Campaign Move 9

2000 4^th September 1813

The day started well for 7^th Bavarian corps.

General Wrede had won the first battle of Obernzell.

1^st Austrian corps had broken and retreated towards the river Danube

He ordered 10^th division to march west and pursue 1^st Austrian corps

9^th division would march south and drive 2^nd Austrian division away from the bridge over the river Inn.  This would allow 8^th French corps to cross to the west bank.

At first light 8^th French corps stormed the bridges over the river Inn.

11^th division against the northern bridge and 5^th division the southern one

The cavalry brigades of both divisions led the attack

2^nd Austrian corps had deployed one division to hold each of the bridges

Both divisions had positioned their artillery to command the bridge

As the cavalry brigades moved on to the bridge they were swept with canister fire.

As the shattered brigades retreated General Bertrand cancelled the attack.

1^st Austrian corps was retreating towards the river Danube

1^st division was deployed as rear guard to cover the retreat

2^nd division was crossing the bridge to the east bank.

10^th Bavarian division advanced to take Obernzell

1^st Austrian division sent their jager brigade to take the town

7^th Bavarian infantry brigade moved into the town and a skirmish took place

Both divisions moved up infantry in support

The skirmish continued all morning, but the line infantry were no match for the jagers

By mid afternoon the jagers had taken possession of the town

7^th infantry brigade fell back in rout and the attack was called off.

9^th Bavarian division turned south to attack 3^rd Austrian division

The hill prevented either side from seeing the other

The Austrians sent their cavalry to recce

They also turned two infantry brigades to face north

The Bavarian dragoons charged as soon as they sighted the Austrian hussars

The first two rounds of melee was a draw, no casualties and both disordered

The dragoons withdrew to reform, and then charged again

This time the hussars won the melee, and the dragoons routed

Meanwhile General Lichtenstein had seen the danger to 2^nd Austrian corps

He ordered 2^nd division to about turn and march to support 3^rd division

2^nd division was short of their cavalry and one infantry brigade from the previous day

They approached 3^rd division just as the Bavarian dragoons broke and ran

Near the river Inn 4^th Bavarian brigade was approaching the bridge

9^th Austrian brigade moved forward in line and engaged them in a fire fight

The Bavarian conscripts suffered 20% casualties in the first exchange, broke and ran

By 1pm it was clear to General Wrede that he had lost the battle

His men were still not fully committed, and he ordered them to withdraw to the west.

7^th Bavarian corps had suffered serious damage, but were far from destroyed.