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8 AM

The Coalition begins their assault on the lower Goldbach. Langeron’s Kursk regiment takes the western half of the Telnitz, pushing a battalion of the 3rd regiment of Davout back across the Goldbach. The New Ingermanland regiment of Dokhturov’s First Column begins assaulting the Sokolnitz Schloss.

Meanwhile, some of Soult’s dragoons performing reconnaissance enter the undefended village of Pratze. Due to the friction of war, Prebyshevsky’s Third Column has already moved up to its position past Pratze to the Pratzen Heights, but Kolowrat’s Fourth Column had not roused itself yet. Whether it was the snow, Allied lethargy, or their attention focused on the lower Goldbach (or maybe 3 activations TOTAL for this turn!), the Fourth Column has not taken up position to defend the village. Can Soult’s corps take advantage of this?

9 AM

Langeron continues his attack on the eastern half of Telnitz. Both attacks against the two battalions of Davout’s 3rd regiment are repulsed, with part of the Kursk regiment routed, while the Viborg regiment retreats. Davout’s effective artillery fire routs several First Column regiments, causing heavy casualties among the Fanogorie regiment forming to assault through the Goldbach bridge to Sokolnitz. Davout recaptures western Telnitz. Davout’s superior musket training becomes evident, as the Tirailleurs rout the New Ingermanland at the walls of the Sokolnitz Castle with heavy losses, leaving no Coalition forces on the left bank of the Goldbach.

Soult manages to deploy, partially within the environs of Pratze. Soult sends the 10th Legere to Vandamme. Murat, Duroc and Liechtenstein race towards Blaziowitz while the Kolowrat deploys east of Pratze. They are in no position to contest St. Hilaire’s division. Yet. Murat captures Blaziowitz, pushing aside Firth Column pickets. Liechtenstein deploys further south of the ridgeline, out of sight of the village. Soult begins the execution of the next part of his orders – hold the Pratze with St. Hilaire’s division and begin attacking south to take the Pratzen Heights with Vandamme’s reinforced division, including Beaumont’s 3rd Dragoon Division. Vandamme’s 10th Legere and 4th Ligne push back the Podolia regiment with losses, but do not advance into the teeth of Coalition artillery. Kolowrat’s long range artillery manages to rout the “La Terrible” 57th Ligne.

Further north, Lannes and Bagration eye each other and deploy across the ridge lines south of Bosewitz.

Comments:

All units are now in position, pictures show the three fronts to begin the 10AM turn. Coalition forces in the center are in good position to fend off Soult and Murat. Bagration is in a good position to confront Lannes. Bernadotte will attempt to move along Bagration’s left flank. However, the Russian Guard’s position is worrisome to them. Vandamme has a difficult task ahead of him to take the Pratzen Heights, but Prebyshevsky barely has 5000 men to defend it. The Tsar has moved south to take command of the attack columns from Buxhowden, but the Tsar will likely spend his time rallying several regiments. No doubt, he’ll order artillery preparations while consolidating his routed regiments.