Second battle of Colbitz - Move 2

0900 to 1000

6 April 1813

Table at the start of Move 2

First – Prussian CinC

8 command points

Pass command to 4 corps

Note – The CinC must be in contact with the corps commander

He has done this to ensure that 4 corps move this turn.

It costs 3CP, so the corps will have 5CP

Second – 4 Prussian corps

Orders – Engage farm

5 command points

Change orders from Engage to Halt

Cavalry form line from column ready to engage enemy cavalry

Leading infantry brigade form square, in case cavalry lose melee

Note – Because IV French corps are approaching on Magdeburg road 4 corps can no longer move towards the farm. By changing his orders to Halt he can deploy to face IV corps.

Third - French CinC

8 command points

Move 48” to join IV corps

Change IV corps orders from Attack to Engage Colbitz

Move 48” to join VI corps

Note - All of the French corps are now on Engage rather than Attack orders.

This prevents an all out attack in any circumstances, and gives the CinC more control of the battle.

Fourth – VI French corps

Orders – Engage Colbitz

5 command points

Whole corps moves 8” in column of march

Change from column of march to column of attack

Fifth – IV French corps

Orders – Engage Colbitz

6 command points

Cavalry advance 12” to screen corps advance

Remainder of corps advance 8” in column of march

Infantry change from column of march to column of attack

Note – Brigades in column of march are very vunerable as they can not fight

It is very adviseable to change to column of attack when approaching enemy

Sixth – 2 Prussian corps

Orders – Engage Farm

5 command points

Cavalry form line from column

Advance 12” to protect corps advance

Remainder of corps advance 8” in column of march

Seventh - Poor Card

No effect as 2 and 4 Prussian corps have already had their move

Eighth – V French corps

Orders – Engage farm

6 command points

Cavalry move 24” towards enemy cavalry

Rest of corps move 16” towards farm in column of march

Rule Notes

The Prussians were lucky that both of their Poor commanders had their move before the Poor Card was drawn.

The rapid advance of the French, or the slow deployment of the Prussians, have resulted in a Prussian deployment in and around Colbitz.