Salzwedel Campaign – Day 10

Campaign Map on 31 September 1813

With the loss of Salzwedel, Blucher orders his army to retreat

2^nd corps and the reserve are already in rout

1^st corps retreats from Dahre, abandoning the depot there

3^rd corps retreats from Kalden, abandoning the depot there

Napoleon orders 1^st corps to occupy Salzwedel

The Reserve moves with them, even though they are out of supplies

13^th corps is ordered to occupy Kladen

3^rd corps is ordered to rally and regroup at Gifhorn

The French army have lost 8800 infantry and 500 cavalry but no guns

The Prussian army have lost 12800 infantry, 1100 cavalry and 12 guns

Napoleon has won the Salzwedel campaign

Campaign Notes

Blucher has suffered a crushing defeat at Salzwedel, and has no alternative but to order a general retreat.

2^nd corps and the reserve are in rout and he has no control over them

1^st corps has won a convincing victory at Dahre and his left flank is secure.   But with the loss of his centre they must also retreat to avoid being cut off.

3^rd corps could hold its own at Kladen, but is not strong enough to attack to raise the siege.   Again they must retreat to avoid being cut off.

Napoleon occupies Salzwedel with 1^st corps, and by doing so has won the campaign.   

The French reserve are out of supply, and will suffer attrition casualties.  But despite this he orders them to advance with 1^st corps.  This is just in case Blucher attempts to retake the city with 1^st and 3^rd corps.

3^rd French corps are battered and will need a few days to recover from their defeat a Dahre.   They are ordered to rally and resupply at Gifhorn.

Although 1^st and 3^rd Prussian corps are still operational, they are unable to concentrate and offer any further resistance.   But the two weak French corps at Salzwedel are still vulnerable until he can concentrate all of his army