Its quite incredible that such a large battle was never recorded by the Napoleonic era historians but thank goodness that Steve C has re-enacted this in his War Room over the last few days.
The French are on the defensive as an aggressive Prussian force under Blucher attempts to break the Emperor's field army, in the full knowledge that a strong Austrian army was also rapidly advancing.
A large Polish brigade can be seen here in the foreground. A French infantry brigade has deployed in line further forward on the right
The Poles are fearsome fighters for the French cause
French light battalions are deployed in skirmish order and in the woods
French light cavalry dash forward on the left wing
The Poles have also deployed light troops ahead of the attack columns
In reserve, on the French right flank, a heavy cavalry brigade of Cuirassiers
Blucher arrives on the field and issues orders to his brigades
They have to deal with these French lines in and around the enclosed fields
Lancers are amongst the light cavalry brigade
The French light cavalry await the Prussian attacks
The cavalry raise a cheer from the French infantry as they pass
All quiet before the storm !
Aha ! Prussian Uhlans appear opposite the French cavalry
And an infantry brigade marches onto the field
French light infantry look quite isolated in a small wood ahead of the main line
The Prussian infantry advance steadily
The Prussians head for the French centre
Charge ! The Prussian cavalry charge into action against the French cavalry
Half of the French light cavalry have stayed back as a reserve
The Prussian infantry fan out to face both the left and centre
A clash of colours - infantry battle it out
The Poles are ordered forwards
The French light infantry in the woods are now in danger
They are surrounded on three sides now
Swiss infantry are urged to do their best
The cavalry fight continues
Come on ! Lets break the French before us
Another Prussian cavalry brigade arrives, including Heavies
The lines are extended
No signs of a breakthrough yet
The Chasseurs have a hard time of it with the Uhlans
French gun fire has been effective as evidenced by the disorder markers on the Prussian cavalry
The French light infantry abandon the woods in disorder
The French cavalry commander tries to hold this left flank
Prussian Jagers now take the woods
A French general screams at his men to hold
The Prussian pressure is immense
and the cavalry are outnumbering the French now
They have outflanked the retreating French light infantry
More Jagers lead the advance
The Prussian cavalry have now hit the French light cavalry reserve
and the infantry are now lead by the Prussian Guard Grenadiers
The line must hold !
Don't let them break through !
Prussian generals confer
The Cuirassiers await their orders still
Casualties are mounting on the French lines
Ready the Cuirassiers !
The Prussian Guard Grenadiers have changed into line
Prussian heavy cavalry engage the French lancers
Prussian infantry continue to engage the French behind the stone walls
One column has caught a French gun limbered and unable to fire
Nowhere is safe !
Prussian infantry outflank the French held fields
The Prussian heavy cavalry has seen off the enemy lancers
Prussian Landwehr face the French guns
as desperate French chasseurs still try to hold off the enemy cavalry
The Prussians are relentless
The Cuirassiers are unleashed !
The Prussians are over into the fields
the whole line has pulled back
French gunners keep up their hammering of the Prussians in front of them
Hold on, my brave fellows !
But look ... the Austrians have arrived !
Fear not ! We can beat them too
The Prussian Guard has charged the enemy on their right flank
Here come the Austrian columns
This is too much !
Can the Cuirassiers stem the tide ?
Marsch !
They shall not pass !
The Prussian Guard wheel again into line
No more retreating !
Will the French left hold out ?
French horse artillery keep on firing
These Prussian Guards are unstoppable
They don't want the Austrians sharing the glory !
French infantry officers implore their men to stand
French casualties are so high that a brigade has broken !
At the time the Austrian forces come into view
Austrian commanders confer
Push on and destroy the enemy !
I'm sure we have them Sire !
The Austrians hit the Polish brigade
Sheer weight of numbers means the French have to break off and retrieve as many of their units as possible. The Allies have won !
Black Powder solo by Steve spread out over six days. Quite a feat !
Stunning looking game and photo's. Very impressive!
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