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Defensive Tactics

Establishing a Defensive Strongpoint had hitherto comprised occupying a town or fortress (sometimes a combination of the two) and strongly garrisoning them. The numerical strength of the defenders was considerable thus making it difficult for the besiegers to take them. On the other hand these large concentrations of troops lacked flexibility and could be bottled up by a relatively small number of the enemy. In August 1804, Marshal Berthier – Minister of War – ordered the Marshals Soult, Davout and Ney to commence training their men in a new method of defensive warfare. The concept was simple. First find a building or a complex of buildings in the town or village which could be heavily fortified; the soldiers, under instruction from their military engineers would then commence to make the strongpoint impregnable. The strongpoint would then be garrisoned by elite troops, perhaps a force comprising the combined grenadier companies. The ground in front of the town would be occupied by swarms of skirmisher. Behind the town, concealed from view if possible, would be the remaining infantry and if available, cavalry.

The defense would comprise 3 phases :

  1. The enemy, in battle formation, would progress towards the town or village and attack the skirmishers, who would commence a galling fire on them, all the while moving back and drawing the enemy towards the strong point…
  2. The enemy is now in the village but in a state of considerable disorganisation; as they approach the strongpoint they are met with a withering fire from the defenders. Their morale slumps; their progress is halted.
  3. The enemy, preoccupied with the battle for the strongpoint, fail to notice the French reserves who move from their concealed positions to envelop the attackers and attack them from the rear. Meanwhile, other companies and squadrons bypass the village and fire at/ride down the scattering besiegers.

The enemy has suffered a reverse but will certainly come back and try again; the same process will take place, reducing step by step the offensive potential of the enemy. This plan will be used very often between 1805 and 1815. Apart from Jungingen, we can mention :

  • The village of Hassenhausen during the battle of Auerstaed (October 14th 1806), superbly won by Davout…
  • The village of Essling in 1809,
  • Finally, Placenoit in 1815.

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