Battle of Leipzig, 16.–19. October 1813

The Battlefield south of Leipzig.

The map shows a section of the southern battlefield, where Austrian forces attacked the French right flank of the line extending along the Pleiße river. The ground west of the Pleiße line was marshy, making an attack from that direction very difficult. The available river crossings at Connewitz, Lößnig, Dölitz and Markkleeberg were defended by a division of infantry under Lefol and two divisions of Polish infantry under Poniatowski.

Opposing Forces

  • French (Napoleon I)
  • Polish (Poniatowski)
  • Saxon (Reynier)
  • Württemberg (Bertrand)
  • Italian (Bertrand)
  • Baden-Hessian (Macdonald)
  • Russian (Barclay de Tolly)
  • Prussian (Blücher)
  • Austrian (Schwarzenberg)
  • Swedish (Bernadotte)

Leipzig

Liebertwolkwitz church, and the Russian-Prussian monument on the Liebertwolkwitz-Güldengossa road

Liebertwolkwitz church, and the Russian-Prussian monument on the Liebertwolkwitz-Güldengossa road

Auenhain-Wachau avenue

Auenhain-Wachau avenue

Güldengossa church at left; and the ruins of Wachau church

Güldengossa church at left; and the ruins of Wachau church

The ruins of Wachau church

The ruins of Wachau church

Markkleeberg bridge over the Pleiße

Markkleeberg bridge over the Pleiße

Markkleeberg bridge diorama

Markkleeberg bridge diorama

Markkleeberg gatehouse and church

Markkleeberg gatehouse and church

Markkleeberg gatehouse and church diorama

Markkleeberg gatehouse and church diorama

Dölitz gatehouse with cannon balls stuck in the wall

Dölitz gatehouse with cannon balls stuck in the wall

Bibliography

  • Parker & Gilder: The Campaign of Leipzig 1813.
  • Hofschröer, Peter: Leipzig 1813 : The Battle of the Nations.
  • Smith, Digby: 1813: Leipzig
  • Nafziger, George: Napoleon at Leipzig. The Battle of Nations 1813.

Campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars, 1805–1815