Battle of Eylau , February 7-8^th 1807

Map by [HWK]Foxhound

Seeking to follow up his victories in the fall of 1806, Napoleon pressed east into Poland with the goal of destroying the Russian army. Meeting the enemy, under Count von Bennigsen near the village of Eylau on February 7, Napoleon ordered his Grand Armée to concentrate for battle. That evening, French and Russian troops fought near the town with the former taking control. The next morning, outnumbered by the Russians, Napoleon launched a frontal assault to buy time for reinforcements to arrive. This was met by a Russian attack on the French left. Ordering Marshal Pierre Augereau's VII Corps to advance on the right to relieve the pressure, Napoleon was horrified when it became lost in the snow and was decimated by the Russian artillery. With his center beginning to crumble, he ordered Marshal Joachim Murat's cavalry to charge the advancing Russians. Storming forward, they beat back the attackers and then slashed through the Russian guns before retiring back to the French lines. With his center safe, Napoleon began attacking on the right until a Prussian force assaulted his flank forcing it to fall back. After fourteen hours of fighting, the battle ended around 10:00 PM. Though inconclusive, the two sides suffered a combined 30,000-50,000 casualties. Late that night, the Russians withdrew, leaving Napoleon in possession of the field.

Edited text taken from http://www.about.com

The Map

This is an objective map, with areas that both armies need to either protect or capture (circled in red). As can be seen on the mini-map at right, there are 3 such “objective points” behind the Russian army (green) and 3 behind the French army (blue). See the Screen Shot on the previous page for a close-up view of 2 such objective points.

In order to win, one side must clear the points and place the colors on 2 of the 3 enemy objectives. To “place the colors” a player puts a flag man, mounted or on foot, alone or attached to a unit, in the stone circle. This must be done within 45 minutes of game time or else a draw is declared. Do not play this map in a rated room as a “Draw” leaves neither side victorious. Both sides have a limited view of the objective points at all times and can thus verify a claim for victory. Players must agree to abide by these rules before playing and no player should be allowed to play who is not familiar with the map objectives. There is no building or up-grades allowed. French are obligated to attack.