Historical Note
Nordhausen was a small rear guard action fought on October 17, 1806 between elements of Kalkreuth's fragmented command and part of Soult's IV Corps. Kalkreuth's force of about 12,000 men were trying to withdraw and rejoin the main army. Yesterday they had managed to avoid an engagement with Soult at Greußen (Greussen).
Kalkreuth placed some cavalry in the plain south of Nordhausen and infantry on the high ground. Soult's light cavalry pushed the Prussian cavalry back and Legrand's infantry flanked the Prussian infantry on the left. Kalkreuth then withdrew with minor losses.
Reserve Corps Commander : Generalleutnant Friedrich Adolf Graf von Kalkreuth :
Your command has been joined by two other Divisions under Tauentzien and Blucher.
You have been trying to save this force since the disasters three days ago at Jena and Auerstadt
by following the main army to Halberstadt.
Yesterday you managed to withdraw from Greußen (Greussen) and avoid fighting with Soult.
You realize you must slow down Soult's pursuing troops advancing from the south on the road
from Erfurt otherwise they will overrun your command. The area around Nordhausen appears
to be well suited for a rear guard action. So far you have committed the deployment of
cavalry in the plain south of Nordhausen and infantry on the heights.
It's now 4:00pm on October 17, 1806, what orders do your commanders have?
For a detailed Prussian and Saxon Order of Battle click HERE.
Commander IV Corps : Maréchal Nicolas Jean de Dieu Soult :
Yesterday Kalkreuth's command of four divisions managed to withdraw at Greußen (Greussen) and avoid
fighting with your forces. As you approach Nordhausen, from the south on the Erfurt road, it appears
they plan to offer battle, or at least fight a rear guard action. Some cavalry has been seen
in the plain in front of Nordhausen with infantry on the heights.
It's now 4:00pm on October 17, 1806, what orders do your commanders have?
For a detailed French Order of Battle click HERE.
Nordhausen Map :
After Action Report
Kalkreuth knew he had to slow down Soult's pursuing troops otherwise his command would be over run so he deployed his force around Nordhausen. Arnim held the high ground at Nordhausen with Kuhnheim on his south east flank, Blucher held An Der Salza, Tauentzien held Bielen.
Soult arrived at 4:00pm and took his cavalry to attack An Der Salza. Legrand was ordered to move up the main road and protect the east flank of the corp as it advanced to attack Nordhausen. Saint-Hilaire was ordered to attack Nordhausen from the west after passing Darrweg and Level would make a direct assault up the center just west of the main road. Sahuc would remain in reserve.
The French light cavalry quickly pushed back Blucher's force but Saint-Hilaire's troops were slow to deploy due to the distance they had to travel. Leval's infantry encountered heavy artillery fire from both Arnim's and Kuhnheim's guns which kept them back until it was too dark to see them.
Kalkreuth did entertain the prospect of getting embroiled in a night fight so he promptly ordered his troops to withdraw up the road to Halberstadt.
By dispersing their Divisions the Prussians managed to draw attention away from Nordhausen and the main road to Halberstadt. The French reacted in a predicable manner by dealing with one of the flanking Divisions before pushing on to the main road. Any delay worked in favour of the Prussians so they get the nod for the victory by coming up with a very clever and successful plan.
