Battle of Burkersdorf, 1762

Background

By July 18 1762, during the Prussian campaign in Silesia, Frederick II was on the verge of launching an attack on Daun’s position when Tchernichev informed him of the fall of Peter III. The Russian contingent was ordered by the new Empress Catherine II to return to Poland. After negotiation, Frederick obtained from Tchernichev that his corps would remain in its current position for three more days, thus fixing Daun’s Army, while respecting strict neutrality. Frederick then took advantage of this delay to prepare an attack of the Heights of Leutmannsdorf (present-day Lutomia) and Burkersdorf (present-day Burkatow) overlooking Daun’s positions. Frederick also recalled Neuwied.

On July 18, Neuwied was back in Kunzendorf Country. Frederick then turned his attention to Daun’s right flank and decided to storm the Burkersdorf Heights.

On the morning of July 19, Frederick moved his headquarters to Bogendorf (present-day Witoszów). At nightfall, Neuwied marched at the head of Mollendorf’s Brigade.

By the morning of July 20, all Prussian units had reached their assigned positions. They passed the Weistritz over trestle bridges and encamped with their right towards Bogendorf and their left at Esdorf (present-day Opoczka), facing Schweidnitz (present-day Swidnica). Frederick then reconnoitred the Austrian positions. The Heights of Leutmannsdorf and Burkersdorf were very steep with dense woods and several ravines. Their approach was very difficult. Furthermore, they were covered with strong redoubts erected on both banks of the ravine formed by the Weistritz and with palisades and huge abatis. General O’Kelly occupied the position of Burkersdorf with 9 bns while 4 other bns occupied the height of Leutmannsdorf.

At noon, Daun despatched Brentano’s Corps to reinforce these heights as well as those of Michelsdorf (present-day Michałkowa) and Ludwigsdorf (present-day Bojanice). On the approach of Prussian troops, Austrian outposts retired on their lines, to the exception of the outposts guarding the Castle of Burkersdorf. A Prussian force stormed this outpost.

On the night of July 20 to 21, a great Prussian battery of 45 howitzers and 12 x 12-pdr guns was established near the Castle of Burkersdorf.

http://www.kronoskaf.com/syw/index.php?title=1762-07-21_-_Battle_of_Burkersdorf

The Game

We set up the table to represent were most of the fighting took place, so the Prussian right column was left out of the game (it had a chance to enter later in the scenario).  The Austrians set up in their historical overall formation locations.  We allowed deploy their units within those zones as desired.  The reserves were rolled for based on a schedule of arrival.  The Prussians were deployed withing their columns on each rout of march, with individual unit location being up to the players.  The game began with the Prussian on the left flank trying to pin the Austrians to the front and work their way through the woods around the Austrian flank.  On the right, the Prussians decided to go with a set piece attack, so they deployed their substantial artillery and tried to pound the Austrians out of their positions.

The Prussian left flank attack proceeded well, the the Austrians being outmaneuvered and out shot.  With the numbers against them, they just could not hold and had to withdraw from the field or be surrounded.

On the Prussian right, things did not work out as planned.  The artillery bombardment was not enough to get rid of the deeply dug in Austrians.  With more and more Austrians coming from reserve, the Prussians decided that they had to go for broke and just launch a frontal attack.  This resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.  While the Austrians did give ground, the Prussians could not defeat them.  However, the appearance of the Prussian right flank reserves tipped the balance and the Austrians decided to withdraw.

With the collapse of the Austrian right flank and the approach of fresh Prussians, the Austrians decided to call it a day and leave the field to the Prussians.  In the end, a historical Prussian victory!

– Manteffel