Gera Campaign – Day 9

9 May 1813 – Central Germany – Day 9

In the north 5^th French army attack Naumburg

2^nd Russian army abandon the city and retreat east to Kretzschau

In the centre 4^th French army occupy Jena

1^st Russian army retreat to Jena

 

In the south 6^th French army rally, regroup and resupply at Sulza

3^rd Russian army rally at Lederhose

 

Both armies are both now low on supplies and in need of reinforcements

Neither are capable of renewing hostilities

The French have failed to take Gera

However they have finally forced the Russians to retreat from the border

It is a limited French victory, but still a victory.

Comment

After nine days the French have won the Gera campaign phase.

They have won four of the six battles fought

 

Despite this it has not been an easy or a clear cut victory for the French

They have failed to take their campaign objective, the town of Gera

Indeed they have been hard put to establish themselves in Gera District

 

Strange that the Russians never seem to do well in the campaign.

Out of 16 phases fought so far, they have only won three.

There is no obvious reason for this, they are similar quality to the French.

Their cavalry are weaker, having two Cossack brigades

But their artillery is stronger, having more 12 pounders than the French

So in theory the two should balance each other.

 

Looking forward to returning to Spain for the next phase