The Allies formed up on the heights to the east of the river Spree near the town of Bautzen. They anticipated Napoleon's main attack would come on their left and made dispositions accordingly. On the first day of the battle Napoleon merely held the Allied left, in sufficient strength to suggest that maybe the main attack would develop there, while strongly attacking the centre of their line. On the second day, with all reserves having been drawn into the centre or to the left wing, Napoleon brought up Ney's and Lauriston's Corps to out-flank the right wing of the Allies. In spite of Ney's tardiness the move was successful in causing the Allies to withdraw. However the Allies were able to pull out in fairly good order thanks to their superiority in cavalry which they had not exploited earlier in the day.

Town of Bautzen lies on the river Spree in Germany, approximately 40 miles north-east of Dresden. The battle was located between there and the village of Wurschen some 6 miles east of Bautzen. (Germany)

French Army [Napoleon]

Number engaged :

167,000

Casualties :

22,000 (13.17%)

Russian & Prussian Allied Army

Number engaged :

97,000

Casualties :

11,000 (11.34%)