Bagration vs. Lannes

French OOB

by Chris J. Hahn

Notes on French Order of Battle:

1. The Bowden text details the variety of artillery under Suchet's command: 4 pound cannon to 6-inch howitzers to a couple of 12 pound guns. (496) The total number of guns is 14, which makes for two 7-gun batteries. Accepting the 4 pound guns, both batteries were classed as "field" batteries.

2. The Light Infantry Battalions of the 17th Regiment are classed as Elites and given a 5 / 2 Morale Rating. Referring again to the Bowden narrative, I find that this Regiment is one of the oldest in the French Army, is very welltrained and eager for battle. (391)

3. In the strength rolls of the units under Suchet on that December morning, the 34th Regiment of the Line is reported having a total strength of 1615 men under arms, and having these men in three (3) battalions. However, consultation of the disposition of the 3rd Division shows only two (2) battalions of the 34th in formation. A re-reading of the battle narrative strongly suggests that there were just two (2) battalions in the 34th. The Osprey text also lists the Regiment having just two (2) battalions. Perhaps this is just a typographical error? It does strike me as odd that a French Line Battalion would have a battle-strength of 800 men, especially since neighboring Regiments of the same Division were fielding Battalions ranging from 526 to 714 men. Dividing 1,615 by 3, I arrive at a Battalion numbering roughly 538 effectives. This number is closer to the others in the same Division and seems to reflect the attrition of a cross Europe march and of engagements prior to Austerlitz.

4. The 13th Legere Infantry under Eppler is classed as Elites just like its counterpart in the 3rd Division. (Bowden, 389)

5. The Horse Artillery of Walther's Dragoon Division is given a Morale Rating of 2 / 0 to reflect the fact that only three (3) pieces are in the battery. In my opinion, this seems more like a half-battery or section and so, the reduced rating.

6. One could make the argument that the French Line Regiments of both Divisions lining the Brunn-Omultz Road should also be classed as Elites. In the interest of "balance" in the scenario and lacking any specific reference to the contrary (unlike that evidence available for the Light Regiments), the Regular French Battalions are classed as such: Regulars (Morale Rating of 4/1)

7. The Horse Artillery Batteries for both Heavy Cavalry Divisions were reduced for the same reason cited in Number 5, above.

8. The Brigade of Carabiniers under Piston numbers just 386 effectives. (Bowden again, 497) As this number is below the minimal number listed in the SHAKO Rules (page 1), they could have been given a Morale Rating of "lesser" cavalry. However, these French horsemen were superb and 14 seems an awfully fine line with respect to reducing the rating of such cavalry. If their combined strength had been 350 or less, then I would not have had any such reservation.

9. Picard's command of cavalry is described as "mixed," as the order of battle provided by Bowden shows one regiment of Hussars and one of Chasseurs in the Brigade. Further, this particular Brigade is given a higher rating than "standard" Light Cavalry. (Bowden, 400 - the 5th Chasseurs are referred to as "Elite.")

10. The Bowden text is the only source containing any mention of the captured Austrian pieces (very light guns) that were positioned on The Santon. (393)

Adding these captured pieces into the "force equation," the total strength of the French left under Marshals Lannes and Murat is:

Cavalry 1,133 + 5,810 = 6,943

Infantry of the two divisions 12,818

Artillery 23+ 12+ 18 = 53 guns (includes Austrian guns)

On this flank of the battlefield then, A. N. Other is incorrect. The Russians are outnumbered by the French in every category save that of artillery. And here, there is near parity.

Bagration vs. Lannes Shako Treatment of Right of Austerlitz

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