Historical Note
The action at Altenzaun was fought on October 26, 1806 between Maréchal Nicolas Jean de Dieu Soult's light cavalry, GD Saint-Hilaire's Infantry Division and five light battalions under the command of Oberst Johann-David-Ludwig von Yorck.
Yorck placed his command in a secure position with his left resting on the Elbe river. Attacked first by cavalry and then by infantry Yorck held his position until night. Leaving his camp fires burning he withdrew to Sandau and burned the boats he used to cross the river.
Detached Corps Commander : GL Ernst-Friedrich-Wilhelm-Philipp von Ruchel :
Acting Commander : GdK Karl-August, Herzog von Sachsen-Weimar : Since the disasters of Jena and Auerstadt you have been moving this force to join up with the main army and avoid being
over run by Soult's pursuing forces. Today you plan to cross the Elbe at Sandau. To protect your flank and rear Yorck
has taken all the light infantry to Altenzaun where he plans to fight a rear guard action against Soult's troops.
Rear Guard Commander : Oberst Johann-David-Ludwig von Yorck :
It is now 4:00pm on October 26, 1806 and French cavalry can be seen coming up the road from Tangermunde. Where have you
placed your battalions and what are their orders?
For a detailed Prussian Order of Battle click HERE.
Commander IV Corps : Maréchal Nicolas Jean de Dieu Soult :
For the past couple of days you have been trying to track down the Duke of Weimar's detached
Corps. You thought you would encounter him at Tangermunde so you marched there. Your scouts
have now informed you that they believe the Duke will try and cross the Elbe today at Sandau.
Although your troops have been marching long and hard every day without a proper rest you
have again started marching towards Sandau.
As you approach Altenzaun your scouts report the way is blocked by Prussian light infantry. It is now 4:00pm on October 26, 1806 and you
have decided to attack at once with your cavalry. Should they fail you will attack with your infantry.
For a detailed French Order of Battle click HERE.
Altenzaun Map:
After Action Report
Yorck's plan was simple, hold the French at the narrow gap just north of Altenzaun. He placed the Jagers in Altenzaun, three battalions of fusiliers in the gap and one fusilier battalion in reserve.
Soult came up the road from Tangermunde at about 4:00pm with his light cavalry Division. Seeing that the way ahead was blocked he sent two regiments to attack the Prussians in the gap and one regiment to take Altenzaun.
Although the cavalry made repeated attacks they could not take any of these objectives. As soon as Saint-Hilaire arrived he pressed his infantry forward to attack the same positions. Altenzaun was taken but only on the second attack. The Prussians in the gap were also pushed back, but not until after dark.
The battle ended at 8:00pm as it was no longer possible to continue the action in the darkness.
This was a photo finish. The Prussians managed to just hold on until after dark. The French were certainly aggressive. Perhaps if Saint-Hilaire had managed to get his infantry into action sooner they could have pushed the Prussians back before dark. Victory belongs to Yorck.
