Date
6th September 1813
Location
Dennewitz in the Prussian province of Brandenburg, 40 km. S.W. from Berlin.
Combatants
France vs Prussia, Sweden and Russia
Commanders
Ney & Oudinot (France)
Bernadotte (Russia)
von Bulow (Prussia)
Troops
French - 58,000
Allies - 100,000
Terrain
The terrain around Dennewitz was relatively flat, with few low knolls, some rolling fields and meadows, and few woods. Only two prominent hills commanded the sandy plain. The Dennewitz windmill hill offered an unobstructed view of the area.
A small marshy stream divided the battlefield into northern and southern parts. Infantry could only cross it with difficulty. The villages were well built but lacked strong enclousers and provided little cover. There was a wooden bridge in Dennewitz and a stone (narrow) bridge at Rohrbeck. Although topography played a role, the arrival of fresh troops became the deciding factor.
Background
In late August 1813, Napoleon decided to order a general offensive to take Berlin, the Prussian capital, with the overall goal of knocking the Prussians out of the war. Marshal Oudinot's corps advanced towards this objective along three separate roads.
The fighting that took place on 23 August was essentially three isolated actions at Blankenfield, Grossbeeren, and Sputendorf. In each case the Allies prevailed and Oudinot retreated to Wittenberg. At this point Napoleon appointed Marshal Michel Ney to command.
Therefore Marshal Ney, at the head of some 58,000 men of Marshal Oudinot's corps, was ordered to advance from Dresden towards Berlin.
There was bad blood between the two marshals, brought about by Ney's appointment to overall command, but Ney was determined nothing would slow his rapid advance.
The speed of the march was not helped by poor reconnaissance and the French blundered straight into the waiting troops of their former colleague Marshal Bernadotte, now leading an Allied army.
" . . . now show what Prussian bravery is all about.
It is only fair that you fight in the first line since it
means that your own capital and your Fatherland
are at stake."
- Crown Prince of Sweden, Bernadotte, to Gen. Bulow
Prelude
Ney, with around 58,000 men, renewed the advance on Berlin on 6 September, encountering mixed elements of Prussian, Russian, and Swedish troops under the overall command of Crown Prince Charles of Sweden (formerly French Marshal Bernadotte) at Dennewitz.
General Bulow climbed a church steeple and watched Bertrand's IV Corps advance on the highway toward Juterborg. Then he ordered his corps to march north, where hills commanded the area. Bulow deployed his heavy Russian and Prussian 12pdrs on the hills in front of the infantry while the 6pdrs remained with the infantry. Orderlies dispensed food, along with the news of Blucher's victory at Katzbach.
Marshal Ney formed the battle line before 10 AM.
After 11 AM news arrived that Crown Prince of Sweden, Bernadotte, planned to lead the rest of his army to support Bulow and Tauentzien. As at the battle of Gross Beeren, the bombastic Bernadotte, spoke of assisting the Prussians but promised nothing. (Bernadotte to Bulow: "...now show what Prussian bravery is all about. It is only fair that you fight in the first line since it means that your own capital and your Fatherland are at stake. ... say to Bulow that I will come and support him.")
The head of Tauentzien's corps just reached the wood north of Dennewitz when Bertrand's artillery opened fire. The Prussians saw several French infantry columns deployed in wide intervals north of Dennewitz. Behind the infantry stood French cavalry.
The Battle
Ney had decided to move his entire army down a single road. While this allowed him to maintain communications with his entire army, the single road stacked his army for miles. As a result, the battle swayed back and forth with the arrival of fresh French and Allied reinforcements throughout its course.
There were signs that all was not well in the French army at this time. The French empire was seriously short of cavalry troops and mounts since the 1812 Russian campaign. As a result there was a lack of screening and reconnaissance. The French command situation was also strained, as Oudinot was angered at being placed under Ney's command.
Marshal Ney was determined to advance with all haste to Berlin and this, combined with the poor reconnaissance, allowed the French army to walk right into an assembled Allied defense. Initially forced back, the Prussian elements of Bernadotte's army were reinforced by General Bülow and recovered the lost ground. Bülow would now assume command of the allied side for most of the remainder of the day.
The battle began on the French right flank (Prussians' left) with the Italian battery firing the first shots. The Prussians guns responded immediately. During the exchange of artillery fire three Prussian horse guns were seriously damaged, and several gunners were killed and wounded.
To gain time for the deployment of Bulow's corps, Tauentzien ordered 9 squadrons of Landwehr cavalry to attack the flank of Fontanelli's Italian division. Fontanelli's division was a strong one, it consisted of 14 infantry battalions (including one of the Milan Guard) and 16 guns. The Landwehr broke some of the Italian battalions. Around 10 squadrons of French chasseurs from Lorge's division counterattacked but could not stop the Prussians. The French and the Italians fled, some directly through the infantry. The flight of cavalry triggered the flight of Bertrand's baggage.
Morand's French infantry (8th Light, 13th and 23rd Line) however repulsed the Landwehr without any problems.
With the Landwehr gone Fontanelli pulled his division back, and closer to Dennewitz.
Most of Lorge's chasseurs returned and were rallied behind the dragoons.
New arrivals (Bulow's corps)
The Italians in the wood found thesmelves heavily engaged with the Prussian skirmishers. The Wurttemberg battalion attacked and was driven back by the Prussians. So far only Tauentzien's force was engaged.
About noon the leading echelon (Thumen's 4th Brigade and Death's Head Hussars) of Bulow's Corps arrived. Thumen deployed his artillery near Nieder-Gorsdorf and opened fire. Then came Krafft's 6th Brigade and Hessen-Homburg's 3rd Brigade. The Reserve Cavalry under von Oppen arrived too. In the three brigades (3rd, 4th and 6th) Bulow had 1 grenadier and 12 infantry battalions, and 10 reserve and 7 Landwehr battalions.
Marshal Ney sent Marshal Oudinot's XII Army Corps (French, Bavarian, Westphalian and Hessian troops) an order to join him. The XII Army Corps was considered made of veterans as they had fought at both Lutzen and Bautzen. Oudinot himself was probably the weakest link. Although he was brave and fearless to a fault Napoleon was not impressed with his skills as an independent commander. While in exile on St. Helena the emperor once commented that although Oudinot was "a decent fellow, he was not very bright."
Prussian general, Borstell, observed the dust clouds that announced Oudinot's arrival. The marshal however moved without eagerness. GdD Reynier's VII Army Corps (French and Saxon troops) also received an order and were on the road.
Morand's counterattack.Several Italian and Wurttemberg battalions advanced against the Prussians in the wood and drove them back. They also attacked the II/5th Reserve Infantry from the flank and routed it. GdD Morand sent 8th Light and 13th Line against the enemy in Nieder-Gorsdorf. The French closed to within 30 paces from another battalion of that regiment and exchanged volleys.
Then Thumen's brigade intervened. This formation consisted of three regiments; the 4th East Prussian Infantry, the Elbe Infantry, and the 5th Reserve Infantry. There were also few small units of cavalry and artillery. Thumen forced Morand's men to fall back in disorder. Morand however responded with his own counterattack supported by his artillery.
The Prussians took heavy casualties and fell back. Three battalions of 3rd East Prussia Infantry (from Hessen-Homburg's 3rd Brigade) and two of 5th Reserve Infantry pulled back to the right of Nieder-Gorsdorf where they were covered by 12 Russian and 12 Prussian heavy guns.
"Ney is supposed to have sent him
to Napoleon after 'ripping off his epaulets."
- George Nafziger
The 2nd Polish Uhlans and a handful of French chasseurs threw themselves against the Prussian infantry, cavalry and artillery. They rode furiously through the skirmish line, then attacked five or six battalions formed in squares.
The Prussian infantry used closed columns instead of squares against cavalry. When the enemy's cavalry approached the outer files filled the gaps between the troops. Such compact formation was formed quickly, the troopers in 1st rank outstretched their bayonets while those in 2nd rank fired. The men in 3rd rank loaded the muskets and passed them to the 2nd rank.
Despite volleys at close range and casualties the Poles and Frenchmen pressed forward, passed between the battalions and engaged Tauentzien's cavalry.
Then the 1st Life Hussars (the famous Death's Head Hussars) arrived. Being heavily outnumbered the Polish and French cavalry attempted to disengage. They passed in front of Krafft's brigade, received musket volleys and canister, and after losing 102 men reached the French and Italian positions. On the way back the Poles managed to overrun Prussian munition column near Wolmsdorf. The Landwehr infantry fired on the uhlans but instead they inflicted casualties on their own gunners.
Marshal Ney immediately ordered the Westphalian cavalry to support the Poles, but its commander did not move. Ney is supposed to have sent him to Napoleon after 'ripping off his epaulets."
Meanwhile the French cavalry attacked Prussian batteries killing number of men and horses. French skirmishers opened fire on a battalion of Landwehr causing it to waver. The French artillery dismounted 4 Prussian guns.
Heavy fighting in the center.General Defrance's dragoons arrived and took positions behind a low hill in the center of Ney's battle line. They were concealed from the view of the Prussian gunners. The artillery fire was heavy and the village of Nieder-Gohrsdorf began burning. Thumen counterattacked with 5 battalions and a small force of cavalry. The Italians and Wurttembergs were driven back.
Two Wurttemberg battalions formed in squares were broken by canister fire and suffered horrific casualties. One square lost 531, leaving just 70 men to escape! Morand's division was left with an open flank and began to pull back.
Part of Durutte's division attacked the Prussian center pushing Clausewitz with three battalions back. A company of Prussian schutzen (riflemen) opened fire on the French columns. While the French infantry entered the village, Defrance's dragoons assaulted the withdrawing Prussians. Clausewitz fell back and joined Thumen's men. Thumen's and Heseen-Homburg's brigade being under strong pressure became mixed. Defrance's division however was too weak to make the breakthrough on its own, as it numbered only eight squadrons.
Bloody fight for Gohlsdorf.On the other flank Borstell's 5th Brigade attacked Gohlsdorf and Saxon positions. Borstell had artillery and skirmishers in the front, followed by battalions formed in columns. His cavalry moved on the right flank of the brigade.
Michael Leggeire writes, "The Prussian battalions slowly approached Golsdorf as steady fire from the Golsdorf windmill hill depleted their ranks. Prussian skirmishers reached the gardens and perimeter of the village, where a standing combat ensued until their columns penetrated the small village."
Borstell's first assault was repulsed by the Saxons. But then the fusiliers (light infantry) of 3rd East Prussian captured the gardens and entered Gohlsdorf.
Saxon grenadiers counterattacked, the Prussians regouped and came back. The Saxons defended the walls of the cemetery and individual headstones until the Prussians eventually gained the upper hand. (The I/1st Neumark Landwehr lost 234 killed and wounded at the cemetery).
Now the Saxons were in control of the main street, while the Prussians occupied the cemetery. Meanwhile Saxon artillery drove back von Oppen's Reserve Cavalry. To put more pressure on Ney's flank Bulow sent order to Hessen-Homburg's 3rd Brigade to support Borstell.
The Swedes arrive.
"The appearance of the troops, collectively, was good;
individually, they had not the air, the gait . . . and their
appearance, after seeing the Russians and the Prussians,
was unprepossessing." - Sir Charles Stewart
The Swedes and a single Russian battery soon arrived and placed themselves on Borstell's left. The Swedish troops came from the Crown Prince's army. Nafziger suggests there were only two Swedish units at Dennewitz, a hussar regiment and horse battery. Christer Edling however mentions several Swedish cavalry units: Royal Majesty's Life Guard, Life Cuirassiers, Light Dragoons of Smaaland, King's Hussars, and the Hussar Regiment of Skane.
English General Sir Charles Stewart described the Swedish troops: "The appearance of the [Swedish] troops, collectively, was good; individually, they had not the air, the gait, or dress of disciplined soldiers: neither the old troops or new levies were steady under arms: their clothes were ill made: and their appearance, after seeing the Russians and the Prussians, was unprepossessing.
However, I must do them justice to admit, that their performance in the field exceeded my anticipations. Their guards and artillery were composed of the choice of their men, and throughout, the composition of the Swedish soldierly was respectable. ... I saw four cavalry regiments ... The Swedish horse is not a good animal, having a very short neck, and an immense thick cart hind-quarter: he may endure fatigue, but in point of appearance and movement he is a sorry exhibition."
The Prussians captured Gohlsdorf.
The reinforced Prussians assaulted Gohlsdorf and took 350 prisoners. Oudinot's artillery opened fire on Gohlsdorf and drove the enemy back. Borstel's brought 8 battalions formed in two lines with cavalry covering both flanks. This force attacked the village, suffered heavy casualties from the Saxon artillery and fell back pursued by Saxon 6 battalions.
Marshal Oudinot sent several battalions of Guilleminot's 14th Infantry Division into Gohlsdorf. The bulk of Guilleminot's force consisted of 7th, 52nd, 137th, and 156th Line Infantry. They were not the best and not the worst troops. The French immediately became target for the Prussian, Russian and Swedish cannons and howitzers. The Prussian infantry then attempted to capture a Saxon battery. This however failed when the gunners fired canister at 60 paces. Decimated and shattered, the attackers fled in great disorder. Another Prussian battalion however was more successful and they captured the Saxon colours.
Finally Gohlsdorf was in Prussian hands. The small village and its surroundings were covered with thousands of dead and wounded infantrymen (1268 Prussians, 1500 Saxons, and few hundreds of French). Several damaged and unlimbered guns and numerous ammunition wagons remained on the hill near Gohlsdorf. The entire Saxon line wavered until Defrance's dragoons charged and stabilized the situation. Seeing this the much relieved Marshal Ney ordered Marshal Oudiont's XIII Army Corps to disengage and assume a position in the rear and center.
Ney attempted the last desperate attack.
The columns of French infantry strode forward at
a brisk pace. The French appeared on the verge of
a victory and Ney needed only to administer the
coup de grace. Unfortunately he had no reserves !
Ney attacked the Prussian center again, this time with a stronger force of infantry. With an intimidating tumult, the drums beat pas de charge and the shout Vive l'Empereur ! rose from hundreds of French throats.
The columns of infantry strode forward at a brisk pace. In the meantime the Prussian gunners opened a rapid fire, to inflict as much damage on the enemy as possible but also to heighten the psychological effect of this approaching masses. The French quickened their pace through the fields so as to be exposed to the cannon fire as briefly as possible.
Several battalions of Durrutte's and Morand's divisions, and part of Oudinot's XII Corps struck the center and forced the Prussians to abandon Wolmsdorf and Nieder-Gohlsdorf. The French appeared on the verge of a victory and Ney needed only to administer the coup de grace. Unfortunately he had no reserve!
Having joined in the fighting personally he was unaware of the overall tactical situation on the battlefield. Ney withdrew Oudiont from the action and moved his corps to Rohlbeck.
At 4:30 PM Ney attempted the last desperate attack in the center. Fontanelli's Italians and Morand's Frenchmen formed in battalion columns advanced behind a thick chain of skirmishers until they were 80 paces from the Prussian infantry formed in line. The musketry was tremendous. The Prussian Death's Head Hussars (2 squadrons) and some Landwehr cavalry charged and routed French chasseurs. After this cavalry action Fontanelli's and Morand's infantry fell back.
Prussian victory.The artilley bombardement was felt keenly by the infantry and cavalry on both sides. The Saxons began withdrawal, sporadically turning on their pursuers. Ney rode to that sector of the battlefield and tried to rally the men. The Saxons then colided with Oudinot's battalions and carried them as well. The French center became engulfed in chaos and two Prussian battalions easily captured Dennewitz.
The fleeing Ney's infantry rolled through Rohlbeck seeking protection behind the stream. The Wurttemburgers covered the retreat until flames engulfed the village. Thumen's brigade continued forward and attempted to take Rohlbeck. Russian heavy guns set the village ablaze and the Prussian Landwehr infantry and schutzen (riflemen) entered Rohrbeck. The Landwehr cavalry rode through the village and struck French cavalry. The French broke and fled abandoning the battlefield.
The Russian 44th Jagers and two hussar regiments arrived on the battlefield and immediately moved to the vicinity of Wolmsdorf. The Russian Izoum Hussars and the Prussian Pomeranian Hussars routed French cavalry and captured 3 guns. On the extreme flank von Oppen's Reserve Cavalry captured large quantity of baggage. The confusion on the roads was tremendous, and wagons, guns, and abandoned equipment formed obstacles for the retiring infantry.
Prussian cavalry followed the enemy and took many prisoners. Most of the infantry however was exhausted and took no part in the pursuit. The long march on the previous day, the restless morning, and the battle under parching sun had fatigued them. The falling darkness meant that orders could not be effectively communicated to the disorganized troops.
Bernadotte's leisurely pursuit.Bernadotte's pursuit was leisurely and reached Zerbst on 15th September. Then he began coordinating his movements with Blucher's army. Bernadotte was criticised by his German allies for this apparent apathy in committing his army and especially his Swedes. This dented Bernadotte's military reputation and resulted in negative German publicity for the Northern Army in the Wars of Liberation.
Bernadotte wrote his own account of this battle in one of his bulletins. According to Crown Prince, once Bulow had engaged the enemy, "70 Russian and Swedish battalions, 10,000 cavalry, and 150 guns advanced in attack columns ... The enemy beat a retreat; the cavalry charged with a boldness resembling fury and carried disorder into his columns, which retreated in great haste."
After Bernadotte's account was also published in Berlin newspapers, Bulow exploded, "When reading the newspapers I became thoroughly disgusted by Bernadotte's shameful bulletins. ... His bulletins contain almost nothing but lies ..."
Bulow had many reasons to hate the Crown Prince. As much as the Prussian claimed to be the victor at Gross Beeren, it was Bernadotte who received the coveted Grand Cross of the Iron Cross - the most prestigious decoration of the Prussian army. The Tzar awarded Bernadotte the Grand Cross of the Order of St.George, and the Austrians with their Grand Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa.
Ney's shattered and decimated army reached Torgau on 7th September "after making a 40 km march without halting." Ney wrote that when the XII Corps ran into a few Cossacks; the troops gave into such a panic-stricken terror that it was very difficult to rally them. He also informed Berthier about 6,000 deserters who threw away their muskets in order to run faster. Oudinot's XII Army Corps was disbanded and its French troops distributed to the other corps. Raglowich's Bavarians were sent to Dresden.
On the Allies side Bernadotte wasted time and opportunity. Lorraine Petre writes, “We see Bernadotte, after Bulow’s victory at Dennewitz, hanging about without making any serious attempt to reap the fruits of his success by crossing the Elbe; building bridges and removing them as soon as the enemy appeared.”
Aftermath and casualties.Ney and Oudinot had a falling out after the battle, both requesting the Emperor relieve the other.
Napoleon gave Oudinot the command over the Young Guard. Like Marshal MacDonald only few days earlier, Ney begged for Napoleon's personal intervention to prevent the army from dissolving. He stated that only the emperor's presence could inspire the troops and renew their courage. General Bertrand added that if the emperor merely reviewed the troops, the resulting boost in morale would double the fighting value of the army.
Bulow (III and IV Corps) probably lost 7,000-10,000 men at Dennewitz.
Ney's losses amounted to 21,500 (8,000 dead and wounded, and 13,500 prisoners) 53 guns, and 412 supply wagons. Large quantities of material and small arms were left on the battlefield and used to fill the shortages in the Prussian Landwehr.
George Nafziger writes: "It is difficult to say why Dennewitz turned out as it did. The principal problem on the French side of the battle was lack of a clear, overall plan of battle. Ney is often accused of getting too closely involved in the battle and losing the overall vision of what was happening. On the other hand, Oudinot is also accused of sour grapes at having his command given to another after his defeat at Gross-Beeren."
The victory at Dennewitz crowned a long succession of Prussian victories over the French (Gross Beeren, Hagelberg, Kulm, Dennewitz, Katzbach).
Bavaria withdrew from the war as a result of the failure of the Berlin campaign. Other German states were now wavering in their support of Napoleon. Bavarian General Raglovich wrote to his king that the French troops can no longer execute any large offensive. General Fraquemont reported the King of Wurttemberg that "the French generals and officers are weary of wars, and the soldiers can only be animated by the presence of Napoleon himself."
Wargaming Dennewitz
The obvious ways are to
a) let the French deploy first (to replicate poor reconniasance) or at least to give initiative to the Allies each turn. Alternatively allow the Allies to use dummy bases until they are in close proximity to the French.
b) to represent the bad blood between Ney and Oudinot prevent the French players from communicating at all (so they act independently) or (if only one French player) reduce the pips available to Oudinot or make him a Poor commander.
c) The French have to come on in column and deploy on either road - and 'blockage' will prevent other units entering until the blockage is cleared.
6th September 1813
Location
Dennewitz in the Prussian province of Brandenburg, 40 km. S.W. from Berlin.
Combatants
France vs Prussia, Sweden and Russia
Commanders
Ney & Oudinot (France)
Bernadotte (Russia)
von Bulow (Prussia)
Troops
French - 58,000
Allies - 100,000
Terrain
The terrain around Dennewitz was relatively flat, with few low knolls, some rolling fields and meadows, and few woods. Only two prominent hills commanded the sandy plain. The Dennewitz windmill hill offered an unobstructed view of the area.
A small marshy stream divided the battlefield into northern and southern parts. Infantry could only cross it with difficulty. The villages were well built but lacked strong enclousers and provided little cover. There was a wooden bridge in Dennewitz and a stone (narrow) bridge at Rohrbeck. Although topography played a role, the arrival of fresh troops became the deciding factor.
Background
In late August 1813, Napoleon decided to order a general offensive to take Berlin, the Prussian capital, with the overall goal of knocking the Prussians out of the war. Marshal Oudinot's corps advanced towards this objective along three separate roads.
The fighting that took place on 23 August was essentially three isolated actions at Blankenfield, Grossbeeren, and Sputendorf. In each case the Allies prevailed and Oudinot retreated to Wittenberg. At this point Napoleon appointed Marshal Michel Ney to command.
Therefore Marshal Ney, at the head of some 58,000 men of Marshal Oudinot's corps, was ordered to advance from Dresden towards Berlin.
 |
| Oudinot |
There was bad blood between the two marshals, brought about by Ney's appointment to overall command, but Ney was determined nothing would slow his rapid advance.
 |
| Ney |
The speed of the march was not helped by poor reconnaissance and the French blundered straight into the waiting troops of their former colleague Marshal Bernadotte, now leading an Allied army.
" . . . now show what Prussian bravery is all about.
It is only fair that you fight in the first line since it
means that your own capital and your Fatherland
are at stake."
- Crown Prince of Sweden, Bernadotte, to Gen. Bulow
Prelude
Ney, with around 58,000 men, renewed the advance on Berlin on 6 September, encountering mixed elements of Prussian, Russian, and Swedish troops under the overall command of Crown Prince Charles of Sweden (formerly French Marshal Bernadotte) at Dennewitz.
General Bulow climbed a church steeple and watched Bertrand's IV Corps advance on the highway toward Juterborg. Then he ordered his corps to march north, where hills commanded the area. Bulow deployed his heavy Russian and Prussian 12pdrs on the hills in front of the infantry while the 6pdrs remained with the infantry. Orderlies dispensed food, along with the news of Blucher's victory at Katzbach.
Marshal Ney formed the battle line before 10 AM.
 |
| Bernadotte |
The head of Tauentzien's corps just reached the wood north of Dennewitz when Bertrand's artillery opened fire. The Prussians saw several French infantry columns deployed in wide intervals north of Dennewitz. Behind the infantry stood French cavalry.
The Battle
Ney had decided to move his entire army down a single road. While this allowed him to maintain communications with his entire army, the single road stacked his army for miles. As a result, the battle swayed back and forth with the arrival of fresh French and Allied reinforcements throughout its course.
There were signs that all was not well in the French army at this time. The French empire was seriously short of cavalry troops and mounts since the 1812 Russian campaign. As a result there was a lack of screening and reconnaissance. The French command situation was also strained, as Oudinot was angered at being placed under Ney's command.
Marshal Ney was determined to advance with all haste to Berlin and this, combined with the poor reconnaissance, allowed the French army to walk right into an assembled Allied defense. Initially forced back, the Prussian elements of Bernadotte's army were reinforced by General Bülow and recovered the lost ground. Bülow would now assume command of the allied side for most of the remainder of the day.
The battle began on the French right flank (Prussians' left) with the Italian battery firing the first shots. The Prussians guns responded immediately. During the exchange of artillery fire three Prussian horse guns were seriously damaged, and several gunners were killed and wounded.
To gain time for the deployment of Bulow's corps, Tauentzien ordered 9 squadrons of Landwehr cavalry to attack the flank of Fontanelli's Italian division. Fontanelli's division was a strong one, it consisted of 14 infantry battalions (including one of the Milan Guard) and 16 guns. The Landwehr broke some of the Italian battalions. Around 10 squadrons of French chasseurs from Lorge's division counterattacked but could not stop the Prussians. The French and the Italians fled, some directly through the infantry. The flight of cavalry triggered the flight of Bertrand's baggage.
Morand's French infantry (8th Light, 13th and 23rd Line) however repulsed the Landwehr without any problems.
With the Landwehr gone Fontanelli pulled his division back, and closer to Dennewitz.
Most of Lorge's chasseurs returned and were rallied behind the dragoons.
The Prussians sent out skirmishers of the 5th Kurmark Landwehr. With their ammunition expended the skirmishers fell back, and in the process disordered some troops behind them. The Italian and French infantry advanced but were met by musket volleys from a Landwehr battalion. The attackers brought forward 4 guns and fired canister, inflicting 105 casualties on the Landwehr.
Tauentzien's left wing withdrew behind a small wood. On Tauentzien's right wing the Italians attacked the 3rd Reserve Infantry, then brought up several guns and drove the Prussians back. The III/3rd Reserve Infantry suffered further casualties when one squadron of 2nd Polish Uhlans led by Biernacki charged the skirmishers and the battalion proper.
The Prussians were savagely handled and fell back with heavy casualties. The I/3rd Reserve Regiment and II/2nd Neumark Landwehr, were sent forward from the corps reserve with a detachment of cavalry. Despite this reinforcement, Tauentzien's right wing was forced back and had to reorganize itself. The Poles claimed to have broken three squares in this action.
The Prussians sent forward part of their cavalry (9 squadrons) under von Dizielski, a Pole in Prussian service. They struck the French 10th Chasseurs in the flank and crushed it. They also captured an Italian battery before being forced to flee by volleys of the French 13th Light Infantry. The French 13th Chasseurs then charged and routed 1st and 7th Kurmark Landwehr Cavalry.
Tauentzien's left wing withdrew behind a small wood. On Tauentzien's right wing the Italians attacked the 3rd Reserve Infantry, then brought up several guns and drove the Prussians back. The III/3rd Reserve Infantry suffered further casualties when one squadron of 2nd Polish Uhlans led by Biernacki charged the skirmishers and the battalion proper.
The Prussians were savagely handled and fell back with heavy casualties. The I/3rd Reserve Regiment and II/2nd Neumark Landwehr, were sent forward from the corps reserve with a detachment of cavalry. Despite this reinforcement, Tauentzien's right wing was forced back and had to reorganize itself. The Poles claimed to have broken three squares in this action.
The Prussians sent forward part of their cavalry (9 squadrons) under von Dizielski, a Pole in Prussian service. They struck the French 10th Chasseurs in the flank and crushed it. They also captured an Italian battery before being forced to flee by volleys of the French 13th Light Infantry. The French 13th Chasseurs then charged and routed 1st and 7th Kurmark Landwehr Cavalry.
The Italians in the wood found thesmelves heavily engaged with the Prussian skirmishers. The Wurttemberg battalion attacked and was driven back by the Prussians. So far only Tauentzien's force was engaged.
About noon the leading echelon (Thumen's 4th Brigade and Death's Head Hussars) of Bulow's Corps arrived. Thumen deployed his artillery near Nieder-Gorsdorf and opened fire. Then came Krafft's 6th Brigade and Hessen-Homburg's 3rd Brigade. The Reserve Cavalry under von Oppen arrived too. In the three brigades (3rd, 4th and 6th) Bulow had 1 grenadier and 12 infantry battalions, and 10 reserve and 7 Landwehr battalions.
Marshal Ney sent Marshal Oudinot's XII Army Corps (French, Bavarian, Westphalian and Hessian troops) an order to join him. The XII Army Corps was considered made of veterans as they had fought at both Lutzen and Bautzen. Oudinot himself was probably the weakest link. Although he was brave and fearless to a fault Napoleon was not impressed with his skills as an independent commander. While in exile on St. Helena the emperor once commented that although Oudinot was "a decent fellow, he was not very bright."
Prussian general, Borstell, observed the dust clouds that announced Oudinot's arrival. The marshal however moved without eagerness. GdD Reynier's VII Army Corps (French and Saxon troops) also received an order and were on the road.
Morand's counterattack.Several Italian and Wurttemberg battalions advanced against the Prussians in the wood and drove them back. They also attacked the II/5th Reserve Infantry from the flank and routed it. GdD Morand sent 8th Light and 13th Line against the enemy in Nieder-Gorsdorf. The French closed to within 30 paces from another battalion of that regiment and exchanged volleys.
Then Thumen's brigade intervened. This formation consisted of three regiments; the 4th East Prussian Infantry, the Elbe Infantry, and the 5th Reserve Infantry. There were also few small units of cavalry and artillery. Thumen forced Morand's men to fall back in disorder. Morand however responded with his own counterattack supported by his artillery.
The Prussians took heavy casualties and fell back. Three battalions of 3rd East Prussia Infantry (from Hessen-Homburg's 3rd Brigade) and two of 5th Reserve Infantry pulled back to the right of Nieder-Gorsdorf where they were covered by 12 Russian and 12 Prussian heavy guns.
"Ney is supposed to have sent him
to Napoleon after 'ripping off his epaulets."
- George Nafziger
The 2nd Polish Uhlans and a handful of French chasseurs threw themselves against the Prussian infantry, cavalry and artillery. They rode furiously through the skirmish line, then attacked five or six battalions formed in squares.
The Prussian infantry used closed columns instead of squares against cavalry. When the enemy's cavalry approached the outer files filled the gaps between the troops. Such compact formation was formed quickly, the troopers in 1st rank outstretched their bayonets while those in 2nd rank fired. The men in 3rd rank loaded the muskets and passed them to the 2nd rank.
Despite volleys at close range and casualties the Poles and Frenchmen pressed forward, passed between the battalions and engaged Tauentzien's cavalry.
Then the 1st Life Hussars (the famous Death's Head Hussars) arrived. Being heavily outnumbered the Polish and French cavalry attempted to disengage. They passed in front of Krafft's brigade, received musket volleys and canister, and after losing 102 men reached the French and Italian positions. On the way back the Poles managed to overrun Prussian munition column near Wolmsdorf. The Landwehr infantry fired on the uhlans but instead they inflicted casualties on their own gunners.
Marshal Ney immediately ordered the Westphalian cavalry to support the Poles, but its commander did not move. Ney is supposed to have sent him to Napoleon after 'ripping off his epaulets."
Meanwhile the French cavalry attacked Prussian batteries killing number of men and horses. French skirmishers opened fire on a battalion of Landwehr causing it to waver. The French artillery dismounted 4 Prussian guns.
Heavy fighting in the center.General Defrance's dragoons arrived and took positions behind a low hill in the center of Ney's battle line. They were concealed from the view of the Prussian gunners. The artillery fire was heavy and the village of Nieder-Gohrsdorf began burning. Thumen counterattacked with 5 battalions and a small force of cavalry. The Italians and Wurttembergs were driven back.
Two Wurttemberg battalions formed in squares were broken by canister fire and suffered horrific casualties. One square lost 531, leaving just 70 men to escape! Morand's division was left with an open flank and began to pull back.
Part of Durutte's division attacked the Prussian center pushing Clausewitz with three battalions back. A company of Prussian schutzen (riflemen) opened fire on the French columns. While the French infantry entered the village, Defrance's dragoons assaulted the withdrawing Prussians. Clausewitz fell back and joined Thumen's men. Thumen's and Heseen-Homburg's brigade being under strong pressure became mixed. Defrance's division however was too weak to make the breakthrough on its own, as it numbered only eight squadrons.
Bloody fight for Gohlsdorf.On the other flank Borstell's 5th Brigade attacked Gohlsdorf and Saxon positions. Borstell had artillery and skirmishers in the front, followed by battalions formed in columns. His cavalry moved on the right flank of the brigade.
Michael Leggeire writes, "The Prussian battalions slowly approached Golsdorf as steady fire from the Golsdorf windmill hill depleted their ranks. Prussian skirmishers reached the gardens and perimeter of the village, where a standing combat ensued until their columns penetrated the small village."
Borstell's first assault was repulsed by the Saxons. But then the fusiliers (light infantry) of 3rd East Prussian captured the gardens and entered Gohlsdorf.
Saxon grenadiers counterattacked, the Prussians regouped and came back. The Saxons defended the walls of the cemetery and individual headstones until the Prussians eventually gained the upper hand. (The I/1st Neumark Landwehr lost 234 killed and wounded at the cemetery).
Now the Saxons were in control of the main street, while the Prussians occupied the cemetery. Meanwhile Saxon artillery drove back von Oppen's Reserve Cavalry. To put more pressure on Ney's flank Bulow sent order to Hessen-Homburg's 3rd Brigade to support Borstell.
The Swedes arrive.
"The appearance of the troops, collectively, was good;
individually, they had not the air, the gait . . . and their
appearance, after seeing the Russians and the Prussians,
was unprepossessing." - Sir Charles Stewart
The Swedes and a single Russian battery soon arrived and placed themselves on Borstell's left. The Swedish troops came from the Crown Prince's army. Nafziger suggests there were only two Swedish units at Dennewitz, a hussar regiment and horse battery. Christer Edling however mentions several Swedish cavalry units: Royal Majesty's Life Guard, Life Cuirassiers, Light Dragoons of Smaaland, King's Hussars, and the Hussar Regiment of Skane.
English General Sir Charles Stewart described the Swedish troops: "The appearance of the [Swedish] troops, collectively, was good; individually, they had not the air, the gait, or dress of disciplined soldiers: neither the old troops or new levies were steady under arms: their clothes were ill made: and their appearance, after seeing the Russians and the Prussians, was unprepossessing.
However, I must do them justice to admit, that their performance in the field exceeded my anticipations. Their guards and artillery were composed of the choice of their men, and throughout, the composition of the Swedish soldierly was respectable. ... I saw four cavalry regiments ... The Swedish horse is not a good animal, having a very short neck, and an immense thick cart hind-quarter: he may endure fatigue, but in point of appearance and movement he is a sorry exhibition."
The Prussians captured Gohlsdorf.
The reinforced Prussians assaulted Gohlsdorf and took 350 prisoners. Oudinot's artillery opened fire on Gohlsdorf and drove the enemy back. Borstel's brought 8 battalions formed in two lines with cavalry covering both flanks. This force attacked the village, suffered heavy casualties from the Saxon artillery and fell back pursued by Saxon 6 battalions.
Marshal Oudinot sent several battalions of Guilleminot's 14th Infantry Division into Gohlsdorf. The bulk of Guilleminot's force consisted of 7th, 52nd, 137th, and 156th Line Infantry. They were not the best and not the worst troops. The French immediately became target for the Prussian, Russian and Swedish cannons and howitzers. The Prussian infantry then attempted to capture a Saxon battery. This however failed when the gunners fired canister at 60 paces. Decimated and shattered, the attackers fled in great disorder. Another Prussian battalion however was more successful and they captured the Saxon colours.
Finally Gohlsdorf was in Prussian hands. The small village and its surroundings were covered with thousands of dead and wounded infantrymen (1268 Prussians, 1500 Saxons, and few hundreds of French). Several damaged and unlimbered guns and numerous ammunition wagons remained on the hill near Gohlsdorf. The entire Saxon line wavered until Defrance's dragoons charged and stabilized the situation. Seeing this the much relieved Marshal Ney ordered Marshal Oudiont's XIII Army Corps to disengage and assume a position in the rear and center.
Ney attempted the last desperate attack.
The columns of French infantry strode forward at
a brisk pace. The French appeared on the verge of
a victory and Ney needed only to administer the
coup de grace. Unfortunately he had no reserves !
Ney attacked the Prussian center again, this time with a stronger force of infantry. With an intimidating tumult, the drums beat pas de charge and the shout Vive l'Empereur ! rose from hundreds of French throats.
The columns of infantry strode forward at a brisk pace. In the meantime the Prussian gunners opened a rapid fire, to inflict as much damage on the enemy as possible but also to heighten the psychological effect of this approaching masses. The French quickened their pace through the fields so as to be exposed to the cannon fire as briefly as possible.
Several battalions of Durrutte's and Morand's divisions, and part of Oudinot's XII Corps struck the center and forced the Prussians to abandon Wolmsdorf and Nieder-Gohlsdorf. The French appeared on the verge of a victory and Ney needed only to administer the coup de grace. Unfortunately he had no reserve!
Having joined in the fighting personally he was unaware of the overall tactical situation on the battlefield. Ney withdrew Oudiont from the action and moved his corps to Rohlbeck.
At 4:30 PM Ney attempted the last desperate attack in the center. Fontanelli's Italians and Morand's Frenchmen formed in battalion columns advanced behind a thick chain of skirmishers until they were 80 paces from the Prussian infantry formed in line. The musketry was tremendous. The Prussian Death's Head Hussars (2 squadrons) and some Landwehr cavalry charged and routed French chasseurs. After this cavalry action Fontanelli's and Morand's infantry fell back.
Prussian victory.The artilley bombardement was felt keenly by the infantry and cavalry on both sides. The Saxons began withdrawal, sporadically turning on their pursuers. Ney rode to that sector of the battlefield and tried to rally the men. The Saxons then colided with Oudinot's battalions and carried them as well. The French center became engulfed in chaos and two Prussian battalions easily captured Dennewitz.
The fleeing Ney's infantry rolled through Rohlbeck seeking protection behind the stream. The Wurttemburgers covered the retreat until flames engulfed the village. Thumen's brigade continued forward and attempted to take Rohlbeck. Russian heavy guns set the village ablaze and the Prussian Landwehr infantry and schutzen (riflemen) entered Rohrbeck. The Landwehr cavalry rode through the village and struck French cavalry. The French broke and fled abandoning the battlefield.
The Russian 44th Jagers and two hussar regiments arrived on the battlefield and immediately moved to the vicinity of Wolmsdorf. The Russian Izoum Hussars and the Prussian Pomeranian Hussars routed French cavalry and captured 3 guns. On the extreme flank von Oppen's Reserve Cavalry captured large quantity of baggage. The confusion on the roads was tremendous, and wagons, guns, and abandoned equipment formed obstacles for the retiring infantry.
Prussian cavalry followed the enemy and took many prisoners. Most of the infantry however was exhausted and took no part in the pursuit. The long march on the previous day, the restless morning, and the battle under parching sun had fatigued them. The falling darkness meant that orders could not be effectively communicated to the disorganized troops.
Bernadotte's leisurely pursuit.Bernadotte's pursuit was leisurely and reached Zerbst on 15th September. Then he began coordinating his movements with Blucher's army. Bernadotte was criticised by his German allies for this apparent apathy in committing his army and especially his Swedes. This dented Bernadotte's military reputation and resulted in negative German publicity for the Northern Army in the Wars of Liberation.
Bernadotte wrote his own account of this battle in one of his bulletins. According to Crown Prince, once Bulow had engaged the enemy, "70 Russian and Swedish battalions, 10,000 cavalry, and 150 guns advanced in attack columns ... The enemy beat a retreat; the cavalry charged with a boldness resembling fury and carried disorder into his columns, which retreated in great haste."
After Bernadotte's account was also published in Berlin newspapers, Bulow exploded, "When reading the newspapers I became thoroughly disgusted by Bernadotte's shameful bulletins. ... His bulletins contain almost nothing but lies ..."
Bulow had many reasons to hate the Crown Prince. As much as the Prussian claimed to be the victor at Gross Beeren, it was Bernadotte who received the coveted Grand Cross of the Iron Cross - the most prestigious decoration of the Prussian army. The Tzar awarded Bernadotte the Grand Cross of the Order of St.George, and the Austrians with their Grand Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa.
Ney's shattered and decimated army reached Torgau on 7th September "after making a 40 km march without halting." Ney wrote that when the XII Corps ran into a few Cossacks; the troops gave into such a panic-stricken terror that it was very difficult to rally them. He also informed Berthier about 6,000 deserters who threw away their muskets in order to run faster. Oudinot's XII Army Corps was disbanded and its French troops distributed to the other corps. Raglowich's Bavarians were sent to Dresden.
On the Allies side Bernadotte wasted time and opportunity. Lorraine Petre writes, “We see Bernadotte, after Bulow’s victory at Dennewitz, hanging about without making any serious attempt to reap the fruits of his success by crossing the Elbe; building bridges and removing them as soon as the enemy appeared.”
Aftermath and casualties.Ney and Oudinot had a falling out after the battle, both requesting the Emperor relieve the other.
Napoleon gave Oudinot the command over the Young Guard. Like Marshal MacDonald only few days earlier, Ney begged for Napoleon's personal intervention to prevent the army from dissolving. He stated that only the emperor's presence could inspire the troops and renew their courage. General Bertrand added that if the emperor merely reviewed the troops, the resulting boost in morale would double the fighting value of the army.
Bulow (III and IV Corps) probably lost 7,000-10,000 men at Dennewitz.
Ney's losses amounted to 21,500 (8,000 dead and wounded, and 13,500 prisoners) 53 guns, and 412 supply wagons. Large quantities of material and small arms were left on the battlefield and used to fill the shortages in the Prussian Landwehr.
George Nafziger writes: "It is difficult to say why Dennewitz turned out as it did. The principal problem on the French side of the battle was lack of a clear, overall plan of battle. Ney is often accused of getting too closely involved in the battle and losing the overall vision of what was happening. On the other hand, Oudinot is also accused of sour grapes at having his command given to another after his defeat at Gross-Beeren."
The victory at Dennewitz crowned a long succession of Prussian victories over the French (Gross Beeren, Hagelberg, Kulm, Dennewitz, Katzbach).
Bavaria withdrew from the war as a result of the failure of the Berlin campaign. Other German states were now wavering in their support of Napoleon. Bavarian General Raglovich wrote to his king that the French troops can no longer execute any large offensive. General Fraquemont reported the King of Wurttemberg that "the French generals and officers are weary of wars, and the soldiers can only be animated by the presence of Napoleon himself."
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| von Bulow |
Wargaming Dennewitz
The obvious ways are to
a) let the French deploy first (to replicate poor reconniasance) or at least to give initiative to the Allies each turn. Alternatively allow the Allies to use dummy bases until they are in close proximity to the French.
b) to represent the bad blood between Ney and Oudinot prevent the French players from communicating at all (so they act independently) or (if only one French player) reduce the pips available to Oudinot or make him a Poor commander.
c) The French have to come on in column and deploy on either road - and 'blockage' will prevent other units entering until the blockage is cleared.
