Campaign Move 15

2000 6^th September 1813

The battle of Vockabruck opened with 9^th French corps in a defensive position just east of the town.   The French had heavier artillery, and could afford to wait for the Austrian attack.

General Lederer deployed his 3^rd Austrian corps just out of artillery range.  He then ordered his gunners to manhandle their guns into range.   This allowed them to open fire on the enemy infantry, whilst their own were out of range of the French gunners.

General Legrange countered by ordering his two divisions to advance towards the Austrian line.   On the left the Baden light cavalry charged, and routed the Austrian heavy dragoons.   This could have had a significant effect on the Austrian attack, but they countered by sending a grenadier brigade forward to engage the disordered Baden cavalry.    The infantry routed the cavalry before they could rally and charge them.

Legrange cancelled his advance and once more ordered his corps to hold their ground.

Lederer sent a jager brigade to take the farm to the south of the battlefield.   A French light brigade was sent to counter this move, and skirmish developed for possession of the farm.   The Austrians gained the upper hand, and the French withdrew.

Now followed a prolonged artillery barrage, in which both sides concentrated on the enemy infantry.   The Austrian gunners won the exchange, and routed an infantry brigade in the centre, which spread to two other brigades and even the French gunners.

With one third of his corps in rout Legrange was forced to order a general retreat.  He had rallied his Baden cavalry, and outnumbered the Austrian horse.   With this superiority he was not only able to cover the retreat, but also to remove his abandoned artillery before the Austrians could reach them.

The French suffered 520 casualties against 200 Austrian.   In addition 1400 infantry and gunners routed from the field.