Nap Campaign: Battle of Grissburg (Prussia) - Introduction

Present Situation:

Blucher has rallied his army on the Prussian capital, Grissburg, following the rout at the Battle of Ainsworth. Hasty defences have been prepared including significant redoubts and earthworks.

An overview of the area shows the concentration of the Prussians on Grissburg and it's industrial suburbs to the west of the town.

To the north the Prussian 14th Brigade (green 7) is routing following defeat in the Battle of Erfurt and is being pursued by the victors, the French 3rd Corps (blue 9).

Blue 1 and 3 are the main French army under the command of Napoleon. Green 2 is a singly battalion of Middle Guard Grenadiers on its way to join its parent Grenadier Brigade.

A note about the Prussian forces. Although they had been routing after their defeat in the Battle of Ainsworth I have them automatically rallying on the capital. After rousing speeches by Blucher all 2nd Line and Conscript Prussian units will be classed as 'enthusiastic' for this battle.

Continued -

THE BATTLE OF GRISSBURG

French v Prussians

Total French 2,355

CinC Napoleon

Total Prussians 2158

CinC Blucher

Scale = 6mm (Baccus)

Rules = General de Brigade

24th March 1808

0900 hrs (max 32 moves per day)

ORDER OF BATTLE

TERRAIN

6'9" x 4'6" Table

17A2 – (top left) Bleak open heathland, Pine forests. River Deep Good Terrain

17A3 - Open heathland. Pine woods. Good Terrain

17A4 – (top right) Open heathland Good Terrain

17A7 – The industrial suburbs of Grissburg, population 5,000, cottages, workshops, small factories,

river deep, brick bridges

17A8 – The Town of Grissburg (capital of Prussia), population 17,000, many factories and workshops,

large food stores. River deep, stone bridges

17A9 – Rough broken terrain, river deep. Difficult Terrain

17A12 – Rough terrain. Difficult Terrain

17A13 – Rough terrain, high peaked hill Difficult Terrain

17A14 - Rough terrain. Difficult Terrain

All Woods – Difficult Terrain visibility 6cm

Dispositions

The following photos show the initial Prussian deployment prior to the arrival of the French.

An overview of Grissburg looking north west. The defence of the capital has been trusted to 4 brigades (divisions) with associated cavalry. The western half is held by 2 x 2nd Corps Brigades under the command of Pirch. The eastern half has 2 x 4th Corps Brigades under the command of Bulow.

The main French approach is from the south (left). All the terrain tiles marked with scrub is difficult going. This presents a problem for the French as Artillery can only travel along roads and may not deploy. Infantry and Cavalry move at half speed and the latter remains unformed. The river can only be crossed at the bridges.

Blucher in the town square. His staff has persuaded him to have a personal guard of cavalry. Sohr's brigade is selected to perform this role with instructions to extract him to safety if necessary. Blucher is unaware of these instructions and would never countenance such a thing!

Another view towards the town square.

The square is surrounded by municipal buildings as well as the town hall and a church.

The south eastern sector held by the 16th Brigade. Hasty earthworks have been constructed ringing the entire town.

The north eastern sector held by the 13th Brigade.

The great redoubt covers the open ground to the north east of the town and contains much of the Prussian reserve artillery.

Moving around to the north side of the town, the view beyond the Great Redoubt looking towards the 6th Brigade positions holding the north western sector. Sydow's 3rd Cavalry Brigade forms up in reserve (there is an error on the map above which has this brigade listed as the 2nd Cav Brig).

A closer view of the 3rd Cav Brigade.

View across the town towards the 5th Brigade's position in the south west sector. To the left is the citadel being the HQ of Prussian armed forces.

Looking out directly towards the industrial suburbs to the west is one of the two redoubts covering this area.

View of the 6th Brigade's north western sector of the town looking south east.

The view towards the 5th Brigade's position. 

The south western sector held by the 5th Brigade. The smallest of the redoubts covers one of the two bridges providing access to the town.

An overview of the western end of the town.

The southern side of the town facing directly the approach of the main French body.

Within Grissburg several battalions form a reserve. Here one is deployed in the gardens of the Seminary.

3 Prussian Brigades are tasked with defending the industrial suburbs. Here the 3rd Brigade supported by the 4th prepare to hold the two river crossings.

The 15th Brigade has deployed in and around the industrial buildings and warehouses.

The two battalions of the 18th Infantry regiment look forward to defending the brewery!

NEXT: The French arrive and the first moves.