Campaign Move 8

1600 4^th September 1813

Archduke Charles is not a happy man

Since the start of the campaign he had watched in alarm as 9^th French corps crossed the river Inn and advanced towards Frankenburg.

Charles had placed his trust in General Merveldt to hold the southern wing at Vockabruck. 

On the evening of 2^nd September he received a received a report from 3^rd corps that the French were approaching Vockabruck, but that Merveldt’s two divisions were still widely separated.   5^th division was with the General at Vockabruck facing the two French divisions.   6^th division was 15 miles to the east at Wels.

Charles sent orders for Merveldt to concentrate his corps, at either Vockabruck or Wels.  He ordered the reserve to move to Withering to be available to support 3^rd corps.   He then rode to Vockabruck to find out why Merveldt had not carried out his orders.

He arrived at Vockabruck at midnight on 3^rd September.  

Merveldt calmly informed him that he had just issued orders for 5^th division to hold Vockabruck and for 6^th division to move from Wels to join him there.   He was confident that 5^th division could hold the town for the day and a half it would take 6^th division to reach him.

It was clear to Archduke Charles that 9^th French corps would attack Vockabruck next morning.   It was also clear that 5^th division could not hope to hold the town on their own.  They faced defeat, which must result in the loss of the Austrian left flank and the eventual destruction of 6^th division.

The enraged Archduke placed Merveldt under arrest for failing to obey orders and neglect of duty.  He took command of 3^rd corps and ordered 5^th division to retreat immediately towards Wels.   He sent orders to 6^th division to take position west of Wels, where he would concentrate the corps and make a stand.

It was now a race to see whether 3^rd Austrian corps could concentrate before 9^th French corps defeated them one division at a time.