On May 21st, 1809, the stage was set for the second half of the Battle of Aspern-Essling. Napoleon had managed to get part of his army across the Danube, and the French forces were prepared to hold their positions against the Austrian counterattack. The village of Essling, with its Granary and Long Garden, provided natural strongholds that would prove crucial in the battle. This scenario from the Austrian expansion in Commands & Colors: Napoleonics emphasizes the importance of terrain, positioning, and timing as both sides maneuvered for advantage.
The French army, outnumbered but strategically placed, held the bottom of the battlefield. They started with two victory banners thanks to their control of key town hexes, while the Austrians had one banner for holding the Long Garden. Nine banners were required to win the engagement, making every move and unit placement vital. The Austrian forces were arrayed along the right and top edges, preparing to strike at the French positions.
Initial Engagements
As the Austrians began their advance, the French forces responded with a well-timed defense. Three of the five Austrian columns focused on the village of Essling, intent on seizing the strongholds and tipping the balance of banners. Evert, commanding the French right flank, launched a combined arms attack that immediately disrupted the Austrian Light cavalry. This early success gave the French an advantage, bringing the score to 0:3 in their favor.
Despite this initial setback, the Austrians held firm. Their coordinated defense managed to eliminate three attacking French units—infantry, cavalry, and artillery—while General Fririon narrowly escaped capture. With the French right flank neutralized, the Austrians regained momentum, forcing Evert to play right section cards that had little effect. The score balanced out at 3:3, highlighting the intensity and fluidity of the engagement.
French Counterattacks
In response, the French attempted to reclaim control, focusing their efforts on the Granary. A bayonet charge successfully eliminated a Light infantry unit from the Austrian hills, but the village of Essling remained largely unoccupied by the French. The Austrians maintained their presence in the Long Garden, keeping the banner score at 3:2.
The battle escalated as Austrian cavalry intervened near the Granary, targeting French Line infantry and forcing two units into square formations. The French cavalry countered effectively, removing Austrian Heavies and shifting the banner count slightly in their favor to 4:3. These cavalry engagements underscored the importance of timing and positioning in the Commands & Colors: Napoleonics scenario, where one well-placed unit could dramatically alter the battlefield.
Austrian Momentum
Despite French efforts, Austrian forces continued pressing their advantage. They quickly eliminated three French Line infantry units in succession without suffering significant losses, expanding their control and increasing the banner score to 6:3. This shift demonstrated the Austrian capability to exploit openings and maintain pressure on multiple fronts.
Muskets from the Austrian lines removed French Light cavalry on the left of the Granary, creating opportunities for Austrian units to advance further. French Cuirassiers responded by pushing back Austrian Light infantry to the baseline, but as the Austrians finally entered the Granary, the French Line infantry continued to fall, raising the banner score to 8:4.
The Decisive Push
With the Austrian infantry poised to claim banners for the village, the final phase of the engagement unfolded. Austrian muskets eliminated the French Cuirassiers as they attempted to retire, allowing Austrian forces to secure the remaining banners and achieve victory. The final score of 9:4 reflected the Austrians’ strategic advantage, effective use of terrain, and coordinated attacks that outmatched the French defenses.
Day 1 of the Aspern-Essling scenario from the Austrian expansion in Commands & Colors: Napoleonics demonstrated how control of the village, combined with tactical deployment of infantry and cavalry, could decide the outcome. The French mounted strong counterattacks, but Austrian persistence and coordination ultimately determined the winner.
French Attempts to Regain the Village
After the Austrian victory in the initial skirmishes around Essling, the French forces regrouped to mount a renewed offensive. The Granary and Long Garden remained key positions, and the French understood that reclaiming these strongholds was critical to preventing the Austrians from accumulating the remaining banners needed for victory. The French commander, aware of the Austrian formations, concentrated on the center and left of the battlefield, hoping to exploit any gaps in the Austrian lines.
Initially, French Line infantry advanced cautiously from the Granary, supported by Light infantry moving along the flanks. The Austrian infantry, maintaining Battalion Mass formations, anticipated these movements and prepared to counter with disciplined volleys of musket fire. The French Light cavalry attempted to probe the Austrian positions, looking for openings, but were met with resistance from Austrian skirmishers and heavy infantry formations. Early French movements yielded mixed results; minor successes along the flanks were offset by heavy losses in the center, keeping the banner count firmly in Austrian favor.
Cavalry Clashes and Tactical Maneuvers
The French cavalry played a central role in the next phase of the battle. Cuirassiers and Light cavalry units moved aggressively to challenge the Austrian Heavies and disrupt infantry formations. Commands and Colors: Napoleonics emphasizes the value of combined arms, and the French tried to coordinate these cavalry charges with infantry advances to break through the Austrian lines. On several occasions, French cavalry succeeded in pushing back Austrian Light infantry, creating temporary gaps in the defensive lines.
Despite these localized successes, Austrian forces maintained cohesion. Infantry units in Battalion Mass absorbed the brunt of the French attacks while artillery units delivered precise fire against advancing French units. Austrian cavalry also responded effectively, countering French charges and protecting key positions in the village. By carefully rotating units and maintaining strong formations, the Austrians prevented the French from regaining control of the town hexes.
Infantry Engagements and Village Control
The struggle for Essling intensified as both sides committed fresh infantry units. French Line and Light infantry attempted coordinated advances from the Granary and Long Garden, while Austrian forces held firm in defensive squares and battalion formations. The French concentrated on the center of the battlefield, seeking to retake the village hexes and recover lost banners.
In several exchanges, French forces achieved momentary success, eliminating isolated Austrian units and forcing others into square formations. These gains, however, were limited by the speed of Austrian reinforcements and the effective placement of artillery. Commands and Colors: Napoleonics highlights how terrain and positioning influence combat, and the Long Garden’s cover allowed Austrian units to respond quickly to threats while maintaining their hold on crucial hexes.
The Austrian left and right flanks also played significant roles. While the French focused on the center, Austrian units on the flanks executed strategic movements, cutting off French Light infantry and threatening to encircle advancing units. These maneuvers disrupted French momentum and reinforced Austrian control over the village and surrounding terrain.
Artillery Duels and Skirmishes
Artillery became a decisive factor in the second phase of the battle. Both sides positioned batteries to support infantry and cavalry operations, targeting enemy formations and attempting to soften defensive positions. French artillery focused on Austrian squares, hoping to weaken them before infantry assaults. The Austrians, anticipating these moves, adjusted their formations and counter-battery fire, inflicting significant casualties on French units.
Skirmishers and Light infantry engaged across the battlefield, providing intelligence on enemy positions and harassing advancing units. These exchanges, while minor compared to larger engagements, influenced the overall tempo of the battle. Commands and Colors: Napoleonics emphasizes that every unit, even small detachments, can affect the outcome, and the French had to carefully manage their limited resources to maintain pressure on the Austrians.
Turning Points and French Setbacks
Despite repeated attempts to regain the village, French attacks were met with disciplined Austrian defense. Infantry in Battalion Mass withstood bayonet charges, while cavalry charges were repelled by the strategic placement of Austrian Heavies. French units suffered significant losses, with multiple Line infantry and Light cavalry units eliminated or forced into retreat.
The Austrians capitalized on these setbacks, pressing their advantage with coordinated counterattacks. Cavalry units struck at exposed French lines, while infantry consolidated control over the Granary and surrounding town hexes. The French were forced to play defensive cards and hold back units that could otherwise have contributed to a counteroffensive. The score increasingly reflected Austrian dominance, as they steadily accumulated banners while preventing French recovery.
Center Engagements and the Struggle for Supremacy
The center of the battlefield remained a focal point for both sides. The French concentrated infantry and cavalry here, hoping to punch through the Austrian lines and recapture key positions. Repeated assaults from the Granary met stiff resistance, with Austrian infantry maintaining strong formations and artillery covering advancing units.
Cavalry charges from both sides created dynamic skirmishes, with French Cuirassiers attempting to exploit gaps, only to be met by prepared Austrian Heavies and Light infantry. The use of battalion formations allowed Austrian infantry to absorb these charges while maintaining their position in the village. French Light infantry made some progress along the edges, but the lack of sufficient support in the center limited their effectiveness.
By the end of the first day’s fighting, the Austrian forces had firmly established control over Essling. French attempts to retake the village and secure banners were unsuccessful, with repeated counterattacks and disciplined Austrian formations ensuring that key positions remained under their control. The Granary and Long Garden, vital strongholds in the Commands and Colors: Napoleonics scenario, remained contested but ultimately favored the Austrians.
The French had demonstrated tactical skill and effective use of cavalry in localized engagements, but Austrian persistence, strategic positioning, and combined arms coordination ultimately determined the outcome. Day 1 concluded with the Austrians firmly ahead in banners, highlighting the importance of terrain, unit placement, and disciplined defense in shaping the battle. The stage was now set for the following days of Aspern-Essling, with the French needing to reconsider their strategies if they were to reclaim lost ground and challenge Austrian dominance.
French Planning and Reorganization
After the setbacks of the first day, the French commander realized that a direct assault on Austrian positions would be costly without careful preparation. The loss of banners and control of key village hexes highlighted the need for coordination between infantry, cavalry, and artillery units. French officers gathered their remaining forces near the Granary and Long Garden, planning a series of concentrated attacks to reclaim lost ground.
Reinforcements arriving from reserve units were deployed to bolster the French center, which had suffered the heaviest casualties on day one. Light infantry units were repositioned to the flanks to harass Austrian skirmishers and provide reconnaissance. Cavalry units were reorganized, pairing Heavy cavalry with Light cavalry in combined arms tactics to break through Austrian formations. Artillery units were repositioned to provide covering fire for advancing infantry, with particular emphasis on targeting Austrian squares and supporting the French push toward the village hexes.
Early Skirmishes and Flank Movements
At dawn, the French launched minor skirmishes to probe Austrian defenses. Light infantry advanced along the edges of the battlefield, engaging Austrian skirmishers in hit-and-run tactics. These movements allowed French commanders to gather information about Austrian troop deployments and potential weak points in the lines. Meanwhile, cavalry units patrolled the flanks, challenging Austrian scouts and attempting to draw enemy units away from the center.
The Austrians responded with disciplined volleys of musket fire and strategic repositioning of battalion formations. Their ability to hold squares and rotate units ensured that French probing attacks did not result in significant breakthroughs. Austrian cavalry countered French maneuvers, preventing encirclement attempts and maintaining control of key terrain features such as the Long Garden and surrounding fields.
Center Assaults and Tactical Challenges
By mid-morning, the French concentrated on the center, seeking to retake the village hexes and recover banners lost on day one. Infantry in Line formations advanced under artillery cover, aiming to break Austrian defensive squares. French Cuirassiers and Light cavalry prepared to exploit any gaps created by sustained musket fire and artillery bombardment.
Despite these preparations, the Austrian infantry maintained strong defensive positions. Battalion Mass formations absorbed French charges, while Austrian artillery delivered precise fire against advancing units. Skirmishers provided additional resistance, harassing French infantry and disrupting their formations. Commands and Colors: Napoleonics emphasizes the importance of combined arms, and the Austrians effectively synchronized infantry, cavalry, and artillery to prevent a decisive breakthrough.
French Light infantry made some gains on the flanks, eliminating isolated Austrian units and forcing others into temporary retreats. However, the central push remained stalled due to the resilience of Austrian formations and the continuous threat posed by counterattacking cavalry. The French commander had to adjust plans, redirecting units to support the center while maintaining pressure along the flanks to avoid being encircled.
Cavalry Clashes and Mobility
Cavalry played a critical role in the second day’s engagements. French Heavy cavalry attempted repeated charges against Austrian squares, seeking to break their cohesion and create openings for infantry advances. Light cavalry supported these efforts, flanking enemy units and cutting off retreat paths. Austrian cavalry responded with equal vigor, using superior positioning and timely charges to repel French attacks.
The dynamic interplay between cavalry units influenced the flow of the battle significantly. French successes in localized cavalry clashes allowed temporary advances, but Austrian discipline and rotation of units minimized long-term impact. Commands and Colors: Napoleonics highlights the importance of mobility and initiative, and both sides demonstrated skillful use of cavalry to influence the battlefield without fully committing to reckless charges.
Artillery Bombardments and Terrain Advantage
Artillery continued to shape the engagements throughout the day. French batteries targeted Austrian squares and concentrated infantry formations, attempting to weaken defenses before coordinated infantry and cavalry assaults. Austrian artillery, strategically placed on elevated terrain and protected by infantry, countered these bombardments effectively, inflicting casualties on French units and slowing their advance.
The Long Garden and other village hexes provided cover for Austrian units, allowing them to absorb artillery fire and maintain positions. French attempts to use terrain for their advantage were limited by the Austrians’ anticipation of movements and quick redeployment. Artillery became a constant factor in the battle, forcing both sides to adapt tactics and manage unit positioning carefully to avoid heavy losses.
Key Engagements and Tactical Shifts
Several key engagements defined the second day’s fighting. In the center, French Line infantry faced repeated counterattacks from Austrian battalion formations, resulting in intense combat that forced both sides to commit reserves. Cavalry clashes on the flanks saw temporary gains for the French, but Austrian reinforcements quickly stabilized the lines.
French commanders recognized that direct assaults on village hexes were unlikely to succeed without careful coordination. Efforts shifted toward attritional tactics, using skirmishers and artillery to weaken Austrian positions over time. Austrian commanders, aware of French intentions, reinforced vulnerable hexes and rotated units to maintain control while conserving combat effectiveness.
French Struggles to Regain Banners
Despite repeated attacks, French forces struggled to reclaim banners lost during day one. Austrian units in the Granary and Long Garden maintained discipline under pressure, repelling infantry advances and cavalry charges alike. The Austrian control of key village hexes prevented French forces from securing the tactical objectives necessary to regain banners quickly.
French Light infantry conducted probing attacks to test defenses, but gains were limited and quickly countered. Heavy losses among the Line infantry reduced the overall offensive capacity, while artillery units faced continuous threats from Austrian counter-battery fire. French commanders were forced to prioritize defensive actions to protect remaining units, slowing the momentum of planned assaults.
Austrian Reinforcements and Consolidation
The arrival of Austrian reinforcements strengthened their already dominant position. Fresh infantry and cavalry units were integrated into existing formations, replacing casualties and shoring up weak points. Artillery batteries were repositioned to provide overlapping fields of fire, ensuring that any renewed French assaults would face heavy resistance.
These reinforcements allowed Austrians to launch limited counterattacks, targeting overextended French units and regaining any minor losses from earlier skirmishes. Battalion Mass formations absorbed charges, while Austrian cavalry exploited gaps in French lines created by aggressive but unsupported attacks. The combination of disciplined infantry, responsive cavalry, and effective artillery ensured that the Austrians maintained control over the battlefield.
End of Day Two and Strategic Implications
By the end of the second day, Austrian forces had firmly solidified their hold on key positions around Essling. French counteroffensives, while demonstrating tactical skill and determination, had not achieved the objectives necessary to reclaim banners or regain control of the village. The disciplined Austrian defense, combined with timely reinforcements and strategic positioning, ensured continued dominance on the battlefield.
The French command recognized the need for careful planning for any subsequent assaults. Attritional tactics, combined with coordinated cavalry and artillery support, became the focus of the next phase. Austrian forces, meanwhile, maintained momentum, consolidating positions and preparing for potential French offensives in the following days. The balance of power heavily favored the Austrians, setting the stage for a challenging third day of engagement, where strategic decisions and unit management would determine the outcome of the Aspern-Essling scenario.
French Reassessment and Strategic Planning
After two days of intense combat, the French command faced the challenge of reorganizing their forces for a decisive effort. Losses among infantry and cavalry had been substantial, and artillery positions required adjustment to remain effective. French commanders convened to reassess the battlefield, analyzing the outcomes of the first two days. They recognized that frontal assaults had proven costly against Austrian squares and disciplined battalion formations.
Instead, a strategy emphasizing maneuver, selective engagement, and the use of skirmishers was adopted. French Light infantry units were assigned to probe weak points along the Austrian flanks, while Heavy cavalry prepared to exploit any breakthroughs. Artillery batteries were repositioned to target concentrations of Austrian troops, focusing on disrupting defensive formations without exposing French units to unnecessary counterfire. The objective was to regain lost banners, reclaim control of village hexes, and create conditions favorable for a final push.
Early Morning Skirmishes and Flank Probing
At dawn on the third day, French forces initiated light skirmishes along the periphery of the battlefield. Light infantry moved cautiously, engaging Austrian skirmishers in hit-and-run tactics designed to gather intelligence and weaken enemy morale. Cavalry units patrolled flanks to prevent Austrian reconnaissance from gathering detailed information about French deployments.
The Austrians maintained vigilance, rotating battalions to reinforce positions under attack while keeping reserves ready for rapid deployment. Austrian Light infantry and skirmishers successfully slowed French probing movements, forcing commanders to adjust the tempo of their assaults. These early encounters provided critical insight into enemy weaknesses and opportunities for maneuver, though direct gains remained limited due to disciplined Austrian defense.
Central Assaults and Tactical Adaptation
By mid-morning, French commanders initiated coordinated attacks on the center, attempting to reclaim village hexes and banners lost on previous days. Infantry advanced in Line and Column formations, protected by artillery fire and supported by cavalry on the flanks. French commanders emphasized timing and coordination, recognizing that piecemeal assaults had previously failed.
Austrian forces responded with disciplined volleys and strategic unit rotation. Battalion Mass formations absorbed French attacks while maintaining cohesion, and artillery batteries inflicted casualties on advancing infantry. Skirmishers targeted exposed French units, disrupting formations and slowing momentum. The French recognized the need to adapt, shifting units dynamically to respond to Austrian countermeasures while maintaining pressure on critical hexes.
Cavalry Engagements and Battlefield Mobility
Cavalry continued to play a decisive role on the third day. French Heavy cavalry executed charges against Austrian squares, aiming to break enemy cohesion and open paths for infantry advances. Light cavalry performed flanking maneuvers, cutting off Austrian retreat routes and threatening artillery positions.
Austrian cavalry demonstrated flexibility and precision, intercepting French maneuvers and protecting vulnerable infantry formations. The interplay between French and Austrian cavalry influenced the broader battlefield significantly, with temporary successes on one flank balanced by counterattacks on the other. Mobility, timing, and unit coordination became critical determinants of localized outcomes, with both sides testing the limits of maneuver under the constraints of terrain and enemy presence.
Artillery Duel and Strategic Bombardment
Artillery exchanges dominated the mid-morning and afternoon phases of combat. French batteries targeted Austrian battalions and fortified positions to weaken defensive cohesion. Austrian artillery responded from elevated positions and well-protected hexes, delivering concentrated fire on French columns.
The Long Garden and village hexes provided natural cover for Austrian units, allowing them to absorb bombardments while remaining effective. French commanders attempted to reposition batteries to exploit perceived gaps in Austrian lines, but the disciplined response of Austrian forces limited the effectiveness of these maneuvers. Artillery became a constant factor in shaping the battlefield, forcing careful management of unit positioning and timing of assaults to avoid excessive casualties.
Key Engagements and Tactical Turning Points
Several critical engagements defined the third day. In the center, French infantry managed limited breakthroughs into Austrian defensive squares but were met with immediate counterattacks from reserve units. Cavalry clashes on the flanks produced temporary gains for French units, yet Austrian reinforcements quickly stabilized vulnerable positions.
Skirmishers on both sides created dynamic encounters, disrupting formations and influencing larger engagements. French success relied heavily on timing, coordination, and the careful integration of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Austrian mastery of unit rotation, defensive squares, and counteroffensive tactics allowed them to maintain control of key terrain, forcing French commanders to adapt continuously.
French Attempts to Reclaim Banners
Regaining banners remained a high-priority objective for the French. Attacks focused on village hexes where banners had been lost, combining Line infantry advances with supporting cavalry charges. Skirmishers engaged Austrian troops to create openings, and artillery targeted concentrations of defenders to weaken resistance.
Despite determined efforts, Austrian formations remained resilient. Battalion Mass and defensive squares absorbed attacks while Austrian artillery inflicted losses on advancing units. French commanders faced the challenge of balancing aggression with preservation of remaining forces, as repeated frontal assaults resulted in high casualties and limited success in reclaiming banners.
Austrian Reinforcement and Tactical Consolidation
Austrian reinforcements arrived throughout the day, strengthening defensive positions and replacing units that had suffered casualties in previous engagements. Fresh infantry and cavalry were integrated seamlessly into existing formations, reinforcing critical hexes and maintaining pressure on the French center. Artillery units were adjusted to create overlapping fields of fire, maximizing coverage while minimizing vulnerability to French attacks.
These reinforcements enabled limited Austrian counterattacks, exploiting overextended French units and regaining minor territorial losses. Austrian commanders displayed strategic discipline, rotating units effectively and maintaining strong lines of communication across the battlefield. The combination of tactical flexibility, unit cohesion, and reinforcement management contributed to their sustained dominance.
Afternoon Clashes and French Tactical Challenges
In the afternoon, French commanders launched renewed assaults to regain initiative. Infantry advanced in Column formations supported by artillery, while cavalry attempted to exploit potential weaknesses on the Austrian flanks. Skirmishers continued to probe defenses and harass isolated units.
Austrian forces demonstrated strong defensive coordination, with battalion squares absorbing charges and artillery targeting exposed formations. Cavalry units conducted timely interventions, preventing breakthroughs and protecting vulnerable infantry. French units achieved minor gains, capturing a few hexes temporarily, but were unable to maintain control against disciplined Austrian countermeasures.
Terrain Influence and Strategic Implications
Terrain continued to play a decisive role on the third day. Village hexes, gardens, and fields provided natural cover and firing positions, allowing Austrian units to absorb attacks while maintaining operational effectiveness. French commanders attempted to leverage terrain for tactical advantage, but Austrian positioning and unit discipline minimized these opportunities.
The interplay between terrain, artillery, and infantry formations highlighted the importance of strategic planning and adaptive maneuver. French efforts to exploit openings required precise timing, coordination, and risk management, while Austrian mastery of terrain and formation rotation created a resilient defensive network.
Evening Phase and Battle Outcome
As the day progressed toward evening, French forces had made limited territorial gains but failed to achieve decisive breakthroughs. Austrian units maintained control of key hexes, including village positions and elevated fields, effectively preventing French reclamation of banners. Cavalry skirmishes continued to shape localized outcomes, yet broader momentum favored the Austrians.
French commanders recognized the need for careful withdrawal or consolidation to preserve remaining forces. Attritional tactics had slowed Austrian operations, but could not decisively change the balance. Austrian mastery of combined arms, unit rotation, and defensive positioning ensured sustained battlefield dominance, leaving French forces with diminished prospects for a conclusive victory on the third day.
Conclusion
The third day of Aspern-Essling emphasized the critical importance of coordinated maneuvers, combined arms integration, and disciplined unit management. French forces demonstrated tactical ingenuity and determination, leveraging infantry, cavalry, and artillery in attempts to regain lost banners and control of village hexes.
Austrian forces, however, displayed superior defensive discipline, effective reinforcement integration, and strategic use of terrain. Battalion Mass formations, squares, and responsive cavalry interventions prevented French breakthroughs and maintained control over key positions. Artillery exchanges shaped the battlefield, influencing movement and dictating the pace of engagements.
Ultimately, the third day highlighted the interplay between tactical decision-making, unit cohesion, and battlefield adaptation. While the French executed well-planned maneuvers, Austrian mastery of defensive formations, terrain utilization, and reinforcement timing ensured a resilient hold on the battlefield. The lessons from Aspern-Essling underscore the necessity of balancing offensive ambition with disciplined execution, strategic foresight, and adaptive response to evolving battlefield conditions.