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Tabletop Gaming, Models, and Minis => Forum-Based Games => Six Days in October Archives => Topic started by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:20:47 PM

Title: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:20:47 PM
ATTENTION TO ORDERS!
Sender: Lannes – Day 1 0600
Time Sent: (UMPIRE)
Recipient: V Corps Divisions, Suchet, Gazan, Foucher
Time Received: (UMPIRE)
Unit Marching: V Corps, order of march to be Cavalry, Suchet's Division, Gazan's Division. Corps cavalry to scout, provide flank security, and escort the divisional/corps trains.
Route of March: By road from north from Schweinfurt to Meiningen then northwest, to the pass south of Gotha ("orange" pass)
Time to Spend Marching: 10 hours, 40KM
Expected Objective: Bivouac south of Meiningen
Rules of Engagement: If the enemy is encountered, Foucher's cavalry is to screen the infantry until they are deployed on defensive ground. Suchet's division is to deploy in contact with Gazan's division in reserve. Foucher's cavalry to deploy to the most open flank. In the event of defeat, or if the enemy is in overwhelming numbers, fall back on Schweinfurt. We are to hold "orange" pass until relieved by Davout.
Dispatches: On arrival at evening camp or encounter with enemy, dispatches to Napoleon, Murat, and Davout.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:22:35 PM
RECEIVED -- 1500

From: Davout
To: Murat and Lannes
Time:  0600 Day 1
Message:

    Marshals!

    In accordance with our Emperor's orders, I am at your disposal.

    I will begin marching towards YELLOW today and expect to reach it
in around three days.  I expect to reach Cobourg tonight.

    Marshal Murat, would you prefer I moved straight on through
Yellow, or took a day to rest before crossing the pass?  One day's
rest south of the pass will enable my corps to move through the pass
fully rested; without the rest, I will arrive at Gotha with 20 fatigue
or more.

   Will we cross the pass at the same time, or as we are able?

   - Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:23:42 PM

NB:  No response to this will be possible before 0800 September 11




Messages to Murat and Lannes, sent 1800 Day 1 (10 September)


Murat is expected to be on the Morningen-Eisenach road.
Lannes is expected to be on the Morningen-Schweinfurt road.
Messengers should enquire with forces at Morningen for an improved location.


Marshals!


  This evening finds the corps encamped just south of Cobourg.  We
will march north of Hildburghausen tomorrow.


   - Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:24:36 PM
This Bonaparte is going to kill us.


Departing from camp along the Schweinfurt-Morningen road. I should reach the crossroads road to Orange pass today or early tomorrow. I will move to occupy Orange pass and hold the position until relieved by Davout, as per the Emperor's orders.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:26:10 PM
To: Marshal Lannes (presumed location, somewhere on the road between Schweinfurt - Eisenach)

From: Marshal Murat

Time message sent: 0600, 11 September 1806



Marshal Lannes,



As of sunset last night, the lead elements of my Cavalry Reserve had reached the town of Hildburghausen and spent the night billeted there, with the rest of the corps bivouacked in column along the road south. This morning my corps will resume moving northwest, with the goal of reaching the crossroads north of Moiningen which heads towards Gotha by the end of the day. I shall be detaching a pair of divisions at Suhl (this is the small unnamed town lying directly south of the 'T' in Thuringe on your map) to perform reconnaissance and ensure that the Prussians do not make an unexpected thrust south from that direction.



I have not had any communications Marshal Davout in the past 24 hours, but I feel confident he is conforming to the movements the Emperor directed previously. However, if I have not had any contact with him by the end of the day, I will notify you as such and it may become necessary for the two of us to modify our scheme of maneuver.



Please keep my informed of the progress moving north, advising me where you halt your march this evening. I will endeavor to do the same.



Your comrade in arms,

Murat

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:28:00 PM

ATTENTION TO ORDERS!
Sender: Lannes – Day 2 0600
Time Sent: (UMPIRE)
Recipient: V Corps Divisions, Suchet, Gazan, Foucher
Time Received: (UMPIRE)
Unit Marching: V Corps, order of march to be Cavalry, Suchet's Division, Gazan's Division. Corps cavalry to scout, provide flank security, and escort the divisional/corps trains.
Route of March: By road from north from Schweinfurt to Meiningen then northwest, to the pass south of Gotha ("orange" pass)
Time to Spend Marching: 10 hours, 40KM
Expected Objective: Bivouac along the road from Morningen to Orange pass
Rules of Engagement: If the enemy is encountered, Foucher's cavalry is to screen the infantry until they are deployed on defensive ground. Suchet's division is to deploy in contact with Gazan's division in reserve. Foucher's cavalry to deploy to the most open flank. In the event of defeat, or if the enemy is in overwhelming numbers, fall back on Schweinfurt. We are to hold "orange" pass until relieved by Davout.
Dispatches: On arrival at evening camp or encounter with enemy, dispatches to Napoleon, Murat, and Davout.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:31:44 PM

To: Marshal Lannes (presumed location, somewhere on the road between Schweinfurt - Eisenach)


From: Marshal Murat


Time message sent: 0600, 11 September 1806





Marshal Lannes,





As of sunset last night, the lead elements of my Cavalry Reserve had reached the town of Hildburghausen and spent the night billeted there, with the rest of the corps bivouacked in column along the road south. This morning my corps will resume moving northwest, with the goal of reaching the crossroads north of Moiningen which heads towards Gotha by the end of the day. I shall be detaching a pair of divisions at Suhl (this is the small unnamed town lying directly south of the 'T' in Thuringe on your map) to perform reconnaissance and ensure that the Prussians do not make an unexpected thrust south from that direction.





I have not had any communications Marshal Davout in the past 24 hours, but I feel confident he is conforming to the movements the Emperor directed previously. However, if I have not had any contact with him by the end of the day, I will notify you as such and it may become necessary for the two of us to modify our scheme of maneuver.





Please keep my informed of the progress moving north, advising me where you halt your march this evening. I will endeavor to do the same.





Your comrade in arms,


Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:36:00 PM

RECEIVED 1330 hours 11th October


To: Marshal Lannes (presumed location, somewhere on the road between Schweinfurt - Eisenach)


From: Marshal Murat


Marshal Lannes,


As of sunset last night, the lead elements of my Cavalry Reserve had reached the town of Hildburghausen and spent the night billeted there, with the rest of the corps bivouacked in column along the road south. This morning my corps will resume moving northwest, with the goal of reaching the crossroads north of Moiningen which heads towards Gotha by the end of the day. I shall be detaching a pair of divisions at Suhl (this is the small unnamed town lying directly south of the 'T' in Thuringe on your map) to perform reconnaissance and ensure that the Prussians do not make an unexpected thrust south from that direction.


I have not had any communications Marshal Davout in the past 24 hours, but I feel confident he is conforming to the movements the Emperor directed previously. However, if I have not had any contact with him by the end of the day, I will notify you as such and it may become necessary for the two of us to modify our scheme of maneuver.


Please keep my informed of the progress moving north, advising me where you halt your march this evening. I will endeavor to do the same.


Your comrade in arms,


Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: JasonPratt on May 14, 2018, 06:36:23 PM
Quote from: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:24:36 PM
This Bonaparte is going to kill us.

I wondered when/if you were going to launch your sig quote!  :2funny:

Edited to add: I think you double-posted the previous dispatch, tho...
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:36:27 PM

Received 1630, 11th October


To Marshal Lannes
(believed south of Moiningen on the Schweinfurt road, moving north)
From Marshal Murat (vicinity Moiningen, moving north)

My dear comrade -
I have received reports from my light cavalry scouts that Prussian troops have been sighted in the vicinity of Ohrdruf. Based on their insignia, we believe this division sized enemy force (approximately 5000 infantry and 1000 cavalry) to be the Advanced Guard of Ruchel's Corps.

I have detached two divisions to keep this force under observation and am continuing north with my main body to scout Eisenach.

Please advise your current status. I have not received any communications from you since the start of the campaign and it is vital that we coordinate our movements.

- Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:37:39 PM

To Marshal Murat
(believed northwest of Moiningen on the Moiningen-Eisenach road, moving north)
From Marshal Lannes (north of Moiningen, encamped along the Moiningen-Eisenach Road)


My dear Marshal Murat -


I hope my previous dispatches have caught up with you. Hopefully they are not sitting on some orderly's desk, forgotten or mistaken.


I am encamped along the Moiningen-Eisenach road. At my current rate of march, I should reach the pass designated ORANGE tomorrow by midday.


I have had no communication from Davout and can only estimate his location. I believe he must be moving up the road from Coburg toward Moiningen. If so, a concentration of our wing south of Ohrdruf would be possible if necessary.


Unless you decide otherwise, I will continue according to the Emperor's orders.


Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:38:35 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on May 14, 2018, 06:36:23 PM
Quote from: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:24:36 PM
This Bonaparte is going to kill us.

I wondered when/if you were going to launch your sig quote!  :2funny:

Edited to add: I think you double-posted the previous dispatch, tho...


No, I really did get it twice!

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:40:15 PM

To Marshal Davout
(believed along the Coburg to Moiningen road, moving northwest)
From Marshal Lannes (north of Moiningen, encamped along the Moiningen-Eisenach Road)


Davout -


I am encamped along the Moiningen-Eisenach road. At my current rate of march, I should reach the pass designated ORANGE tomorrow by midday.


Murat's cavalry have scouted out a Prussian division, apparently some of Ruchel's men, near Ohrdruf. He has them under observation while he moves to scout Eisenach.


Please advise your position and intent to Murat and myself.


Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:41:16 PM

Received 1630, 11th October


To Marshal Lannes
(believed south of Moiningen on the Schweinfurt road, moving north)
From Marshal Murat (vicinity Moiningen, moving north)

My dear comrade -
I have received reports from my light cavalry scouts that Prussian troops have been sighted in the vicinity of Ohrdruf. Based on their insignia, we believe this division sized enemy force (approximately 5000 infantry and 1000 cavalry) to be the Advanced Guard of Ruchel's Corps.

I have detached two divisions to keep this force under observation and am continuing north with my main body to scout Eisenach.

Please advise your current status. I have not received any communications from you since the start of the campaign and it is vital that we coordinate our movements.

- Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: JasonPratt on May 14, 2018, 06:42:31 PM
Ha!

Be sure not to go past the end of Day 2 (and maybe preliminary discussion early Day 3 before moves), so that we don't spoil Cyrano and Brant's video AAR series. Then of course we can catch up as they go along.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:42:58 PM

Jim Owczarski to me
11/8/16
Your corps has bivouacked approximately 12 km Northwest of Meiningen.  No enemy contacts to report.


S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:43:27 PM

RECEIVED, 0230 Hours, 12th October


Marshals!


I am encamped in a howling German wilderness (no win, only beer!)
about 15km north of Hildburghausen.  My intent is to move northwards
to the intersections just south of YELLOW tomorrow.


At that point I will be ready to either move directly north to attack
Ruchel; or to take a day of rest to ensure my men are fully fit before
attacking Ruchel on the next day.


I presume we will coordinate our movements; please let me know when
you wish me to attack.


In addition, when we attack towards Gotha, shall Marshal Lannes take
the western side of the road while I take the eastern?  This may
entail my marching towards to the Arnstadt-Gotha road to cross the
river, detailing a force to hold Arnstadt and another towards Erfurt.
Otherwise, I can hold to the western side of the Ohrdruf river, but
will likely need maneuver room if I am to bring my entire force to
bear.


Please let me know how you would like me to proceed, and perhaps where
we might find wine worth drinking in this barley-ridden wasteland.


- Davout

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: JasonPratt on May 14, 2018, 06:43:33 PM
PS: dang if Murat doesn't look like he belongs in Legend of the Galactic Heroes...  :coolsmiley: O0
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:43:57 PM

Gentlemen,


I am encamped approximately 12 km north of Meiningen along the Meiningen-Eisenach road. I should arrive in the vicinity of ORANGE about noon. I am hoping to encounter Murat's detached divisions or at least receive information from them regarding Ruchel's proximity to the passes.


I am in agreement with M. Davout - Once I arrive I am ready to attack north immediately, but believe that taking the rest of the day to rest would be wise. Given Davout's timetable, if he would like an entire rest day, I would plan to resume my advance on the 14th.


In regards to attacking Gotha, I am again in agreement. I will advance my corps on the west while Marshal Davout advances on the east. An advance by Davout through Arnstadt has the virtue of possibly bringing his force in on Ruchel's flank or rear, Combined with Marshal Murat creating havoc behind him, and my corps fixing him from the front, this could be a very difficult spot for him indeed.


However, I strongly suspect that there will be an engagement of some scale prior to that, somewhere between Ohrdruf and the escarpment. Any intelligence from the cavalry that have Ruchel under observation would be most welcome. My principal concern is that the full weight of the Prussians fall upon one of our corps before we are in supporting distance of one another.


Once I arrive at ORANGE I will take up defensive positions with my infantry, and scout through the pass toward Ohrdruf and Gotha with my cavalry. I will also send cavalry to attempt to make contact with Murat's divisions and Davout. I will hold ORANGE until I know that Davout in in place at YELLOW and ready to advance again.


Lannes

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:45:47 PM

RECEIVED 0430, 12th October


To Marshal Lannes
(believed about 12km north of Moiningen, moving north)
From Marshal Murat (encamped vicinity Moiningen)

My dear comrade -
I have just received your dispatch, sent at 0230. Apparently you are slightly ahead of me on the Schweinfurth - Eisenach road.

Two hours ago I received word from Marshal Davout that he is camped approximately 15km north of Hildburghausen. He informs me that he anticipates arriving in the vicinity of the pass designated "yellow" some time in the mid-afternoon.

In the morning, please continue your advance northwards, up to the crossroads leading to the pass designated "orange" in our earlier discussions, taking that pass to proceed up to the pass summit itself. When I reach that crossroad behind you I will detach d'Hautpoul's cuirassier division to support you whilst I continue northwards toward the "red" pass and Eisenach with the remainder of my corps. You should assume temporary tactical control of d'Hautpoul's formation once he affects rendezvous with you.

As previously reported, my scouts continue to maintain contact with the Advanced Guard of Ruchel's Corps which has been sighted in the vicinity of Ohrdruf (roughly 5000 infantry and 1000 cavalry). As of 1600 hours yesterday (my last communication with the division commander), those enemy forces were deploying in preparation for battle.

As you and Davout have requested, once you have each reached your respective passes ("yellow" for Davout and "orange" for you) you may halt your advance and rest your troops for the remainder of the day, preparatory to resuming your advance (most likely initiating an engagement with Ruchel's corps around Ohrdruf) tomorrow. While your infantry are resting, employ your cavalry to screen your main body from the Prussians -- it is important that they not be afforded a clear sense that the bulk of your infantry are so close.

However, do not be complacent. It appears that Ruchel is withdrawing, you should break camp and advance vigorously to maintain contact. It is vital that Ruchel not be allowed to escape.

I will be continuing north with my main body to scout Eisenach via the "red" pass. If I find Eisenach vacant, I will move through and advance on Gotha (to hopefully cut Ruchel's line of retreat). However, should Eisenach prove to be held by strong Prussian forces, my intent is to backtrack and join you at "orange."

- Murat

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:47:42 PM

ATTENTION TO ORDERS!
Sender: Lannes – Day 3 0600


Time Sent: (UMPIRE)


Recipient: V Corps  - Foucher, Suchet, Gazan


Time Received: (UMPIRE)


Unit Marching: Divisions of V Corps


Order of march to be Suchet, Foucher, Gazan


Route of March: By road from north from current encampment to pass designated ORANGE.


Time to Spend Marching: Until destination objective is reached but no longer than 8 hours


Expected Objective: North end of ORANGE pass through the Thuringian escarpment.


On reaching the objecting, the Focuher's cavalry is to move north through the pass, taking up screening positions oriented toward the north/northeast (Gotha). Cavalry should patrol toward Ohrdruf to discover the location of the enemy force near the town. If practical, the screen should attempt contact with Murat's cavalry divisions assigned to observe the enemy near Ohrdruf.


During the march the cavalry is to scout ahead and to the flanks, and to provide guards for the corps trains. The main body is to proceed to ORANGE, where it will encamp in defensive positions at the north end of the pass and rest.
Rules of Engagement: If the enemy is encountered in strength, the screen is to fall back, skirmishing, to ORANGE and hold until relieved by the main body. If only light troops/cavalry are encountered, the cavalry is to screen the main body to prevent the enemy from determining the location of the main body.


For the main body, if the enemy is encountered in strength, we are to deploy on the open ground just north of the pass. Suchet's division will deploy in line with light infantry out as skirmishers. Gazan will form the reserve. Foucher's cavalry is to deploy to the flanks.


Dispatches: Dispatches to me on arrival at ORANGE and on taking up screening positions. Also, send me word if the enemy is observed or you are in contact. Finally, send word if the screen is forced to fall back to defensive positions at ORANGE.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: JasonPratt on May 14, 2018, 06:47:49 PM
I'm super interested in this, since I only heard about various results after the fact. Indeed, we had heard through the peasant grapevine (backchat here on the forum, mostly via Cyrano) that some kind of butt-kicking had gone on somewhere, and I was in closer contact with East Wing whom I knew wasn't fighting, and I knew Center Thrust wasn't fighting, so by deduction...!

But I couldn't be sure of the result for a long time. In real-life time, I think it was several months! Or maybe a couple of whole seasons!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:51:50 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on May 14, 2018, 06:42:31 PM
Ha!

Be sure not to go past the end of Day 2 (and maybe preliminary discussion early Day 3 before moves), so that we don't spoil Cyrano and Brant's video AAR series. Then of course we can catch up as they go along.


Yep, I've taken it up to the morning of October 12. There is a lot of message traffic that day that I'll wait for Cyrano to post more videos before I post it all.

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:53:35 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on May 14, 2018, 06:47:49 PM
I'm super interested in this, since I only heard about various results after the fact. Indeed, we had heard through the peasant grapevine (backchat here on the forum, mostly via Cyrano) that some kind of butt-kicking had gone on somewhere, and I was in closer contact with East Wing whom I knew wasn't fighting, and I knew Center Thrust wasn't fighting, so by deduction...!

But I couldn't be sure of the result for a long time. In real-life time, I think it was several months! Or maybe a couple of whole seasons!


Murat, Davout and I were...aggressive...

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: James Sterrett on May 14, 2018, 07:16:54 PM
Quote from: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:53:35 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on May 14, 2018, 06:47:49 PM
I'm super interested in this, since I only heard about various results after the fact. Indeed, we had heard through the peasant grapevine (backchat here on the forum, mostly via Cyrano) that some kind of butt-kicking had gone on somewhere, and I was in closer contact with East Wing whom I knew wasn't fighting, and I knew Center Thrust wasn't fighting, so by deduction...!

But I couldn't be sure of the result for a long time. In real-life time, I think it was several months! Or maybe a couple of whole seasons!


Murat, Davout and I were...aggressive...

We translated our mission as "kick Prussian ass" and worked to find opportunities for same.  :)
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: Barthheart on May 14, 2018, 08:16:44 PM
Quote from: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:24:36 PM
This Bonaparte is going to kill us.


Departing from camp along the Schweinfurt-Morningen road. I should reach the crossroads road to Orange pass today or early tomorrow. I will move to occupy Orange pass and hold the position until relieved by Davout, as per the Emperor's orders.

How could you have already known I was at Ohrdruf at this time? You haven't even crossed the passes yet.....
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 08:25:12 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on May 14, 2018, 08:16:44 PM
Quote from: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 06:24:36 PM
This Bonaparte is going to kill us.


Departing from camp along the Schweinfurt-Morningen road. I should reach the crossroads road to Orange pass today or early tomorrow. I will move to occupy Orange pass and hold the position until relieved by Davout, as per the Emperor's orders.

How could you have already known I was at Ohrdruf at this time? You haven't even crossed the passes yet.....


I think the time I have on the map is off. I don't know that you're there until I receive the dispatch at (I think) 1630 from Murat saying that his cavalry has scouted you.

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: Barthheart on May 14, 2018, 08:28:07 PM
Ah....
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 14, 2018, 09:01:54 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on May 14, 2018, 08:28:07 PM
Ah....


It's either that or the recon flights I had my scout helos flying.

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: JasonPratt on May 14, 2018, 09:43:29 PM
I didn't get any indication from them you were at Ohrdruf until someone pushed up through one of the passes and whiffed a scouting division you had kept forward to watch the passes. So they didn't know until they saw you (and then didn't necessarily know your corps was at Ohrdruf per se.)

And then I got a lot of courier silence until substantially after the events of Day 3, maybe Day 4. I was a little worried we weren't supporting West Wing enough, but I'll talk about that later after the next video entry.

Our plan for West Wing from the beginning, however, was to use the Cav corps and the superior maneuverability of cav divisions in the standard corps to envelop Gotha and surrounding areas with West Wing JUST IN CASE anyone was there (our plan of advance just happened to flank Ordruf, too, coming through two passes, while the cav corps went out wide at Eisenach far behind Ordruf), and then send the cav corps in a deep adventure north around the back of the enemy lines at a strategic level while most of West Wing took up a blocking position and demonstrated for attention, protecting the cav's supply line -- advancing forward toward Weimar if circumstances looked favorable. There was a lot of flexible weight arriving in that area.

It just so happened someone _was_ there.

Most of West Wing was either going to draw the Prussians down southwest to allow us in Central and especially East to hit from the back, or else West was going to push forward to flank the Prussians from the side as we advanced up to contact with a more eastern defensive line. Lots of Prussian butt-kicking for West Wing either way, and/or a crazy large-scale raid operation for the cav corps.

Not that I'm going to spoil the plot of how that turned out yet (so far as I know it)...
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: JasonPratt on May 14, 2018, 09:57:28 PM
Also, the corps (especially the cav corps) were sending out cav divisions ahead of the main body, each of which has a larger inherent scouting radius around its central 'position', than what the Prussians could detect in return, so it would in fact be possible (depending on how aggressively the marshals managed their scouting divs) to find your advanced scouts a substantial time before main forces arrived in your area. If I recall correctly, Murat was sending probes out through yellow and orange passes as he rode by heading for red pass (the far western one), one or two of which he detached to keep tabs on anything spotted until the other corps caught up, and then sent word back with command transfer to the other marshals on his wing.

We shuffled divisions around in command like that with some frequency, and had our cav divisions ranging out ahead by no small measure 'scouting in force'. Heck that's how I got so far ahead by myself with the Imperial Guard at Schleitz! I myself ended up attaching one of Murat's divisions to my ad hoc direct command, late in the game. I still have no clear idea how I got it. Cyrano was sending me messages from Klein (a non-player character) and I couldn't understand why I was getting them or what was going on.  #:-)

I may or may not have totally forgotten I had Napoleon's trademark artillery city trailing around behind me somewhere.  ::)


(...I, uh, may or may not have also mislaid a couple of detached divisions which were left behind picketing our LoCs...)
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: JasonPratt on May 14, 2018, 10:09:56 PM
{checking my notes}

Yeah, I received a courier from Murat at 1am Oct 12, sent at 1pm Oct 11th, that his probes through the passes spotted your advanced guard (based on insignia seen through scopes) at Ohrdruf, Barth, but not where your corps was yet. He detached two divisions (one for each pass south of you I expect) to keep an eye on you in case you moved south, with intentions to hand those divs off to other corps as they approached the passes, while Murat traveled on to the westernmost pass south of Eisenach.

So you were seen by Murat's scouts sometime before 1pm Oct 11th (because naturally they took some time courier-ing back to him), and he passed that information on to Lannes (Panzerde) as a matter of course. But Murat had pushed those cav up quickly ahead of his somewhat-slower moving corps (because I didn't want the corps to get too fatigued racing to position -- we had plans in case the Prussians beat us to the passes. I wasn't surprised to hear Barthheart's crew were first detected -- no doubt preparing for an opportunity counter-blitz, as usual. ;) )


I should add that it's a little hard to comprehend just how fast the French cavalry could travel compared to everything else. The couriers didn't travel any faster!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: Barthheart on May 15, 2018, 05:27:57 AM
I actually had no intention of attacking through the passes.... I was all alone and had no idea how much of your army was coming my way. Ohrdruf was just a lookout to see what, if anything, was coming my way.

Just as I spotted your advance troops, I got an order to withdraw Erfort then move north from there... until everything went to hell....  ;)


Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:39:49 PM

To Marshal Murat
(believed near Meiningen, moving north)
From Marshal Lannes (encamped about 12km north of Meiningen, about to move to ORANGE)
My esteemed colleague,
As per your last dispatch, I will resume my march toward the pass designated ORANGE. I anticipate reaching the objective around noon or a little later. Once arrived, I will send Foucher's cavalry out to screen toward Ohrdruf, and send patrols in that direction to locate the enemy. If possible, Foucher will make contact with the divisions you have left to observe Ruchel's Advance Guard.
My infantry will encamp in defensive positions just to the north of ORANGE and rest the remainder of the day. If we draw Ruchel's troops down on us, I intend to hold ORANGE until relieved by yourself and M. Davout. However, in the event that Ruchel moves to retreat from the Ohrdruf position, I will advance with my corps to maintain contact. If this should happen, I will attempt to bring on a general engagement with Ruchel's Advance Guard division and destroy them.
I will look for d'Hautpol's division to join my infantry at ORANGE this afternoon.
Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:51:29 PM
I had the maps all posted a day early, due to some variance/confusion as to how we were doing dates at the start of the game. I've corrected them as of this evening, which should help Barth's blood pressure.  ;)
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:52:10 PM

To Marshal Davout
(believed about 15km north of Hilburghausen, moving north)
From Marshal Lannes (encamped about 12km north of Meiningen, about to move to ORANGE)


M Davout,


I will shortly resume my march toward the pass designated ORANGE. I anticipate reaching the objective around noon or a little later. Once arrived, I will send Foucher's cavalry out to screen toward Ohrdruf, and send patrols in that direction to locate the enemy. If possible, Foucher will make contact with the divisions Murat left to observe Ruchel's Advance Guard.


My infantry will encamp in defensive positions just to the north of ORANGE and rest the remainder of the day. If we draw Ruchel's troops down on us, I intend to hold ORANGE until relieved by Murat and yourself. However, in the event that Ruchel moves to retreat from the Ohrdruf position, I will advance with my corps to maintain contact. If this should happen, I will attempt to bring on a general engagement with Ruchel's Advance Guard division and destroy them. I will send you a dispatch if I am moving to engage Ruchel's Advance Guard, and request that you move to support me.


Murat is sending  d'Hautpol's division to join my infantry at ORANGE this afternoon.


Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:53:05 PM
DISPATCH -- Foucher to Lannes, 1000, 12th October

SENT 0900, 12th October

My Lord Marshal,

Beg leave to report that our piquets have spotted the presence of enemy cavalry in the village of Ohrdruf.

Holding for your orders.

S!

Foucher
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:53:23 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to Foucher - 1000

General Foucher,

Maintain observation of  the enemy forces in Ohrdruf. Attempt to ascertain their strength and the position of any enemy infantry. Seek to make contact with Murat's divisions operating in the area. Inform me of any new estimates of enemy size and position, and the disposition of Murat's forces.


Screen the main body of the corps from observation by the enemy.


Do not seek to engage the enemy. However, if attacked, you are to skirmish with the enemy, and continue to screen the main body. Inform me if attacked, and if forced to fall back on the pass.


As per my earlier orders, inform me immediately if the enemy forces move from the their current positions, particularly if they begin to retreat.


Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:53:43 PM
To Marshal Lannes
(believed to be on the Meiningen - Eisenach Road, heading north)


My Dear Colleague,


My cavalry piquets have observed Prussian cavalry in the village of Ohrdruf. I have ordered General Focuher to continue to observe this force, attempt to discover more of the enemy dispositions,  screen the main body of my corps, and attempt to make contact with your divisions in the vicinity.


My main body will continue to move toward ORANGE.


Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:54:03 PM









To Marshal Davout
(believed to be on the Hilburghausen - Ohrdruf Road, moving north)



My esteemed M. Davout,


My cavalry piquets have observed Prussian cavalry in the village of Ohrdruf. I have ordered General Focuher to continue to observe this force, attempt to discover more of the enemy dispositions,  screen the main body of my corps, and attempt to make contact with your divisions in the vicinity.


My main body will continue to move toward ORANGE.


Lannes




Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:54:26 PM
DISPATCH -- From Control, 1300, 12th October

Marshal Lannes,

Pleased to inform you that Division D'Hautpol has arrived at and been tendered to you service!


S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:54:41 PM
General d'Hautpol,


Greetings on your timely arrival.


Please move your division through the pass designated ORANGE into a position to support Foucher's division in screening the main body of V Corps. Attempt to ascertain the strength and the position of any enemy forces in the area. Seek to make contact with Murat's divisions operating in the area. Inform me of any new estimates of enemy size and position, and the disposition of Prussian forces.



Do not seek to engage the enemy. However, if attacked, you are to skirmish with the enemy, support Foucher's Division and continue to screen the main body. Inform me if attacked, and if forced to fall back on the pass.


Inform me immediately if the enemy forces move from the their current positions, particularly if they begin to retreat. Move to maintain contact with any enemy forces on the move.


Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:54:58 PM
Lannes to Foucher, 1300 12th October

My good general,

Be advised that the cavalry of General d'Hautpol has joined the corps and is moving through ORANGE to support you. General d'Hautpol has been tasked with providing your division with support in the event of an enemy attack. He is also to assist you in screening the main body from observation by the enemy.


Continue with your earlier orders. Inform me of any new estimates of enemy size and position, and the disposition of Prussian forces. Inform me immediately if the enemy forces move from the their current positions, particularly if they begin to retreat. Move to maintain contact with any enemy forces on the move.


Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:55:19 PM
SENT 0800, 12th October


To:  Marshals Murat and Lannes

From: Marshal Davout, in a midge-infested dell about 15km north of
Hildburghausen

Marshal Murat: If your primary concern is that General Ruchel might
escape, then it would be best if we continue moving with all dispatch.

As a result, unless you countermand the order, I will move to YELLOW
pass today.  If developments permit a rest day I will use it on the
13th but I will expect to move northwards on the 14th.

Do you have an intimation of the direction of his withdrawal - north or east?

If our objective is to prevent his force from linking up with the
Prussian main body, then it would appear my objective would be to pin
him at Ohrdruf while moving to ensure he cannot move eastwards from
Gotha; I become the anvil while you and Marshal Lannes form the
hammer.

This maneuver is enhanced if I tun out to draw his attention, and thus
my moving first, should it so transpire, should not discomfit our
arrangements.

Death and Confusion to the enemy!

Marshal Davout



Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:55:50 PM

SENT 1100, 12th October


To: Marshalls Lannes & Murat


From: Somewhere south of YELLOW


Fellow Marshalls, I have received word from my cavalry division that
they have reached the southern part of YELLOW.


I await your orders to wait or press on tomorrow.


- Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:56:10 PM

SENT 1100, 12th October


To: Marshals Davout and Lannes
From: Marshal Murat (on the Moiningen-Eisenach road, vicinity of the crossroad leading to ORANGE pass)

I am in receipt of Marshal Davout's message (sent 0800, 12 October) wherein he requests guidance regarding my intentions and direction on how to proceed.

I have recently received word from General LaSalle (who is south of Ohrdruff with my light cavalry) that "a portion of the Prussian army is departing from Ohrdruf, headed north in haste." Whether that means that all or only part of Ruchel's Advance Guard division is still defending Ohrdruf or not, I am unable to say as LaSalle's report was vague.

Because I am not entirely confident of where either of you are currently located, I am thus somewhat reluctant to commit to offensive action until it becomes clear whether you are in close enough proximity to support an attack on Ohrdruff.

I have directed my detached cavalry (LaSalle and Sahuc's divisions -- some 9000 sabers) to maintain contact with the enemy at Orhdruf, but not engage. I do not believe that by themselves two divisions of cavalry, especially without a senior commander on hand to orchestrate their efforts, are adequate to overcome a strong enemy rear guard.

Based on Marshal Davout's personal assessment of the situation once he actually arrives on scene, he has my permission to launch an immediate attack against the withdrawing Prussian forces should he deem that action appropriate.

For my part, I intend continue north towards Eisenach. While I personally do not feel advancing on Eisenach is necessary, the Emperor has directed that we ensure no Prussian forces are in a position to infiltrate south and interfere with our lines of communication. Therefore, to conform to the Emperor's wishes, I will clear Eisenach and then march on Gotha (to presumably rendezvous with the two of you at that location). If I am delayed at Eisenach, I will notify you both and, depending on your situation, will provide additional direction.

As I pass by the crossroads leading towards the ORANGE pass, I will be detaching some additional cavalry to conduct a reconnaissance up that road. Once Marshal Lannes arrives at that pass he should take temporary control of that cavalry and then coordinate with Marshal Davout to conduct an attack in tandem to first clear Ohrdruf and then advance on Gotha. Whichever of the two of you who arrives on the scene first should assume the duties of overall commander of any attack along the Ohrdruf-Gotha road. However, once you reach Gotha you should both stop and rest your troops before continuing your advance (as indicated above, I expect to join you in Gotha via Eisenach).

Your comrade in arms,
- Murat

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:56:57 PM
DISPATCH, Foucher to Lannes, 1700, 12th October

My Lord Marshal,


Beg leave to report that we have encountered a division of Marshal Murat's that I gather is, at this moment, seconded to Marshal Davout and is presently in pursuit of a Prussian force believed headed to Gotha.


We are presently at a point just Southwest of the Ohrdruf - Gotha crossroad.  Given current pace, it is unlikely that Marshal Murat's men will clear past this crossroad before nightfall.


S!


Foucher
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 04:57:16 PM
DISPATCH Lannes to Foucher, d'Hautpol, 1700, 12th October

Gentlemen,


Press forward and maintain contact with the enemy! Cooperate with Marshal Murat's division to pursue the Prussians toward Gotha. Dispatches to me with details of enemy strength, location, and in the event of action.


Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:04:51 PM
DISPATCH, Lannes to Murat and Davout, 1700, 12th October

To: Marshal Murat (believed to be along the Meiningen-Eisenach road, headed north) and Marshal Davout (believed to be at pass YELLOW)
Colleagues,

My cavalry has encountered a cavalry division of Murat's just southwest of the Ohrdruf-Gotha crossroad. This division appears to be attached to Marshal Davout's corps and is in pursuit of a Prussian force withdrawing toward Gotha.

I have also only in the last hour received Marshall Murat's dispatch sent at 1100 this day, indicating his cavalry reporting that the Prussians were moving north from Ohrdruf. At about the time this dispatch was sent, my cavalry reported Prussian horse in Ohrdruf, so I am at this stage unsure as to the presence or absence of enemy troops in the village. I have also only in the past hour received Marshall Davout's dispatch of 1100 indicating that his cavalry had reached the southern part of YELLOW. From the above report, I can only assume that the main body of Davout's corps is at, or perhaps north of the pass.

I have dispatched my cavalry, including d'Hautpol's division seconded to me by Marshall Murat to join the pursuit and maintain contact with the Prussians. It would seem that despite my specific instructions to be informed if the Prussians were moving from the vicinity of Ohrdruf, I am forced to guess what is going on to my front. These hussars are little more than bandits on horseback!

Given the situation and my uncertainty as to your exact locations, despite the lateness of the hour I intend to move my troops to Ohrdruf in support of the advancing cavalry. On arriving at the village, if there are no Prussians to be found, I will leave the infantry to rest and ride to join my cavalry and seek to locate the Prussians.

Marshall Davout, please join me in moving toward Gotha yet this evening. If you are already advancing, please inform me of your intentions and directions.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:29:40 PM
ATTENTION TO ORDERS!

Sender: Lannes – 1700, October 12

Time Sent: (UMPIRE)

Recipient: Suchet, Gazan

Time Received: (UMPIRE)

Unit Marching: Suchet's Division, Gazan's Divsion

Order of march to be Suchet, Gazan

Route of March: By road from north from current encampment to the Ohrdruf – Gotha crossroads, north or Ohrdruf but south of Gotha. I will ride with Suchet's division.

Time to Spend Marching: Until destination objective is reached

Expected Objective: Ohrdruf-Gotha Crossroads

On reaching the objecting, establish defensive positions in and around the crossroads if it is not occupied by the enemy. If no enemy is present, bivouac in here. Once the crossroads is in our hands I will ride on to join General Foucher.

Rules of Engagement: My intent is to seize the Ohrdruf-Gotha crossroads and support our cavalry. Suchet's division will deploy in line with light infantry out as skirmishers. Gazan will form the reserve. Attack the enemy and continue forward until the crossroads are ours.

Dispatches: Dispatches to me on arrival at the crossroads, or when the enemy is encountered.

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:30:35 PM
DISPATCH, Lannes to Murat and Davout, October 12, 1700

To: Marshal Murat (believed to be along the Meiningen-Eisenach road, headed north) and Marshal Davout (believed to be at pass YELLOW)
Colleagues,


After consideration, I believe it will be of more use for me to march on the crossroads north of Ohrdruf and south of Gotha. If and enemy remain in Ohrdruf doing so will cut their line of communication with the rest of Ruchel's corps, and will place my corps in an advantageous position to support Davout in an advance on Gotha tomorrow. Marshall Davout, I will leave it to your troops to clear Ohrdruf if they have not done so already.


Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:31:41 PM
DISPATCH -- D'Hautpol to Lannes, 1900, 12th October

SENT 1800, 12th October

My Lord Marshal,

Beg leave to report that we hav e reached the stream just North of the pass designated ORANGE.  We have encamped for the evening.

I embrace you.

D'Hautpol
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:32:20 PM
DISPATCH -- Davout to Lannes, 2030, 12th October

SENT 1500, 12th October

TO: Marshals Lannes and Murat

Fellow Marshals,

General LaSalle reports that as of 1000, Ruchel's cavalry in Ohrdruf
was "departing to the North in some haste"; he will remain in contact.

- Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:33:09 PM
DISPATCH -- Davout to Lannes, 2200, 12th October

SENT 1700, 12th October

To: Marshals Murat and Lannes
From: Marshal Davout

Marshals,

I have a note from Bernadotte, noting that there were no Prussians at
Saalfeld as of 0800 on 12 October.  I am led to wonder if the
Prussians are fighting a delay, trading space for time and
information.

If so, then moving quickly to destroy General Ruchel would be highly
advantageous.  Even if not, if he is isolated, destroying him is still
to our advantage.  Moving quickly will also make it more difficult for
him to be reinforced or withdraw via the Gotha-Erfurt-Weimar road that
presumably leads to the Prussian main body.

Therefore, I intend to launch my corps northwards tomorrow morning,
driving one infantry division and LaSalle's cavalry up the road to
Gotha in order to pin Ruchel, and swinging the rest of the cavalry and
the other two divisions eastwards to take the Arnstadt-Gotha road in
order to cut that road and attack Gotha from the rear.

If I hear before tomorrow morning that Marshal Lannes will be
advancing on Ohrdruf & Gotha directly tomorrow then I will swing my
entire corps eastwards, leaving LaSalle's cavalry to maintain pressure
and shape the situation for Marshal Lannes.  This should see us
eventually converging on Erfurt from three directions with our three
forces.

Please advise me as soon as you are able if this plan does not meet
your approval - I recognize that it is a change from your plan as
specified in your most recent message.

Hopefully Erfurt will have something more drinkable than goat piss.

- Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:34:02 PM
DISPATCH -- Davout to Lannes, 2300, 12th October

12 Oct. 1800 at YELLOW

Recipient:

III Corps Divisions

  1st, 2nd, & 3rd  Infantry Divisions, Cavalry Division;

LaSalle's and Sahuc's cavalry divisions

Murat and Lannes

Time Received: (UMPIRE)


Unit Marching:

III Corps will move to engage General Ruchel from the south and east;
1st division and LaSalle will pin at Ohrdruf while the rest move to
Arnstadt to set up a flanking movement.


Cavalry Division: Move to Arnstadt

1st Division and LaSalle: Move to Gotha.  Coordinate contact with
General LaSalle's cavalry.  Contact is expected between Ohrdruf and
Gotha.  Contact is expected with Marshal Lannes' forces coming up the
road from ORANGE.  On Lannes' arrival you will fall under his tactical
control.

2nd and 3rd Divisions: Move to Arnstadt.

Sahuc: Move to the river bridges between Gotha and Arnstadt, seizing
them in order to enable the divisions at Arnstadt to move across them
on the 14th.

My HQ will move to Arnstadt.

Time to Spend Marching:

10 hours/20km to Arsnstadt.

ROE:

1st Division is a pinning movement; maintain contact but decisive
engagement is not desired.

Dispatches:



Upon arrival at evening camp, send a dispatch to indicating position.

All units should be prepared for the possibility of contact with the Prussians.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:35:10 PM
DISPATCH -- From Foucher to Lannes, 2300, 12th October

My Lord Marshal,

A rider in the service of LaSalle's division encountered us on a mission to report to Marshal Davout.  He was in great haste, but informed us that Gen. LaSalle has arrived in Gotha and found it devoid of Prussians.  His piquets, however, have indicated the presence of at least two Prussian divisions defending a river line at the Gotha-Erfurt crossroads.

S!

Foucher
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:35:45 PM
DISPATCH -- Murat to Lannes, - 0330, 13th October

SENT 2200, 12th October


Comrades!
Since it now appears that the enemy are evacuating Ohrdruf in some haste, please occupy the town as soon as may be practical in the morning, and from there continue your advance on Gotha. If you find Prussian forces still in Gotha, deploy for battle and, once you are ready, drive the enemy from that city. For my part, I will be marching eastwards from Eisenach to Gotha at sunrise.

Allow me emphasize that it is essential we keep the Prussians under pressure. If they withdraw from Gotha, have your cavalry maintain contact -- do not permit the enemy to disengage!

- Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:36:57 PM
DISPATCH -- 0530, 13th October

SENT 0000, 13 October

To: Marshals Lannes, Murat, and Bernadotte;
*and*
To: all III Corps divisions, Generals Sahuc and LaSalle

Marshals!

Incredibly, we found a supply of Turkish coffee at an mountain inn.
How was not consumed before our arrival is a mystery, but the outcome
is most welcome.  Perhaps the Germans' beer has addled their livers to
the point that they don't comprehend any of the finer things in life?

Moving to business....

General LaSalle reports that as of 1900 on 12 October, his forces had
entered Gotha and found it to have been recently vacated by the
Prussians.  However, two divisions of Prussian infantry, thought to be
from Ruchel's corps, were "defending the river line to the east of
Gotha at the Gotha-Erfurt crossroads".

By the way, Marshal Murat, Generals LaSalle and Sahuc have been doing
exemplary work in reconnoitering the enemy.

As a result, combining reports:

There are no Prussians in Arnstadt, Saalfeld, or Gotha; and we have
forces in all three, though Arnstadt and Gotha are held by cavalry.

General Ruchel has been steadily withdrawing in the direction of
Erfurt and Weimar.

It is not clear to me if "the river line east of Gotha at the
Gotha-Erfurt crossroads" means he intends to defend the Arnstadt road,
or not.

It is not clear if he intends to defend there - perhaps using the
ridgeline?; or to continue withdrawing towards Weimar; or to withdraw
northwards towards Tennstadt.

It is therefore my intention to alter my prior orders in the following
manner (followed by a complete rendition of the orders), with the
intent of arraying forces to pin General Ruchel from the west and
south if he holds at the crossroads, and, if he should withdraw again,
of reuniting the III Corps at the crossroads between Gotha and Erfurt
in order to continue operations against him.  One cavalry division
will move to reconnoiter east of Erfurt, both to discern possible
Prussian positions there and perhaps to place fear in his withdrawal
if he moves that direction.

Note that while it is very tempting to instead attempt to continue
harder eastwards, trying to get forces in place to attack Ruchel on
the Erfurt-Weimar road - or, failing that, to use that maneuver to
come at him from Erfurt to support Lannes' expected move through Gotha
- I am doubtful that I can march quickly enough to accomplish this
without marching them beyond reasonable endurance.  Arnstadt or the
river crossings are a 10 hour overland march, and pushing past
Arnstadt to Erfurt tomorrow would require another 6 to 8 hours'
marching - yet even so, Ruchel could easily outmarch me down the road
to Weimar.


------------Orders for 13 October, replacing the prior set------------
III Corps will move to engage General Ruchel from the west and south,
moving to converge on the road intersection between Gotha and Erfurt.

Cavalry Division: Move to Arnstadt; prepare to move to Erfurt (on the
eastern side of the river) and the Erfurt-Weimar road river crossing
on the next day.

1st Division and LaSalle: Move to Gotha, then move toward Erfurt.
Contact is expected between Gotha and Erfurt.  Contact is expected
with Marshal Lannes' forces coming up the road from ORANGE.  On
Lannes' arrival you will fall under his tactical control until we
reunite and he releases you back to my control.

2nd and 3rd Divisions: Move to the northern of the two river crossings
between Gotha and Arnstadt.  2nd Division should cross the river.
Expected follow-on mission is to attack the Prussians between Erfurt
and Gotha, or link up with the 1st Division at the Gotha-Erfurt
crossroads.  Alternate follow-on mission is to march via Arnstadt to
outflank Prussian positions at Erfurt.

Sahuc: Seize the river bridges between Gotha and Arnstadt.
Reconnoiter northwards to discover Prussian forces' locations.  No
limit of advance north or east, but do not march more than 10 hours.

My HQ will move to the northern Arnstadt-Gotha river crossing.
-------------------------

If you wish me to act otherwise, please advise me soonest; we will
begin marching with the dawn.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:40:42 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to V Corps, D'Hautpol, Davout and Murat 0600, 13th October

To: Marshals Murat and Davout, and all V Corps Divisions, General D'Hautpol

Marshals!

This morning my orderly brought me something called "beer soup" to break my fast. Germany is truely a barbarous land, fit only for these swamp-dwelling Prussians.

My forces moved last night  toward the Ohrdruf-Gotha crossroads in pursuit of Prussians, and are strung out between there and the stream just north of ORANGE. I am going to consolidate V Corps and attachments in the vicinity of Gotha before moving further east toward the river line and crossroads.

I have received the reports from Marshal Davout and my cavalry that Gotha is empty of enemy troops, and General Ruchel is running away eastwards as fast as his carriage can carry him. With Marshal Davout in contact and holding Arnstadt and Gotha, I think it prudent to reassemble my corps. I will then move east from Gotha, collecting the trrops left by Marshal Davout, and make to join him along the road to Erfurt.

Orders for 13 October
V Corps and attachments will move from present positions along the Orhdruf-Gotha road to Gotha, there to meet up with the two divisions currently in possession of the town. Once the entirety of V Corp is assembled in the vicinity of Gotha, along with general D'Hautpol's division, we will proceed according to the following plan.

D"Hautpol, V Corps 2nd Division (Gazan) and III Corps 1st Division and LaSalle: Advance east along the Gotha-Erfurt road to the juncture with the road to Arnstadt, making contact with III Corp advancing from the south. If the Prussians are encountered here and attempt to hold this position, join with III Corps in attacking them. Otherwise, tactical control of III Corps 1st Division and LaSalle's division return to Marshal Davout. 2nd Division and D"Hautpol's division are then to move north of the road juncture and take up a position between the road and the ridgeline to the north, facing east.

V Corps 1st Division and Cavalry Division: After the concentration at Gotha, move northeast from Gotha to seize the high ground of the ridge line the the north of the Gotha-Erfurt-Arnstadt road junction and northwest of Erfurt. If 2nd Division and Marshal Davout appear to be engaged at the road junction. based on the sound of the guns, move southeast toward the Gotha-Erfurt road to cut the road to the rear of the Prussian position, trapping them against Davout. If there is no engagement, 2nd Division is to hold the ridge line and establish contact with 1st Division as it move north of the road junction. Foucher's cavalry division will advance to the road leading north from Erfurt, scouting to determine the location of Prussian forces.

I will move my HQ first to Gotha, and then with 2nd Division to the Gotha-Erfurt-Arnstadt road junction, and finally with 2nd Division north of the road junction.

Lannes

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:43:29 PM
DISPATCH -- From Control, 1200, 13th October

Marshal Lannes,

Beg leave to report that you can now hear the rumble of battle -- the "sound of the guns" -- in the distance to your Northeast.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:44:46 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to V Corps, D'Hautpol, III Corps 1st Division, LaSalle, Davout and Murat 1200 Oct 12

Gentlemen,

It sounds as if M. Davout has discovered the Prussians. Rather than waiting at Gotha, proceed with all haste to march to the sound of the guns, deploying as per the following:

D"Hautpol, V Corps 2nd Division (Gazan) and III Corps 1st Division and LaSalle: Advance east along the Gotha-Erfurt road to the juncture with the road to Arnstadt, making contact with III Corp advancing from the south. If the Prussians are encountered here and attempt to hold this position, join with III Corps in attacking them. Otherwise, tactical control of III Corps 1st Division and LaSalle's division return to Marshal Davout. 2nd Division and D"Hautpol's division are then to move north of the road juncture and take up a position between the road and the ridgeline to the north, facing east.

V Corps 1st Division and Cavalry Division: Move northeast from Gotha to seize the high ground of the ridge line the the north of the Gotha-Erfurt-Arnstadt road junction and northwest of Erfurt. If 2nd Division and Marshal Davout appear to be engaged at the road junction. based on the sound of the guns, move southeast toward the Gotha-Erfurt road to cut the road to the rear of the Prussian position, trapping them against Davout. If there is no engagement, 2nd Division is to hold the ridge line and establish contact with 1st Division as it move north of the road junction. Foucher's cavalry division will advance to the road leading north from Erfurt, scouting to determine the location of Prussian forces.

I will move my HQ first to Gotha, and then with 2nd Division to the Gotha-Erfurt-Arnstadt road junction, and finally with 2nd Division north of the road junction.

If you and your troops make contact with Marshal Davout and III Corps before I arrive, place your unit under Davout's tactical control until my arrival.

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:45:33 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 1400, 13th October

SENT 1200, 13th October


From: Marshal Davout
To: Marshals Lannes and Murat


Marshals!


Thank you for your note, Marshal Lannes.  My condolences on the "beer
soup".  I have been "treated" to hard nubbins of bread that taste as
if they were shat out of the ass of a thrice donkey-raped devil.


Hopefully Generals Sahuc and Lasalle will pin the Prussian division
they have brought to heel for long enough that we can whip it.


- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:46:35 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 2000, 13th October

SENT 1700, 13th October

ARRIVED:   eventually, I hope
TO: Marshals Lannes, Murat, and Bernadotte
From: Marshal Davout

Marshals!

I am approaching Arnstadt along with my 2nd and 3rd infantry divisions
- not my original intent, but the uncouth terrain of this German
wilderness rerouted me.  My cavalry division is already in Arnstadt
and we hope they have not consumed all of the available wine before we
arrive.

I have not heard from Generals Sahuc and Lasalle since a message from
General Lasalle at 1000 this morning, when he most commendably
intended to engage the Prussians between Erfurt and Gotha.  I presume
that the silence indicates that they, along with my 1st division, have
come under Marshal Lannes' distinguished guidance in accordance with
their instructions.

However, a decision now awaits me, to be made before we begin to march
tomorrow morning:

Should I....

a) Go north & west to reinforce the battle already underway (and quite
possibly concluded) west of Erfurt;

or

b) Go north and east to the east of the river and Erfurt, in order to
attempt to outflank and catch General Ruchel's forces?

Option a is certain to reunite my corps, but offers no hope of
catching General Ruchel unless he chooses to come back to aid his
hopefully-beleaguered or -destroyed division.

Option b would commit my force to another wildreness march, but with
some hope of catching Ruchel, especially if he has reacted to the
battle west of Erfurt by moving to reinforce it.  Option b would see
my current force at Arnstadt arriving to the road east of Erfurt
sometime later tomorrow afternoon - possibly just in time to cut
Ruchel off, or to assist in outflanking his position guarding the
river.

Option b also commits my force into the dark, uncertain of where the
rest of the Prussian Army is.

My instinct is to commit for option b, on the assumption that our
forces have overwhelmed Ruchel's lone division, and the rest of his
forces are either withdrawing or holding the river line at Erfurt.
While I would incur a measure of risk by plunging into the unknown,
with your forces bearing down from the west there is a good chance
that would wound find ourselves acting in mutual support; and if not,
then my corps can sell its lives to draw enemy forces from your battle
west of the river at Erfurt and thus move us towards eventual victory.

In the event that I become too heavily engaged to stand my ground east
of Erfurt, I will withdraw in the direction of Arnstadt.  If I have
gained access to the bridge at Erfurt, I will use it instead, but in
that circumstance I suspect we will have linked up directly.

If you prefer that I commit in a different direction or manner, please
let me know.

Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:47:21 PM
Sent 2000, 13 October
To: Suchet, Gazan, Foucher, D'Hautpol, Sahuc, Lasalle

Generals!

Report your status and position to me immediately. Also, in future consider it a standing order to send me a dispatch when:

You arrive at your objective,
You sight the enemy,
You sight or encounter friendly forces of another Corps,
You are acting under the orders of another Marshal,
You engage the enemy,
You withdraw.

Dispatch to me the particulars of your current situation as quickly as a dispatch rider can carry them!

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:49:59 PM
DISPATCH - LANNES to SUCHET, GAZAN, MORAND, FOUCHER, D'HAUTPOL

Sent 2000, 13 October
To: Suchet, Gazan, Foucher, D'Hautpol, Morand

Generals,

Halt your divisions for night if you have not already done so. We will resume marching at 6:00 AM tomorrow.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:50:55 PM
Dispatch - LANNES to DAVOUT, MURAT, and BERNADOTTE

Sent: 2000, 13th October
To: Marshals Davout, Murat, and Bernadotte
Location: South of Gotha on the Ohrdruf-Gotha Road

My lords,

All the damned dispatch riders' horses have caught the German disease. I can think of no other reason that nearly no dispatches have reached me for the past two days. Campaigning in German in the Autumn is an exercise in slogging through wet, muddy forests. Well, at least we are not invading Russia.

M Davout, I am in receipt of your dispatch on this afternoon at 5:00 of the clock. General Morand is with me, south of Gotha, along with my 1st and 2nd divisions. My cavalry is east of Gotha moving toward Erfurt. D'Hautpol's 2nd Cuirassiers from M. Murat's Cavalry Corps are just south of Gotha. We have heard cannon to our northeast, and have been marching toward the sound of the guns. I have received no dispatches from Generals LaSalle or Sahuc.

Since I am marching first into Gotha and then will be driving east along the road to Erfurt, there to either support the divisions engaged against Ruchel west of Erfurt or to attack Ruchel myself if our soldiers have suffered a reverse, I believe M. Davout's most effective course would be to swing to his north and east, toward Erfurt, to flank and destroy Ruchel. This movement offers the possibilities of catching his retreating troops if they have been routed by LaSalle and Sahuc, or forming an anvil to my hammer as I advance east. I am most concerned at this point that the Prussian has already given up the fight to the west of Erfurt and is falling back toward Weimar, and is too far gone for us to catch.

I am stopping my troops for the night. Despite marching last night my progress has been slower than I had hoped, and the troops are tired.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:55:49 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 2230, 13th October

SENT 1930 13 October

TO: Marshalls Lannes & Murat; copy to Marshal Bernadotte
From: Marshal Davout

Marshals, after further consideration as I move through the gathering
dust to the potentially wineless (and worthless - but I repeat myself)
hamlet of Arnstadt, a few thoughts:

Weimar's division comprised the majority of Ruchel's quality combat
power.  His advance guard is half the size and Saxe demoralizes his
men though methods better left unstated lest we dishonor his animals.

Tomorrow morning, my forces could move up the east side of the Gera
River directly towards Erfurt.

My forces could also strike to the northeast with the objective of
threatening Weimar.  It would be a 1.5 to 2 day march overland to
Weimar; but this offers a better opportunity to decisively cut off
Ruchel's corps if he continues to retreat and does not make a stand at
Erfurt.  This does present the greater risk of running into the rest
of the Prussian forces piecemeal.

The deeper strike does not precisely conform to our Emperor's wishes
for us to hold and defend the line in the vicinity of Erfurt in order
to retain the ROY passes.

I believe we are also offered an opportunity to destroy Ruchel's
corps, which would bring our forces significant advantage in the
campaign as a whole, which we have been given the latitude to do, but
I do not believe it wise to embark on the march to Weimar without
first coordinating the move with your forces.

In the absence of orders to the contrary, tomorrow morning I will
maneuver up the east bank of the Gera, expecting to either meet your
forces there, or to outflank Ruchel's forces defending the river.

- Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:57:19 PM
DISPATCH --  DAVOUT to LANNES, 2200, 13th October

SENT 1900, 13th October

TO: Marshals Lannes & Murat; copy to Marshal Bernadotte

I have just read a note from General Sahuc, sent at 1600, that
Weimar's division of Ruchel's corps has been broken and is fleeing
eastward!  Vive la France!  Vive l'empereur!

In the absence of orders to the contrary, I will take their direction
of retreat as evidence that the bulk of Ruchel's corps lies east of
Erfurt, and will maneuver up the east bank of the river with my
cavalry division and 2 infantry divisions tomorrow, expecting to
either meet your forces there, or to outflank Ruchel's forces
defending the river.

- Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:58:31 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 2300, 13th October

SENT: 2030 13 October
TO: Marshals Lannes and Murat

Marshal Lannes,

I just received the following communique from Marshal Bernadotte.  You
were inexplicably left off the list of recipients, so I am forwarding
it to you.

SENT 1000, 13th October

To Napoleon, Marshal Murat, Marshal Davout, Marshal Ney, Marshal
Lefebvre /Bessieres: General Klein's cavalry division dispatched from
Murat's cavalry corps has joined my 1st corps at Saalfeld.  There is
still no sign of the Prussians here.  Marshals Soult and Bessieres
have encountered small Prussian detachments at Hof and Schleiz but was
unable to engage them before the Prussians retired north/north east in
haste. Marshals Murat and Daviut are in pursuit of Rachel's Corp near
Erfurt and retiring towards Weimar.
The whole 1st corps will march north overland to the T junction on the
road leaving from Weimar directly south.
========

The movements discussed suggest the Prussians are trying to hold the
complex terrain near Jena/Gera; rapid seizure of Weimar would help
unhinge that defense.  My inclinations are shifting towards a strike
towards Weimar.  I can make the decision just before dawn.

- Marshal Davout
0 New
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 05:59:40 PM
DISPATCH - LANNES to DAVOUT, 2300 13th October

Sent 2300 13 October
To Marshals Lannes and Murat
Copy to Marshal Bernadotte

Marshal Davout,

Fine news indeed concerning the overthrow of the enemy in front of Erfurt. My forces are hurrying north to Gotha and will drive east toward Erfurt in the morning, unless you see a better course. The roads around Gotha are thick with troops and we are much delayed by the congestion. We have encountered some of Murat's cavalry in Gotha as well.

At this point I believe we will have trouble moving toward Erfurt and beyond until Marshal Murat's cavalry clear the town and the road. I am concerned that my corps will not be in position any time soon to support your possible strike toward Weimar. It may be that Murat will be in a good position to do this and will be considerably ahead of me, but I have received no dispatches from him for over a day.

There seems an opportunity to soundly rout the Prussians with aggressive moves at this point. However, Ruchel reportedly has a large force; while the rout of a division harms his force it is still dangerous. We run the risk of him turning on us and defeating our forces in detail if we become too far separated. It may be best to consolidate your corps and wait for either my corps or Murat to be in a better position to support you before moving on Weimar.

That the rest of the army has encountered almost no sign of the Prussians at Saalfeld and Hof leads me to agree with you that the bulk of their forces are concentrated toward Jena or further east. Perhaps our best approach is for V Corps to drive on Erfurt tomorrow, hoping to fix Ruchel there, while you seek to cut his line of communication toward Weimar and Jena by seizing the road east of there? If Murat is indeed in Gotha and heading east so much the better; his cavalry can move quickly to Erfurt to engage Ruchel while,V Corps comes up. We would not go far wrong in destroying Ruchel's forces before he can join the remainder of the Prussian army.

I defer to you, you know III Corps best. If you feel that a bold move toward Weimar while I take Erfurt does not leave you too far from support, then by all means, let us strike.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:01:26 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 0100, 14th October

SENT: 2200 13 OCT

TO: III Corps: 2nd Division (Friant), 3rd Division (Gudin), Cavalry
Division (Vialanne); and Marshals Lannes, Murat, & Bernadotte
FROM: Marshal Davout

Soldiers of France!

Today, our detached division help defeat a division of Ruchel's corps
to the north.  The enemy is broken and streaming eastwards in defeat
towards Erfurt.

I await news that will direct the depth of our strike tomorrow as we
attempt to destroy Ruchel's corps in its entirety.

We will either march north, up the east side of the Gera River,
intending to catch Ruchel's force in the flank as they defend the
crossings near Erfurt,

... or we will march northeast, driving to seize Weimar and block
Ruchel's retreat outright, intending to encompass his complete
destruction and to unhinge the Prussian defense of the Jena area.

In either event, the cavalry will lead, followed by the 2nd and then
the 3rd division.

My decision will be made at dawn tomorrow.

Either way, the day calls us to glory!  To arms, citizens!

- Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:04:06 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to V Corps and Attachments 0100 13 October

To: V Corps, LaSalle, d'Hautpol, Morand
Copies to Davout, Murat, and Bernadotte

Generals,

We have found the enemy and he is before us. Infantry and cavalry from Murat and Davout's divisions encountered and broke one of Ruchel's divisions in the vicinity of Erfurt yesterday. Today, we will move to press the Prussians further.

Generals Gazan, Suchet, and Morand will move north along the road to Gotha, and then east toward Erfurt, Weimar, and Jena. The order of march is to be Suchet, Gazan, Morand. Your objective is Jena. March no more than 10 hours today. My headquarters will be with Suchet's division.

I have received reports that Murat's cavalry are on the road passing through Gotha. We will move toward Gotha starting our march at 5AM. If Murat's troops occupy the road, we will wait for them to clear the town, and then fall in behind their column. General D'Hautpol, you are to contact M. Murat. If it is not his intention to reattach your division, then you will march with the my infantry, in front of Suchet.

General Foucher, make all haste to join General LaSalle, who I believe to be in the vicinity of Erfurt. You, along with General LaSalle, should scout toward Erfurt, Weimar, and Jena to locate the enemy. Send a courier as soon as you have made contact. General LaSalle, please report your position and condition to me as soon as is possible. You should await General Foucher before moving east, unless you are in pursuit of the enemy. Like the infantry, your objective for the day is Jena. Do not march more than 10 hours, beginning at 5AM.

M. Davout will be advancing with the rest of III Corps from the vicinity of Arnstadt. He will be either striking the road east of Erfurt or perhaps strike directly for Weimar.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:04:58 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 0400, 14th October

Sent: 2330, 13 October
To:  Marshals Lannes, Murat, and Bernadotte
Location: Arnstadt

Having just received Marshal Lannes' intent to march on Erfurt
tomorrow, I will coordinate and march northwards to Erfurt up the east
side of the Gera River.  Hopefully, General Rachel will not run too
fast for us!

- Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:05:54 PM
DISPATCH -- MURAT to LANNES, 0330, 14th October

To Marshall Lannes (believed in the vicinity of Gotha, moving east towards Erfurt)
From Marshal Murat (approx 10km north of Erfurt)
SENT:  0100, 14th October

My dearest comrade -
As I'm sure you've already been advised, the cavalry of Generals LaSalle and Sahuc have shattered the Prussian division of General Weimar outside Erfurt. The remnants of Weimar's force retreated eastwards, through Erfurt, in the direction of Weimar. A second (as yet unidentified) division of Prussian troops is currently deployed in defensive positions in front of Erfurt.

I am currently located approximately 10 km north-west of Erfurt, on the road leading to Weisensee, with the bulk of my corps strung out in line of march back towards Gotha. I have my scouts searching for a ford over the Gera river, which I intend to cross at first light, with an eye to then advancing south and cutting off the Prussian line of retreat from Erfurt to Weimar.

Marshall Davout is in the vicinity of Arnstadt and tomorrow will be advancing northwards, up the east bank of the Gera River.

As soon as practical, I desire that your corps conduct an attack on Erfurt with the intent of fixing the enemy there in position. The goal is for you to act as the hammer to Davout's and my anvil, hopefully shattering any Prussian forces in the city before they can withdraw towards Weimar.

Once we have taken Erfurt, we should re-assess our situation and decide on an appropriate course of action. Unless things go remarkably well in the early part of the day, I am reluctant to have us continue advancing on Weimar -- our troops have been constantly on the march for three days now and I am concerned that fatigue and straggling may be reaching significant levels.

Your comrade in arms,
Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:06:35 PM
FROM SAHUC, SENT 1900
ARRIVED 2200, 13th October

My Lord Marshal,

Marshal Murat has directed that, at first light, I return to his service.

It has been a pleasure and an honor.

Salute!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:07:41 PM
Note that the dispatch above suffered from Cyrano's Whiskey Delay, and was delivered out of sequence.  ;D
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:08:35 PM
DISPATCH -- LASALLE to LANNES, 0930, 14th October

SENT 0700, 14th October

My Lord Marshal,

Have reached a position some 10 kilometers from Erfurt on the Gotha to Erfurt Road.

Foucher marches immediately to my rear.

We are probing towards Erfurt to determine the disposition of the enemy.

I embrace you!

LaSalle
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:09:14 PM
DISPATCH -- From Control -- 1000, 14th October

The sound of battle can clearly be heard from the direction of Erfurt.

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:10:01 PM
DISPATCH -- MURAT to LANNES, 1100, 14th October

SENT 0700, 14th October

"General Davout and Lannes. I am at present some 10km north of Erfurt, astride the Erfurt-Weissensee road. My scouts report a division of Prussian infantry are currently marching north out of Erfurt! I am preparing to engage them. I must urge you both to rush with your corps to Erfurt and support me. Hopefully we can encircle and destroy these Prussians before they get away! Speed is of the essence -- you must proceed with all possible haste.
- Murat "
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:11:51 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to V Corps and Attachments 1100 14 October

To: V Corps, LaSalle, d'Hautpol, Morand
Copies to Davout, Murat, and Bernadotte

Generals!

M. Murat has engaged the enemy north of Erfurt. Generals LaSalle and Foucher are probing toward Erfurt now to locate the enemy, and we can all hear the guns.

We must march to the sound of the guns! Make all haste to Erfurt. Murat's Corp will fix the enemy for our hammer blow from the west. Advance to Erfurt and engage the foe with all dispatch!

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:12:35 PM
DISPATCH -- FOUCHER to LANNES, 1600, 14th October

SENT, 1400, 14th October

My Lord Marshal,

Have arrived at a point only a few kilometers North and West of Erfurt.  Per your orders, I am preparing to join the affray evident North of the City.

Commend me to the Emperor!

GdB L. Foucher de Careil
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:13:28 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 2130, 14th October

TIME: 1930 14 October
TO: Marshals Murat, Ney, and Bernadotte

Where I am: Somewhere under a disgusting "rainbow" in the hinterlands of Germany

My fellow marshals!

I have heard the cannon fire of your presumed victory over Ruchel, but
the difficult terrain has prevented me from joining you so far. The
Germans should learn to improve their roads so we can invade them more
easily.

Vialannes' cavalry reconnoitered eastwards towards Weimar, following
Arnim's division eastwards but then being driven off by Scharnhorst's
cavalry, somewhere southeast of Weimar.   This suggests that Brunswick
is in the Weimar area.

I am attempting to assemble my forces on the road east of Erfurt.

Unless you hear otherwise, we will, as planned, punch westwards
towards Erfurt in order to link up with you tomorrow.

- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:14:04 PM

DISPATCH -- FOUCHER to LANNES, 2130, 14th October


SENT 2000, 14th October


My Lord Marshal,


Grand news!  The men of General Ruchel's advance guard have surrendered to us en masse!!  We have taken nearly 6,000 men prisoner.


Vive L'Empereur!!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:14:50 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 2200, 14th October

SENT 2000, 14th October

From: Marshal Davout
To: Marshals Lannes, Murat, and Bernadotte

My column is arriving at Erfurt.  As planned, I will head westwards to
meet you tomorrow.

It is entirely possible that our meeting will outpace this dispatch!

As noted in the previous message, evidence suggests that Brunswick's
corps is in the vicinity of Weimar.

- Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:15:38 PM
DISPATCH -- MURAT to DAVOUT, 2230, 14th October

SENT 2000, 14th October

To Marshalls Davout and Lannes
(Davout believed to be south/southeast of Erfurt)
(Lannes believed to be on the road between Gotha and Erfurt)
From Marshal Murat (approx 10km north of Erfurt)

My dear comrades -

Today has been a very good day for French arms! If you have not already heard, I have the pleasure to report that this evening I accepted the surrender of some 5000 Prussian soldiers, the survivors of Weimar's division of Ruchel's corps, and have also seen the shattered remnants of his Advance Guard division fleeing to the northeast in full rout. Sadly, General Weimar himself has managed to evade capture, and Saxe's division remains on the field near Erfurt in relatively intact condition.

I hope this does not offend, but I have issued orders to General Friant of Davout's corps' 2nd division to break off his pursuit of the Prussians. The formation he is pursuing (the Advance Guard) is the smallest of Ruchel's divisions and has already been severely mauled. Even if this unit manages to escape, it will be days before it is in any condition to pose a threat to our operations -- meanwhile, we have no idea where either Brunswick or Hohenlohe are, and theirs are the largest and most dangerous of the forces arrayed against us. I believed it was essential that Friant be recalled to support Marshall Davout's further advance on the city of Weimar as this is the most likely direction in which the main Prussian armies lie (rather than to the northeast, which is the direction in which Ruchel is headed).

My proposal for tomorrow is that Marshall Davout advance as expeditiously as possible on Weimar. I believe this to be critical to maintain pressure on the Prussians so that they will be unable to concentrate against the Emperor as he and the rest of our army advance north from the Hof gap. Meanwhile I believe that Marshall Lannes should concentrate on crushing Saxe's division before it can escape from the Erfurt area. I will attempt to support Lannes as practical, but my cavalry have been heavily engaged for the past two days and fatigue and disorganization is becoming a significant factor.

In accordance with the Emperor's wishes, once we have occupied Erfurt I will be relinquishing command of the western wing of our army to Marshall Davout. Once that occurs and unless otherwise directed by Marshall Davout, my intent is to then continue with his majesty's previous orders and proceed with my cavalry to circle north and east to Halle (via Weissensee and Eisleben).

My request to both of you would be that you provide me with updates on your current locations, your recent activities (so that I may accurately inform the Emperor of what has transpired today), and your intentions for tomorrow. I eagerly await your responses.

- Marshall Murat

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:16:30 PM
DISPATCH -- LANNES to FOUCHER 2300 14 October

General Foucher,

Grand news indeed! Please provide me with your current position and the status of your division. I will be moving my headquarters to join you soon.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:19:07 PM
DISPATCH - LANNES to MURAT 2300 14 October

From: Marshal Lannes
To: Marshals Murat, Davout, and Bernadotte
Location: Encamped approximately 8KM west of Erfurt. Or thereabouts. Who can tell? This is Germany.

Marshals,

I greet the news of our victory with great joy. It is unfortunate that due to the brilliant orders of our genius Emperor that I have so far been unable to join you in battle. My corps continues on an extended walking tour of picturesque Thuringia. It may be that we will be able to participate in the next German war, when we've finally reached a destination of some military importance.

I will continue along the road toward Erfurt as quickly as possible in the morning in hopes of engaging and pinning Saxe's division and destroying it tomorrow. Once done, I will occupy Erfurt and move to support Marshal Davout pending further orders.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:21:12 PM

Dispatch - Lannes to V Corps and Attachments 2300 14 October


To: V Corps, LaSalle, d'Hautpol, Morand
Copies to Davout, Murat, and Bernadotte


Generals,


M. Murat and elements of Davout's Corps along with V Corps cavalry under General Foucher won a great victory today north of Erfurt. Ruchel's corps is shattered. It is now our job to finish the fight by destroying Saxe's division in the vicinity of Erfurt.


Your orders for the day are as follows. Beginning at 6AM, all V Corps infantry is to continue west toward Erfurt, concentrating 2KM west of the town to await orders.


General Foucher is to send out patrols to the north, west, and south of Erfurt to discover the location of Saxe's division and to make contact with Davout's corps, reported in the vicinity of Erfurt. On discovering the location of Saxe's division, report this to me and, along with generals d'Hautpol and LaSalle, move to intercept Saxe and prevent him from fleeing. You are directed to engage him to the extent necessary to delay him until the infantry can join you and attack.


General Morand, you are to accompany V Corps infantry toward Erfurt. Once we have made contact with III Corps, you are to rejoin M. Davout in his attack toward Wiemar.


I will move my headquarters this evening to join General Foucher, to be closer to tomorrow's likely action.


Lannes

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: Cyrano on May 16, 2018, 06:33:54 PM
This is so great.

Did we write this much??!!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 06:52:26 PM
Quote from: Cyrano on May 16, 2018, 06:33:54 PM
This is so great.

Did we write this much??!!


This is only some of the dispatches from a third of the French army (I obviously don't have anything Lance and James didn't send to me or copy me on), adding in the rest of the French army AND the Prussians, the volume of writing is really quite impressive!

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: JasonPratt on May 16, 2018, 07:38:28 PM
And this is why I gave West Wing latitude to operate totally on their own recognizance (at least once they secured the passes and oriented on Ehrfurt).  O0

That said, I'm confused why you couldn't get to the fighting on time, PD. I know Murat had to loop around farthest west, but he not only got there in time he ended up positioned to rear-around Ruchel. I really would have thought you and Davout would be pincering Ohrdruf at about the same time and then advancing in parallel north with each other, perhaps you toward Gotha and Davout following the river valley toward Ehrfurt (and flanking Gotha with Murat looping around behind).  ???

Maybe I need to watch the videos again to see how the march developed...
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on May 16, 2018, 08:00:02 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on May 16, 2018, 07:38:28 PM
And this is why I gave West Wing latitude to operate totally on their own recognizance (at least once they secured the passes and oriented on Ehrfurt).  O0

That said, I'm confused why you couldn't get to the fighting on time, PD. I know Murat had to loop around farthest west, but he not only got there in time he ended up positioned to rear-around Ruchel. I really would have thought you and Davout would be pincering Ohrdruf at about the same time and then advancing in parallel north with each other, perhaps you toward Gotha and Davout following the river valley toward Ehrfurt (and flanking Gotha with Murat looping around behind).  ???

Maybe I need to watch the videos again to see how the march developed...


Road congestion. The combination of V Corps and Murat's cavalry passing through Gotha, and even prior to that on the road north to Gotha slowed me to a crawl. V Corps essentially sat on the road south of Gotha for a day, and then had a heck of a time getting to Erfurt. 


Those roads completely suck. Cyrano found some dioramas when he was in Germany specifically demonstrating changes in the road net in that region from just prior to the Seven Years War through the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Frederick invested a bunch of money and improved them dramatically...but they still sucked.


Mostly though, the grousing was Lannes being Lannes. He was basically a peasant that had been made a Marshal and he had a reputation for being "coarse." Interestingly he was also Napoleon's closest confidant among the Marshals up to his death, being the only one who could address him using the familiar tenses. He was also probably the hardest charging of the Marshals outside of Murat, and would not have been pleased not to have been in at the kill. Murat was being so nice, it kind of fell to Davout and I to act in character...

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: JasonPratt on May 16, 2018, 08:06:10 PM
 O0
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 12:08:12 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 0100, 15th October
SENT 2300, 14th October

To: Marshals Lannes, Murat, and Bernadotte
From Marshal Davout, Erfurt

Comrades -- We rejoice in the news of your victory over Rachel!

We have had contact with Brunswick's forces - specifically Arnim's
infantry and Scharnhorst's cavalry - in the vicinity of Weimar.  I
suspect all of our forces are tiring, and Brunswick outnumbers us on
most counts.

I suggest a threefold change in plan:

1) Tomorrow, we converge and annihilate Saxe's division.  Our combined
forces should ensure a positive outcome and thus complete the rout of
Rachel's corps, freeing us to conduct operations towards Weimar.

2) On the day after tomorrow, rest and reorganize the troops; and make
use of the stocks of food and ammunition in the Erfurt depot.

3a) On the third day, we all march on Brunswick.  Our combined force
is roughly equal to his; without Murat's corps we will be heavily
outnumbered in cavalry.  During the second day we can come up with a
plan of maneuver for the march east.

or

3b) Use either Lannes' corps or mine to defend the river line east of
Erfurt, while the other corps travels with Murat to make a stronger
left hook.

If we adopt the first two parts of this suggestion, then we could meet
during the troops' rest day in order to discuss the next step in
detail.

- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 12:09:25 PM

DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 0100, 15th October

SENT 2300, 14th October

To: General Friant, Marshals Lannes and Murat From Marshal Davout Could you inform me of where Saxe's division might be in relation to Erfurt? I am in the town but my pickets have not reported any contact. - Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 12:12:24 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to Davout

To: Marshals Davout, Murat, and Bernadotte
From: Marshal Lannes, west of Erfurt

Marshal Davout,

As you may have ascertained from my earlier dispatch, I am unsure of the location of Saxe's division. I intend for my cavalry to locate these troops as quickly as possible while I concentrate the rest of my corps near Erfurt.

I concur with your plan to concentrate our wing of the army at Erfurt to complete the destruction of Saxe, and then, after reorganizing for a day, move on Weimar. In the absence of further instructions from the main body of the army, I do no think it prudent for us to separate and possible face overwhelming enemy force piecemeal and tired.

Let us concentrate, destroy Saxe, and reorganize.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 12:13:38 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to V Corps and Attachments

To: V Corps, LaSalle, d'Hautpol, Morand
Copies to Davout, Murat, and Bernadotte

General,

We will move up our time of execution for the day's orders from 6AM to 4AM. It is my intent to find and destroy Saxe's division as quickly as possible tomorrow.

General Foucher, Marshal Davout reports his corps to be in possession of Erfurt. Send a patrol to Erfurt immediately to establish contact. Also send a patrol north of Erfurt to establish contact with Marshal Murat. Report to me when this is done.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 12:14:40 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 0100, 15th October

SENT 2300, 14th October

To: Marshals Lannes, Murat, and Bernadotte
From Marshal Davout, Erfurt

Comrades -- We rejoice in the news of your victory over Rachel!

We have had contact with Brunswick's forces - specifically Arnim's
infantry and Scharnhorst's cavalry - in the vicinity of Weimar.  I
suspect all of our forces are tiring, and Brunswick outnumbers us on
most counts.

I suggest a threefold change in plan:

1) Tomorrow, we converge and annihilate Saxe's division.  Our combined
forces should ensure a positive outcome and thus complete the rout of
Rachel's corps, freeing us to conduct operations towards Weimar.

2) On the day after tomorrow, rest and reorganize the troops; and make
use of the stocks of food and ammunition in the Erfurt depot.

3a) On the third day, we all march on Brunswick.  Our combined force
is roughly equal to his; without Murat's corps we will be heavily
outnumbered in cavalry.  During the second day we can come up with a
plan of maneuver for the march east.

or

3b) Use either Lannes' corps or mine to defend the river line east of
Erfurt, while the other corps travels with Murat to make a stronger
left hook.

If we adopt the first two parts of this suggestion, then we could meet
during the troops' rest day in order to discuss the next step in
detail.

- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:27:53 PM
DISPATCH -- FOUCHER to LANNES, 0300, 15th October

SENT 0100, 15th October

My Lord Marshal,

My forces rest on the overland route between the Gotha-Erturt Road and the Erfurt-Weisensee Road.  The men remain in fine spirits but the fatigue of yesterday's battles has begun to tell.

Vive L'Empereur!!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:30:29 PM
DISPATCH FROM CONTROL -- 0800, 15th October

The "sound of the guns" can be heard unmistakably from the direction of Erfurt.S
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:32:15 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to V Corps and Attachments

To: V Corps, LaSalle, d'Hautpol, Morand
Copies to Davout, Murat, and Bernadotte

Generals!

Marshal Davout and I have joined each other in Erfurt. His corps is moving north to join in the engagement we have recently heard there. General Morand should rejoin III Corps and Marshal Davout. The remainder of V Corps and attached cavalry is to move north along the Erfurt-Weisensee road, remaining in contact with III Corps and seeking to join General Foucher's cavalry.

My headquarters will remain in proximity to Marshal Davout.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:34:19 PM
Message to Vialannes

To: General Vialannes
From: Marshal Davout
Time: 0900 15 October

General!

My thanks for your reports yesterday on Arnim and your unfortunate
engagement with Scharnhorst.

Could you enlighten me further on the location of these events?

Where is your force now?

If nothing else, I am interested to know which side of the river (the
one between Erfurt and Weimar) these events occured and where you are
at this time.

- Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:34:42 PM
Message FROM Viallannes.

Received 1000, 15th October
Sent 0930, 15th October

My Lord Marshal,

My forces rapidly approach Erfurt from the East along the main Erfurt-Weimar Road.

The men of our last engagement were certain;y of Scharnhorst's division.  Our engagement with them was only a few kilometers to the South and West of Weimar.  At last we saw them, they seem to have retired to within their piquets outside Weimar.

Your Servant,

Viallannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:35:48 PM
DISPATCH FROM MURAT -- Shortly after 0900, 15th October

I felt I was being overly restrictive by not getting this to you both sooner.  At some point, i suspect, a courier would mention that he is JUST North of Erfurt.


Gentlemen, I have excellent news!

The Prussian division of General Saxe has been shattered just outside the northern gate of Erfurt. Even now it is in flight to the northeast. I have sent a courier to the Emperor notifying him of this development.

General Grouchy's division of dragoons has been ordered to follow and harry Saxe's retreat. However, I have directed him to only proceed a maximum of 15km from my current location before breaking off his pursuit and returning to me here.

With this development the whole of Ruchel's corps is now either captured or routed. I do not expect the remnants of his command to be able to pose any further impediment to our movements for many days.

The way should now be clear for the two of you to advance in concert against the city of Weimar. I urge you and your men to do with all possible haste so that we can keep the enemy off balance! When you arrive at Weimar I am optimistic that you may encounter Marshal Bernadotte's corps, who I am hopeful is advancing upon that location from the southeast per my earlier suggestion to him for that maneuver. If, as I suspect, the city of Weimar is defended by Brunswick's corps, then the three of you together should have more than sufficient force to eject him from that place.

As previously discussed, it is my current intention to remain with my corps here, just north of Erfurt, for the remainder of the day. My men have been heavily engaged with the enemy for the past two days and are in serious need of rest and an opportunity to reorganize. Unless I receive word from you to the contrary, my plan for tomorrow is to begin the northward sweep directed by the Emperor, through Weisensee and Eisleben, to Halle. I will endeavor to keep you apprised of my movements.

Best of luck with your future actions.

Your comrade in arms,
- Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:38:29 PM
Davout, with Murat and Lannes; near Erfurt

So, with orders in hand, it's time to think through contingencies.

Where might the full enemy array be?

They are believed to have begun deployed in a series of corps-scale
areas, roughly east to west along the Gotha-Gera line.  This is an
assumption, not a fact.

We can presume for now that the enemy did not know what passes we
might use, or where we might concentrate our forces, and thus it would
be necessary to provide some form of cover for all of them.

Therefore, I believe it is unlikely that their forces have
significantly shifted from that initial position.

If this is all true, we have largely destroyed the left of the enemy's line.

In addition, it means we are likely moving into the left of Brunswick's line.

However, suppose the enemy is withdrawing, trying to concentrate his
forces neat Halle or Leipzig.  This might explain Ruchel's attempts to
move eastwards, and likewise Brunswick's.

If this is the case, we should not expect stiff resistance, and should
be looking for signs of the direction of any attempted withdrawal t
confirm or deny it.

A worst-case scenario:  They have concentrated north of Weimar, and
will attack into our flank as we advance in, outnumbering us and
rolling us up.  Indicators of this:  The enemy attacks out of the area
north of Weimar.   I believe this enemy COA is highly unlikely, as
concentrating there would presumably leave his flank open to the rest
of out forces in the Hof Gap.


Brunswick is presumably deciding what to do in light of our contact
with him yesterday.  On the one hand, his cavalry defeated mine.  On
the other hand, he presumably has some inkling that Ruchel's corps has
been shattered.  Today, my cavalry withdrew from contact with him.
Will he figure that we are plunging north and northeast, to sever his
lines of communication?  Or will he figure that our next action is to
crash into his position at Weimar?  Perhaps he sees this as an
opportunity to bring his numbers to bear, emboldened by his recent
success?

In either case, I believe he will seek to hold Weimar.  In either
case, I believe holding Weimar secures our ability to operate west of
the Ilm.

If he feels threatened and unsure, he will likely withdraw on Jena or
Nambourg, and we can pursue from Weimar.  If he attacks, holding
Weimar gives us a defensive strongpoint at the river.


What if...   lady luck goes against us in the battle?  We will fall
back on Erfurt, screened by Murat's cavalry.  Murat can operate as a
mailed fist, significantly outnumbering any of the smaller divisional
cavalry forces the Prussians field, and potentially smashing them in
detail in order to deter an advance (or, for that matter, to ensure
ours.)


What are your thoughts?
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:40:33 PM
Re: DISPATCH from CONTROL, 0630, 15th October

Dusty though none the worse for the wear, Marshals Davout and Lannes have arrived in sufficient proximity one to another to speak directly and without reference to the umpire.

Please let me know should you wish to move OUT from this proximity.

If unclear, consider yourself to be at the southern portion of Erfurt at ca. 0900, 15th October.

The guns to the North of the City have gone silent.

I am available for questions.



On Tue, Jun 6, 2017 at 8:21 AM, James Sterrett <james.sterrett@gmail.com> wrote:
Lannes is Doug, yes?

So if he and I move our HQs into contact, are we allowed to talk
freely (no messengers, just direct comms)?

This is common in Kriegsspiel.  *However* you might want to say NO...
because....

1) In a typical Kriegsspiel the players don't get a week to jabber to
each other.

2) It is less fun for you when you don't get to listen in on all the
conversations.



On Sun, Jun 4, 2017 at 10:15 PM, James Sterrett
<james.sterrett@gmail.com> wrote:
> :)
>
>
>
> On Jun 4, 2017 10:13 PM, "Jim Owczarski" <jenacampaign@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> And the blind marshal keeps it classy...
>>
>> Were it not for your performance at Auerstadt...OK, at Austerlitz too...
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Jun 4, 2017 at 10:12 PM, James Sterrett <james.sterrett@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Davout to Lannes, 0630, 15 October
>>>
>>> Yo, bro, I'm, like, in Erfurt.  Sweet, eh?  They even have this wine
>>> stuff here.  Yeaaaah.  No more goddamn beer.  >belch<
>>>
>>> Ahem.
>>>
>>> In the absence of coordination, we have embarked on a day of recovery.
>>> If we can move quickly against nearby enemies I'm delighted to do
>>> that.
>>>
>>> Otherwise, I hope we can move our three corps as a concentrated for
>>> either to finish off Rachel or to plough into Brunswick, who is in the
>>> vicinity of Weimar.
>>>
>>> If you come visit me in Erfurt I'd be happy to share the wine.
>>>
>>> - Davout
>>>
>>> On Sun, Jun 4, 2017 at 10:01 PM, Jim Owczarski <jenacampaign@gmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>> > Marshal Davout,
>>> >
>>> > A messenger has arrived from Marshal Lannes indicating he is only a few
>>> > kilometers West of Erfurt.
>>> >
>>> > He sends greetings and warm regards and bids you reply.
>>> >
>>> > S!
>>>
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:42:18 PM
Davout to Lannes

Excellent! Do you know anything of the engagement to the north? I have set my corps in motion to join that battle, whatever it may be.

I've had direct contact with Brunswick's corps - both Scharnhorst's cavalry, and Arnim's infantry - on the road to Weimar. Arnim was moving eastward, and Scharnhorst beat up my cavalry when it went scouting eastwards. I suspect Brunswick is concentrating at Weimar. Bernadotte was considering moving north from Saalfeld but I do not know to what end.

I've no clue where the rest of our army might be.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:43:51 PM
Lannes to Davout

All that I know is that I can hear the guns. I was waiting to join up with you before moving north. My guess is that this is either Murat engaging some unknown enemy, or my cavalry & your detached division engaging Saxe.

Unless you think differently, I will order V Corps to march to the sound of the guns. As noted above, most of my cavalry is already in that direction, so it may be advisable to continue to have your cavalry maintain cautious contact with Brunswick's forces. I would hate to have Erfurt seized behind us by a sudden attack.

I haven't the faintest where the rest of our army is. I gathered from Murat's last dispatch that the bulk of it may still be loitering around the Hof Gap. That concerns me, in that I'm wary of engaging what may be the whole remaining Prussian army with our two corps and the rest of the army far out of supporting distance.

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:44:47 PM
Davout to Lannes

I share your disquiet regarding plunging into Brunswick.

We began with some 44000 men and 4000 cavalry; my cavalry has been
savaged and has probably lost 1000 men.  With Murat's cavalry we have
24000 (23000 with my losses.)

Brunswick musters, in theory, some 54000 men and 22000 cavalry.

I can see heading into Brunswick with all 3 of our corps, but without
Murat we will have no eyes and if Brunswick is competent we will find
ourselves outflanked by his cavalry and infantry.

Our morale, once recovered, is superior to Brunswick's, but we have
been fighting.  I ill include this in a message to Murat and invite
him to our conference.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:46:00 PM
To: Marshal Murat & Marshal Bernadotte
From: Marshall Davout  (composed as Marshal Lannes reads over my
shoulder and perhaps offers his own commentary to boot but hopefuly
does not slop any wine on the note)
Time:  0900 15 October
Location: South Erfurt

Marshal Lannes asked about my contacts with Brunswick yesterday.

Reviewing my messages:

I'm not entirely certain where my cavalry was.

They spotted Von Arnim's division marching towards Weimar and reported
it at 1300 (time sent).

At 1930 they reported "We have been engaged by troops of Scharnhorst's
cavalry Southwest of Weimar who fell on us without warning.  Their
numbers -- entirely cavalry -- were at least two times our own."

Scharnhorst has, in theory, around 4000 cavalry, which would be about
twice the size of Vialannes' division.

This reads, to me, as Brunswick concentrating around, or east, of
Weimar.  It also suggests he may have been leaving Ruchel hanging out
to die.

I have no clue where Hohenlohe's corps might be; I presume it is
somewhere vaguely to the east of Brunswick, though if northeast, east,
or southeast, I have no idea.


- Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:46:29 PM
Gentlemen --  It would be, at this point, too cute by half to cut you off from the association of the fine Marshal Murat.  Muddied, bloodied, and one expects, tired, his men have seen off Saxe's division only a few moments ago.

He is, however, now sufficiently proximate to the two of you for you to converse directly.

I will otherwise transmit the below missive to Bernadotte.

S!

Control
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:47:29 PM
Davout to Murat and Lannes

So, the TL;DR version is:

Our three corps, combined, should move towards Weimar tomorrow and
attack Brunswick there on the following day.

If you object to this, please speak up.

(The obvious objection is that it changes Murat's initial orders.  I
believe those orders are no longer valid due to changing
circumstances, and that we should act now rather than waiting a week
for a courier to get the Emperor's approval for the change in plan.)
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:48:09 PM
Lannes to Davout and Murat

Completely agreed. There is a window of opportunity and we should exploit it. I don't think it makes sense to simply follow the existing orders.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:49:05 PM
Murat to Davout and Lannes

Gentlemen -
I concur that the Emperor's earlier vision for the employment of my cavalry after Erfurt is taken seems to have been overtaken by events. Advancing on Weimar together as a group will be a much more effective strategy.

However, given that our current command relationships are a tad amibuous (what with Marshall Davout now being technically in command of this wing) I would feel more comfortable if he would couch his "request" in the form of an order for me to abandon the previously directed northward sweep towards Halle and instead screen the advance of our three corps on Weimar.

I also wish to point out that both of Ruchel's divisions which recently fled the field did so in a north-easterly direction, rather than in the direction of Weimar. This strikes me as a bit odd, since if Brunswick is actually in Weimar it would make far more sense (and be much safer) for the remnants of Ruchel's corps to have retreated in that direction. I think it prudent that we maintain a strong screen of picquets in that direction as we march east to ensure we are not taken unawares by an enemy flanking force.

- Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:50:10 PM
Davout to Murat and Lannes

Good point regarding Ruchel's move to the northeast.

So...  an order.  Here goes.

To: Western Wing, Marshal Bernadotte, The Emperor
From: Marshal Davout
Time: 1000 15 October

[I'm working to practice this format, so bear with me on that.]

Commander's Intent:

Purpose:  The Western Wing, having cleared the R-O-Y passes and the
town of Erfurt, and having shattered Ruchel's Corps, continues to fix
and destroy Prussian forces in order to ensure the main body can clear
the B-V passes and attack.  The Western Wing will do this by engaging
and defeating Brunswick's Corps, believed to be in the vicinity of
Weimar.

Key Tasks:

* Destroy elements of Brunswick's corps west of the river in the
vicinity of Weimar

In order to accomplish this task:

* Rest and reassemble forces in the vicinity of Erfurt
* Attack to secure Weimar
* Maintain reconnaissance on Ruchel
* Coordinate with main body if possible

End State:

At the conclusion of this operation, the Western Wing will have
destroyed Brunswick's forces west of Weimar, and will be positioned
and capable of continuing offensive action, expected to be generally
eastward.


Concept of the operation:

This offensive will unfold over the next three days.  We will advance,
secure Weimar in order to split Brunswick's forces, and destroy those
on the western side of the river.

15 October:  Western Wing corps will rest and reassemble.
16 October:  Western Wing corps will move eastwards, crossing the
river between Erfurt and Weimar, establishing a cavalry screen and
probing to discern enemy dispositions.
17 October: Western Wing forces advance eastwards to destroy
Brunswick's corps.  Lannes will be north of the road, Davout will be
south of the road, Murat will seek to destroy the enemy cavalry.

At this time, I envision Lannes rolling up Brunswick's projected
positions on the ridgeline NW of Weimar while Davout secures Weimar
itself.  Murat ensures security and destroys enemy cavalry forces.
The specifics will change based on actual enemy dispositions.

Orders:

Murat will take the lead in the march on the 16th.  Murat will screen
our forces as they move into position.  On the 17th Murat screens and
destroys enemy cavalry in order to ensure we can concentrate our
forces against a dispersed enemy.  Murat detaches the minimum
necessary force to maintain contact with Ruchel's forces in order to
ensure we are not surprised from that direction.

Davout moves second on the 16th, moving to an assembly area south of
the road once past the intermediate river.  On the 17th, Davout will
advance and secure Weimar in order to split Brunswick's corps and
isolate those forces west of Weimar.  Davout will then maneuver in
order to assist in the destruction of Brunswick's forces west of the
river.

Lannes advances third on the 16th, moving to an assembly area north of
the road once past the intermediate river.  On the 17th, Lannes
advances north of the road, seeking to destroy Brunswick's forces.

- Marshal Davout


-----------------
Out of character:

I will not have any communication during the first two weeks of July,
and may not have much during the third.  I will again likely be in
weak comms during the first week of August.  During this time, I
propose to turn my corps & the Western Wing over to whichever of you
will have solid communications.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:50:49 PM
Murat to Davout and Lannes

Marshall Davout,
Allow me to suggest one minor change to your proposed orders: have my cavalry advance to the north of the Erfurt - Weimar road while Lannes' corps advances directly up the road. That will facilitate his slower moving infantry reaching the objective area faster and should afford my cavalry more maneuver room to try and compromise the Prussian positions at Weimar by circling around to the north and impeding their options to withdraw in that direction (thereby compelling them to fall back to the east, presumably onto the Emperor as he advances north from Hof with our main body).

- Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:51:34 PM
Davout to Murat and Lannes

You are welcome to that maneuver space, and I like the idea of
speeding both aspects of the move.

At the moment, I envision Lannes attacking north of the road, while
Davout attacks the city itself.  Thus, to get the speed you envision,
we should have Davout move on the road, and part of Murat's corps
could move south of it.

You (Murat) have been given a hydra-headed task, in that I see you as
both screening and also providing a concentrated punch to deal with
the Prussian cavalry.  I'm assuming - perhaps incorrectly - that your
large number of elements will make that possible.

On a different note - I will be at Origins this week.  I expect to see
Jim and Doug there as well (we are all cheerfully entrapped in the
flypaper of the Grogheads booth.  :)  ).  Lancer, are you going to be
there as well?
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:52:31 PM
Command of Davout's Corps

Gentlemen,

Starting this coming Sunday (2 July), I will be completely out of contact until 13 July; and will be too busy to pay attention to the game until 22 July.   I will also be on the road with questionable contact from 30 July through 5 August.

I suggest that one of you take over my Corps during this time.

I'd like to be kept in the loop - or gracious umpire can perhaps decide what is appropriate for me to know? - commands to the corps and reports concerning it - but it should be placed in one of your hands until I am reliably in contact again.

I suspect it may make more sense to hand it to Murat, since there will be some distance between my corps and Lannes' during our planned attack for two days hence; but it is your call, gentlemen.

- Davout/James
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:53:26 PM
Command of Davout's Corps

From Lannes

Agreed that it may make more sense for Davout's corps to be under Murat's control. I'm happy to handle it if Lancer doesn't want to, but my corps probably will be the farthest afield.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:54:05 PM
Command of Davout's Corps

From Murat

I'm happy to assume temporary command of Davout's corps with two stipulations:
1) the moderator approves of my doing so, and
2) I get a current breakdown of where his divisions are and what (roughly) their current status is in terms of numbers and morale

Assuming those two requirements can be met, I'm happy to help out.

- Lance/Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:54:58 PM
Command of Davout's Corps

From Davout

Jim, over to you.

I command every person...  being...  on my staff to assist to the best of their (had-better-be-)considerable abilities.  :)
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:55:30 PM
Command of Davout's Corps

From Control

To speak to the group, I take this as the good Marshal being temporarily laid low by a musket ball.  In such circumstances, and given your collective proximity, I have no concern with Marshal Murat assuming command in the interim until the Duke of Auerstedt rouses himself.

I will communicate more details to Marshal Murat under separate cover.

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:56:38 PM
Some further musings on our future actions

Brother Marshals,

Other events yesterday caused me to consider our current plan of action - watching the impact of giving a weaker enemy time to react.

Our current plan calls for today's rest, followed by an approach march, followed by an assault.

The day's rest is a good enough idea and in any event it's well underway.

Does the night's gap between the approach and the assault merely give Brunswick time to think, communicate, and react?

I have not checked the map - but I suspect we can simply lunge and seize Weimar tomorrow.

That battle will occur late in the day, and our forces will not be fully synchronized and coordinated in the fight.  However, our advantages come to the fore in a fast-flowing battle; so we should create one, instead of permitting the Prussians the time to conduct a deliberate engagement in which their numbers can be brought to bear.

In the face of the unknown (Brunswick's dispositions and intentions), we should not advance cautiously.  Brunswick faces the same uncertainties about us.  Instead of taking the advice of cautious Prudence, who leads us to careful mediocrity, we should deal with the unknown by punching harder and faster - ideally faster and harder than Brunswick can react, until we have left his corps' battered and broken corpse on the roadside.

I'm not in charge of our forces at the moment; Murat is, and this is his decision.

My specific recommendation, for Murat's consideration, is:

Murat's Cavalry takes the lead and sees to flank security.

Davout's corps leads the assault on Weimar. Davout would be with the lead element for this.

Lannes' corps forms the reserve.

- Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:58:15 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 1500, 16th October

SENT 1200, 16th October

TO:  The Emperor, Marshals Lannes, Murat, and Bernadotte, Generals Morand, Friant, Gudin


General Vialannes has secured Weimar and will reconnoiter eastwards.

- Marshal Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:59:00 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 1600, 16th October

SENT 1400, 16th October

From:  Davout
To: Marshals Augereau, Murat, Lannes, Bernadotte

A point of clarification suggested by an aide:

We need to know if we should move north, then east, by going east from Weimar and then north via Auerstadt; or to march back to Erfurt and north from there.

Marshal Augereau, it would be helpful to know where you intend to go next, and where you believe the enemy to be.  We believe we have smashed Ruchel's corps and were attempting to destroy Brunswick.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 01:59:49 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 1700, 16th October

SENT 1500, 16th October

From: Marshal Davout (in Weimar)
To: Marshals Lannes, Murat, Bernadotte, Augereau


Marshals!

Brunswick is a coward and has vacated Weimar; my cavalry has scouted as far the the next intersection east from Weimar (the one turning north to Apold) without contact.

I have met Marshal Augereau at Weimar; his force is apparently coming to Weimar from Saalfeld, and have begun direct discussions with him in an inn that - of a miracle - serves decent wine.

The question before us for tomorrow:

Punch towards Jena if there is hope of direct contact;

Punch towards Naumburg in order to outflank positions at Jena-Gera, if they exist;

March back to Erfurt and punch towards Halle in a deeper turning movement?

Hopefully Marshal Augereau knows more of the dispositions of our forces and thus we can maneuver in concert with them.

- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:01:21 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 1930, 16th October

From: Marshal Davout

To: Marshals Murat, Lannes, Augereau, Bernadotte; and our most esteemed Emperor

Time Sent: 1800 16 October

Greetings!

** Situation:

The close of this day finds me in Wiemar with Marshal Augereau.

The Western Wing moved to Wiemar today in hopes of bringing Brunswicks' Corps to battle and destroying it; we had a fleeting contact with Scharnhorst's cavalry between Erfurt and Wiemar on the 15th.  We have, however, failed to make contact with Brunswick; the Prussian dog has slunk into some cave.  My compliments to Marshal Murat, who did not believe this move eastwards wise; his judgement has unfortunately proven correct, and my decision has put us two days behind in our march northwards without a result worthy of the delay.

After some discussion with Marshal Augereau, I believe that Marshal Augereau's corps is at Wiemar, and Marshal Bernadotte's corps is at Jena, with the emperor himself sweeping the ground in between.

Marshals Bernadotte and Augereau do not have orders beyond the Wiemar-Jena line. to the best of Marshal Augereau's knowledge.

** Proposed concept of operations for 17 October and following -- I welcome your thoughts:
--------------
     Our overall mission is to assist in the annihilation of the Prussian Army.  In the absence of direct contact, the West Wing is to outflank the Prussian Army and cut off its communications with Berlin, assisting the Center and East wings in bringing the Prussians to battle.

     The West Wing will retrace its steps to Erfurt and march northwards to Halle.  Overall order of march:  Murat, Lannes, Davout.

     Marshal Murat may also send divisions on a more northerly or even easterly course (Magdeburg, Brunswick, Gottingen) if he feels this will be of benefit, as long as he retains sufficient striking power to provide us with strong cavalry support in the event of an engagement with the Prussians.
---------------

** Assumptions:
   a) The Center Wing will continue to push in the direction of Naumburg/Leipzig, and does not need our reinforcement in the process.

   b) Even though delayed, our march northwards still holds value in the overall maneuvers of the Army.

Potential problems:
   a) Putting our entire wing on one road will make it difficult to concentrate combat power against the Prussians and may allow them to escape.  The road net simply is not dense in this area, particularly through the hills northeast of Erfurt.

   b) What little we do know about the Prussian Army points to it being somewhere to the east or northeast.  By marching away, we may be denying the Center Wing the combat power it needs to prevail.  However, Brunswick has not seemed terribly eager for battle so far.


Please let me know of other thoughts you may have concerning the operations of our Wing.


   
Finally, I include a missive sent by the Emperor to Marshal Augereau on the evening of the 14th:

=========
"With evening approaching, we are unlikely to accomplish anything more than preparations for immediate action tomorrow morning, but let us do what we can to prepare now, even if that needs a little evening work and an early start tomorrow.

Bernadotte, since you are already camped on the T-fork (and relatively the most rested), let us have you take the right (eastern) side of our axis of advance. Your next mission will be to column march on the road toward Jena, scouting ahead of you as usual and also screening farther eastward if you can in case you detect anyone slipping around behind us through the gap in our lines. If it's a small force (a spoiler division, presumably with orders to probe toward our ultimate supply line at Bamberg) there isn't much we can do about it now except suffer for my failure to secure approaches to our LoC. If it's a larger force, fine we'd like to defeat the Prussians in detail if we can anyway. I presume once you get in scouting range of Jena you'll find at least some enemy nearby, in which case you should deploy in a line and advance to contact or near enough anyway to keep an eye on them. If you detect major weakness go ahead and assault, just keep me informed of what's going on. I recommend once you line out (assuming that happens -- you might arrive at Jena tomorrow evening or the following morning and find it empty!) you position your HQ westward on your line to be nearer to me. I also recommend you give orders to briefly decamp (if this is feasible [OOC; check with Cyrano about timing factors involved]) and move as far as possible up the road to Jena before evening or even a little after dark, to make room for Augereau to come up behind you to the T-fork for the night.

Augereau, once Bern is out of the way, move up to the T-fork -- make camp nearby as you expediently can for the night -- and then tomorrow morning advance up the road northward to Weimar, scouting ahead and, if possible, screen-scouting to your west to detect any movement our way from that direction (or maybe someone trying to relieve pressure on Erfurt by attempting a surging loop southwest from Weimar's area, hoping to avoid notice by heading for Arnstadt cross-country, and thence behind our allies on the West Wing).

If you haven't detected anyone once halfway there, go ahead and line out left and right of the road, but mostly rightward (eastward), and continue a probing advance northward toward Weimar seeking contact. I very, very seriously doubt we'll find a weakness to immediately exploit, but you certainly have permission if you detect it. I expect instead you'll be finding and fixing the main body of the enemy force. Ideally you'll be waiting for Bernadotte to make contact at Jena, but if you want to try some probing attacks and see if the enemy will collapse backward, that's fine. You've both been very patient and must be itching to get into action. Just please avoid a major assault commitment unless we find Weimar basically empty. In theory we'd like Bern to launch the first main attack from the east side of Weimar and then we'll surge forward with your Corps. But if the enemy has dispositioned back toward Jena, the order of attack could well be reversed, with you going first. We just don't know enough yet to plan that far ahead. That's why we need to advance and find out.

I recommend once you line out, you keep your HQ rightward (eastward) in order to be as close to me for communication as possible.

I'll be taking my cavalry division cross-country up the middle between your advances, so that I can stay in relatively close communication with you both, and can commit my expertise [OOC: i.e. game bonuses] to one or another side of the thrust. If the enemy detects me and tries to push against me, my cav can pretty safely withdraw them into a pocket for each of you to pincer at your discretion.

Since Bernadotte has a farther path to travel tomorrow, and has probably rested more than Augereau, I recommend you start a couple of hours early tomorrowmorning, Bern. But we may make some minor adjustments depending on where we get before camping tonight.

I don't intend to send couriers changing East Wing's mission yet, nor anytime tomorrow, but we'll see what things look like by tomorrow evening. I do intend to send them a courier tonight concerning our overall plan tomorrow and any news we get from West Wing this evening.

Napoleon"
=========

- Davout




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Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:02:37 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 2230, 16th October

SENT 2100, 16th October

From: Davout
To: Our Glorious Emperor; Marshals Murat, Lannes, Davout, Bernadotte

Our glorious emperor has sent a message, reported in full below; I have also heard from Marshal Murat, and I am in an inn in Wiemar with Marshal Augereau.

The situation as I understand it -- please correct me where you believe I am mistaken --

French Forces:

The corps of  Augereau, Murat, Lannes, and Davout are in or closing on Wiemar.

Bernadotte's corps is marching north towards Nuambourg via Apold.

The Guard is moving north to the Weimar-Jena road.

The East Wing... is somewhere east of us.

Enemy:

In the west, Ruchel's corps is believed to be smashed.  Murat had minor contacts with his retreating forces.  However, note that when I tried to discern who had inflicted the killing blow, none of us knew we had managed it; nor did any of my division commanders recall the fight, which took places to the west of Erfurt.  It is possible that Ruchel is engaged in a precipitous withdrawal; we should keep an eye out for signs his force is in fact intact.

In the center, the West Wing had fleeting contact with Brunswick's corps in the form of Scharnhorst's cavalry between Erfurt and Wiemar.  I took the liberty of driving west to try to destroy Brunswick's corps in presumed collaboration with our center, but Brunswick has disappeared.  Bernadotte reported no contact en route to Apold and came by way of Jena.

In the east, our East Wing is in combat with an enemy corps (Hohelohe, perhaps?) and after an initial setback is expecting to crush it.


Revising the plan - overview of options -

Option A: The West Wing countermarches and move north from Erfurt, leaving the center to Bernadotte, Augereau, and the Guard.
   * Loses two days on the march north.
   * Less congestion on the road to Naumbourg.
   * Less support to the Center.

Option B: The West Wing marches north to Naumbourg via Apold (suggested by Murat), and turns north from Naumbourg; while the Guard and Augereau move into the center via Jena.
    * Center well supported
    * Saves time moving north if there is no contact
    * A lot of traffic on the road via Apold.
    * Who supports Augereau and the goard?

Option C: The West Wing becomes the center, moving via Jena; the Guard and Augereau move to Naumbourg via Apold and then north.
    * Less traffic to Apold, but a traffic jam on the Wiemar-Jena road.
    * Keeps the Wings as coherent forces



From our Emperor:
============
SENT 2000, 16th October

To Davout and Augereau,

I have only just now, at 2000 hours 18th October, received the courier Aug sent on 16th October, 1730 hours. At that time, neither of you had had contact with the enemy yet around Weimar. My impression from the local town rumor network is that you have in fact met with the Prussians in a decisive battle since then, and coming out on top.

Some hours ago (as of this writing), I reached my cross-country goal of a point on the Weimar-Jena road about halfway between either city, along with my Imperial cavalry guard. A few hours ago, we received the advance scouts of two probing French Cavalry divisions on the road, working east and west toward each other. I gave orders that their probing operation should cease for now, so as not to entangle each other (and my Guards!) on the road.

Having received your message at last, I am promptly packing up my HQ staff and riding this evening to Weimar along the secured road. I am sending this courier ahead in case he can arrive a little quicker, or in case something happens and I must reverse course, so that you will know my intentions at this time.

Jena has been secured, the last I heard. Our East Wing corps have pinned down the errant corps or half-corps that was scouting along the road network in that direction, and last I heard were converging upon it together for its elimination in detail (although it got in a good blow against one of our corps; I shall have to check my notes for better details.) The main Prussian force does not seem to be in that direction right now, and my loose impression from the rumors is that they withdrew to our mutual north -- which would make sense, to guard the road to Berlin, which they should probably have been doing from the beginning! I could be wrong about this, or outdated on some points, however, as I have not caught up on news yet tonight.

I should be in Weimar before dawn, in time for an early breakfast.

Napoleon I
=========

-  Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:04:25 PM
From: Lannes
To: Our Glorious Emperor; Marshals Murat, Davout, Bernadotte


I continue my walking tour of beautiful western Germany. I am sure there must be some Prussians around here somewhere, if they would only slow down long enough for me to find them.


The last contact I had with the enemy was on the 14th/15th in the vicinity of Erfurt. The congestion on the Erfurt-Weimar road has finally eased and my corps is moving again. We are between Erfurt and Weimar. We have been attempting to locate Saxe's division but I have received no reports of contact at all today.


Considering the courses of action M. Davout has laid out, I would lean toward that one first advanced by Murat. My concern for the third option is the lack of any good road network leading north immediately from Jena. The first option seems least workable to me, as it will delay the pursuit too much and the enemy will complete his escape.


It seems most likely to me that the enemy is falling back on Leipzig. His course must be to preserve as much of his force as possible until he can unite with reinforcements and allies, and then move to defeat us in detail.


Does the Emperor have a location in mind to concentrate the army?


Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:07:24 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 0300, 17th October

SENT 0000, 17th October

From: Murat (estimated approx 10km north-northwest of Weimar)
To: Davout (believed to be in the vicinity of Weimar)
Copy to: Lannes (believed to be somewhere on the Erfurt-Weimar road)


I have just received Marshal Davout's dispatch to the Emperor sent at 2100, 16th October. This message is an attempt to hopefully clarify/resolve some of the ambiguity and confusion expressed in that dispatch.

As you are no doubt aware, at the start of this campaign Ruchel's corps was assessed as consisting of roughly 28,000 men in three divisions: the Advanced Guard (~6000 men), Weimar's division (~10,000 men), and Saxe's division (~12,000 men). As of this time, I can report with confidence that Ruchel's corps is definitely smashed. There is no uncertainty with regards to that news -- it is fact.

The battle with Ruchel's corps was fought over the course of three days, beginning on the afternoon of October 13th. The engagement began with your forces encountering Weimar's division somewhat to the south of Erfurt. By the afternoon of the 13th you had defeated that formation and forced it to retreat towards Erfurt, pursued by General Sahuc's dragoons (whom I had temporarily assigned to your control). By nightfall, Weimar had reached the outskirts of Erfurt and the fighting lapsed as darkness fell.

Starting around noon of the 14th my cavalry (with Sahuc now re-attached to my command) engaged Weimar's troops on the western approaches to Erfurt. In a running battle, we managed to gain the upper hand and break his division, driving it back into the town proper. Weimar's retreat was covered by Ruchel's Advanced Guard. In the late afternoon Friant's division had come up and, together, we were able to overcome and utterly destroy the Advanced Guard, with some 5000 prisoners being taken. Effectively Ruchel's Advanced Guard no longer exists.

The next day (October 15th), my divisions rose early and advanced on Erfurt from the north and your corps from the southwest. In fairly short order fighting resumed and we quickly overwhelmed the enemy, putting Saxe's division to flight by about 10:00AM. I dispatched General Grouchy's division of dragoons to harry them until they were some 15km away, breaking off pursuit at around 15:00PM. The survivors of Saxe's division were last seen streaming off in the direction of Mattstedt in considerable disorder. There was no sign of Weimar's shattered division, and we can only assume that he successfully withdrew towards Weimar during the night.

My assessment of the situation regarding Ruchel is this: while Saxe and Weimar's divisions have "escaped" they have both been so badly ravaged that they will pose little to no threat to us for the foreseeable future. Ruchel will require at least two full days of complete inactivity to rest and reorganize those formations into something capable of combat. In their present condition, Ruchel's divisions will be more of a liability than an asset to the Prussians. We do not need to concern ourselves with them.

- Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:08:14 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 0400, 17th October

SENT 0200, 17th October

From: Davout
To: Marshalls Lannes and Murat


Gentlemen, our Emperor requests the honor of your presence in our inn post-haste.

Davout

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:09:19 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to V Corps

From:  Lannes, on the Erfurt-Weimar road
To: All elements V Corps and attachments
Copies To: Marshal Murat, believed to be about 10km NNW of Weimar, Marshal Davout, Weimar

Generals!

We have made contact with our beloved Emperor at Weimar. As you know, Marshals Murat and Davout have completely defeated Ruchel's corps in the vicinty of Erfurt. Marshal Davout has taken Weimar, from which the enemy has precipitously fled. The remainder of our glorious army has met the enemy to the east of Weimar and driven them back as well. It seems evident that they are withdrawing to the north, falling back on their lines of communication and hoping for the arrival of their allies, the Russians.

I go now with all speed to join Marshals Davout and Murat and the Emperor in Weimar for a council of war. Until I return, V Corps and attachments will continue to bivouac here, on the Erfurt-Weimar road. We will deploy cavalry patrols in all directions to scout for and screen against the enemy. The men should otherwise rest but hold yourselves ready to move on my return.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:11:05 PM
Davout to Davout's Corps, 0600 17 OCT


To: Davout's Corps

Prepare for a 10 hour march in the direction of Naumbourg.  Order of march is Cav, 1st, 2nd, 3rd.  I will be with the 1st Division.

We will be following Marshal Augereau's Corps.  Be prepared to move immediately if he marches to Jena; we head for Naumbourg regardless..

Contact with the Prussians is possible; we expect to engage and destroy them if they are found.

Davout



On Wed, Oct 11, 2017 at 11:49 AM, James Sterrett <> wrote:

Emperor, I hear and obey!  My corps will prepare to move at once.
Marshal Lannes - welcome!  Have some refreshment.  If you have objections to the plan, please speak now.

Marshal Augereau - I understand you will precede us on the road to Naumbourg; if you understand differently, please speak now.







On Tue, Oct 10, 2017 at 10:44 PM, Jim Owczarski <> wrote:

I share this e-mail with you ALL as, as of 0600, Marshal Lannes has arrived, a bit dusty from the road, but ready to talk re: the situation West of Weimar.Control



On Tue, Oct 10, 2017 at 7:08 PM, Jason Pratt <> wrote:
My apologies for needing to attend to the affairs of other politics tonight, my grand marshals! To be perfectly honest, I am only along for the ride, as I can simply listen to good advice from all directions generally, and then leave all matters in the hands of my capable fraternity of brothers.  What Emperor of old or of new Rome ever in history had such fine support?! -- I can only leave that question for friendly dispute among our fellow historians, but I feel confident the answer denies all before this modern day!

So then, having reviewed the matter generally below, I am in agreement -- except with this provision. Murat, having our somewhat speedier cavalry corps, should strike north across country for Somanerdst, crossing the river there, aiming to reclaim the road at Heissensee, and thence northeast on the road to Halle, screening especially to the west until he reaches the road again at Heis. This secures our left flank, and will allow him to prosecute any attempts to flee along that road in a classic cavalry fashion. Also, he will be in position to flank any arrival of the other portions of West Wing to Halle. Removing him will also somewhat speed up our central march to Naumbourg; and as well, I do not like focusing all our striking power along such a narrow point of advance.

There is also some question as to Bernadotte's route. East Wing may still need some support as they move north. The best balance, although annoying as to terrain, would be for him to strike from Jena cross country east-northeast to Zeib, and then follow the rivers north-north-east to Leipzig. This will give him flexibility in supporting either our approaches to Naumbourg-Leipzig, or East Wing's advance along their route.

Any observations, calculations, or modifications to these two proposals will be welcome.

Napoleon 
   
   
-----Original Message-----
From: James Sterrett <>
To: ChrisC1009 <>
Cc: Jim Owczarski <>; Jason Pratt <>
Sent: Sat, Oct 7, 2017 5:32 pm
Subject: Re: DISPATCH -- LANNES to NAPOLEON I and DAVOUT, 0500, 17th October




You know me all too well.  :)

 
So - where from Naumbourg if we have not found the Prussians?

 
The if we have no further contact with the Prussians, the primary lines of thrust should be Halle and Leipzig.  We won't know where Brunswick may be, but we can assume the East Wing is also moving towards Leipzig.   

 
Therefore, Bernadotte should move to Leipzig in order to per-empt Prussian defences there, the West Wing would move towards Halle (and thence to Magdebourg) in order to make the deeper envelopment and to chase Brunswick if that is where he has fled.  The rest of the Center Wing would plan on continuing to Leipzig, with decision point at the town east of Naumbourg.

 
If we meet Brunswick on the road to Naumbourg, then we will fight him where we find him.

 
That's my proposed course of action.   Your thoughts? 


On Sat, Oct 7, 2017 at 7:54 AM, ChrisC1009 <> wrote:
 

This is precisely why you are the Emperor's favorite! Always thinking ahead and planning...

If you insist, and I suspect you will, then let us set to formulating the ultimate demise of those Prussian barbarians.




-----Original Message-----
From: James Sterrett <>
 

To: ChrisC1009 <>
Cc: Jim Owczarski <>; Jason Pratt <>
Sent: Fri, Oct 6, 2017 10:28 am
Subject: Re: DISPATCH -- LANNES to NAPOLEON I and DAVOUT, 0500, 17th October

   




Certainly!  Though perhaps we should start drafting orders as well; daylight is approaching and we need to strike hard and fast.

 
My assumption at the moment is:

 
We will all march north via Apold towards Naumbourg.

 
Augereau will take the lead, and the West Wing will follow in the order it is arrayed: Davout, Lannes, Murat.

 
If we meet the Prussians we will engage them. 

 
The next major decision point is maneuvers from Naumbourg.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:13:24 PM
To: West Wing, 0600 17 OCT

To: Marshals Murat, Lannes, Augereau, Bernadotte
From: Marshall Davout
Time: 0600 17 OCT

Gentlemen, see the discussion below; the West Wing will split as follows:

Davout and Lannes will march in the direction of Naumbourg via Weimar and Apolda, seeking to find and destroy Brunswick.  Davout will be in the lead.  We will seek to destroy the Prussian Army.

Murat will resume the left hook, moving back to the Weissensee-Eisleben road by the most expeditious means and hooking thence to Halle in order to provide flank support to the West wing and destroy the Prussian Army.


Friendly situaiton: Marshals Augereau and Bernadotte may precede us on the road to Naumbourg; their exact plan is not entirely clear to me.  At Weimar, Bernadotte's location is in dispute as Apolda or Jena; Augereau is at Weimar.  Augereau is currently expected to lead the West Wing to Naumbourg, and our Emperor is ordering Bernadotte to Jena and thence northeast to Zeib.

Enemy situation: Brunswick evaded our attack on his position at Weimar and his current position is not certain.

--  Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:14:28 PM
From Davout

Emperor Napoleon, let me suggest that Murat make his choice of routes, as a move via Erfurt and them north may be faster than a move cross-country.  He best understands his dispositions and given the mission of moving quickly, he can find the best way to accomplish it.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:14:58 PM
From Lannes

Why is this wine so sweet?

Naumbourg it is, then. V Corps needs to stretch it legs a bit and walk some more.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:18:19 PM
Lannes to V Corps

To: All V Corps

Generals,

We will be marching for ten hours along the road from Weimar to Naumbourg, as part of a larger movement of the western half of the army. We will be following M. Davout's III Corps, who is in turn behind M. Augereau.

Be prepared to march quickly in support of the troops to our front; contact with the Prussians is expected. The order of march will be our cavalry, 1st Division, 2nd, Division, 3rd Division. our cavalry is to keep contact with M. Davout's corps. I will maintain my headquarters with 1st Division.

Allons y!

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:18:51 PM
From Davout

Let's kick some (more) Prussian ass.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:20:25 PM
DISPATCH -- MURAT to LANNES -- 1230, 17th October

SENT 0930, 17th October

SENT 0930, 17th October

From:  Murat, heading cross-country from north of Weimar to Sommerda
To: Lannes, on the Erfurt-Weimar road
      Davout, vicinity Weimar

Comrades,
In accordance with our wing commander's instructions I am headed northwest towards Sommerda and thence to Weissensee. Rather than backtracking along the Weimar-Erfurt road I have instead chosen to cut across the bleak German heath and head directly for Sommerda; this should help keep the road clear and uncongested for your use.

I have received reports from my rear guard (General Grouchy's division of dragoons) that his scouts have sighted two Prussian divisions deployed on the road between Naumbourg and Weimar, and notes that one of those two divisions appears to be in considerable disorder. I suspect these may be the remains of Ruchel's corps, acting as a screen to cover the withdrawal of other, larger, Prussian forces (possibly Brunswick's army). I have no intention of engaging this enemy force and will doubtless have lost contact with it by the time you receive this communique.

I will send another courier updating my status once I reach Sommerda.
Please keep me apprised of your movements.

- Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:21:30 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 1630, 17th October

SENT 1400, 17th October

From: Davout
To: Emperor Napoleon, Marshalls Lannes, Bernadotte, Augereau

Please find enclosed a copy of a note from Marshal Murat;  he notes a brief contact with two disorganized Prussian divisions on the Weimar-Naumbourg road.

Presumably, though Murat's cavalry's northwestern march will cause them to lose contact with this rabble, Marshal Augereau will sweep these Prussian road fleas into the dustbin of history.

- Davout

From:  Murat, heading cross-country from north of Weimar to Sommerda
To: Lannes, on the Erfurt-Weimar road
      Davout, vicinity Weimar

Comrades,
In accordance with our wing commander's instructions I am headed northwest towards Sommerda and thence to Weissensee. Rather than backtracking along the Weimar-Erfurt road I have instead chosen to cut across the bleak German heath and head directly for Sommerda; this should help keep the road clear and uncongested for your use.

I have received reports from my rear guard (General Grouchy's division of dragoons) that his scouts have sighted two Prussian divisions deployed on the road between Naumbourg and Weimar, and notes that one of those two divisions appears to be in considerable disorder. I suspect these may be the remains of Ruchel's corps, acting as a screen to cover the withdrawal of other, larger, Prussian forces (possibly Brunswick's army). I have no intention of engaging this enemy force and will doubtless have lost contact with it by the time you receive this communique.

I will send another courier updating my status once I reach Sommerda.
Please keep me apprised of your movements.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:22:29 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 2230, 17th October

SENT 1900, 17th October

From: Davout
To: Marshals Murat, Lannes, Emperor Napoleon

Brother marshals, please see below a note from Marshal Augereau:

Note that this means we have figured out which direction Weimar ran in and perhaps Ruchel's line of flight - Weimar is one of Ruchel's divisions.

Where did Brunswick go?  East?

- Davout

Subject: DISPATCH FROM CONTROL -- 1700, 17th October

Marshal Augereau,

The head of your column is as of this hour some 5 km from Naumbourg.

Your forward scouts report that, in the outskirts of Naumbourg, they can see the trail end of Weimar's division forming up for what appears to be the evening's bivouac.

S!

Response:

Wonderful news! I dispatch messengers to Napoleon, Davout, and Soult. I inform them of what my scouts report and my intent, which is to engage the enemy.

In the meantime, I quickly and diligently deploy my Corps for battle, with the intent to catch the Prussians with their pants down.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:24:23 PM
Sitrep

I could probably use a sitrep at this point since my perception is that V Corps is essentially still on a walking tour of Thuringia.

Please and thank you.

Jim Owczarski

Tue, Nov 14, 2017, 10:58 PM

to me

As you might have suspected, your boys  are good and stuck behind the columns of Augereau and Davout.  Your "nose" is in Weimar and, as a practical matter, at nightfall, that's where most of your fellows find themselves.

Doug Miller

Wed, Nov 15, 2017, 9:39 AM
to Jim

Time to forage for a banquet, then.

Jim Owczarski

Wed, Nov 15, 2017, 6:23 PM

to me

Given everything, there's likely jack and squat left in Weimar and Jack, I hear, is busy...
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:26:43 PM
DISPATCH -- NAPOLEON I to all Marshals from Weimar to Naumbourg 0200, 18th October

Marshals of the combined Central Thrust, on the roads from Weimar (generally) to Naumbourg:

I have been following your reports of this day's (and evening's) activity with great interest as I receive them, and I am loath to interfere with your preliminaries as you maneuver into Naumbourg. Indeed, simple chatter on the road, from where I wait nearby, has reached me of some stunning results in that city, which sound as though they are in our favor although I am not quite sure.

Be that as it may, here two hours after midnight, I am only dispatching couriers to let you know what news I have received from the efforts of our Central Thrust up to now; and that I have no specific orders in mind yet. Once I'm sure the traffic has cleared sufficiently I'll be moving up into closer communion with my cavalry division. Mainly I want to ensure I am not in the way while you are doing your business.

I have not yet received news from Bernadotte or the East Wing more generally from today, but I'll pass up whatever I hear when-if-ever I do.

Let me not distract you; on with your work!

Napoleon I
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:27:12 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 0200, 18th October

From: Marshal Davout
To:   III Corps; also Emperor Napoleon, Marshals Murat, Augereau, Lannes, Murat, and Bernadotte
Time: 2300 17 October

Soldiers of III Corps!

Ahead of us on the road, Marshal Augereau has engaged General Weimar at Naumbourg, surprising the Prussian rats as they ate dinner and scattering them into the town like rabbits.  Tomorrow he will resume the attack.

We will continue marching to Naumbourg tomorrow morning; we must be prepared to to continue the pursuit beyond Naumbourg, or, perhaps, to assist Marshal Augereau with the fighting in the unlikely event the Prussians discover a spine.

- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:28:21 PM
Lannes to V Corps - 1000 18 October

To: V Corps, Davout, Murat, Augereau
Gentlemen,

Now that the road has cleared we will continue our plan of march as I sent yesterday. From the sound of things, M. Augereau has found some Prussians near Naumbourg.

We will be marching for ten hours along the road from Weimar to Naumbourg. Our objective is to march to the sound of the guns and support M. Augereau and M. Davout. If we continue to hear the sound of cannon at dusk, we will continue our progress until we are either in contact with the enemy or have joined with the friendly forces in the vicinity of Naumbourg.

Be prepared to march quickly in support of the troops to our front; contact with the Prussians is expected. The order of march will be our cavalry, 1st Division, 2nd, Division, 3rd Division. our cavalry is to keep contact with M. Davout's corps. I will maintain my headquarters with 1st Division.

The cavalry should dispatch vedettes 2km to the front and flanks of our column to screen for the enemy.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:29:45 PM
Lannes to Davout - 1000 18 October

My brother Marshal,

With the road clearing, V Corps is finally on the move from Weimar to Naumbourg. We can hear cannon fire from the north and east, presumably in the vicinity of Naumbourg itself. I am pushing my cavalry forward to maintain contact with your corps. Do you have any contact yet with the enemy?

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:30:31 PM
Lannes to Foucher 1000 18 October

To: General Foucher

General Foucher,

Push a squadron of your troopers up the Naumbourg road to maintain contact with Davout's III Corps. I wish to stay apprised of their situation until all of V Corps comes up in contact with them.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:31:09 PM
Lannes to V Corps 1000 18 October

To: All V Corps, Davout, Murat

Generals,

I am riding ahead to make my headquarters at Mattstedt.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:32:30 PM
DISPATCH -- FROM CONTROL -- 1000, 18th October

Marshal Lannes --

I am first pleased to report that your men have begun to march!

In addition, for the past hour or so you have heard the distinct sound of battery fire from the area to the North and East.  Given previous information, it would not surprise you were it to be discovered that this is coming from before Naumbourg.

S!

Doug Miller
Sat, Dec 2, 2017, 3:29 PM
to Jim

You've somehow actually contrived to get us to fight on the Rossbach battlefield, haven't you?

This entire thing has been a year-long wargaming joke.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:33:21 PM
DISPATCH -- FOUCHER to LANNES -- 1300, 18th October
Marshal,

I am in receipt of your message.  We find ourselves presently marching as ordered in direct contact with the rear of the column of General Gudin's division of III Corps.

I believe this complies with the intent of your orders.

S!

Foucher
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:34:19 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 1400, 18th October

SENT 1000, 18th October

From: Davout
To: III Corps; and also Emperor Napoleon, Marshals Murat, Lannes, & Bernadotte


Situation: Marshal Augereau's corps is facing a Prussian force of 1 or 2 divisions in Naumbourg.  They appear to have fortified the town.

III Corps will march on an arc south of Naumbourg, aiming to seize the territory east of Naumbourg and secure the river crossing east of Naumbourg.  We will make ready to, on order:  1) Assault the town; 2) Defend the river crossing to prevent reinforcement of the town; and/or 3) Prevent the enemy from retreating eastwards out of Naumbourg.

Order of march is exactly as we are currently arrayed on the road.

Scheme of maneuver:

Cavalry will reconnoiter and, if feasible, screen terrain for the infantry to hold.

1st Division will tie in with Augereau's eastern flank and complete the investment of Naumbourg eastwards to the Salle River.

2nd Division will secure the crossing to the east.

3rd Division will be in reserve between them.

Once 3rd Division is in place, the Cavalry should expect new orders - either to also enter the reserve, or to scout eastwards.

Corps pioneers: on arrival, provide an estimate of the time needed to bridge the Salle in case we decide it is necessary to do so.

I will be with the cavalry division at least until we arrive at the neck of land between Naumbourg and the bridge to its east.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:36:36 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to Davout, 1400 18 October 1806

From: Lannes
To: Marshal Davout, also Emperor Napoleon, Marshals Murat, Augereau, and Bernadotte

M. Davout,

At present, V Corps is right behind you on the road to Naumbourg, with my cavalry maintaining contact with your trailing division. In light of the situation at Naumbourg, the following opportunities seem worth discussion as to the disposition of V Corps:

First, we can continue to follow III Corps as it moves south of the town, taking up a reserve position in support of III and VII Corps in the attack on Naumbourg.

Alternately, we might follow you as above, but continue our march to take and hold the crossing of the Saale to the east, freeing up your 2nd Division to assist in investing Naumbourg.

Finally, we could leave the road at Bad Kosen to the west of Naumbourg where it crosses the Saale, and move along the Saale to the north of Naumbourg, further isolating the town and blocking the withdrawal of the Prussian divisions in that direction. This is perhaps the more productive option, though it does involve the separation of V Corps from III and VIII Corps by a major river. I would suggest that I leave a division at Bad Kosen west of Naumbourg to secure the Saale crossing there, protecting the line of communication for III and VII Corps.

Please inform me as to your preference. In lieu of any communication from you I will plan to leave a division at Bad Kosen west of Naumbourg and then take up a position south of Naumbourg in reserve, this seeming to me to be the most cautious and supportive disposition for my corps.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:37:54 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to III Corps, 1400 18 October 1806

From: Lannes
To: III Corps, also to Marshals Davout and Murat

Generals,

I am moving my headquarters from Mattstedt to the road crossing of the Saale west of Naumbourg (town of Bad Kosen).

Lannes

(editor: Obviously I meant V Corps here, not III)
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:38:47 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 1700, 18th October

From: Marshal Davout
To: Emperor Napoleon, Marshalls Augereau, Lannes, Murat, Bernadotte
Time: 1600, 18 October

Gentlemen:

My cavalry scouts, approaching the rover crossing east of Naumbourg, drove some of Blucher's cavalry off eastwards.

This suggests that Ruchel is holed up in Naumbourg and Blucher - and thus Brunswick's corps? - is to the east of us.

Marshal Augereau: If your corps is sufficient to invest Naumbourg and Ruchel's Remnants, then may I suggest that I continue eastwards tomorrow to maintain pressure on Brunswick?

- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:40:39 PM
DISPATCH -- MURAT to LANNES -- 1830, 18th October

SENT 0900, 18th October

From: Marshal Murat (at the crossroads between Nordhausen and Eisleben)
To: Marshal Davout (presumed to be on the road leading west from Weimar, possibly near Apolda)
Copy to: Marshal Lannes ( presumed to be on the road leading west from Weimar, possibly near Apolda)

Gentlemen,
My corps has reached the T-junction crossroads, approximately 20km west of Eisleben. Thus far I have had no significant contact with Prussian forces.

I will be pausing here at the crossroads briefly in order to re-organize my corps before advancing to Eisleben, and thence on towards Halle.

Please advise your preference, if any, for my direction of movement past that point. lacking any input from you I will likely hold at Halle and rest, possibly sending a detachment south to Meresebourg as a blocking force.

I request that you pass this information to the Emperor in your next periodic report to him.

Your comrade-in-arms,
- Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:42:07 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 2300, 18th October

SENT 2100, 18th October

To: Emperor Napoleon, and Marshals Lannes, Augereau, and Bernadotte
From: Marshal Davout


Gentlemen, please find attached a note from our comrade, Marshal Murat.

I intend to suggest to him that he plan on striking deep, as the Prussians seem intent on falling back; though, clearly, he is as a remove such that he much listen primarily to his own counsel on the situation.



SENT 0900, 18th October

From: Marshal Murat (at the crossroads between Nordhausen and Eisleben)
To: Marshal Davout (presumed to be on the road leading west from Weimar, possibly near Apolda)
Copy to: Marshal Lannes ( presumed to be on the road leading west from Weimar, possibly near Apolda)

Gentlemen,
My corps has reached the T-junction crossroads, approximately 20km west of Eisleben. Thus far I have had no significant contact with Prussian forces.

I will be pausing here at the crossroads briefly in order to re-organize my corps before advancing to Eisleben, and thence on towards Halle.

Please advise your preference, if any, for my direction of movement past that point. lacking any input from you I will likely hold at Halle and rest, possibly sending a detachment south to Meresebourg as a blocking force.

I request that you pass this information to the Emperor in your next periodic report to him.

Your comrade-in-arms,
- Murat
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:42:47 PM
DISPATCH -- AUGEREAU to LANNES -- 2330, 18th October

SENT -- 2200, 18th October
Message from Augereau to all my fellow Marshals.
Have any of you seen or heard from Napoleon? He was just here not too long ago. Now, when his Army is assembled, he is strangely absent? He hasn't fallen to the Prussians has he? What is his last known Location?
Concerned,
Augs.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:44:16 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 0400, 19th October

From: DavoutTo:  III Corps; and also Emperor Napoleon, Marshals Murat, Lannes, & Bernadotte
Time: 0200, 19 October

Situation:  Marshal Augereau's corps is facing a Prussian force of 1 or 2 divisions in Naumbourg.  They appear to have fortified the town, and the town is now (as of 0200) on fire.  III Corps is situated east of Naumbourg.  1st division is holding the eastern flank of the town and in the process of being relived by one of Marshal Augereau's divisions. 

Enemy: We have had fleeting contact with enemy forces eastwards, and elements of Ruchel's corps are in Naumbourg.

Mission:  III Corps will advance eastwards to Weissenfels.  Order of march will be:  Cavalry, 2nd division, 3rd division, 1st division.   I will be with the cavalry HQ.

There is a decision point tomorrow at Weissenfels between moving north towards Halle or continuing eastwards towards Leipzig.
   * Unless otherwise ordered, III Corps will turn northwards towards Halle
   * If there is evidence suggesting a lasting impact from attacking enemies in the direction of Leipzig, then we will do that instead.

   My expectation is that Halle will prove the better choice in order to continue our pursuit and/or to create a superior flanking opportunity against enemy forces operating in the area of Leipzig.

    We will be seeking indications regarding marching towards Magdebourg or Dessau on arrival at Halle.


Marshal Lannes:  Please follow in my trace.  You will also face a decision point on your arrival at Weissenfels; please advise me of your decision once you have made it.

Marshal Bernadotte:  Please advise us of your intentions to aid on coordination.


- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:45:48 PM
DISPATCH -- BERNADOTTE to LANNES -- 0500, 19th October

SENT 2100, 18th October

Dispatch to Napoleon, Davout, Ney, Augereau, Lannes, and Soult - The 1st Corps is presently stretched out along the road from Jena to Zeib and will force march to the a Naumbourg/Leipzig cross roads tonight. From there we will likely march on Leipzig to join Ney on his left flank unless events at the crossroads dictate otherwise.
Marshal Bernadotte
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:47:10 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to V Corps

From Marshal Lannes - at Bad Kossen, vicinity of Nambourg
To: V Corps, also Marshals Davout. Murat, Augereau, and Bernadotte
Time: 0500 19 October

We will continue to march today in trace of Marshal Davout's III Corps. The order of march will be the cavalry, 1st Division, 2nd Division, and 3rd Division. As yesterday, Foucher's cavalry is to maintain contact with the trailing division of Davout's III Corps.

My intent is to move to Weissenfels and cross the Saale there after III Corps has passed through. M. Bernadotte and presumably M. Ney are also converging on Weissenfels along the road from Zeitz. It may be that our progress will be significantly slowed in and around the town due to congestion. If so, we will halt at Weissenfels. Otherwise, once across the Saale, we will continue along with III Corps in moving north to Halle.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:49:04 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to Davout, Murat

From: Marshal Lannes - Bad Koden, vicinity of Nambourg
To Marshals Davout and Lannes
Time: 0500 19 October

Brother Marshals,

I am growing increasingly concerned about the separation of Marshal Murat from III & V Corps, as well as the remainder of the army. While it seems that Ruchel's Corps has been dealt a significant blow and is now trapped in Nambourg, I must wonder at the absence of the remainder of the rest of the very sizeable Prussian army. While we are driving farther and faster north and east into Saxony, we are doing so without the intelligence we should have through the efforts of a sizable screen of light cavalry.

In short, I do not believe that Brunswick is simply retreating, but rather that we are intentionally being drawn into Germany, with little idea what is in front of us - and next to nothing protecting our Line of Communications in our rear. It may be that Marshals Bessier and Soult have that well in hand, but I am concerned at the lack of communication to that effect.

I feel that we need M. Murat's cavalry back closer to the concentration of the army, to be used to locate the enemy and fix him for our attack. As it stands now we are likely to have a single corps blunder into the entire Prussian Army. Worse, were I Brunswick, I would be marching with all speed on Weimar, which as far as I know is undefended at this point.

By the way, where is our dear Emperor? Have either of you had communication with him since early yesterday morning?

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:49:50 PM
DISPATCH -- FROM CONTROL -- 1100, 19th October

Marshal Lannes,

The distinct sound of artillery firing to the ENE has joined that already heard around Naumbourg.

Your judgment tells you it comes form the direction of Weisenfels.

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:50:47 PM
To: Marshal Lannes
From: Davout
DISPATCH - DAVOUT to LANNES -- 1100, 19th October

Time: 0800 19 October

I would have preferred Murat's cavalry closer at hand, but the emperor preferred this course of action.

In any event, the Prussians are now at hand to be killed.


As you approach the battlefield, please keep in mind the bridge I am preparing across the Salle.  I suspect my corps' role in this fight will be to pin the Prussians, and will have their hands full keeping the two corps engaged until our other forces can march up.   It may be that you can put in the decisive maneuver across their line of retreat northwards by using that bridge. 
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:51:35 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to Davout

To: Marshal Davout
From: Lannes
Time: 1100 19 October

The Emperor is an opium addict with an onion for a head.

I come. Allons Y!

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:54:11 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to V Corps

From: Lannes
To: V Corps
Copies to: Marshals Davout, Augerau, Murat, Bernadotte, Ney

Gentlemen,

Marshal Davout has treed two corps of Prussians at Weissenfels. He has been engaged since this morning. We will march with all haste to support our brothers of III Corps.

Foucher's Cavalry will lead, moving to make contact with III Corps and report the situation to me as quickly as possible. In the event that when General Focher arrives at Weissenfels he discovers that Marshal Davout has either bridged the Saale or seized the crossings in the town, he is to cross the river and secure a bridgehead. If this is already done by troops from III Corps he should move across the bridge and move north along the road to Halle and cut the line of communications of the Prussians.

If this is impractical, the cavalry will move to the right flank in support of Marshal Davout's cavalry and screen the flank of V Corps as it arrives.

1st Division will follow General Foucher's cavalry as closely as possible. General Suchet, move to Wessenfels along the road with the Saale to your left. On reaching the town or the action before the town, position yourself to the rear of 1/III in support. Be prepared to wither relieve 1/III if necessary, or to conduct a passage of lines through 1/III to cross the Saale.

General Gazan's 2nd Division is to act as the Corps Reserve, marching in trail of 1st Division. On arrival and contact with III Corps, be prepared to move to the right flank of V Corps to support or relieve 2/III if called to do so. Otherwise, 2nd Division will also cross the Saale behind 1st Division.

Once V Corps is across the river, we will move north to flank the Prussians and cut them off from a retreat toward Magdebourg.

I will ride ahead with General Foucher's cavalry. When I arrive at Weissenfels I will make my headquarters with Marshal Davout.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:56:20 PM
Sitrep

About how far away are my leading divisions from Weissenfels?

What is the weather?
__

Jim Owczarski
Weather good. Forward division (Fouchet) passing Naumbourg as of this writing. Augereau's men are in evidence surrounding said town.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:57:06 PM
From: Lannes

DISPATCH - Lannes to Foucher

To: General Foucher
Copy to: Marshal Davout
Time: 1100 19 October

General,

As your horsemen move past Nambourg and toward Weissenfels, dispatch patrols of hussars and attempt to capture some Prussian stragglers. Bring any captured enemy to headquarters for questioning.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 02:58:40 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES, 1130, 19th October

SENT 0830, 19th October

From: Marshal Davout
To: Emperor Napoleon, copy to Marshal Lannes and General Vialannes


Esteemed Emperor!

As I have pondered our situation and surveyed the terrain, I am increasingly convinced of the need to move quickly to block the Prussian's retreat routes north and east.  (Should the Prussians move south...  let them move deeper into encirclement!)

Please note the attached sketch made by one of my staff officers; I think you'll agree he has quite an eye for detail.  The terrain offers us excellent opportunities to defeat the Prussians at Weissenfels, especially if we can hem the enemy in from the bluffs surrounding the city from the south of the river.

As noted in my previous message, I have directed my pioneers to build a bridge so we can cross the Salle; I estimate it may be ready by noon and possibly by 1000.

If you would be willing to tie your forces at hand into my 2nd Division's right flank, then I can send General Vialannes' cavalry across the bridge, followed by my 3rd Division, and then by Marshal Lannes' corps. 

I believe you have several corps of infantry marching at your back with which the eastern exit can be secured.

General Vialannes is moving to secure my right flank and thus the gap between us at this time.

General Vialannes: On being relieved of your flank guard mission by other French forces, you are to move to the bridge currently under construction; on its completion, you are to cross it and move at best speed to ensure the Prussians cannot move north out of Weissenfels.  Seizing and securing the bridge is not required.  You should expect 3rd Division to be coming behind you.   If the Prussians are already on the road, do your best to harass and slow or stop them.

- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:01:03 PM
DISPATCH - Lannes to Napoleon

From: Marshal Lannes
To: Emperor Napoleon, copy to Marshal Davout
Sent: 1200 19 October

Your Majesty,

My corps is located just northeast of Naumbourg, moving along the road to Weissenfels. At our current rate of march we should arrive in a position to support Marshal Davout at around 4 of the clock. Leading elements of V Corps, namely the corps cavalry under Foucher, should arrive sooner and have orders to exploit north toward Halle across Marshal Davout's bridgehead.

I am riding ahead with the cavalry to make my headquarters with Marshal Davout.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:03:21 PM
To Dispatch

I am sending staff officers out to interrogate burghers and other respectable citizens in villages and towns along our route concerning the size and makeup of Prussians forces that recently passed this way.


Jim Owczarski to me

What follows is in reply to your earlier inquiry re: information on stragglers, &c.

(It was scheduled to arrive at 1300, but, heck.)

Your outriders find a fair number of soldiers from division Weimar desperately trying to escape the town.  They reveal that it burning fiercely and then men have despaired of succor from their commanders.

They are the only division in that town.


Doug Miller to Jim
By "the town" meaning Naumbourg, I assume?

Jim Owczarski to me
Correct.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:04:40 PM
DISPATCH to Marshal Davout

From: Lannes
To: Marshal Davout, copies to Marshal Augerau, Marshal Murat, Emperor Napoleon
Sent: 1200 19 October

Marshal Davout,

My cavalry patrols have captured numerous stragglers in the vicinity of Naumbourg. All are from Weimar's division. The captured men indicated that they are the only division in Naumbourg. The town is burning, and the division seems to be completely cut off.

This would seem to confirm that the forces facing Marshal Augereau are the remnants of Ruchel's Corps. Ruchel would appear to be completely beaten at this point.

There are somewhere in the neighborhood of 110,000 more Prussians out there. Marshal Davout, do you have any identification of who you are facing at Weissenfels, and how many of them there are? Have the Prussians concentrated there, is this a rearguard, or might we need be concerned about a large force falling on our flank from the direction of Leipzig?

In addition to cavalry patrols rounding up stragglers, which I will continue, I have my staff officers interrogating locals along my route concerning Prussian forces that have passed through recently.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:07:37 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 1500, 19th October

To:  Marshal Lannes, Augereau, Bernadotte, Murat; Emperor Napoleon
From: Marshal Davout
Time: 1400 19 October

Marshal Lannes believes that the remnants of Ruchel's corps are bottled up by Marshal Augereau; though in that regard the capture of a messenger from Ruchel to those bottled forces is interesting.  (It claims there are Prussian forces to the south.  I rather doubt this is true since we have come through those routes.  Possibly it is an error for forces moving south, which is possible.)

From my vantage point, at the front lines along the western side of Weissenfels, I have just learned that my cannonade has sent the enemy "scurrying into their fascine-lined ditches".  This suggests that the Prussians have prepared this position, and thus that they have had the time to do so, and may be inclined to make a stand.

Second, I am informed that there are two corps in the town.  Potentially, this means that Ruchel's forces are split between the two towns, and we face part of Ruchel plus another corps.  This is a worst-case assumption as it would place another Prussian corps operating out of contact.


I believe that the Prussians appear have learned that they cannot face us in the open field, and therefore have decided to dig in and force a siege.  If they have stopped running, then one way or another we can defeat them.

If they seek to delay us, then I do not know why.  Perhaps our Emperor has a better understanding of the strategic picture - are the Russians moving far faster than anticipated, such that a delay of a few weeks might enable their arrival?

I do not know how well we will perform assaulting their breastworks, but as Bernadotte is preparing to attack from the south I will do likewise once I have two divisions on line, with the aim of taking the rim of the bluffs overlooking the town.

Meanwhile, my bridge is complete and my cavalry will soon begin moving across it.  Given the timing of Lannes' expected arrival at 4pm, I will plan to keep my 3rd division on the south side of the river as a reserve for my attack.  My cavalry will continue as planned to scout forward for Lannes' advance to cut the Prussians off from the north. 

I suggest we also cut them off from retreat to the east.

- Davout

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:08:30 PM
DISPATCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 1500, 19th October

To:  III Corps, Marshal Lannes
From: Davout
Time: 1400 19 October

Gentlemen:

This is not a skirmish, but one of the decisive battles of this campaign. The Prussians have chosen their ground; we shall make them die on it.

When 2nd Division is on line, we will attack in order to seize the bluffs overlooking Weissenfels.  Local initiative to exploit further success is encouraged.  The enemy is dug in and will probably require some convincing to force his departure.  Extensive bombardment is authorized if it appears it will be effective against their positions.  I welcome tactical suggestions from the division and brigade commanders on ways to make the attack succeed. [Jim: The point there is that I'm trying to attack intelligently without micromanaging and/or forcing you to go into fractal levels of detail.]

3rd Division is now the attack reserve; do not cross the bridge.

Marshal Lannes is expected to arrive at around 4pm and is expected to cross the bridge in order to cut the enemy's northern retreat route.

II Corps Cavalry will continue their current orders - across the bridge and towards the road - in order to prepare the way for Marshal Lannes' rapid advance.  Assist his forces as required until he has secured the northern route.  Expect to return to III Corps' area south of the river once this is complete.

- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:10:24 PM
FROM CONTROL

At the head of General Fouchet's division, Marshal Lannes has arrived near enough to Marshal Davout's position near Weissenfels to permit direct communication between the two of you.

Both men would surely see what Marshal Davout already knows, viz.: the III Corps is hotly engaged in a full assault on Weissenfels.

There will be a significant decision point attending the 1600 orders phase.

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:11:12 PM
From Davout

Marshal Lannes!

We have more than just a whiff of grapeshot this afternoon.

To the best of my knowledge (despite the pricking of my thumbs), the current plan still makes the most sense.  If my current attack utterly fails, my third division should hold the line, and we need to cut the Prussian's line of retreat.  If the Prussians hold my attack, but not catastrophically, then my 3rd division remains in reserve and we need to block the Prussian's line of retreat.  If the Prussians break in front of me, then I shall commit the 3rd division to help harry them - and we will still need to block their line of retreat. 

If you have an alternate line of reasoning, please explain it!

As far as I am aware, Bernadotte is attacking Weissenfels from the south, and I believe further French forces are following him.  I am presuming that they will cut off the enemy's route to Leipzig.

- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:11:40 PM
From Lannes

I quite agree, Marshal. I see no cause to change from our current course. I will lead V Corps across at your bridge and move to blockade the town from the north. Let us put a cork in this bottle and seal up the Prussians inside!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:13:06 PM
DISPATCH - Lannes to V Corps

To: V Corps, Marshal Davout
From: Lannes
Time: 1500 19 October
Soldiers of V Corps!

It seems that the Prussians have stopped running at last. Marshal Davout has engaged a large force of Prussians in front of Weissenfels, where the Prussians appear to have dug in. Marshal Bernadotte is attacking the town from the south.

Our mission is to seal off the trap by crossing the Saale via the bridge constructed by III Corps and then to blockade the town from the north. We will cross the river to the west of the town, and then move around the town to the north to cut the Weissenfels-Mersebourg road.

General Foucher's cavalry will move immediately to cross the river and make contact with III Corps cavalry already holding the bridgehead. General Foucher, you are directed to cooperate with III Corps cavalry to clear the area of enemy and secure a route for the following infantry to the objective. Clear the immediate area of the bridgehead as quickly as possible to make way for the following infantry.

First Division will follow the corps cavalry, and then Second Division. Both Divisions will take up positions to either side of the Weissenfels-Mersebourg road, First Division to the east. The corps cavalry will screen north of the objective, toward Mersebourg, to detect any approaching Prussian forces and to intercept any Prussians that manage to break out past the infantry.

We must move as rapidly as possible to cut the road. Generals, act with dispatch!

After our long march into Germany, we have finally engaged the enemy. Show the Prussian dogs French courage!

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:14:19 PM
The Battle of Weissenfels -- 1600-1800, 19th October

Sire and Marshals:

Please note that you are all not proximate enough to one another to communicate, but you would have all been able to see what I now describe.

On your right, the Emperor chose to commit the artillery reserve of the Imperial Guard and it has shattered the division of cavalry that stood holding that sector.  These horse have begun to flee the town in disorder.

In your center, matters are very grim, the Prussians -- against all expectation -- rose up from their trenches and attacked.  The men of Viallannes' division are profoundly shaken and cannot take much more, but the Prussian numbers in the center continue to outnumber your own men by some 2:1.  It was only the direct intervention of the Emperor that steadied your lines and held the center...for now.

On your left, the fight was a complete stalemate (OOC:  My very first TIE.  Hard to do with the modifiers and everything.)

There is one more battle turn of two hours to be resolved before night.

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:15:09 PM
Orders for III Corps -- 1800, 19th October

The corps will transition to the defense, effective immediately.

Vialannes' cavalry will pull back into reserve and reorganize.  More will doubtless be asked of you....  you will move to shore up threatened sectors.

Impress upon the men that this is the decisive battle of the campaign, and we fight under the Emperor's watchful eye.  This circumstance gives the brave an opportunity to discover a marshal's baton in their knapsack.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:16:11 PM
FROM CONTROL -- 1800, 19th October

This is to inform you that the men of Fouchet's division have paid their "crossing penalty" for the pontoon bridge and are now on the other side of the Saale.

Marshal Lannes -- You have a decision:  This bridge is built, necessarily, outside the "fight box" of 5km(2) around Weissenfels.  You may order the men of this division to cut the corner of this box and be seen by the Prussians as part of a flank march.  Or, you could "skirt" around the box to better avoid detection.  The former is obvious more rapid than the latter.

I await your patience.

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:16:53 PM
From Davout

Davout to 3rd division/III Corps: relieve Vialannes' position.  Once relieved, Vialannes is to fall back into a reserve position and reorganize.

What is the state of the enemy forces in front of Vialannes?
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:17:48 PM
From Davout

Greater clarity has revealed that Gudin is already committed to the sector with Vialannes!  Never mind....
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:18:37 PM
To: Emperor Napoleon, Marshals Lannes, Bernadotte, Augereau, & Murat
Time: 1800, 19 October
From: Davout

A few more details have come to light regarding the ongoing engagement (notes on which are repeated below for the benefit of those farther from the battle).

I am reliably informed that:

====
On the LEFT, Morand and Friant have met with a single, strong, Prussian division.  They slightly outnumber it, but only slightly.

In the CENTER, Gudin and Viallannes have been up against two very large Prussian divisions, one of which is clearly commanded by Blucher.  As indicated, they came on the attack, but it did not break your forces in the center.
====

Consulting "Jacque's All The World's Fighting Divisions", and working from nominal strengths:

Blucher normally commands a force of 7000 infantry and 5000 cavalry.  Gudin has around 8000 infantry and Vialannes once had around 2000 cavalry.  Two divisions similar to Blucher's would indeed outnumber my force by around 2:1.

Morand and Friant comprise around 18000 men.  They would outnumber, but only slightly, Scharnhorst's division of 13000 infantry and 4000 cavalry.  We met Scharnhorst briefly earlier in the campaign and likely chased him here from west of Weimar.

A positive ID of Blucher and a probable of Scharnhorst means we face Brunswick's corps, at the least. 


Given the force ratio against me, and the shaky state of my cavalry, my corps will move to the defense for the time being.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:19:43 PM
From Lannes

All V Corps units are to move by the fastest route to the objective of the road North out of Weissenfels. We will continue this move even after dark. I would prefer to be observed by the Prussians but avoid combat until in position.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:20:40 PM
DISPATCH -- BERNADOTTE to LANNES and DAVOUT -- 1830, 19th October

SENT -- 1600, 19th October

Dispatch to Marshals Lannes, Davout and Emperor Napoleon

The 1st Corps has one infantry division and Gen Kleins Dragoon Div engaged with the Prussians on our right flank . Our right is achieving some success while our Center under Gen Gudin of 3rd Corps is having some difficulty. I suggest Lannes to engage here on arrival. I am bringing my divisions up in turn on to our right flank. I have a total of 4 infantry divisions (including Gen Gardannes from Ney's Corp) approaching from the south on the Gera to Weissenfels road. Our 1st Corps Cavalry patrols estimate that we are facing approximately 3 Prussian Corps at Weissenfels. 1st Corps patrols to discover Ney's left flank have not reported his position yet. Ney is assumed to be south of Leipzig with Soult.
Marshal Bernadotte

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:21:06 PM
To: Emperor Napoleon, Marshal Bernadotte, Marshals Lannes & Augereau
Sent: 1700, 19 Oct
From: Davout

Marshal Bernadotte,

Do you know where Ney and Soult are expected to turn next?

If Lannes continues northwards to cut off the Prussian route in that direction, while Ney and Soult turn westwards from Leipzig, then we have the bulk of the Prussian Army bottled up in Weissenfels.

- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:21:42 PM
To: Emperor Napoleon, Marshal Bernadotte, Marshal Augereau, Marshal Davout
Sent: 1830, 19 Oct
From: Lannes

V Corps is continuing with the river crossing with the objective of cutting the road north from Weissenfels.  V Corps pontooneers are constructing a second bridge to speed movement and aid following forces.

We will continue this movement after dark until the entire corps is at the objective. I have directed my cavalry to move by the fastest route. This will likely have our movement observed by the Prussians. My intent is for this to divert some Prussian forces from the situation south of the town.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:23:22 PM
From Control

Simple query:  D'Hautpol is up in time for the last round of combat.  Into the fray or over the river?

S!

Doug Miller to Jim
Over the river.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:24:39 PM
The Battle of Weissenfels -- 1800 to 2000, 19th October

Marshals,

Your lines have not faltered.

On the left, Morand and Friant were able to make progress against the men you now clearly identify as Scharnhorst's Division.  It was not a great victory but, as the general had not abandoned his defenses, it must be greeted with a measure of satisfaction.

In the center, your line held.  The men of Gudin's division were able to hold out against the combined assault of General Arnim as well as a division that you have had reported is commanded by Blucher himself.  The casualties sustained were not great, but the Prussians made no advance.  Credit must be given to the collapse of the Prussian left.

The men of Fouchet's division have vanished into the darkness with the intention of cutting the road North out of Weissenfels.  The men of D'Hautpol's division will complete their crossing of the Saale by 2100 hours.

Casualty returns will be reported at 0000 hours.

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:25:34 PM
From Davout

I confess I'm not quite sure what the description of the outcome of the engagement with Scharnhorst means.  Perhaps that is intentional?  If not, I'm not sure what is means that he has not abandoned his defenses - we were kicking him out of them?
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:26:10 PM
From Lannes

I read that as Scharnhorst, unlike Anim/.Blucher, had not come out of his prepared positions. So we were assaulting those.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:26:34 PM
From Control

Lannes is correct.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:27:11 PM
From Lannes

I will stay at the pontoon crossing point to coordinate getting the remainder of the corps across, and to urge the pontooneers to get the second bridge built. If I have any indication of combat from the direction Foucher has moved, I will move to his position. Once my 1st division is across, I will move with them to the road objective to oversee the deployment into defensive positions. V Corps will continue with this operation until all of the corps has crossed and taken up positions on the objective.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:28:03 PM
FROM CONTROL -- 2100, 19th October

D'Hautpol is over the river and will begin to march East.

Your second bridge will be up in one hour.

S!

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:28:53 PM
FROM CONTROL -- 0000, 20th October

As of this hour, D'Hautpol has completed his crossing of the first pontoon bridge.  Futher, the "nose" of Fouchet's division has arrived at the road leading out of Weissenfels.  Do you wish them to push further East, prepare for action on or near the road, or something else?

Your engineers estimate the second bridge will be in place by 0100.

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:29:19 PM
Reply from Lannes

I would like Foucher's division to prepare for action on the road. He is to send patrols toward the river bridges to determine if they are being held by Prussian troops. D'Hautpol is to move as quickly as possible to reinforce Foucher.

The infantry divisions should begin crossing the pontoon bridge and moving to the road. They should make use of the second bridge as soon as it is available.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:30:27 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to Davout

From: Lannes
To: Davout, copies to Emperor Napoleon. Marshals Augereau, Bernadotte
Time: 0000 20 October

M. Davout,

General Foucher's cavalry has reached the road north from Weissenfels. I have directed him to prepare for action along the road, and to advance patrols to the river bridges to determine if they are held in strength by the Prussians. If not, I intend to destroy them, trapping the enemy against the river. If they are, I will take them under artillery fire as soon as there is enough light.

General D'Hautpol's curassiers are also across the river, and moving to reinforce Foucher. The infantry divisions are beginning to cross now. Corps engineers anticipate having a second bridge available by 0100.

Do you have any word on Ney's corps or the Guard?

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:31:11 PM
DELAYED DISPATCH -- ARRIVES 0330, 20th October

From: Davout
To: III Corps, Emperor Napoleon, Marshalls Lannes, Murat, Augereau, Bernadotte
Time: 0100 20 Oct

NEW ORDERS

Marshal Bernadotte has been reinforced and will attack tomorrow at 1000, with an artillery bombardment commencing at 0800.

III Corps will support this attack with artillery and its own attack.

All artillery will commence fire on the Prussians at 0800.

All divisions will be prepared to attack by 1000.  Divisions will attack when the flank of the Prussian division they face comes under threat.  We expect to roll the Prussians up from the right.

- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:31:56 PM
DISPAtCH -- DAVOUT to LANNES -- 0500, 20th October

From: Davout
To: III Corps, Emperor Napoleon, Marshalls Lannes, Murat, Augereau, Bernadotte
Time: 0100 20 Oct

NEW ORDERS

Marshal Bernadotte has been reinforced and will attack tomorrow at 1000, with an artillery bombardment commencing at 0800.

III Corps will support this attack with artillery and its own attack.

All artillery will commence fire on the Prussians at 0800.

All divisions will be prepared to attack by 1000.  Divisions will attack when the flank of the Prussian division they face comes under threat.  We expect to roll the Prussians up from the right.

- Davout
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:32:54 PM
FROM CONTROL -- 0500, 20th October
A couple notes.

1.  D'Hautpol and Foucher are now both deploy to resist any attempt to cross the Saale and depart North from Weissenfels.  Other divisions continue to march.

2.  Your scouts indicate that the bridge over the Saale is not heavily held.

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:34:21 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to V Corps

From: Lannes
To: V Corps, copies to Emperor Napoleon, Marshal Davout, Marshal Bernadotte, Marshal Augereau
Sent: 0500

Generals,

We are now in a position to hold the Saale river crossings above Weissenfels. Our cavalry is in position and the infantry is on the way. Marshal Bernadotte will begin an attack against the Prussians in Weissenfels at 1000, supported by Marshal Davout. The attack will be proceeded by an artillery bombardment beginning at 0800.

As the crossings are lightly held, General Foucher is ordered to move to immediately seize the river crossings. General D'Hautpol's heavy cavalry will support Foucher's cavalry. Artillery is to be positioned to command the crossings and their approaches from the Weissenfels side.

When 1st Division arrives, it will relieve General Foucher's cavalry in holding the bridges. The cavalry will retire into support. On arrival, 2nd Division will position itself across the road north from Weissenfels and in support of 1st Division. Foucher's cavalry will screen the corps to the north along the road from Weissenfels. D'Hautpol will act as the corps reserve. All artillery is to be massed to the front of the 2nd Division, commanding the bridges and approaches.

We are the cork in the bottle, gentlemen. We will hold here, pinning the Prussians in Weissenfels to be destroyed by Bernadotte and Davout.

I am moving my headquarters now to General Hautpol's position.

Allons Y!

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:36:31 PM
DISPATCH -- FROM CONTROL -- 0700, 20th October

Marshal Lannes,

Marching as you are with General D'Hautpol's division, you can see that his men have seized the bridge over the Saale with little opposition.

Any attempt to attack over it into Weissenfels -- if opposed by the Prussians -- would, however, confer its benefits to them.  The intentions of those Prussians still South of the Saale remains unclear.

Should they attack across it towards you, however, the benefit of the bridge would be yours.

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:37:48 PM
Dispatch to Davout

From: Lannes
To: Marshal Davout, copies to Emperor Napoleon, Marshal Bernadotte, Marshal Augereau
Sent: 0700

My brother Marshal,

My cavalry is in place cutting the road out of Weissenfels. I have seized the bridges over the Saale, and await the arrival of my infantry. At this point the Prussians are either unaware of the presence of my forces or have elected to ignore it.

I will remain in place until the battle develops south of the Saale. I will either act to stop a Prussian withdrawal from Weissenfels or, if the situation seems favorable, advance across the bridges and attack them from behind once they are engaged with your forces.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:38:54 PM
DISPATCH -- FROM CONTROL -- 0900, 20th October

Marshals,

On schedule at 0800, the sound of cannon fire is heard from the South of Weissenfels.

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:39:45 PM
A Question from Control -- 1000, 20th October

As you know, you're poised at the North side of the only bridge crossing the Saale from Weissenfels.

The sounds of battle are heard as the fracas begins.

So:  are you the cork in the bottle or do you attack over the river?  If the latter, whom do you send?

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:40:15 PM
Reply from Lannes

Is my infantry up yet?
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:40:39 PM
From Control

Suchet is with D'Hautpol and Foucher.

Gazan still coming.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:41:15 PM
From Lannes

I'll stay in place until Gazan is up. As per my earlier orders, Suchet is to take possession of the bridges relieving Foucher, who is to deploy his division in a screen north of my position. I want him to screen the corps against any Prussians moving south from Mersebourg to try and relieve Weissenfels. D'Hautpol is to stay in support of Suchet until Gazan is up and relives him, at which point he will become corps reserve, north of and behind the infantry.

Suchet should send scouts forward and across the bridge, and report on Prussian positions south of the Saale. What are they doing, Do the Prussians seem to be completely engaged?

Gazan should report to me when his division is on line.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:41:35 PM
From Control

Got it.

How far North do you want Foucher to go?
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:41:57 PM
From Lannes

5 KM
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:42:46 PM
The Battle of Weissenfels -- 20th October, 1000-1200

Marshal Lannes,

The village of Weissenfels and the plains around it have become a sheet of smoke and flame.  Battle is hotly engaged in all sectors.  To the West and South, French forces have advanced and become locked in a combat in which neither side seems to have gained a decisive advantage.

Towards the noon hour, however, men of Arnim's division came fleeing pell-mell towards the bridge your men guard.

Upon seeing your men holding the bridge in strength, they threw down their arms and have surrendered to the pursuing men of Bernadotte's I Corps and the cavalry of the Imperial Guard.

Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:43:36 PM
DISPATCH -- FROM CONTROL 1300, 20th October

Your infantry is up and in position.

They will be available for battle in the 1400-1600 battle "round" should you wish it.

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:44:16 PM
Dispatch: Lannes to V Corps

From: Lannes
To: V Corps, copies to Emperor Napoleon, Marshal Davout, Marshal Bernadotte
Sent: 1300 20th October
Location: The Saale Bridges north of Weissenfels

Generals,

Now that the infantry is on line and holding the bridges, it is time to strike in aid of our brothers across the Saale.

General D'Hautpol, you are to advance your division of Heavy Cavalry across the Saale, reorganize while within supporting range of the infantry and corps artillery, and then attack into the rear of the Prussians facing Marshal Davout's III Corps. If possible attempt to coordinate your attack with Marshal Bernadotte's corps, which is likely to be attacking the Prussian flank.

1st and 2nd Divisions are to hold their positions securing the bridges. General Foucher's light cavalry is to maintain a screen at least 5km north of the bridges.

Lannes
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:45:01 PM
The Battle of Weissenfels -- 1200-1400, 20th October

Marshal Lannes,

The laurels of victory are yours.

The men of D'Hautpol's division crashed into the rear of the troops  being pressed backwards by Marshal Bernadotte's I Corps.  Under a cry of "Wir sind verrattet!", the Prussians began to throw down their arms en masse.

The entirety of General Blucher's division has surrendered into your charge.

You cannot, at the moment, locate General Blucher.

S!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:45:22 PM
From Lannes

Are there any Prussians left under arms at this point in Weissenfels?
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:45:45 PM
From Control

Yes, Scharnhorst's division to the West.  It's what's facing Davout.
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: panzerde on June 02, 2018, 03:46:22 PM
Dispatch - Lannes to V Corps

To: V Corps, copies to Emperor Napoleon, Marshal Bernadotte, Marshal Davout
From: Lannes
Sent: 1400 20 October
Location: Saale Bridges, north of Weissenfels

Generals!

Blucher's division is no more! But now is not the time to rest. One more push and the day is ours.

General D'Hautpol will reorganize his division, and then attack into the rear of Schnarhorst's division facing III Corps. Again, coordinate your attack with that of Marshal Bernadotte, who will no doubt be attacking them also.

1st Division is to cross the river and take charge of Blucher's men from General d'Hautpol. Search the town and bring Blucher, alive, to me.

2nd Division is to take position to hold the bridges.

General Foucher, be on the lookout for any escapees making their way north from Weissenfels. In particular, watch for Prussian officers and General Blucher. They may have swam the river to escape. Your light horsemen should make every effort to capture these men.

I will cross the river into the town and make my headquarters with 1st Division.

Vive l'Emperor!
Title: Re: Six Days in October - The Consolidated Dispatches of Marshal Lannes
Post by: JasonPratt on June 02, 2018, 07:00:16 PM
Little did we know we were about to trigger the victory condition!

Twice, in fact, since Murat (acting on a modification of the original Plan) was about to intercept the Prussian LoC and ride back down it.  O0

Truly as I said in opening one of those communiques, never had any Emperor of ancient or modern Rome had marshals of this calibre -- and in this game as well!  :notworthy: