Joe Kussey continues his superb AAR, see Prior posts HERE

1 PM

Lannes sends the 2nd Dragoons to outflank the 5th Jaegar while the 30th Ligne attacks from the front, but the Jaegars continue to impress. The Arkhangelgorod regiment, under the personal leadership of General Bagration, also hold their ground. But the center of the Russian line cannot withstand Suchet’s attack and the Old Ingermanland Musketeers flee for their lives. Lannes is content to grind the Russian infantry and not advance too quickly and risk Russian cavalry counterattacks. Artillery takes its toll on the Tver Dragoon regiment. Massed infantry columns force the Russian cavalry to give ground towards the foot of the Goldbach Heights. The 2nd Dragoons wipe out some Cossacks on the Russian far right flank, while the 5th Jaegar is finally destroyed. Bagration’s defense has finally collapsed, except for his cavalry and the Arkhangelgorod making their last stand. Bernadotte makes a spoiling attack with artillery on the Russian Guard and causes some casualties to General Constantine’s infantry. The 45th Ligne holds a forward position in some groves on a hilltop. The Russian Guard successfully assault this position and rout the 45th. Apparently these men are more than just parade ground troops! Meanwhile, the 95th Ligne is also routed by massive artillery fire, leaving behind dismounted guns. However, the 54th Ligne successfully holds off the Grenadier Guards near the Post House.

The remnants of General Prebyshevsky men escape to join General Kolowrat’s line, leaving a few cannons to delay Vandamme’s advance. These cannons manage to extract some casualties from the 18th Ligne, but the capture of the Pratzen Heights is completed. The 3rd Dragoon division charges the remnants of Prebyshevsky’s regiments, but a spirited defense doesn’t make things easy for General Beaumont’s dragoons. The Azov regiment is destroyed and its battle flags are captured.

General Dokhturov breaks the serene calm in the south with a heavy cannonade on Sokolnitz and Schloss Sokolnitz. Despite overwhelming odds and a determined attack, the Italian Tirailleurs hold the Castle and the village remains in the hands of Davout.

Comments:

Bernadotte’s forces are in trouble, but Lannes and Murat are in immediate range to provide support. Prebyshevsky did his best to hold the Pratzen Heights, but Vandamme’s infantry was just too much. Now with the Heights cleared, Soult plans on attacking Kolowart with the intent of causing casualties on the many newly-formed rookie Austrian regiments. The French Imperial Guard is in position to attack Kolowrat from the rear, but he would have to contend with Liechtenstein’s solid cavalry and horse artillery. With Duroc and Murat heading off to attack the Russian Guard, Napoleon doesn’t have the horse to attack Liechtenstein effectively without drawing into a battle of attrition.

Victory calculations:

French
+5 VP locations
Captured 2 Flags
Gained 154 VP in Coalition Casualties

Coalition
Gained 33 VP in French Casualties.

French will attempt Major Victory.