Clash of Empires The Napoleonic Wars The Battle of Jena-Auerstadt 1806

In this article I’m going to use the Clash Battle System to recreate Napoleon’s victories over the Prussians at the Battles of Jena-Auerstadt. In this campaign again is demonstrated the speed and flexibility of the corps d’ armẻe system albeit against an opponent whose military thinking was outdated and inflated by past glory under Frederick the Great.

Background

Following his victory at Austerlitz Napoleon removed the last vestiges of the Holy Roman Empire and established the Confederation of the Rhine as a buffer between France and any potential enemy in Europe. However, this increase in French power provoked Prussia into preparing for war which included the forcible incorporation of two Saxon divisions into their army. In addition to this the Russians were planning to give support to Prussia. Alerted to this Napoleon immediately went on the offensive with the aim of destroying the main Prussian army before Russian aid could reach them. Still mostly in southern Germany the French army set out with its customary speed and descended upon Prussia on a wide front with its movement screened by light cavalry. The Grand Army consisted of about 180,000 men divided into six corps which were in close supporting distance of each other and moving in a great square formation. This strategy of all round defence enabled the army to concentrate in any direction. As for the Prussians they mustered an army of about 120,000 troops under the overall command of the septuagenarian Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick. When Napoleon caught up with the Prussian army it was in the process of retreating from the vicinity of the town of Jena to Leipzig by way of Auerstadt which was about 15 miles north of their original position. The Prussian force at Jena was scattered over a wide area to protect Brunswick’s rear and consisted of 50,000 men under the command of Prince Ludwig Hohenlohe. Napoleon thinking that this was the Prussian main army immediately prepared for battle and gave the order for his dispersed corps to envelop the enemy. Napoleon had some 96,000 troops available to take part in the battle. After seizing the commanding position of the Landgrafenberg plateau Napoleon massed a large number of troops and guns on its summit. It was here that the main action of the day took place. Following some initial successes, the Prussians were preparing to storm the plateau but waited too long in an unprotected position for reinforcements. Thus exposed the 20,000 Prussian infantry were shot to pieces and forced back. Crucially the Prussians had no reserve, whereas Napoleon’s summoned formations were beginning to make their presence felt. As this unremitting pressure grew the Emperor gave the order for a general advance which swept the enemy from the field. The end of the battle was marked by a charge by Murat’s cuirassiers who finished off the last remaining Prussian battalions.

Meanwhile, Davout’s 3rd. corps of 26,000 troops, as ordered, were advancing from Naumberg to Apolda to cut off any Prussian retreat. Unexpectedly, however, they crashed into the Prussian main body of 60,000 troops at Auerstadt. An epic defensive battle ensued during which the Duke of Brunswick was mortally wounded and King Frederick William III assumed command. However, he was out of his depth as became evident when the Prussian cavalry launched a series of rash attacks against French infantry in squares without artillery support. After these wasteful attacks were beaten off, Davout’s divisions pressed forward in a crescent-shaped formation that threatened to turn the Prussian flanks. Despite suffering heavy casualties from the numerically superior Prussian artillery the French attack was successful and the already wavering Prussian army broke.

At Jena Prussian losses were about 27,000 men whereas at Auerstadt they lost 25,000 killed and wounded and many more taken prisoner. French casualties were approximately 13,000 on both fields. As the French army swept northwards after the remnants of the Prussian army Napoleon entered Berlin in triumph on 24th of October. Frederick William fled to Russia and it was nearly seven years before the Prussians dared to take the field against Napoleon again. As a presage of this the last Prussian command to surrender was that of the grizzled veteran and warhorse Gebhard von Blűcher.    

Using the Clash of Empires rules the battle strength and capabilities of the combatants can be shown as follows: -

French Army at Jena

The French forces at Jena consist of 29 Infantry units, 10 Cavalry units and 9 Artillery units (incl. of 3 Horse Artillery). These are divided into 4 Corps and one Reserve Cavalry Corps. By this period the Emperor Napoleon has created his La Grande Armẻe which uses the corps d’ armẻe system (see below). The French Army is now classified as Superior in quality and as such uses 2D10 (highest scoring die only) for its Battle Dice and gets a +1 to Initiative. All units are trained regulars and therefore, the Infantry units have a Combat Rating of ❶, Cavalry ❷, and Artillery ❸ (❹for Horse Artillery). On the Combat Rating to Fighting Bonus Conversion Table in the rulebook this equates to +8 FB for the Infantry, +5 FB for the Cavalry, and +8 FB for the Artillery (incl. of Horse Artillery).  This gives a total of +21 FB. For Tactical Deployment the French are using the Mixed Order (Odre Mixte) as their predominant formation. This formation gets a +1 modifier for Infantry Melee and is resilient to Cavalry Shock Action. This army has got a significant Heavy Cavalry force present so gets a formidable +2 modifier for Cavalry Shock Action. The rest of the cavalry consists of Hussars, Lancers and Dragoons which can be used for reconnaissance, screening and pursuit operations. The carrying out of these activities is represented as follows: - For +1 Initiative bonus roll 5-6 on 1D6. Modify by +1 for every 3 French Cavalry units and -1 for every 3 Prussian Cavalry units. For the pursuit of a defeated enemy again roll 5-6 on 1D6 and modify by +1 for every 3 Cavalry units. If successful increase opponent’s losses by +1 on the Casualty Table.  Napoleon has also equipped his Grande Armẻe with a Grand Battery of heavy guns which gives his army an Artillery Attrition modifier of +2. A brilliant strategist and outstanding tactician Napoleon’s command status is that of Inspired and therefore rolls 2D6 for Initiative (highest scoring die only). By this period the Emperor has also established a Marshalate consisting of a select group of his most talented subordinate generals which gives a +2 bonus to Initiative. Thus, the French army at Jena rolls 2D6+3 for Initiative with a further +1 modifier if a successful reconnaissance roll is made. At Jena all available troops are fed into the battle with none being kept back in a Tactical Reserve. At Jena the French slightly outnumber the Prussians so get a 1D6 Battle Advantage die. 

Prussian Army at Jena

The Prussian forces at Jena consist of 15 Infantry units (incl. of 2 Elite Grenadier units), 9 Cavalry units and 6 Artillery units (incl. of 1 Horse Artillery unit). These are divided into 5 ad-hoc formations. The Prussian army is of Ordinary quality and uses 2D8 for its Battle Dice (highest scoring die only). All units are trained regulars and therefore most of the Infantry have a Combat Rating of ❶, Cavalry ❷ and Artillery ❸. The 2 Elite Grenadier units have a Combat Rating of ❷, while the 1 Horse Artillery unit has a Combat Rating of ❹. On the Combat Rating to Fighting Bonus Conversion Table in the rulebook this equates to +4/+1 FB for the Infantry, +5 FB for the Cavalry and +5 FB for the Artillery. This gives a total of +15 FB for the Prussian army. The Prussians of this period favour an older system of warfare as used by Frederick the Great which places emphasis on inflexible linear tactics and with no light infantry support. For Tactical Deployment the Prussians are using the Defensive Line (3 ranks) as their predominant formation. This traditional three rank formation gets a +1 (+2 Initiative Win) modifier for Infantry Firepower but is vulnerable to Cavalry Shock Action. The Prussian army has got a significant Heavy Cavalry contingent but unlike the French they are confined to a supportive role to the infantry and are not concentrated into a decisive strike force. Therefore, they don’t get the +2 modifier for Cavalry Shock Action. The rest of the cavalry consists of Hussars, Lancers and Dragoons which can be used for reconnaissance, screening and pursuit operations. The carrying out of these activities is represented as follows: - For +1 Initiative bonus roll 5-6 on 1D6. Modify by +1 for every 3 Prussian Cavalry units and -1 for every 3 French Cavalry units. For the pursuit of a defeated enemy again roll 5-6 on 1D6 and modify by +1 for every 3 Cavalry units. If successful increase opponent’s losses by +1 on the Casualty Table. The command status of Prince Ludwig Hohenlohe is that of Competent and therefore rolls 1D6 for Initiative. A lack of experienced officers means that there is no superior command structure bonus for this army. Thus, the Prussian army at Jena rolls 1D6 for Initiative with a +1 modifier if a successful reconnaissance roll is made. 

*(#) Initiative also reflects the overall performance of an army on the battlefield regarding steadiness of musket volleys, effectiveness of hand-to-hand combat and adroitness of action moves such as changing formation to square as defence against cavalry. The general success of these actions is represented by the second modifier in brackets which can only be activated by an Initiative win.

Napoleonic Clash Battle Procedure:

1. Initiative

2. Cavalry Reconnaissance/Screening. For +1 Initiative bonus roll 5-6 on 1D6. Modify by +1 for every 3 of your own Cavalry units and -1 for every 3 of your opponent’s Cavalry units.  

3. Battle Dice (highest scoring die only).

4. Army Combat Rating (CR) to Fighting Bonus (FB).

5. Calculate Battle Bonus. (Determined by various Battle Factors and expressed in the form of a Points Value which converts into one or more Battle Bonus Dice).

6. Any other Battle Advantages such as opponent outnumbered or Tactical Advantage.

7. Total Battle Roll.

8. Pursuit of defeated enemy. For +1 bonus to enemy losses on Casualty Table roll 5-6 on 1D6. Modify score by +1 for every 3 Cavalry units.

Highest scoring Battle Roll wins and the difference between the two scores determines the number of casualties.

Conversion and Casualty Tables not shown.

French Army at Jena 

Initiative	Battle Dice	No. of Units and Combat Rating (CR) to Fighting Bonus (FB)	Battle Bonus	Battle Advantage Dice	Total Score
2D6 +3 = 5 and 5 5+3 = 8 Recce/Screening 5-6 on 1D6 = 2 Fail Recce/Screening	2D10 (Highest die only) 8 and 8 Evens Dice	Inf ❶x 29 = +8 FB Cav ❷x 10 = +5 FB Art ❸x7 = +5 FB H. Art ❹x3 = +3 FB Total = +21 FB Deployment = Mixed Order All available dispersed formations fed into the battle.	26 Points Converts to 4D6 6,5,3,2 (Double Bonus) 6x2+5+3+2 = 22	Tactical Advantage 2D6 Opponent outnumbered 1D6 4+1+5 = 10	8+21+22+10 = 61 Pursuit 5-6 on 1D6+ = N/A

Battle Bonus Calculation

Battle Factor (1D6)	Modifiers	Score	Points Value
Artillery Attrition	Horse Artillery +1/Grand Battery +2	4+3	7
Infantry Firepower	Light Infantry Tactics +1	6+1	7
Infantry Melee	Mixed Order +1	4+1	5
Cavalry Shock Action	Heavy Cavalry +2/Versus Line (3 ranks) +1 (+2)	3+4	7
			Total = 26

Roll 1D6 for each Battle Factor and apply modifiers to find total points value and then compare with total FB on the conversion table (in rulebook) to calculate Battle Bonus Dice. Double Bonus for odds or evens Battle Dice. For multiple dice double highest scoring die only.

Notes: - The French fail their reconnaissance roll but nevertheless score 8 for Initiative which yields a 2D6 Tactical Advantage. This is complemented by two 8’s on the Battle Dice which are even numbers. Thus bolstered, high scores are achieved for all aspects of the battle which contributes to a formidable Battle Bonus of 22. The resultant Battle Roll is an impressive 61 which signals a decisive French victory for the loss of 4 Infantry units, 2 Cavalry units and 1 Artillery unit.

Prussian Army at Jena

Initiative	Battle Dice	No. of Units and Combat Rating (CR) to Fighting Bonus (FB)	Battle Bonus	Battle Advantage Dice	Total Score
1D6 = 3 Recce/Screening 5-6 on 1D6 =3 Fail Recce/Screening	2D8 (Highest die only) 4 and 1 No Odds or Evens Dice	Inf ❶x 13 = +4 FB Inf (Elite)❷x 2 = +1 FB Cav ❷x 9 = +5 FB Art ❸x 5 = +4 FB H.Art ❹x1 = +1 FB Total = +15 FB Deployment = Line (3 ranks) Tactical Reserve = N/A All available troops fed into the battle.	21 Points Converts to 2D6     5+5 = 10	N/A	4+15+10 = 29 Pursuit = N/A

Battle Bonus Calculation

Battle Factor (1D6)	Modifiers	Score	Points Value
Artillery Attrition	Horse Artillery +1	5+1	6
Infantry Firepower	Line (3 ranks) +1	6+1	7
Infantry Melee	0	4+0	4
Cavalry Shock Action	Versus Mixed Order -1	5-1	4
			Total = 21

Roll 1D6 for each Battle Factor and apply modifiers to find total points value and then compare with total FB on the conversion table (in rulebook) to calculate Battle Bonus Dice. Double Bonus for odds or evens Battle Dice. For multiple dice double highest scoring die only.

Notes: - Like the French the Prussians fail their reconnaissance roll but unlike their opponents they roll very low for their Initiative. The dismal performance of the Prussians at Jena is demonstrated by the low Battle Dice and failure to achieve odds or evens dice. This has a detrimental effect on the Battle Bonus calculation which produces a disappointing 10. The resultant Battle Roll is a meagre 29 which signals a disastrous defeat for the Prussians who are destroyed piecemeal.

French Forces at Auerstadt

The French forces at Auerstadt consist of 10 Infantry units, 1 Cavalry unit and 2 Artillery units (incl. of 1 Horse Artillery). These are all part of III Corps (26,000 troops) under the command of Marshal Davout who is a competent commander. He gains a +1 bonus to Initiative due to the superior quality of his troops and a further +1 for Marshalate. This would have been +2 if Napoleon had been in direct command. There are not enough guns for a Grand Battery and there is no significant Heavy Cavalry force present. Tactical Deployment is Mixed Order.

Initiative	Battle Dice	No. of Units and Combat Rating (CR) to Fighting Bonus (FB)	Battle Bonus	Battle Advantage Dice	Total Score
1D6+2 (+1) 5+2 = 7 Recce/Screening 5-6 on 1D6 = 2 Fail Recce	2D10 (Highest die only) 10 and 6 Evens Dice	Inf❶ x10 = +3 FB Cav ❷x1 = +0 FB Art ❸x1 = +1 FB H.Art ❹x1 = +1 FB Total = +5 FB Deployment = Mixed Order Tactical Reserve = N/A	21 Points Converts to 1D6 = 4 (Double Bonus) 4x2= 8	Tactical Advantage 2D6 6+3 = 9	10+5+8+9 = 32 Pursuit 5-6 on 1D6 = N/A

Battle Bonus Calculation

Battle Factor (1D6)	Modifiers	Score	Points Value
Artillery Attrition	Horse Artillery +1	4+1	5
Infantry Firepower	Light Infantry Tactics +1	4+1	5
Infantry Melee	Mixed Order +1	6+1	7
Cavalry Shock Action	Versus Line (3 ranks) +1 (+2)	2+2	4
			Total = 21

Roll 1D6 for each Battle Factor and apply modifiers to find total points value and then compare with total FB on the conversion table (in rulebook) to calculate Battle Bonus Dice. Double Bonus for odds or evens Battle Dice. For multiple dice double highest scoring die only.

Notes: - The French fail reconnaissance which is consistent with the fact that Davout was unaware that he was taking on the main body of the Prussian army. Nevertheless, a score of 7 for Initiative yields a 2D6 Tactical Advantage which wipes out the Prussians’ numerical superiority. This is complemented by a high Battle Die score of 10 and evens dice contributes to an excellent Battle Bonus of 8. The result is a winning Battle Roll of 32 which is a remarkable achievement for the French. The French lose 1 Infantry unit and some Cavalry. There is no effective pursuit.

Prussian Forces at Auerstadt

This is the main body of the Prussian army and consists of 16 Infantry units, 8 Cavalry units and 7 Artillery units divided into 4 ad-hoc formations (up to 60,000 troops). The early demise of the Duke Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand of Brunswick means that command falls to King Friedrich Wilhelm III whose command rating is below average and therefore rolls 1D6-1 for Initiative. All other characteristics of the army are as at Jena. There is a viable Tactical Reserve, but all troops are committed to the battle. The Prussians outnumber the French by more than 2-1 so get a 2D6 numerical advantage. Tactical Deployment is Line (3 ranks).

Command Initiative	Battle Dice	No. of Units and Combat Rating (CR) to Fighting Bonus (FB)	Battle Bonus	Battle Advantage Dice	Total Score
1D6-1 = 2 Recce/Screening 5-6 on 1D6+2 = 1+2 = 3	2D8 (Highest die only) 1 and 2 No Odds or Evens Dice	Inf ❶x 16 = +5 FB Cav ❷x 8 = +4 FB Art ❸x 7 = +5 FB Total = +14 FB Deployment = Line (3 ranks). Tactical Reserve = N/A All available troops fed into the battle.	16 Points Converts to 2D6 5+2 = 7	Opponent outnumbered by more than 2-1 + 2D6 4+2 = 6	2+14+7+6 = 29 Pursuit = N/A

Battle Bonus Calculation

Battle Factor (1D6)	Modifiers	Score	Points Value
Artillery Attrition	0	5	5
Infantry Firepower	Line (3 ranks) +1 (+2)	4+1	5
Infantry Melee	0	3	3
Cavalry Shock Action	Versus Mixed Order -1	4-1	3
			Total = 16

Roll 1D6 for each Battle Factor and apply modifiers to find total points value and then compare with total FB on the conversion table (in rulebook) to calculate Battle Bonus Dice. Double Bonus for odds or evens Battle Dice. For multiple dice double highest scoring die only.

Notes: - An appalling performance by the Prussian command is demonstrated by very low Initiative and Battle Die scores. This is compounded by low scores for all Battle Factors especially Infantry Melee and Cavalry Shock Action. The latter corresponds to the reckless and costly attacks by the Prussian cavalry against the French infantry in squares. All of this adds up to a disappointing Battle Roll of 29 which signals defeat. The Prussians at Auerstadt lose 5 Infantry units, 1 Cavalry unit and 1 Artillery unit.

After a lightning strike towards Dresden Napoleon won the twin Battles of Jena-Auerstadt 1806. An inefficient command and outdated military structure condemned the Prussian Army to virtual destruction and the subjugation of the Kingdom of Prussia until 1813. As a reward for his part in the great victory Davout was made Duke of Auerstadt. Figures by Irregular Miniatures and New Line Designs from their 20mm Napoleonic ranges. Painted by Silurian and from the author’s own collection. The numerical strength of each army is denoted by the coloured plastic counters. Game board from the Clash of Empires: The Napoleonic Wars Game.

Sources

Chandler, D.G. 1966: The Campaigns of Napoleon. Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc.

Chandler, D.G. 1998: Napoleon’s Marshals. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.

Dupuy, R. E. and Dupuy, T. N. 1993: The Collins Encyclopaedia of Military History. Harper Collins Publishers.

Haythornthwaite, P.J. 1990: The Napoleonic Source Book. Arms and Armour Press.

Haythornthwaite, P.J. 1995: The Napoleon’s Military Machine. Spellmount Limited.

Hofschröer, P. 1984: Prussian Line Infantry 1792-1815. Osprey Publishing Ltd.

Hofschröer, P. 1985: Prussian Cavalry of the Napoleonic Wars

Petre, Loraine F. 1993: Napoleon’s Conquest of Prussia 1806. Greenhill Books.

Smith, Digby. 1998: The Greenhill Napoleonic Wars Data Book. Greenhill Books.

Article Front Page Picture

The Battle of Jena between French and Prussian forces during the Napoleonic Wars, 14 October 1806. Lebrecht. After Alamy (IY05478346).