318) JTS Leipzig (ended) (Campaign Grossbeeren) ArchRaphael vs Lancier

Title:	318) JTS Leipzig (ended) (Campaign Grossbeeren) ArchRaphael vs Lancier
Created By:	ArchRaphael
When:	Feb 7, 2022 3:20 PM
Location:	Winner: Lancier
Positions:	None
Details:	The Grossbeeren Campaign August 1813 - Napoleon has assigned Marechal Oudinot to command the Army of Berlin and go on the offensive and take Berlin and destroy the Army of the North. For this purpose he was assigned three infantry and one cavalry corps along with the forces in Magdeburg, Torgau and Wittenberg. Facing him was the Army of the North under the command of the Crown Prince of Sweden, Bernadotte. Under his command were several Russian corps, the Swedish army and also two Prussian Corps under the able and vigorous command of Generallieutenant Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von Bülow. This general was dedicated to the idea that Berlin must not fall to the French again. While Bernadotte was more concerned with having to face Napoleon, Bülow took the war to the enemy and was often in disagreement with him over his defensive policy whether Napoleon was near or not. The French task was proven impossible as Oudinot was not an able army commander. His place at the Battle of Großbeeren should have been with the middle column with a light flanking force on the left instead of a large majority of the French force. His only gasp at victory was thus forfeited. The terrain in this area is heavily wooded with numerous obstacles such as dams and ditches and the Prussians had expended considerable energy to dam up the rivers to cause flooding on the Nuthe-Nutte defense line. Berlin is in front of the Spree River, but is impossible to flank from its right. The only path open to Oudinot was to approach it from the south. An approach from the east certainly would have left his right flank open to attack from the Army of Silesia or so he thought. This campaign will feature the historical restraints of both commanders - Oudinot's lack of central command and Bernadotte's unwillingness to reinforce victory. For example, the Prussians could find themselves fighting more or less on uneven terms to begin with but will be reinforced, albeit later in the day, by the rest of the Allies. Should the Russians or Swedes be attacked they will act in a totally defensive manner as was the manner of Bernadotte and not the men under his command. More than likely they will fall back in the face of a French advance but the Prussians will intervene if near and bring about an action. (note: for purposes of this campaign the forces of Davout and Wallmoden will not be used in the campaign - also Victor's II Corps to the east will not come into play)