Campaign Move 12

2000 5^th September 1813

The day had started well for Marshal Oudinot.

His campaign strategy was to threaten the line of the river Inn with 7^th and 8^th corps, whilst advancing south of the river to outflank the Austrian defence line with 9^th corps.

General Wrede’s crossing at Passau had improved the plan.   Oudinot had hopes that with both flanks disordered the Austrians would retreat.

However the Austrian counter attack, and reoccupation of Obernzell, had caused real alarm.    The news of this set back had arrived at 1900, just as Oudinot was about to write his orders for 6^th September 1813.

The Austrian victory had placed 9^th corps, at Vockabruck, in a desperate situation.   All day the marshal had expected this corps to come under attack from Wels, but the most recent report from General Vandamme confirmed all was quiet on the southern front.

If the Austrian’s decided to concentrate and attack Vockabruck, 9^th corps would have to fight without support and must be destroyed.   This in turn must lead to a general retreat.

If he ordered 9^th corps to retreat to Frankenburg he would have given up his best opportunity to take the battle east of the river Inn into Austrian territory.

Now he must decide what to do with his small army reserve, currently at Frankenburg.  

Should he join 9^th corps and push east to Wells?

Or should he withdraw 9^th corps to Frankenburg and move the reserve north to strengthen 7^th and 8^th corps?

It was time to write orders.