The Italians in 1813

Battle of Wartenburg

by A. Ricciadello, Poland

Blucher left Sacken to face Macdonald after the events of the Katzbach, and went to join up with the Swedes along the Elbe. In front of Wartenburg (Map 2) Bulow started to throw over a bridge. Ney, having learnt all of this sent Bertrand to destroy the bridge. Morand was entrusted with the task, the other 2 divisions stayed at Duben.

From information gathered from the locals it seemed that the bridge had been open for two days and the cavalry reported an enemy column marching to Wartenburg. To clarify the situation, on 23 September, Bertrand sent out a reconnaissance force and learnt that the bridge was in fact not quite finished and the enemy were over the river in small numbers. With this knowledge he advanced all of Morand's division.

Later on, from a few prisoners, Bertrand learned that some 500 cavalry and a few companies had actually crossed, but the bridge was indeed serviceable and that at this point in time significant numbers of men were on his side of the river.

At this point Bertrand decided to be prudent and held up Morand from going further. He waited for reinforcements which arrived on the 24 September, i.e. the other 2 divisions. Morand then attacked the village and the heights, supported by the other two divisions forcing the enemy back to the river. The heights were occupied by Morand whilst the Wurtemberg division went around Bleddin and the Italians behind Morand as a reserve.

The terrain from the foot of the heights to the river was marshy and constituted a serious obstacle. The enemy then restricted himself to observing the French.

1 October Blucher decided to cross at Wartenburg with 60000 men against Bertrand's 12000. During the morning of 3 Oct. the Prussians crossed the river and advanced on Wartenburg. On nearing the French they came under such intense fire that they retreated in disorder to the bridge. Blucher decided to try and turn the position by attacking Bleddin. The Wurtembergers put up stiff resistance but fatigued and outnumbered were forced to retreat, and were it not for Berthier sending Hulot's and Moroni's brigades to help them out they would have been in dire trouble

Seeing the Wurtembergers retreat to Globing the position became untenable, and Bertrand had by night all his men at Kemberg, (the Italians less 500) ready for the road to Leipzig.

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