La Bataille de Bautzen 1813

La Bataille de Bautzen 1813© Scenarios

Both scenarios, especially Three, are excellent tutorials on La Bataille. The French are hindered by a lack of cavalry in both games, and must act cautiously. French firepower and infantry superiority are significant—especially in Weissig. Separate map see scenario.

Scenario Four – Peyri’s Italians Run Into An Russian Buzzsaw

Before the Battle of Bautzen ( on the 91th), both Napoleon and the Coalition were doing a lot of maneuvering and shifting of positions in order to be prepared what was expected to be a big battle. The Russians were hoping to find Lauriston’s V Corps detached from Ney’s wing and thus ready to be defeated in detail. However, the Russians did not run into Lauriston’s Corps, but rather ran into Bertrand’s IV Corps at Königswartha. There they met Peyri’s Italian Division. Peyri and the Italians were not prepared for the Russians, who easily defeated the division. Overall, division suffered almost 3000 casualties and lost a foot battery to the Russian onslaught.

However, the Russians just missed running directly into Napoleon, who could hear the battle from his headquarters.

The battle should be an easy victory for the Russians. However, it is a good tutorial for players wanting to learn the system. The outcome will affect the Italian’s dispositions two days later at Bautzen as the casualties will be subtracted from Peyri’s command. The game should only take a few hours to play. Separate map see scenario.

Scenario Five – Lauriston Takes On Both The Russians And Prussians

May 19, the day before the Battle of Bautzen started, there was considerable movement by both armies hoping to get an edge on the other prior to the start of the anticipated battle. There were two smaller battles that occurred on that day. One of them was the battle of Weissig between Lauriston’s French V Corps and a combined Russo-Prussian group under the Prussian Yorck and the Russian Guard Commander Raevsky, who was directing a very fine Grenadier Division. The Prussians had a small group of troops at Hermsdorf and had gone to meet Lauriston’s leading division under Maison which was attempting to take Weissig, which is just up the road. The French enter Weissig first, but then the Grenadiers attempt to retake it along with the Prussians. There is a several hour battle that takes place and the initiative shifts several times. This is a good introductory scenario and the Coalition advantage in cavalry makes itself known. The French have a slight advantage of artillery. Overall, the game is quite even, and it may take to the final turn to determine the outline. The game can be played in a couple of hours. Separate map see scenario.

Marshal Enterprises

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