Day Four – Prussian Problems

4 March 1813 – North Germany – Day 4

After three days of fighting both armies are in urgent need of rest and resupply

However, as might be expected, the situation is much worse for Blucher than Napoleon.

1^st Prussian corps is operational, but the other three must rally, resupply, reorganise and urgently need battle casualty replacements.   To do any of that they must first evade the French, and then they must halt for at least 24 hours.

Blucher orders 1^st corps to secure his right flank by holding Weyhausen.

2^nd and 4^th corps must retreat to Cremlingen having lost the battle of Brunswick

1^st corps is almost out of supply, and the new depot at Schoningen is empty

So they must also move closer to Cremlingen, which fortunately is the main depot.

The Prussian army must now fight a major battle with a river at its back

Even more important they must hope to be allowed sufficient time to rally and regroup.

Napoleon is quite happy to allow Blucher to concentrate at Cremlingen

A defeat there must mean the destruction of the Prussian army

In preparation he orders 3^rd corps to cross the river Elbe if possible

But at all events to pin 1^st Prussian corps and prevent them moving south

1^st corps is short of supplies, but has not suffered many casualties

They are ordered to occupy Brunswick and observe the Prussian retreat

4^th and 13^th corps have both suffered heavy battle casualties

They are ordered to rally, resupply and reorganise

To advance further east, Napoleon must establish new depots closer to the river Elbe.   He orders new depots at Gifhorn, Brunswick and Wolfenbuttel.   And all supplies to be forwarded from the main depot at Salzgitter.

It will take a couple of days for both armies to rally, resupply and reorganise