22 June 1813 – North Germany

The French victory at Jeggau has reversed their defeat at Lehre

4^th French corps have not only occupied Jeggau, they have also captured three days supplies

Blucher is now in a very exposed position at Wolfsburg.

He orders 3^rd corps to move north to prevent 4^th French corps pursuit of 1^st corps

Napoleon regains the initiative by ordering 1^st corps to attack 4^th Prussian corps

This is the first time the guard have engaged the Prussians

They live up to their reputation by defeating and routing the enemy

The Prussians have lost 1500 casualties and three brigades in rout

The French have lost 400 casualties

22 June 1813 – Battle of Helmstedt

Tactical map of battle area

Napoleon takes advantage of the Prussian disorder after the battle of Jeggau

He orders 1st French corps to attack 4th Prussian corps

In doing so he exposes the still weak 13th Polish corps

Prussian – 15200 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

French – 16000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Table at start of wargame

The French old guard are deployed in and around Jeggau on the left

The Prussians are deployed around the coach inn to hold the approach to Helmstedt

Helmstedt itself is off table on the right

0800-1200

The Prussians are content to await the French attack

They have extended to their left to meet that attack

                                                    

Napoleon has deployed his cavalry and artillery south of the pass

One infantry brigade is in reserve and in support of the artillery

The other three brigades advance under cover of the high ground in the centre.

1200-1600

Napoleon orders a general advance

His cavalry advance to cover the infantry

They are charged by the Prussian dragoons

The Prussians lose and withdraw shaken

The guard cavalry then charge the artillery

The gunners rout with 20% casualties

The Prussian dragoons rally and the guard cavalry withdraw

As the guard infantry advance they come under artillery fire

One brigade lose 10% casualties but continue to advance

1600-2000

Napoleon orders a general attack on the Prussians south of the coaching inn

Horse Chasseurs charge and rout the Prussian dragoons

1^st Grenadiers charge and rout the gunners

2^nd Grenadiers charge and rout the nearby infantry square

As night falls the Prussian commander orders a general retreat

Conclusion

Pirch has lost one infantry brigade plus his cavalry and artillery

The remaining three infantry brigades withdraw in good order during darkness

The Prussians have lost 1500 casualties and three brigades in rout

The French have lost 400 casualties