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Katzbach River
Battle Name : Katzbach River
Date(s) : 26 August 1813
Part of : The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars , Napoleon's Leipzig Campaign ,
Outcome : A victory for Russo-Prussian Forces over French & Allied Forces
Type of battle : Land
Summary
The Allied 'Army of Silesia' commanded by Blucher was being pursued by Macdonald's 'Army of the Bober'. In contravention of Napoleon's orders Macdonald pusued too fast and too far. His columns became scattered. Blucher seized the opportunity and turned to the attack. The battle was fought in pouring rain which rendered artillery and musketry ineffective. In this mainly cavalry battle the French came off much the worst. Many of them were drowned trying to escape across flooded rivers.
Location
A river now called Kaczawa, tributary of the river Oder in Silesia [now Poland]. (Poland)
Casualty figures
French & Allied Forces
- Number engaged :
- 35,000
- Casualties :
- 20,000 (57.14%)
Russo-Prussian Forces
- Number engaged :
- 86,000
- Casualties :
- 4,000 (4.65%)
