Kamenzdorf - September 1813

The following is brief account of our latest Volley & Bayonet engagement. As is often the case with our regular Friday evening games, this engagement is a fictional encounter. 

Napoleon moved forward to the high ground north of the town of Kamenzdorf surrounded by aides he looked south towards the enemy in the afternoon sunshine. The bulk of his army was to the north east and preparing to engage the Russians. Yet, before him were two Austrian corps who had advanced more rapidly against his southern flank than he had expected. Numerically superior, the Austrians clearly had gained a local advantage. The situation facing the Emperor was far from optimal. 

Immediately available to Napoleon were three divisions from Marmont's VI Corps and elements from Bertrand's IV Corps, in total some four infantry divisions. To this could be added Curial's Guard Division and Walthier's 2nd Cuirassier Division, though their deployment so near the Austrians illustrated how significantly the Austrian advance had caught Napoleon off-guard. While aids were sent to hasten the arrival of French reinforcements, the closest being two more divisions from VI Corps, Napoleon focussed on the immediate task - blunting the anticipated Austrian attack.

The French dispositions can be described as follows. Two divisions deployed in the centre, one from VI Corps and one from IV Corps. Compans' 20th Division extended the left while Fontanelli's 15th Division, comprising Italians, were stationed on the right from where they could reinforce the centre right. To bolster the centre Curial's and Walthier's Divisions were on hand. Below, the French centre with Curial's and Walthier's Divisions in the foreground.

As Napoleon completed his final dispositions a legere battalion, drawn from the 20th Division, was thrown forward into the town of Kamenzdorf. They were to delay the anticipated Austrian advance and potentially draw elements of the Austrian forces into confused fighting around Kamenzdorf.

In the distance Schwarzenburg had four powerful infantry divisions deployed, each much larger than the French divisions. These were supplemented by Folliot de Crennevill'e Light Division. Dust clouds indicated several more divisions were advancing to reinforce the Austrian lines. Of the divisions immediately available three were from Gyulai's III Armeekorps and two from Hessen-Homberg's Reserve Armeekorps. 

No sooner had the French divisions deployed Austrian Infantry Regiment 36 and Infantry Regiment 28 opened the battle with a dramatic attack on Kamenzdorf. Below, two Austrian regiments attack Kamenzdorf, IR 36 has failed its morale check. 

The vastly outnumbered legere defending the town, who were expected to fall back when pressed, put up a heroic defence resulting in the Austrian being thrown back with heavy casualties. French morale surged.

Yet on the French right Morand's advancing 12th Division was less fortunate. Before the three brigades of the division were fully deployed two Austrian Hussar brigades delivered a series of charges on the French infantry resulting in heavy casualties with one French brigade routing. 

Above, and viewed from the French lines, two Austrian Hussar brigades attack a brigade of Morand's 12th Division. Below, another view of the Hussars advancing, viewed of course from the Austrian left flank.

As Morand's reorganised his division Walthier's Cuirassiers were ordered to drive back the Austrian Hussars. While the Austrian Hussars were indeed forced back the casualties on the Cuirassiers were significant. Below, the critical French counterattack by Cuirassiers.

Fighting would continue in this sector throughout the late afternoon and early evening. Eventually the Austrian Light Division would break as Fontanelli's 15th Division pressed slowly forward. 

Meanwhile around Kamenzdorf, the surprising repulse of the Austrian attack stiffened Napoleon's resolve. Now instead of delaying the Austrian attack he ordered Curial's Guard Division forward - an unprecedented commitment so early in a battle. These veterans advanced forward through withering fire driving the Austrians before them back in confusion. 

Above, and viewed from the French lines, Curial's Guard Division is thrown in. Below, the view from the Austrian positions. The town shown is that of Kamenzdorf.

Unfortunately, reinforcing this attack now proved problematic. Indeed, the division tasked with reinforcing the breakthrough was Lagrange 21st Division. Like the 12th Division the 21st Division comprised provisional brigades which, while well motivated, lacked an ability to manoeuvre rapidly. Below, a view of the disorganised Austrian centre. 

Expecting the Austrian's to reinforce their damaged centre Napoleon was surprised when Schwarzenburg shifted his focus to attacking the French left. Soon four divisions were committed to this sector where only one French division opposed them. The Austrian divisions were Bianchi's strong Infantry Division, Weissendorf's Converged Grenadier Division and two cavalry divisions, the last being those of Klebersberg and Civalart. This determined Austrian turning movement threatened to unhinge the entire French position. 

To counter this threat Napoleon ordered Compan's 20th Division to fallback and form a new line which would run south from a large wood to the town of Kamenzdorf. This line was soon bolstered by various brigades from Lagrange's 21st Division. 

Over the next three hours a series of determined Austrian attacks would fall on the French position, with each attack threatening to shatter the defender's resolve. Yet French reinforcements were finally arriving. Soon Friederich's 22nd Division and Roussel d'Hurbal's 2nd Light Cavalry Division, both from VI Corps, would deploy providing much needed relief to the hard pressed French position. Below, a view from the Austrian right with Austrian infantry and cavalry attacking the French left - having withdrawn and formed at 90 degrees to it's original position.

As dusk enveloped the field the fighting started to cease. While the French had achieved success against the Austrian left their attack on the Austrian centre had failed achieved little, except needless casualties on the French Guard. Yet equally the Austrian attack on the French left, which had showed great promise, had slowed as French resolve stiffened and reinforcements deployed. Schwarzenburg's manoeuvring while showing promise had failed to achieve his much anticipated breakthrough. Without doubt the battle would need to be renewed in the morning.

This scenario was developed using the Road to Glory Scenario System with the French selecting "Returning Detachment - Left #12" while the Austrians had the burden of attack having selected "Turning Manoeuvre - Right #22". Each army comprised 3,000 points. Miniatures are all from Heroics & Ros Napoleonic ranges and are from my own collection. They are based for half scale where each massed infantry or cavalry stand is 1.5” square and 1” represents 200 yards.