1813 Campaign – Part 1 – Magdeburg

1-16 May 1813

Northern Germany 1 May 1813

General

This is the first phase of the 1813 campaign

It covers the period 1 to 16 May 1813 and the fighting in northern Germany between Second French army and the Prussian army

It was fought during the period April to July 2009

Corps deployment at start of campaign

Summary of the Campaign

Prussia had not taken part in the 1812 campaign, so it was the first of the allied armies to take the field against Napoleon.

Davout was tasked to hold the river Elbe from Hamburg to Magdeburg.   He had two corps immediately available, and two more on the way

Blucher’s objective was to capture Magdeburg and secure the west bank of the river Elbe.

After two weeks and four battles Blucher held Magdeburg and two other bridge heads over the river Elbe.  But his main army had been forced to withdraw to the west bank.

The campaign was a draw

Battles fought during campaign

Campaign History
 
1 May        Start of campaign                

5 May        Battle of Calbe (Gommern on new map)                   Prussian victory

7 May        Battle of Colbitz (Bismark on new map)                   Prussian victory

10 May      Battle of Halbeck (Kalbe on new map)                     Prussian victory

14 May      Battle of Magdeburg                                                  French victory

16 May      End of campaign


Link to Campaign Blog
http://1813northgermany.blogspot.com/