What should of been a big battle at Calbe turned into a bit of a squib and rapid retreat. Martin had positioned his troops in defense of the battle magnet of Calbe, but then promptly did not show up for the battle due to ill-health. This left Mark, Jim and me in charge of the forces, with me, as Wittgenstein, nominally in over all command.
This is the first battle to actually feature Wittgenstein's III Corps in full after they finally arrive in the area after a long, convoluted, march from Dresden.
Another battle report from Dave M follows...
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| From Furness Wargamers in Shakos |
An account of the Battle at Calbe
Having pulled rank and sent Yorcks II Corps off hunting Bavarians in the Westphalian hinterland, Blucher hunkered down at Calbe and went looking for a gin shop.
Meanwhile, at Magdeburg, Davout gathered his forces and headed south eager to catch the elusive Prussian.
Awoken at noon with the news the French were approaching, Blucher called up Wee Willie Wittgensteins' III Corps in support and deployed on a series of low hills to the west of Calbe awaiting the French.
Alarmed by the numbers of Allied troops at Calbe, Davout waited the arrival of the charismatic Poniatowskis’ Polish 3rd Corps, trailing some miles behind in their masters wake, before deploying.
Deploying his massed cavalry on the Allied left, his infantry in the centre and the Poles on their left, in a holding position, by late afternoon Davout was ready to attack.
The French cavalry quickly disposed of the opposing Prussian horsemen and began to outflank the Allied line. Dragged from the arms of the barman at the Sozzled Schutzen, Blucher was urged by Wittgenstein to order a retreat before the French rolled up their line.
As the Allied host began to retire, a last charge by General Jimski Elastikovs Russian Hussars, held the French in the centre, allowing III Corps to escape virtually unharmed. The Prussian artillery wasn't so lucky, losing 12 guns to a headlong charge by French Cuirassiers.
Saved by nightfall the Allies headed south, covered by their remaining Horse artillery and cavalry.
Losses
French 800
Allies 4000 + 12 guns
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