7th OVI
Sergeant
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2009
- Messages
- 690
It is late in the day and the key village of Plancenoit had once again fallen into Prussian hands threatening the French retreat route. Used Brigadier Pelet’s narration of the events for the French point of view. A decision was made to send 2 battalions of the Old Guard to counterattack the advancing Prussian divisions, retake the village and hold it. The 1st Battalion of the 2nd Chasseur and the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Grenadiers were selected for the task. Around 6 o'clock PM, the 2 battalions were given the commands to advance to Plancetnoit. “Keep your troops together and well in hand. If you attack the enemy, employ a single division (two platoons) with bayonets." They changed formation from squares to column by platoon facing to the right. They then advanced at the double quick, drums beating, with the Chasseurs in the lead followed by the Grenadiers approximately 20 minutes behind. “a platoon of Grenadiers arrived, sent by whom I do not know… I stopped it and used it to rally some chasseurs, then I had it charge with the bayonet, without firing a shot. They went forward like a wall and overthrew everything they encountered.” The remaining Grenadiers then took up position near the Chantelet wood to protect the flank and rear of the troops defending Plancenoit. Major Golzio, commanding the grenadier battalion, requested reinforcements to hold their position and Plancenoit. The requests were denied. It is here, as nighttime approaches, that Major von Witzleben’s fusiliers of the Prussian 25th Regiment moved forward to engage the Grenadiers at approximately 8 o'clock PM. This diorama shows the moment when the Grenadiers engage the fusiliers, the first platoon captain shouts the command “Feu de deux rangs, peleton armes, commencez le feu”. The history of the 25th Regiment stated about the attack, “Despite their great courage and stamina, the French Guards fighting in the village began to show signs of wavering.” To be continued.
A few additional notes based on the research, the strength of the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Grenadiers was approximately 400 total when entering the town of Plancenoit comprehending the loses experienced at Ligny. The taking of Plancenoit by the bayonet was costly to both Prussian and French sides. for the diorama, I estimated the strength of the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Grenadiers at about 200 men/figures at the time of the diorama based on clearing the town and the constant fighting by both sides prior to the final Prussian attack. Hope you enjoy this diorama. Let me know what you think, Thx Chris
A few additional notes based on the research, the strength of the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Grenadiers was approximately 400 total when entering the town of Plancenoit comprehending the loses experienced at Ligny. The taking of Plancenoit by the bayonet was costly to both Prussian and French sides. for the diorama, I estimated the strength of the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Grenadiers at about 200 men/figures at the time of the diorama based on clearing the town and the constant fighting by both sides prior to the final Prussian attack. Hope you enjoy this diorama. Let me know what you think, Thx Chris
