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.

Age of Eagles - Game Report 10

The Battle of Perchaon 29 April 1809

Background

After a little breather we were back in action within the 1809 Danube campaign, and into our nineth battle of the campaign.

Situation

The campaign action on the 29 April 1809 is split between the northern half of Upper Austria where the 1st, 2nd ArmeeeKorps and 2nd Austrian Reserve Korps are holding the line of the River Inn against the might of most of the Grande Armee. However, further south and east of Salzburg the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th ArmeeKorps and 1st Reserve Korps are fighting a delaying action against Massena's IVth Corps D'Armee, the Wurttemberg Corps and other Light and Heavy Cavalry French formations.

At one stage it seemed likely that Massena had found a way to penetrate the line of Austrian formations, however swift action by General der Kavalerie Johannes Liechenstein's 1st Reserve Korps blocked the way, the 3rd ArmeeKorps and Austrian Light Cavalry units now moved to the sound of the guns in order to defeat Massena, and blunt the French advance.

Battlefield Map and Terrain

The ground east of Salzburg starts to become increasingly broken with hills and woods with many small villages in the valleys. It is less open than the terrain further North close to the Danube.

The view looking North East from where the Austrians will arrive from the South East.

The Battle

The 1st Reserve Korps deployed into two columns around MUNDSIG. The larger of the two made up of two Grenadier Brigades and two heavy cavalry brigades was directed to move north east and attack any enemy north and east of PERCHAON, while one Grenadier and one cuirassier brigade was to form a blocking position on the high ground east of PERCHAON. The final grenadier brigade was to move into a blocking position in the defile on the road between LENGAU and PERCHAON.

From the outset of the advance the plan fell to pieces with brigades failing to move into position, this allowed at 1100hrs time for the General Tharreau's 1st Division from II Corps D'Armee to march to the sound of the guns and deploy to protect the French northern flank. Meanwhile 3rd Heavy Cavalry division also arrived deploying into a blocking position.

Given that Liechtenstein could see that fresh French reinforcements were arriving from the West, at 1300hrs he cancelled the planned advanced and adopted a defensive posture until such time 3rd ArmeeKorps arrived. The French reinforcements included the lead elements of the IV Corps D'Armee. However there was no evidence that at this stage that Massena had arrived on the battlefield. For their part the Austrians had received reinforcements from the North and South with the arrival respectively of the 3rd and 4th Light Dragoons.

The strength of the French forces increased steadily throughout the early afternoon, and by 1530 all four divisions of IV Corps D'Armee present; less their Corps Commander. The French artillery deployed in line North of PERCHAON and started a furious bombardment on the Austrian Grenadiers formed on the hill causing significant and unwarranted casualties as their pride and discipline prevented them falling back into the dead ground behind the hill. 

Although there was a lack of Corps Command direction the initiative shown by the French Divisional commanders allowed them to fight for the woods South of PERCHAON and at the same time to ready themselves to advance on command from Massena. However, the Austrian Grenadiers were not going to vacate the woods without a fight and threw the French out of the wood when the French charged.

By 1700hrs it was clear to Liechtenstein that 3rd ArmeeKorps would not arrive in time to influence the battle. He needed to break contact and withdraw as rapidly as he could. The guns and grenadiers started their withdrawal, while the Heavy Cavalry Brigades launched several charges to force delay on the French Infantry.

Unlike many previous retreats executed during the campaign thus far, this was orderly and well managed with artillery and grenadiers leapfrogging ach other, all the while covered by the cavalry.

By 1730hrs the sun was setting, and both sides were effectively breaking contact from each other with the Austrians retiring to the South-East and leaving the French in possession of the battlefield. (Note to self: remember to set the table the other way around so that the sun really sets in the West next time.)  The French decision was partly made because Massena only arrived to take command around 1600hrs and he had passed the VII Corps D'Armee on the way to the battle. Vandamme reported that because of the state of the roads he was unlikely to arrive at PERCHAON until after dark.

Outcome and Casualties

The Austrian's had failed to force the French to battle on their terms. Instead, they were forced to another defensive battle to buy time. Fortunately, they were able to extract themselves from the battle and regroup with the remaining Austrian reinforcements to the South East. Casualties were heaviest for the Grenadiers who lost most to the severe artillery fire they suffered exposed on the forward slope of the hills facing the French guns.

Age of Eagles - Game Report 9

The Battle of The River Isar 23 April 1809

Background

This would be the eighth battle of our campaign. A battle the Austrians would have been better advised not to fight.

Situation

Since the Battle of STRAUBING on the 19 Apr, the 1st and 2nd Armee Korps (AK) and the 2nd Reserve Armee Korps (RAK) had been withdrawing south east under increasingly heavier pressure from the French. During this retreat they had studiously kept their right flank secure by keeping close to the Danube to their North. On the 23 April the French caught them with the Austrians with their back to the River ISAR as they were trying to withdraw across it. At dawn the 2nd RAK was in the process of crossing the River ISAR with the 2nd AK in column of route next to cross, while the 1st AK were arrayed in defensive positions waiting for the order to retire.

Napoloeon had massed the III Corps D’Armee (CA) with 5 divisions, the VII (Bav) CA with 3 divisions and two Heavy Cavalry divisions and one Light Cavalry division to pursue the Austrians down the DANUBE. Of these forces the VII (Bav) CA were present on the battlefield on the 23rd April. The III CA were in line of march following and were due to arrive from 1000hrs, with the Heavy Cavalry still some hours behind the main body. Napoleon decided that he would posture as a weak force to encourage the Austrians to stand and fight, he would attack once Davout arrived and order him to attack from his line of march. Napoleon’s intent was to drive the Austrians into the ISAR. By destroying two or three AK he might end the war on the 23rd April.

The Austrian Corps Commanders conference, over breakfast, on the 23rd was a heated and angry debate. There were strong arguments to withdraw as soon as possible. However, the fear was that the French were too close and could easily push the majority of the Corps into the ISAR, and destroy a large portion of the combined Austrian Force. Even worse there could be panic and they could lose control of all their forces. The senior Austrian Commander, FZM Kolowrat-Krakowsky commanding the 2nd AK, prevailed in the debate and directed that the combined forces stand and fight for the road south east to clear of the baggage and then for the forces to withdraw over the bridge. His colleagues were uncomfortable with the decision but decided to abide by his recommendation. The die was cast.

Battlefield Map and Terrain

Around the banks of the rivers in Bavaria the ground is relatively flat with the occasional minor elevation. There are frequent small villages, these provide some cover and security around which a defence can be built. The road to the south led to a bridge over the River ISAR. North and East are bounded by the River DANUBE.

The Battle

At 10:00hrs the Austrian 1st AK is deployed in line of battle. On the left the 3rd Div 2nd AK is in support with its Jagers and IR25 securing the end of the line in the village of PLAUING. Similarly the 3rd Div 1st AK were securing the right around the village of ISARGMUND. The VII (Bav) CA are arrayed in a cordon to secure the line of departure for III Corps D’Armee’s attack.

By 11:00hrs the French attach was starting to develop led by the 3rd (Bav) Div attacking the Jagers in the wood west of PLAUING. They were supported in this attack by the massed batteries of the 3rd and 1st Div.

As a result of the Bavarian assault on the woods the Jagers withdrew through the wood supported by IR25 which was suffering from the artillery fire directed at it. CLR5 moved up in support to cover the withdrawal of the 3rd Div into line with the 1st AK.

By 11:30hrs the 2nd AK had reversed its march and was arriving to support the 1st AK. However, for the French III CA was starting to arrive. The 1st (Bav) Div remained on its start line to the rear of the hill North of PLAUING, the intention to be for this to move up once the 2nd(BAV) Div moved on to their left flank.

An hour later 2nd AK was starting to deploy to the left of 1st AK. For the French the 2nd (Bav) Div was now starting to approach its start line to allow the combined Bavarian attack to start. In the north the III CA is continuing to move forward in column of march to the East with the intention of swinging to the South to attack along the line of the road running from KLEINKUCHIG-ISARGMUND-the crossing over the ISAR.

Outside PLAUING the 3rd (Bav) Div is regrouping while the Austrian 3rd Div of the 2nd AK withdraws to its main body.

At 1300hrs the Austrians are starting to change their dispositions. The arrival of the 2nd AK has allowed the 1st AK to shorten its line. The 3rd Div 1st AK has thrown its Jagers forward as a screen in the woods North West of ISARGMUND.

The VII (Bav) CA started its advance with its 1st and 2nd Div at 1330. The advance guard of the III CA has evicted the Jager screen that was sent forward and is moving in support of the Bavarians. Both Austrian Corps Commanders have assembled a strong reserve e to counterattack any breakthroughs made by the French, and also to act as line through which the forward units can withdraw.

By 1330hrs the French now have four divisions in a line all directed at the two and a half divisions of the 1st AK.

By 1500hrs the French attack has made significant progress. III CA has passed through the 1st (Bav) Div and has pushed the Austrian Centre into retreat. In doing so it has opened a gap between the 1st and 2nd AK. This French attack has exposed the left and right flanks of the Austrian position, although they are both continuing to give a good account of themselves in their own fights. Meanwhile the Austrian commanders have decided to save the guns and to extract them from the battle and across the ISAR. The 2nd Hvy Cav Division, which arrived at 1200hrs, were rushed forward by Napoleon and they joined the attack to try and complete the victory.

From 1500hrs the French launch charges all along the line driving the Austrians into ever more confusion and fragmentation. The Austrian defensive fire cannot stop the French momentum.

The French charges force the Austrians into an ever-tighter perimeter. Notably Brigade Destabenrath of St Hilaire’s Division has penetrated deep into the Austrian position to cause major disruption. A number of Austrian units are left effectively surrounded as the French penetrate into the depths of the Austrian Line. There is the start of massive congestion as troops hasten their exit from the battlefield.

In order to stabilise the line and to buy time for retreat IR15 launched a partially successful counterattack to drive back Brigade Destabenrath. While IR18 form square to defend themselves against the Cuirassiers. With the decreasing Austrian perimeter there is insufficient space to allow Napoleon to bring his whole force and strength to bear on the Austrians.

Despite the French success at 1530hrs the Austrians manage to secure the initiative and troops flood to the rear to cross the bridges over the ISAR. There remains a paltry rearguard of Austrians who sacrifice themselves to allow the rest of their two AK to withdraw and preserve their remaining strength for future battles

At 1600hrs the battle is all but won, as the Austrian rearguard has now been cut off from escape.

Outcome and Casualties

Although the battle was a major defeat for the Austrians, it was not the stunning victory that Napoleon sought. The Austrians were able to extricate a significant portion of their forces. Although both Armee Korps were depleted they made good their escape. Significantly only one Austrian battery was lost. Strategically the French were now forced into chasing the Austrians along the Danube in an attempt to overtake them and bring them to battle again.

Age of Eagles - Game Report 8

The Second Battle of Landshut 21 April 1809

Background

This is the seventh battle of the campaign, and if not the largest, certainly one of the more significant. And yet again it revisits a battlefield that has already been fought over, LANDSHUT. This is hardly surprising as it provides the bridges and lines of communications over the River ISAR.

Situation

Over the last few days the Austrian 6th Armee Korps had been screening the movement of the French 2nd Corps D’Armee 7km North of LANDSHUT. It became increasingly important that 6th Armee Korps maintained its position given the result of the Battle of ECKMUHL-HEINSPACH. The river crossing at LANDSHUT would be the only way that 3rd Armee Korps and 4th Armee Korps could retire to the East bank of the ISAR. For two days both Korps had been moving South West down the West bank of the ISAR to LANDSHUT. Fortunately, they had broken contact clean and were not being pursued.

On the 20th April 2nd Corps D’Armee, reinforced by two divisions from the 4th Corps D’Armee started a flanking movement to the move on LANDSHUT from the West and seize it. However, this movement was detected by Archduke Charles at HQ Hauptarmee which was co-located with 6th Armee Korps. He immediately started the Korps moving to the South and was able to reassert control over LANDSHUT before 2nd Corps D’Armee were able to arrive. 4th Armee Korps messengers reported to HQ Hauptarmee that both Korps were on route and would be at LANDSHUT by midmorning – 4th Armee Korps were in the lead.

Battlefield Map and Terrain

As described previously the ground around LANDSHUT was relatively flat with small woods on the flood plain. The stream was a tributary to the ISAR and because of the recent rains was an obstacle. It was only passable by troops upstream beyond MESSING. The stream split the defensive battlefield in two, further complicating decisions for the Archduke Charles.

Battle Report

6th Armee Korps Commander was ordered to hold LANDSHUT and to establish a secure right flank North of LANDSHUT to allow 4th Armee Korps to arrive unmolested. With those orders he placed his 1st Division in the Front line South of the stream facing West. The Advance Guard Division would be in reserve behind them. 2nd Division were formed North of the stream and were given the mission of securing the woods North West of LANDSHUT as a firm base to protect the arrival of 4th Armee Korps.

With reinforcements from 4th Corps D’Armee the 2nd Corps D’Armee Commander had 4 divisions under command and a Bavarian Light Cavalry Brigade. He split his forces 2 and 2 astride the stream.

The battle opened at 0600hrs with the French making a rapid advance. 1st Division under General Tharreau moved forward with incredible elan, with the intent of using shock and awe to rapidly bounce the Austrians out of position. Brigade Conroux was the first into contact, only for IR4 to throw them back with disdain. The French would now need a more deliberate approach.

IR49, the Austrian right forward regiment suffered 75% casualties by fire by 0700hrs and were withdrawn. Consequently, the Austrian Line started to give ground. Meanwhile GIR6 was send forward to support the 1st Division.

By 0730hrs the French attack is fully committed. If it beaks through then LANDSHUT may fall to the French. However, the Austrians fall back grudgingly giving ground at a price.

On the Austrian right the 2nd Division by 0730hrs has moved forward to secure its objective. Unfortunately, the command and communications arrangements for the divisions from 4th Corps D’Armee were not in place and the left-hand division was far too slow in advancing and therefore unable to support the division to its right as they contacted the Austrians in the wood.

By 1000hrs the French were about to break through onto the Austrian gunline. The 1st Division has been forced back and the Advance Guard has been thrown forward to stabilise the line. This precarious situation was caused by the failure of an Austrian counterattack by IR4 and 14. They were soundly beaten and thrown back with losses by a much weaker French brigade – Brigade Jarry.

This French brigade performed above and beyond what would have been expected of any French line infantry brigade. By the end of the day they would have driven two elite Austrian regiments out of the wood, repulsed the charge of the same opponents when they counterattacked, overran and captured a gun battery and repulsed a cavalry charge – all for no losses to themselves. Nonetheless this proved to be the high-water mark of the French attack.

On the right by 1000hrs the 4th Armee Korps had arrived. Some confusion down the line of march delayed their arrival and their deployment. Throughout this lengthy deployment the French kept a respectable and reasonable distance between them and this new enemy formation, and in doing so endeavoured to extend their line to prevent being out-flanked.

The arrival of the 4th Armee Korps allowed the 6th Armee Korps to recover two regiments from the 2nd Division to reinforce the 1st Division.

By 1030hrs the Austrians were able to start pushing forward West of LANDSHUT. The French had decided that their best chance of securing the town had gone, and were now falling back in good order having inflicted significant damage on the 6th Armee Korps.

North West of LANDSHUT 4th Armee Korps are now almost fully deployed for battle, but the enemy is continuing to give ground and protect its flanks.

By 1100hrs the French were breaking contact and withdrawing West. HQ Hauptarmee called a halt to the battle and started to reorganise its forces to start the withdrawal to the east bank of the ISAR river.

Outcome and Casualties

The French 2nd Corps D’Armee came very close to seizing LANDSHUT. However, it is questionable whether they would have managed to hold it for any length of time with the arrival of the Austrian reinforcements that would have been able in turn to cut of the 2nd Corps D’Armee’s lines of communications.

What the French achieved was in large part due to Brigade Jarry, who would receive a citation and a mention in the Army News of the day.