Grossbeeren

Battle had been joined. Bertrand’s IV Corps had become engaged at Blankenfelde, Reynier’s VII Corps, composed primarily of Saxons, had come up against von Bulow’s larger German/Swedish corps in good defensive terrain. Still by 2 pm, those Saxons had pushed …

1813-08-23

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Battle had been joined. Bertrand’s IV Corps had become engaged at Blankenfelde, Reynier’s VII Corps, composed primarily of Saxons, had come up against von Bulow’s larger German/Swedish corps in good defensive terrain. Still by 2 pm, those Saxons had pushed through the woods in front of Grossbeeren and thrown the Prussian defenders out of the village. The victorious Saxons in Grossbeeren were in danger because their position was exposed to a flank attack and could easily be overwhelmed. The Prussians sensed this opportunity and moved forward to the attack. Reynier ordered Lecoq’s Division to advance and protect the French left flank, but it was forced back by the Prussian artillery. The French guns were brought forward to silence them, but the ensuing artillery engagement served only to neutralize both sides’ artillery. Soon von Bulow’s reserves attacked Grossbeeren from front and flank and retook it. A half-hearted Saxon counter attack failed, and Reynier was unable to rally the dispirited Saxons for another attempt, leaving Reynier no choice but to retire. Oudinot realized his advance toward Berlin had failed and ordered a complete withdrawal.

Grossbeeren, Germany

The Battle of Großbeeren occurred on 23 August 1813 in neighboring Blankenfelde and Sputendorf between the Allied Army of the North under Crown Prince Charles John – formerly Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte – and the French under Marshal Nicolas Oudinot. Napoleon had hoped to drive the Prussians out of the Sixth Coalition by capturing their capital, but the swamps south of Berlin combined with rain and the marshal's ill health all contributed to the French defeat.

Wikipedia: Battle of Großbeeren

French

Prussians

Sixth Coalition