116. The Action at Spanden - WDS Campaign Eylau-Friedland

5 June 1807 - Historical - Intended to be played Head to Head - As part of the Allied offensive in early June, L'Estocq's Corps was supposed to attack the bridgehead at Spanden. Rembow's division was chosen for the task and after Scharnhorst's plan to confuse the French had succeeded they arrived in front of the French positions on the afternoon of 4 June 1807. The French were caught by surprise and several prisoners were taken. However, during the early part of the assault L'Estocq cancelled the attack for no reason at all. Later that evening he ordered Rembow to renew the attack on the morrow. A confused Rembow could only comply and forming up his division in several lines they began the attack on the morning of the June 5th. By this time, of course, the French were prepared and the Allies received a hot reception. Rembow's forces attacked no less than three times but each failed. The Allies took heavy casualties and finally the attack was called off. The consequences of the failed assault was a severe distrust of the Prussians on the part of the Russians who had borne the brunt of the assault and losses. The campaign would culminate at Friedland in nine days but by then the Russians were fuming at the fact that they had to serve under incompetent commanders.