Age of Eagles - Game Report 11

The Second Battle of Perchaon 30 April 1809

Background

This is the tenth battle myself and Matthew have had in our ongoing Danube 1809 campaign. For those not familiar with this series of battles, they are battles that are derived from a campaign I have been running with Matthew. The campaign has not only generated some fascinating battles, but also battles in which careful operational decisions have to be made. For example, when you decide to abandon the battle and withdraw to avoid losses. Force preservation is a key decision-making factor for both us. This is wholly unlike a normal game when one just goes for broke for the victory!

Situation

The overall strategic situation has not changed significantly since the 29 April. In the north on the Danube the Austrians continue to defend the line of the River Inn. While to the north east of Salzburg the Austrians have been conducting a fighting withdrawal in front of Massena's advance. The Austrian's goal is to hold off Massena long enough for the forces in the north to break contact and withdraw to the next defensible position. If Massena were to break through it could envelope the Austrian forces on the River Inn.

Consequently, the day before on the 29th April 1st Reserve Korps turned and faced Massena's IV Corps D' Armee, in the expectation that the 3rd Armeekorps would join them and in doing so inflict a significant defeat on Massena. The battle didn't achieve that goal, and the 1st Reserve Korps took significant casualties from artillery before it could come into contact, and before 3rd Armeekorps arrived. As a result the decision was made to withdraw to the south east. However, as both Korps were about to depart around 1800hrs 4th Armeekorps arrived from the north. The die was cast, they would be committed to fighting Massena on the 30th April, but this time with far greater strength.

Battlefield Map and Terrain

The following is a map of the battlefield with the positions taken up by both the French and Austrians overnight ready for battle at first light.

The Battle

By first light both armies had deployed ready for battle. This view of the battlefield is looking from the North. In the foreground on the Austrian line is the 4th Armeekorps from the village of VIZ to the central east to west road. From this position to the village of LENGAU is the 3rd Armeekorps. The 1st Reserve Korps is deployed centrally. For the French they have deployed Vandamme's VII(WU) Corps D'Armee to the south of LINDECK, in the foreground, leading on to the IV Corps D'Armee and then two divisions from II Corps D'Armee that Massena had taken under command. In reserve they have the 3rd Heavy Cavalry Division. Overall the Austrians had 75,200 infantry, 7820 cavalry and 168 guns against the French who had 47,400 infantry, 2760 cavalry and 136 guns.

Although the French were outnumbered, they seized the initiative and attacked at 0630hrs. The initial phase of the battle was an exchange of artillery fire, Casualties from this on both sides were light. The Austrians were content to fight a defensive battle. Massena decided that he would try and envelope the flanks, and refused the option of charging the mass of Austrians in the centre. Therefore, at 0900hrs Vandamme's Wurttembergers commenced the attack by moving towards VIZ and the woods to the south of that village.

Although, the Austrians were conducting a defensive battle they decided that they needed to protect the woods south of VIZ. They had already moved forward regiments from Hohenloe's division forward into the woods.

However, Franquemont's Brigade of Wurttembergers, supported by Jarry's Brigade from Tharreau's Division, shattered the Austrian defenders who withdrew.

Franquemont and Jarry threw back in further confusion an Austrian counterattack of two regiments. Hohenloe's Division was now losing contact with Somariva's 3rd Division holding VIZ. It was decided to move two regiments of Austrian Grenadiers to support Hohenloe, however, they were very tardy in moving to support. While the wood was being contested and then won by the French, at 0930hrs they launched their first attack at VIZ, both Schafenstein and Hugel's Brigades were thrown back by Grenze Infantry Regiment 12 (GIR12).

Throughout the morning between 0930 and 1100hrs the Wurttembergers launched three more attacks against VIZ. In each case they were thrown back in disorder. Moreover, on GIR12's left in the woods Hohenloe's regiments had regrouped and moved forward to re-establish the line. Attempt6s by the Wurttemberg Cavalry to outflank VIZ were defeated by the presence of the Austrian Cavalry and the artillery firepower protecting VIZ.

At about 1100hrs Massena then committed troops to move around the Austrian left (or southern) flank. He chose General Claparede's 2nd Division of II Corps D'Armee to lead this attack. This was the sector of the 3rd Austriankorps, and their commander had placed, as with VIZ, GIR9 forward to hold the village of LENGAU. Their Divisional Commander Vukassovich brought forward his 3 batterys to support them.

The initial attack against LENGAU was repulsed by GIR9. The Claparede then brought forward Ficatier's Brigade forward to continue the attack. However, before they could be committed Massena gave orders to pull back to the original position. The Austrian position was too strong to break through.

At the northern end of the battlefield by 1230hrs the Grenadier regiments from the regiment had arrived and the line had stabilised.

Outcome and Casualties

The Austrian's had met the French in battle of ground of their choosing and on balance had secured a defensive victory. Although casualties were very light for both sides, it was clearly a moral victory for the Austrians. The Austrian Emperor granted an award and laurel wreath for the GIR12 for their commendable performance during the battle. The Austrian Army continued their withdrawal through the night moving south east to pick up roads which would then lead them north east to the Danube and to rejoin the main army.