Zimna Wodka - May 1807

Napoleon surveyed the scene as he crested the rise east of the town of Zimna Wodka. Before him was the Russian army. The majority of the Russian host was deployed some 2,000 yards opposite his position. They were, for the most part, formed along the meandering stream, the Krzywe Kolano. To the south the stream widen somewhat around a lake which itself was formed near the base of gradually rising ground. To the east the pastures given to rye crops but to the south east they were replaced by wood thickets and further small streams. Together these combined to create an obstacle which separated the main Russian army from it's left wing. This area would play a critical part in the upcoming battle.

Above, the French centre and left deployed along high ground with the Russians positioned along the Krzywe Kolano stream.

Napoleon had at his immediate disposal a portion of the main army. On his left was Ney's VI Corps, comprising just two divisions. Specifically Marchand's and Gardanne's divisions. In the centre were two divisions of Davout's third corps, Morand's and Friant's. Further to the right was Davout's third division under Gudin. This last was supported by the two recently arrived brigades of the Guard under Hulin. Napoleon was well aware of the pending arrival, on the extreme French right flank, of Murat and this formed a critical part of his plan. With Murat would be three cavalry divisions specifically Nansounty's Cuirassiers, as well as Klein's and Beaumont's Dragoon Divisions. When assembled there would be some 34,000 infantry, 6,500 cavalry and 92 cannon. 

The Russian's under Kutuzov were numerically similar though with a superiority in artillery and cavalry. That said, like the French, the majority of the Russian cavalry were initially not deployed.

By noon Ney and Davout had secured the heights opposite the main Russian army. But at 1pm Napoleon intervened, concerned by the Russian deployment. The Emperor ordered the outnumbered French brigades of the centre and left to fall back slightly deploying to reverse slope positions where they would be safe from enemy artillery now massed along the Krzywe Kolano stream. Below, a portion of the Russians deployed along the Krzywe Kolano.

Napoleon further ordered the infantry on his right flank, under Gudin and Hulin, to make a more significant retrograde movement. Ostensibly this could be explained by the fact that the new position was more defensible as it was narrower and included a small area of rising ground. 

Opposite the Russian left wing under Grand Duke Konstantin pressed forward. Confident of his troops abilities they advanced with considerable elan, though without the full support of the Russian heavy batteries who had to limber as they found themselves out of effective range after the French moved back. The resulting Russian attacks were held.

Around 2pm the battle gained pace. Murat deployed to the French right. Beaumont's Dragoon Division deployed on the flank of the advancing Russian infantry while Nansouty's Cuirassiers and Klein's Dragoons deployed further behind the Russian lines poised to fall upon the seemingly defenceless Russian left rear. Below, three French cavalry divisions deploy. 

Chaos ensued as Konstantin hastily attempted to form a line to protect his rear. By great determination a line was established being a combination of infantry and artillery. Frustrated Murat ordered an advance and Klein's Dragoons charged the deploying gun line. Alas, the Russian line held. 

Below, the two brigades of Klein's Division attack the Russian gun line, one brigade has failed it's morale denoted by the yellow disorder marker.

It should be noted that Kutuzov had previously been warned of a possible French attack on his overstretched left wing by one of his wing commanders. Some sources indicate he had dropped off to sleep during the briefing, others that he shrugged off such suggestions as being overly cautious. While will never know the dialogue between the Russian commanders we do know that Kutusov ignored the risk, being so confident of the strength of his left wing. 

Now, as the situation deteriorated, he was galvanised into action. Progressively a number of Russian infantry brigades as well as the two arriving cavalry divisions of the reserve began to move to the left. 

Above and below, Russian reinforcements move to the left. In both cases the terrain restricted movement.

The situation on the Russian left would soon mirror a pendulum as first French then Russian forces sought and achieved, often fleetingly, advantage.

Above, the French Guard infantry prepare to attack while below a counterattack by the Russians.

 

Nansouty's Cuirassiers, shown below, engage one of the Russian cavalry divisions who, like the previous cavalry division, were disrupted by terrain - this time a minor stream. A desperate engagement ensued but the dispersed nature of the Russian cavalry meant the veteran French Cuirassiers finally achieved superiority.

Meanwhile in the centre, where the main armies were deployed, Kutusov became frustrated. Napoleon steadfastly refused to advance and be battered by the Russian guns. Therefore, accepting reality, Kutusov finally ordered an advance. First across the Krzywe Kolano stream was the Russian right wing. Progressively the weakened centre, a portion of infantry having been sent to bolster the Russian left, also began to cautiously crossed the stream. Below, a portion of the Russian right wing moves forward.

The Russian right was significantly superior to the French left and engaged Marchand's Division who had fallen back further on the centre. This action reducing the otherwise exposed French flank somewhat.

While the eventual Russian attacks caused some casualties Marchand's infantry fought with unprecedented ferocity throwing back each attack before launching their own counterattacks. Over a period of two hours the Russian right was exhausted. The Russian attack had not only been stopped but defeated.

On the French right the Emperor's veterans were also gaining success. The Russian cavalry advance, disrupted by the terrain separating the Russian centre and left, was eventually decimated by French cavalry - particularly Nansouty's Cuirassiers. Further, Konstantin's massive infantry wing broke simultaneously with the Russian right. Konstantin's infantry having been subjected to continuous pressure from Gudin's veterans and Hulin's Guard brigades.

As dusk approached Kutusov accepted defeat. The Battle of Zimna Wodka was a glorious French victory.

The battle was of course fictitious and the scenario developed using the Volley & Bayonet Road to Glory Scenario System. Each army comprised around 4,000 points. The terrain was based on that of Eylau, though of course without the snow. The miniatures are all from the 6mm Heroics & Ros range. The French are from my collection the Russians from Jon's collection. They are based for half scale where one infantry stand is 1.5" square.