La Bataille de Bautzen 1813

La Bataille de Bautzen 1813© Scenarios

Scenario Six – The Guards Face Off To Resolve the Battle

There were not many battles during the Napoleonic Wars in which the French Imperial Guard had such a significant role than at the Battle of Bautzen. In addition, there were few cases where the Russian Guard would go against the French Guard. But at Bautzen they did. As the afternoon of May 21 edged past noon, the French Young Guard lined up from Kenna to Basankwitz with 12 full regiments. Behind them, the Old Guard and Young Guard artillery lined up led by Generals Drouot and Devaux. Finally, eight battalions of the Old Guard infantry were in reserve along with over seven regiments of Guard Cavalry. In addition, Marshal Marmont with his artillery and two infantry divisions of the VI Corps, comprised in large part by 20 battalions of Marine infantry, were ready to advance into the fray to assist in the general advance. Facing this mighty French force were Russian General Gorschakov leading the Russian Center with ample guns; the Russian reserve with the two Guard infantry divisions; Guard Cavalry; and finally the Russian Cuirassiers. If all of this would not stop the French Guard; the Guard guns; and the French Marines; then the Russians would be charged with removing their large guns.

Needless to say, the casualties on both sides would be horrific. Maps III and IV.

Scenario Seven – Oudinot’s Offensive Stalls

Oudinot has been successfully pushing the Russians back but the forest and fresh reinforcement are slowing his advance. This is the opening battle on the south side of the battlefield. Maps I and II.

ME Household Suggestion Start breakfast with carp and potato soup.

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