Report

The Russians were outscouted and set up first:  choosing a traditional formation of infantry in the centre with mixed units of cavalry on the wings. The British concentrated all their infantry in a column aimed at the Russian left flank, supported by the Light Dragoons and the RHA, with the RA and other cavalry covering their own, exposed, left flank.

As battle commenced, the British doubled forward and very wquickly threatened the still deploying Russians. It was then, however, that the flaw in the British plan became apparent: the British commander had failed to take into account a large, dense, thick, heavy wood protecting the Russian line. For the rest of the battle, the main British strike force, although succeeding in some local skirmishes, could not extricate themselves from the woods and take an active part in the battle.

Meanwhile, the Russian CinC deployed two infantry battalions to hold the British in the wood whilst he moved to outflank them with the rest of his force. The British cavalry moved to intercept the Russians but, just as they moved towards a mutual charge with the Russian cavalry, were hit in the flank by some cunningly placed Russian artillery. This shook them so much that they were forced to receive the Russian cavalry charge at a halt, and were smashed from the field.

This obviously left the entire British flank exposed and, despite desperately trying to extricate his infantry from the terrain on the right flank, the British CinC seemed unable to counter the Russian outflanking manoeuvre.

The British started to take fire on their flank as well as their front and, within a short time, began to crumble. A brave effort by the RHA was not enough, and the British fled the field.

Casualties

The British lost 60 Riflemen; 140 of the 57th Foot; 20 Guards; 40 Light Dragoons; 40 artillerymen; 20 Lancers and 20 Heavy Dragoons: for a total of 340 men. The entire British cavalry, the RA and the Rifles were routed off the field.

The Russians lost 640 infantry, 200 cavalry, and had their CinC lightly wounded.

Results

A victory for the Russians.

Analysis

In the early stages of the battle, it looked as if the British tactic of smashing a flank and rolling the Russians up might work. Unfortunately, the British CinC just couldn’t get his men through the heavy woods before the Russians threatened to outflank, and lost his covering cavalry in a typically stupid way.

In all, an excellent victory for the Russians: although it must be said that their force was an example of an elite Russian army! This was, however, partially countered by the luck being on the British side throughout the battle.