(Campaign) Second Battle of Berlin

Following the failure of the attack on Berlin from the south on the 17th, Emperor Napoleon determined to renew the attempt from a different direction.  Three pontoon bridges were thrown across the Spree - one opposite Charlottenburg palace and two upstream of the city, on either end of the marshes that extend there on the river's left bank.  The crossing point at Cöpnick, ten miles upstream at the outflow of the Müggelsee, was secured (having been held only loosely and intermittently before), and the bridges allowed a veritable flood of French troops to re-deploy to the east and north.

The battlefield, outlined in red, on the campaign map.  People more familiar with the real geography
 will note that I have Charlottenburg, and the Spandau road, on the wrong side of the river. Oops.

Campaign Battle of Berlin

In preparation for an assault on Berlin the French army threw two pontoon bridges across the Spree, one by I Corps a mile or so west of the city and one by V Corps a couple of miles to the east.

The upstream bridge was immediately detected and thrown down by the Prussians, but the other remained in place when the attack on the city began at midday on 17 November.  With only five hours of daylight to achieve their objective the French knew that they would have to go hard.  Outnumbered by more than two to one, and recognising that the French must pass through two choke-points, the Coalition for their part determined to defend both of them to the death.  Eight French divisions faced one Prussian and two Swedish - one side had the advantage of numbers and the other of position.

Berlin from the south - Drouet preparing to assault across the pontoon bridge in the background, Dupont (centre) about to cross into Cölln on the way to attack the Swedes (top right)