The Battle of Lauenburg never happened

The setting is July, 1813, near the city of Lauenburg on the River Elbe. The French and their allies are heading straight for Berlin in two columns, the northernmost of which is approaching Lauenburg. History tells us that the Allies chose not to make a stand here because they didn't have the troops to face the French. This "what if?" wargame explored the possibility that a good-sized Allied blocking force met the French in the north of Germany.

Marshall Davout commands the French 13th Corps, made up of 3 French infantry divisions, 2 French cavalry brigades, and a small Danish Corps of 5 brigades (1 of which is a cavalry brigade).

Russian General of Artillery Preobreshensky commands an army composed of 2 Russian reserve artillery batteries, 3 Russian infantry divisions, 1 Russian cavalry division, 2 Swedish infantry divisions, and 1 Swedish cavalry division.

A view of the battlefield from the city of Lauenburg on the Elbe River. The French and their Danish allies enter the board on the left, the Russians and Swedes enter on the right.

An advance guard (at center) of Russian troops faces the whole French/Danish army.

The French advance to the small center village.

Massed Russian infantry breathes a sigh of relief as the artillery is brough forward.

The Russian center is a mass of all arms (infantry, cavalry, artillery).

A Swedish unit heads for the small bridge.

Swedes advance to the right of the city of Lauenburg.

The French right flank advances to a stream.

The mass of the French/Danish force, with cavalry in behind and center.

The main bodies of the two armies stare each other down. The Russian advance guard has fallen back to its supporting gun line.

Another view of the new Russian front line.

The mass of the French center infantry, supported by the Danes.

French cavalry on the right flank begins a wide sweeping move in the direction of Lauenburg.

French units in the center-right march steadily into the Swedes across the stream.

That's what I call TROOP DENSITY.

The Russian center awaits its destiny.

The French line smashes into the Russians.

Quick, cannister at close range!

French troops threaten the bridge over the stream.

Doughty Swedes on the Allied left flank.

The leftmost Swedish division advances.

French cavalry on the right flank.

Another view to illustrate the mass of forces in this battle.

Russians and Swedes.

The greedy, grasping French! (Or is it Danes?)

The enemy are intently engaged--but the child is unconcerned for the fate of Europe.

More intent interest by giant generals.

The middle of the French line has fallen back behind an artillery battery.

French infantry mask more cavalry movements to the right flank.

Allied cavalry sluggishly redeploys to the left--or at least attempts to.

A savage Russian gun line.

More Russian artillery is deployed in the center as it arrives on the field.

A small band of lancers threatens the French flank.

A Russian infantry charge: straight into the French guns!

A stalwart Danish unit is pushing the Russian right flank back into cover.

The Allied counter-attack in the center, with cavalry following behind.

The Swedes go on the offensive on the left flank.

On the Allied far left, a thin line of Swedish infantry prepares to make a stand against French cavalry.

Near the battle's end.

Pow! The Swedes have formed square just before being hit by three enemy cavalry brigades! (Incredibly, they held their ground.)

The French center collapses as more troops enter on the road.

The plucky Danes are peppered with artillery fire from three locations.

Russians advance in the center as the French redeploy their artillery batteries.

Any battle involving Russians requires a cast of thousands. Here are but a few who fought doggedly on this day. Doff your shakos!