Aulzhausen - August 1813

It was just after 4pm and the arrival of the aide and the sound of cannon fire from the east confirmed Ney's worst fears. Blucher had caught him unprepared. With a sharp pull of the reins of his horse Ney moved to the sound of cannon fire. 

In the hours prior Ney had been more focussed on his centre where he had deployed two of Marmont's divisions from VI Corps. In particular Compans' 20th Division and Lagrange's 21st Division with the corps artillery. These divisions formed from the Affinbach stream on the left towards the town of Aulzhausen on the right of the French centre. Extending further to the right were two divisions from Lauriston's V Corps, in particular Albert's 10th Division and Rochambeau's 19th Division. In support were Pajol's V Cavalry Corps, some three divisions. These were Pire's 9th Light Cavalry, l'Heritier 5th Heavy Cavalry Division and Milhaud's 6th Heavy Cavalry Division. In all some 27,000 bayonets, 72 cannon, and 7,500 cavalry. Well supported by in cavalry Ney intended to advance from his reasonably confined position and overwhelm the enemy in a battle of manoeuvre. 

Opposite, Blucher was more concentrated. He had on hand von Kleist's II Corps and two divisions from Bulow's III Corps. Combined some 31,000 bayonets, 72 cannon and 6,000 cavalry, though some of the cavalry were Landwehr and of dubious quality. In addition Blucher moving from the east Sacken's 11th Corps. Sacken's Russians, subordinated to Blucher, were organised in just two divisions but these divisions were full of veterans and reinforced by a notable number of cannon. In all a further 8,000 Russian bayonets and 38 cannon. Together Blucher had concentrated had 39,000 bayonets, 6,000 cavalry and 110 cannon. Blucher had both the numeric and tactical advantage.

The battle opened with a general advance of the Prussian troops who moved forward closing with the French. 

Above and below the Prussians advance. Above the view from the Prussian left with town of Aulzhausen visible in the top left. Below, the view from the Prussian centre right, with Aulzhausen  in the top centre.

However, it was events unfolding elsewhere which would define the battle. In particular it was Sacken's advance and sudden attack against the French right, where Albert's 10th Division was poorly prepared. Albert had been too focussed on his move north to have placed pickets to the east. Now from behind a low ridge in the east emerged the Russians. A scene of green uniformed soldiers with their bayonets glinting in the afternoon sun unfolded, something Albert would likely not forget. 

Sacken's Russians comprised Lieven's 10th Division and Neverovsky's 27th Division which now attacked with unprecedented elan concentrating on Mandeville's and Bachelet's French brigades. The attack drove the French back, causing disorganisation everywhere and almost overrunning several cannon. Albert realising his mistake now seemed everywhere. His brigades rallied, but aware that the position was untenable ordered a withdrawal. Albert's bloodied division progressively fell back to the west protected, in part, by Rochambeau's Division.

Yet Rochambeau was also being pressed. As the Russians reorganised August von Preussen was ordering his 12th Prussian Division forward. His target was the town of Aulzhausen. 

Above a general view of the battle. The Russians having driven back the French right reorganise, visible in the left foreground. The town of Aulzhausen is in the centre. Below, a view from the Prussian left.

The Prussian infantry divisions comprised a significant number of new recruits and while their morale was generally high their ability to manoeuvre was limited. However, some 6,000 Prussians were eventually launched at Aulzhausen and unsurprisingly the town was carried. Unfortunately Ney was wounded in the attack while directing the defence at great personal risk. 

With Ney wounded Lauriston now directed the French right. First, he ordered Milhaud's Heavy Cavalry Division, comprised of two Dragoon brigades, to threaten the Russian's flank. Then he ordered two infantry brigades to retake Aulzhausen around 6.30pm. These brigades were both from Rochambeau division, in particular Brigade Lafitte and Brigade Harlet. Despite these brigades being recent recruits their morale was high. The French infantry drove the Prussian Landwehr from Aulzhausen.

Above and below, the French counterattack and storm Aulzhausen. The Prussian garrison in Aulzhausen is a Landwehr regiment, but when deployed in a town sector is represented by a detachments on smaller bases.

Now with Aulzhausen back in French hands Lauriston expected the Prussian and Russians to renew their attacks. However, aside from a determined engagement in the Aulzhausen woods to the south, the three Allied divisions on the French right conducted no further major action. It would be revealed later that this was for two reasons. First was the ferocity of the French counterattacks - and the rising Prussian casualties. Secondly, reports that French reinforcements would soon arrive on Sacken's flank.  

Indeed, marching towards the Russians flank was Friederich's 22nd Division and Lorge's 5th Light Cavalry Division, another 7,500 bayonets, 12 cannon and 2,000 Chasseurs. Alas, delays would see their arrival only just prior to dusk, something unknown to Sacken.

Meanwhile the battle had shifted to the centre. With Ney moving to the right earlier he had left Marmont in charge in the centre. As described previously Marmont had deployed his two divisions across the field from Aulzhausen to the Affinbach stream, interspersing his infantry with artillery. Hoping to exploit a poorly conceived Allied attack Pajol's Cavalry, now some two divisions rising eventually to three, readied themselves to conduct limited charges. Yet the Allied attacks failed to materialise. 

Instead Blucher, who had conducted a steady advance, deployed his cannon some 800 yards from the French and proceeded to conduct an intermittent bombardment of the French lines. Unfortunately for the French, the Prussian bombardment would pay dividends, slowly casualties mounted.

Above and below general views of the centre. Above the massed French cavalry are clearly visible. Below, the Prussian artillery concentration can be seen, some 36 cannon. The French would reinforce their position with additional batteries but there fire was generally ineffective.

With the Allies refusing to press the French lines the only opportunity for Marmont had to regain the initiative was around 7pm. A series of cavalry charges were launched against von Thuman's 4th Prussian Division. The regiments of this Prussian division were relieving the positions on the Prussian right, previously held by von Oppen's Cavalry Reserve Division. From 7.30pm to just after 8.30pm two French cavalry attacks were launched. Alas, both were of limited success. While the French fell back with minor casualties the much desired breakthrough failed to materialise.

Above, one of two French cavalry attacks against elements of von Thuman's 4th Prussian Division. The attack shown comprised a brigade from Pire's Light Cavalry Division, and a second from l'Heritier's 5th Heavy Cavalry Division, Quennet's brigade to be precise. The Affinbach stream is visible providing valuable flank security for the French left.

With dusk approaching and unable to regain the initiative Marmont ordered a retreat. Screened by the intact cavalry the French army fell back. There was no doubt the French had been badly handled by a determined enemy. Surprised by the flank attack Ney and his generals had to spend much of the battle bolstering his flank while the infantry of his centre were subjected concentrated Allied artillery fire. His hopes of engaging the Prussians with his superior cavalry never came to fruition.

The game was surprisingly short with just five turns of play, each being of one hour and of course comprising an Allied phase and a French phase. The battle was fictional with the scenario generated by the "Road to Glory Scenario System". Armies comprised just 3,000 points and involved two players. The French selected "Returning Detachment Left - Card #12" while the Allies using "Flank Attack - Card #27 ". Miniatures are from my own collection and are from the Heroics & Ros 6mm range.