Göhrde

Although still officially in a period of armistice, Napoleon had Oudinot and Davout in motion early August 1813. Davout halted his movement, however, after receiving word of Oudinot’s defeat at Grossbeeren. Weeks of skirmishing followed between Wallmoden’s corps and the …

1813-09-18

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Although still officially in a period of armistice, Napoleon had Oudinot and Davout in motion early August 1813. Davout halted his movement, however, after receiving word of Oudinot’s defeat at Grossbeeren. Weeks of skirmishing followed between Wallmoden’s corps and the French, until an Allied force crossed the Elbe to threaten Davout’s line of communications. Davout acted quickly and ordered General Pecheux with one brigade of infantry to clear the area. Fortunately for the Allies, they intercepted a courier with details of the movement. Wallmoden concentrated his polyglot corps and marched to overwhelm Pecheux’s small force. Pecheux reached Steinker Heights on the 18th and foolishly deployed for battle. Both of his French regiments bore veteran numbers, but were now composed mainly of young recruits. Wallmoden’s three columns, still marching into the area, were ordered to attack as they arrived. On the left, General von Arentschildt’s Russo-German Legion, moved toward Oldendorf. His men were mainly Prussians captured in Russia in 1812. Now uniformed and trained by the Russians, but paid for by Britain, they fought where the British dictated. General Lyon, in the center, advanced through the woods with his green Hanoverian volunteers along with a few veteran King’s German Legion units. General Dörnberg’s cavalry, artillery and the British rockets were on the enemy’s left flank. The French defensive position on Steinker Hill proved too strong for the Allied piecemeal attacks and were easily repulsed. Around 4PM, Wallmoden’s entire force, now in position, was ordered to advance. The French, seeing the large body of infantry, supported by artillery, began to retreat. The British rockets spread terror through the French ranks, and the retreat became a rout.

Göhrde, Germany

The battle of the Göhrde was a battle of the War of the Sixth Coalition on 18 September 1813 between French and Coalition troops at Göhrde in Germany. The French troops were defeated and withdrew to Hamburg.

Wikipedia: Battle of the Göhrde

French

Portuguese / British / Prussians / Russians

Sixth Coalition