised. Against the French right two Austrian cavalry divisions massed while in the centre Colloredo’s infantry divisions advanced to belch fire at close range at the French lines which were now well supported by artillery. In the distance Austrian converged Grenadiers realigned towards the right centre. At various points artillery and musket fire continued as both armies attempted to gain some limited advantage.

Below, a view of two Austrian cavalry divisions moving forward.

Around 7pm Ney, desperate to regain the initiative, launched a minor counterattack against the Austrian right. Surging forward past the town of Wurnsdorf Bertrand’s Brigade advanced with great resolve but was driven back by the Austrians. Ney’s attempt to seize the initiative on the left, and draw attention here, had failed. Below, Bertrand’s Brigade surges forward encouraged by Ney.

By 8pm further French reinforcements had arrived. This time in the form of Walthier’s Cuirassier Division and Curial’s Guard Division. The Cuirassiers were moved to the right to threaten the Austrian left while Curial Division formed in the centre. 

Below, reinforcements deploy. Note the withdrawn French right on the left. The French Guard are in the left rear.

No sooner had they deployed than the Austrians, around 8.30pm, unleashed fury all along the line. On the French right, where French infantry formed the corner of the French position, Austrian Cuirassiers & Dragoons charged with elan forcing the French infantry back. Nearby, a second Austrian cavalry division charged Walthier’s Cuirassiers with mixed results. Below the general situation.

On the French left the Austrians also pressed forward. Determined to take Wurnsdorf 7,500 white clad infantry attacked the town over the course of an hour. The French garrison fought bravely but the weight of the attack was unprecedented. Finally, after a spirited defence, Wurnsdorf was lost. Below the attack in and around Wurnsdorf.

Yet this was not the end. In the centre Austrian attacks were delivered with great determination. Hardegg’s Division, supported by Austrian guns, was particular gallant  in its attempts to break the French line. Yet here Ney had concentrated 48 guns. The attack would be bloody. Within a single hour two French and two Austrian Divisions would be shattered. Below, a closer view of the centre.

Now, as darkness arrived Ney faced a difficult decision. While a further infantry and cavalry division deployed to bolster the position he could not escaped the scene of destruction - his centre had collapsed. He could either renew the attack in the morning or retire to a more tenable position knowing he inflicted a bloody nose on the Austrians. He decided on the latter.

The scenario was of course developed using the Road to Glory system where the Austrians had selected “Build-up Echelon Right card #10”. The French in contrast had “Advance Guard - Echelon Centre #5”. Both armies comprising 3000 points of troops. The Austrians of course had the burden of attack but this attack was delivered with unprecedented ferocity. Ney suffered from slower reinforcement schedules and struggled throughout to form a coherent defence. No sooner was one threat countered another developed. However, the careful use of French reserves on several occasions prevented collapse. With respect to casualties the French had inflicted 29 on the Austrians while the Austrians inflicted 23.