Battle of Saalfeld 1806

A Discussion

IV: Lannes' Initial Disposition and Deployment

by Jean A. Lochet

In spite of the very clear Prussian dispositions, Lannes has nevertheless sent patrols to prevent any surprises. Light cavalry parties had also occupied Beulwitz as well as the eastern comer of the forest, on the right above the gap of the Saale. They scouted from that point in all directions in order to confirm all the reports concerning the enemy.

How is Lannes going to develop his attack against an enemy so neatly drawn on the foot of the hills?

He decides to attack from the left. In that direction, the attack may be prepared without the enemy being aware of it. The attack will be launched between Aue, the Sandberg and Wolsdorf, where the ground is easy to advance over, though hilly. It is now 10 a.m. The French column is arriving but the march grows slower because of the congestion of the road. Three to four hours pass before all the units can be deployed and assembled on the reconnoitered ground.

But, one must realize that during such a long lapse of time, the enemy may attack the debouching columns. He must be prevented from doing so. That is the task of the advance­guard.

To "stand on guard" is to get hold of everything that may help in checking the enemy's advance. Such is the first act in the preparation for the battle. [5]

So, Lannes ordered the following dispositions: (see Map 2)

    (1) The "elite" battalion will continue to drive back on Saalfeld the Prussian posts holding the hill and will stop at Garnsdorf, which it will occupy in strength. Cavalry will place themselves in reserve at the bottom of the Siegenbach valley. Then, the 17th Leger will send its two "elite" companies to occupy the north-east comer of the wood facing the gap of the Saale, which they will have to defend. That regiment will occupy, with the reminder of its forces, Beulwitz, which it will reach by marching along the woods. The artillery section will fight at Garnsdorf. General Claparede will command at Beulwitz and General Victor will command at Garnsdorf and south of it.

    (2) The remainder of the Division will march through the wood or along the outskirts of the wood, making for Beulwitz (the remainder of the Division consists of four regiments and artillery).

    (3) The "points d'appui" of Garnsdorf and Beulwitz must be connected by skirmishers. Cavalry are to establish themselves behind those skirmishers.

Later, after the troops shall have arrived in sufficient numbers, this front - which is still weak - will be consolidated by a reserve; it will be formed of the last two battalions arriving on the ground.

As seen from the above, Lannes' dispositions tends from the outset towards Beulwitz. At about 11, the French had established two companies at the southern comer of the wood, one battalion and two guns at Garnsdorf and two battalions at Beulwitz. [6]

From the comer of the wood to Beulwitz the distance is 3500 yards. Lannes is not afraid, as seen above, to spread his advance guard over so considerable a front. That is the 3 1/2 battalions and his cavalry brigade. It must be realized that, so far, troops are only taking possession of the ground, more or less being simple watchmen.

The artillery section (under Simonet), making use of a favorable position, opens fire against a much superior battery (12 guns, 1 heavy battery and 1/2 light one) and against the troops at Saalfeld, that is two battalions which are holding in the open the approach to that town. The artillery section is supported in its action by a line of skirmishers established on the ridge and by the occupation of Garnsdorf.

At Beulwitz, the 17th Leger has occupied the village and sent out skirmishers who, using gardens and orchards, have arrived near Crosten. Some scouting is also carried out to the north of this regiment by cavalry patrols. At Beulwitz as at Garnsdorf, the skirmishers have crept up on the formed, unsheltered enemy to deliver a very deadly fire.

Unopposed by the enemy, Lannes' troops continue to deploy and by I pm., the greater part of the French are found to have arrived as ordered.

The Opponents

THE OPPONENTS AT SAALFELD: ON THE LEFT MARSHAL LANNES AND ON THE RIGHT PRINCE LOUIS FERDINAND VON PRUSSEN. IN SPITE OF HIS YOUNG AGE (HE WAS ONLY 36) LANNES WAS ALREADY A VETERAN AND AN EXTREMELY CAPABLE COMMANDER FORMED IN THE WARS OF THE REVOLUTION AND THE CAMPAIGN OF 1805. HE CAN BE CLASSED AMONG THE MARSHALS WITH MASSENA AND DAVOUT. AT SAALFELD HE COMMANDED THE VTH CORPS AND WITH ONLY PART OF HIS CORPS, I.E. SUCHET'S DIVISION AND TRELLIARD'S CAVALRY BRIGADE, HE DEFEATED THE MORE NUMEROUS PRUSSIAN-SAXONS UNDER PRINCE LOUIS FERDINAND VON PRUSSEN (1772 - 1806). THE LATER DID NOT HAVE THE MILITARY EXPERIENCE OF LANNES BUT WAS, ALONG WITH QUEEN LOUISE OF PRUSSIA, AMONG THE GREATEST ADVOCATES OF THE WAR PARTY WITH FRANCE. HE WAS A VERY BRAVE MAN AND WAS KILLED AT THE END OF THE BATTLE.


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