Battle of Hanau October 30-31 1813

Map by [HWK]Foxhound

The Battle of Hanau was fought on (October 30 and October 31, 1813) between Karl Philipp von Wrede’s Austro-Bavarian corps and Napoleon's retreating French during the War of the Sixth Coalition. Following Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Leipzig earlier in October, Napoleon began to retreat from Germany into France and relative safety. Wrede attempted to block Napoleon’s line of retreat at Hanau on 30 October. Napoleon arrived before Hanau with reinforcements and defeated Wrede’s forces. On 31 October Hanau was in French control, opening Napoleon’s line of retreat.

Wrede, following successful skirmishing against the French, began to deploy his forces to face the main French force of 20,000. On the 30 October, Wrede placed his centre with the River Kinzig behind it, and his right wing to its south in an isolated position with only a single bridge linking it with the main force.

Napoleon had only 17,000 troops including Marshal MacDonald’s infantry and General Sébastiani’s cavalry to face the enemy forces blocking them. Due to dense forests on the east of Wrede’s positions the French were able to advance and make close contact with the allies almost unseen. Napoleon decided to attack the allies' left with all available troops.

By midday Marshal Victor and MacDonald had cleared the forest in front of the Allied centre of allied forces. Soon after General Drouot found a track in the forest towards Wrede’s left capable of moving cannons through. Three hours later Grenadiers of the Old Guard had cleared the area of allied troops, and Drouot began to deploy 50 cannons supported by cavalry of the Guard and Sébastiani. A brief artillery bombardment from Drouot’s cannons silenced Wrede’s 28 cannons. French cavalry then attacked and pushed back Wrede’s cavalry on his left flank, then attacked the flank of Wrede’s centre. Wrede’s centre started to fall back, skirting the banks of the Kinzig River suffering heavy casualties. On the right wing, Wrede’s forces tried to cross the single bridge over the Kinzig River to reinforce the centre, but many drowned trying to cross the bridge. Wrede was successful in rallying his troops to form a defensive line running from the Lamboy Bridge to the Town of Hanau. During the night the allies abandoned Hanau. The French occupied Hanau on 31 October with little resistance. Napoleon made no effort to pursue Wrede, the main road to Frankfurt was now reopened, the French retreat continued. The Battle of Hanau was a minor battle, but an important tactical victory allowing Napoleon’s Army to retreat onto French soil.

Text taken form Wikipedia

The Map

Napoleon’s defeated army (blue) is here heading back to France and safety, but the road has been cut-off. In keeping with the nature of this battle, an important objective has been given for the French player…secure the road home. This is done by placing the colors in all 3 of the objective circles seen on this mini map, symbolizing possession of the road. Once this is accomplished, the French player is declared victorious and the Austro/Bavarian army (green) is defeated. Though no upgrades or building are allowed, the French player should beware…on the far side of the Kinzig River is the isolated Allied right flank. Using a single bridge, this flank will eventually be given the command to cross. This command comes at 40 minutes game time, and if the road has not been opened by then, this arrival may prove too much for any beleaguered French army not yet safely on its way, though there is no time limit set on achieving the objective. All players should understand and agree to abide by these rules before playing.