Today, Battle of Luckau is a topic that generates great interest and debate in different areas. From the field of politics to science and technology, Battle of Luckau has captured the attention of experts and the general public. In this article, we will analyze the implications and repercussions of Battle of Luckau, as well as its influence on today's society. We will explore different perspectives and opinions on the matter, with the aim of offering a complete and enriching overview of this very relevant topic. From its origins to its evolution, Battle of Luckau has played a crucial role in the history and development of humanity, and its impact will continue to be a topic of discussion for years to come.
Battle of Luckau | |||||||
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Part of the German campaign of the Sixth Coalition | |||||||
German map of the Spring-Campaign 1813 in Germany. | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
France |
Prussia Russia | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Nicolas Oudinot | Friedrich Wilhelm von Bülow | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
18,000 | 21,400 | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
2,200 killed, wounded or captured | 800 killed or wounded | ||||||
The Battle of Luckau was fought at Luckau in Brandenburg on 4 June 1813 during the War of the Sixth Coalition. Prussian and Russian forces under General Friedrich Wilhelm von Bülow defeated part of a French-Allied corps under Marshal Nicolas Oudinot.
After the French victory over the coalition armies at Bautzen on 21 May, Napoleon sent the XII Corps under the command of Oudinot north toward Berlin to protect against the activities of Bülow. On 27 May, after the two forces clashed along the Black Elster River at Hoyerswerda, Bülow's corps withdrew and scattered northwest to Jüterbog and north to the vicinity of Cottbus. On 3 June, Bülow moved his forces from Cottbus northwest to Luckau in an attempt to linkup with his forces at Jüterbog. When Oudinot discovered that Bülow had moved to Luckau, he went to intercept.
Oudinot's vanguard reached Luckau at 9 a.m. on 4 June and immediately attacked. Oudinot commanded the XII Corps and brought only General of Division Michel Marie Pacthod's 13th Division into action. This unit consisted of two brigades under Generals of Brigade Bernard Pourailly and Antoine Gruyer. Pourailly led the 7th Battalion of the 6th Line Infantry Regiment, the 3rd and 4th Battalions of the 7th Line, the 4th Battalion of the 1st Light, and the 4th Battalion of the 10th Line. Gruyer directed the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions of the 101st Line Infantry Regiment, and the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 1st Neapolitan Light Infantry Regiment. Also engaged in the fight were two foot artillery batteries and two squadrons each of the Bavarian and Hesse-Darmstatt Chevau-léger Regiments.
The French were initially successful in forcing the allies back into the walled portion of the town. Bülow's force consisted of 16 and a half battalions, 10 squadrons, 1 Cossack Pulk, and 58 guns. His 15,800 men included a Russian brigade led by General-major Harpe and a Prussian brigade commanded by Prince Ludwig von Hesse-Homburg.
The French attempted to attack the walls and breakthrough, but were unsuccessful. Bülow took advantage of the situation, reinforced his cavalry, and initiated an attack on the French flanks. After a fight that lasted throughout the afternoon, Oudinot withdrew 40 kilometres (25 mi) southwest to Übigau near Dresden.
The Russians and Prussians lost about 800 killed and wounded in the action. The French and their allies suffered 1,500 killed and wounded. In addition, Bülow's soldiers captured 700 men, one cannon, and two ammunition wagons.
On 4 June 1813, both sides had agreed to the seven-week Truce of Pläswitz. In August, Napoleon's order to take the Prussian capital of Berlin led to the Battle of Großbeeren.
Preceded by Siege of Tarragona (1813) |
Napoleonic Wars Battle of Luckau |
Succeeded by Battle of Vitoria |