Lutzen

This small German village was the scene of two famous battles. The first was in 1632 when the famous Swedish general Gustavus Adolphus lost his life. The second was the first battle of the 1813 campaign.


In 1813 Scharnhorst was the allied Chief of Staff. At the battle of Lutzen he received a mortal wound, of which he dies some days later. This rather ugly monument marks the spot where he received that wound.


Napoleon was marching on Leipzig when he was attacked by the combined Prussian and Russian at Lutzen on 2 May 1813. The confused battle was finally won by the French. The allies retreated through Dresden and fought a second battle at Bautzen.

Close to the Scharhorst monument is this one to the Prussians who died during the battle.


This diagram of the battle shows the relative locations and direction of the combat


This photo, looking towards Gross Gorschen, shows the area where Blucher launched his surprise attack.


The road from Gross Gorschen looking towards Rahna (centre) and Starsiedel (behind the trees). This was the scene of the allied cavalry charge.


Starsiedel saw much heavy fighting between Marmont and Yorck as the battle developed.

On the left is Klein Gorschen and behind the trees lies Gross Gorschen. This road was the axis of the Young Guard attack.


Klein Gorschen as seen by the Young Guard when they reached the outskirts of the village.


The Prussian view from Klein Gorschen as the Young Guard approached from Kaja (centre distance behind trees)


Buildings on the edge of Klein Gorschen



The main road from Klein Gorschen to Gross Gorschen.