The Battle of Leipzig Recreated

Situation

by Bruce Weeks

Leipzig was the first attempt by the New England Wargamers to recreate a large multi-corps level action using the 1st Edition rules Grand Tactics. In addition several concepts of game preparation and planning that had worked well in a previous game were attempted. These included off-board placement and movement of major units, little or nothing in the way of intelligence as to the opponent's mission or forces, and finally, insistence on relatively historical organization of forces.

Despite unfamiliarity with the rules and some of their particular wargaming history and concepts, both commanders tried to place themselves in the situation and to act accordingly. ED NOTE: Grand Tactics is an unpublished set of rules being developed by the author.

SITUATION

Although hopelessly outnumbered by the allies, Napoleon realized all too well the intrinsic strength of the Leipzig position and would not withdraw as long as an opportunity presented itself to drive the major allied army back upon the Bohemian mountains in rout. He accordingly massed his strength south of Leipzig behind a screen of his less powerful corps with the intention of allowing the allies to wear away their strength before he delivered the crushing blow in person.

Schwarzenburg, under the pressure of the Emperor of Russia and the King of Prussia, committed himself to a drive along both sides of the Pleisse river in the hope of seizing Leipzig and thereby sitting astride the supposed lines of communication of the French Army. Trusting to his overwhelming advantage in strength, particularly in cavalry, and the lack of defensible terrain, he expected to be in Leipzig before all the French corps could concentrate.

More Leipzig

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