Historical Note
Waren und Nossentin were part of a series of rear-guard actions fought on November 1, 1806 between Bernadotte's I Corps with part of Soult's cavalry against Yorck's rear-guard under GdI Winning. Winning and Yorck managed to hold a number of strong points with about 4,000 men. The Prussians held each strong point before they were finally overwhelmed by Bernadotte's 10,000 men.
Prussian Commander :
General der Infanterie Christian Ludwig von Winning :
Wobeser and Yorck comprise the rear-guard of the army. I expect to be able to delay the
French at Waren, Jabel, in the great wood in front of Nossentin, and again behind Nossentin
between the lake and the marshes. Yorck will form his infantry at these points, except at
Waren, where we will leave 200 to 300 Hussars. Wobeser will support him and engage
the enemy with our cavalry whenever it is practical to do so.
It is 8:30am on November 1, 1806 and the last of the main body has just departed
Waren for Jabel when French chasseurs are spotted on the road from the east.
Commander I Corps : Maréchal Jean Baptiste Bernadotte :
We are in pursuit of the fleeing Prussian army. The Emperor has ordered us to destroy
this armed force as quickly as possible. Today we expect to encounter their rear-guard
which we will destroy. At about 8:30am Guyot has noted that Waren is occupied by Prussian
Husssars. The rest of the French column is strung out behind him Margaron, Bernadotte, Tilly, and Dupont.
The rest of Bernadotte's Corps is behind him but they will not be available for any of today's action.
Waren und Nossentin Map :
After Action Report
Guyot's cavalry routed the one unit of Prussian Hussars at Waren on their first charge. Shortly after this all of the IV Corps cavalry clashed with Wobeser's cavalry in front of Jabel. Again the Prussians were routed.
Yorck proved his infantry was made of sterner stuff as he held Jabel until dark. Bernadotte tried everything to break the Prussians; cavalry attacks, infantry assaults, and artillery bombardment. All without success.
Although the French got off to a roaring start the Prussians clearly won the day with their amazing stand at Jabel.
The action of Waren und Nossentin represents the first use of the Polemos - General de Division rules in this campaign which fared very well for this small engagement.
