The following outlines a fictional Franco-Prussian War encounter, that centred around Walbourg, during the frontier battles.
Marshal Bazaine had at his disposal five divisions. Three were from Frossard’s II Corps and two were the advanced divisions from De Ladmirault’s IV Corps. Suspecting that his chance had arrived to counter the enemy had fully concentrated he issued orders to his commanders.
Frossard’s three divisions were dispersed along the line though the area that they deployed in was confined by two streams, that on the right being marshy banked. In the centre Verge’s Division would deploy with orders to pin the enemy centre. To the right Bataille’s division deployed defensively. On the left De Laveaucoupet’s Division was ordered to move forward delaying the expected enemy reinforcements and progressively threatening the enemy right centre. All regiments were to advance using short halts in an effort to minimise casualties from enemy Krupp guns. French artillery and Mitrailleuse batteries would be held as local reserves. As IV Corps troops were deployed Grenier’s would reinforce the centre and right while General Cissey’s Division would reinforce the advance on the right.
As planned the French divisions moved forward regiments moving forward then and dropping to the ground. However the French right was soon to be tested when the one of two Bavarian Division of the Prussian left advanced boldly forward. Three Bavarian regiments surged forward supported by Jagers but only two were able to close the other unwilling to cross the ground covered by the Chassepot. Of the regiments that braved the fire both suffered heavy casualties, though causing equally heavy casualties on the French. Yet Bataille’s regiments held and Mitrailleuse batteries now deployed to bolster the French defenders while a series of counter attacks were launched over succeeding hours.
Above, Mitrailleuse batteries deploy to bolster the right flank, while below a more general view showing the French right and a portion of the centre.
In less than three hours of fighting Bataille’s Division was exhausted unable to advance. Yet their Bavarian opposites, previously so sure of victory, had collapsed and were in rout.
Yet despite the advantage offered by the Bavarian collapse Bazaine was furious. General Grenier, who had reinforced the French right, had failed to ensure his regiments were issued follow up orders. Now, as the Bavarians were disordered his fresh regiments, sent to break the Bavarians, stood uncommitted.
Meanwhile in the centre French forces had pressed forward to engage the Prussians opposite. General Verge had intended to engage the enemy line at extreme Chassepot range. However, his advance had inadvertently placed some regiments too far forward and engaged by Prussians deployed in the town of Walbourg. Rather than retreat Verge ordered one regiment to advance further in a vain attempt to close the range. Fortunately, the regiment sustained few casualties despite the sustained fire it was subjected to by Prussian infantry and artillery. Despite this fighting in the centre was largely inconclusive.
While the engagement on the French right and centre developed unfolded Bazaine continued his advance against the Prussian right. Here a long ridge provided some cover from Prussian artillery fire and progressively French forces deployed around it.
Above, the French advance towards the ridge. Chasseurs first seized the ridge and progressively these were supplemented by various French Ligne regiments. Opposite several Prussian divisions deployed. On the extreme left one regiment delayed several Prussian units.
Above, the ridge is now held by French units while Prussian regiments deploy to engage. Below, a view from the Prussian lines looking towards the town of Walbourg.
This, combined by Prussian command confusion, allowed three other French regiments to apply pressure on the Prussian right centre. Below, a general view of the battle with the French on the right.
Continuing the action on the French left eventually the 1st and 10th Ligne, supported by other regiments and artillery dislodged the Prussian defenders forcing a repositioning of the Prussian regiments here.
Below, the first Prussian regiment is driven back, this in turn was followed by the retirement of the other Prussian regiments in the sector.
Despite this minor success around 7pm the fighting now died down. Both commanders were unwilling to concede defeat but both required time to reinforce their line and reposition their reserves.
The scenario was as mentioned a fictional action and was developed using the Road to Glory Scenario System. Miniatures are by Heroics & Ros with the French from my collection and the Prussians from Robin’s.
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