Campaign Move 5

1600 3^rd September 1813

General Mervedlt commanded the 3^rd Austrian corps from his headquarters at Vockabruck.

He was aware that the French had crossed the river Inn two days before at Uttendorf.

He was also aware that they had advanced to Frankenburg.

He had only one division, 5^th Austrian, to hold Vockabruck.   6^th division was 20 miles to the east at Wels.  It would take them more than a day to march west and join him.  His last orders to them were to hold Wels

At 1600 he received orders to concentrate his army in preparation for the expected French attack.  He had a choice to either bring up 6^th division to Vockabruck or retire 5^th division to Wels.   

The previous day he had advanced an infantry brigade towards the bridge over the river Inn.   They reported the approach of an enemy cavalry brigade, but no contact or casualties on either side.

At first light General Vandamme ordered 9^th corps to advance towards Vockabruck.

They would first form line abreast with 12^th division on the left in F03 and 4^th division on the right in F02.   It was this sensible, though cautious, deployment prior to attack which saved 6^th Austrian division.

As the French advanced the Austrians first withdrew their infantry and cavalry screen.   They then slowly retreated towards Volkabruck itself, where they halted at nightfall.

The French approach march and deployment had taken all morning and most of the afternoon.   This, combined with the Austrian retreat, prevented them from launching their attack.

However they are well poised to attack Volkabruck tomorrow.

More important they have compromised the Austrian right flank without firing a single shot.

5^th Austrian division is still very exposed and 6^th division is still a full day’s march to the east.

Archduke Charles is so concerned about his left flank that he left Withering at first light to ride the 30 miles to 3^rd corps headquarters to find out why  Merveldt has failed to concentrate his corps.