1813 Dennewitz

THE 1st POMERANIAN INFANTRY REGIMENT

AT DENNEWITZ

6 September 1813

translated by Geert van Uythoven

“In the 22. Stück of the Militair-Wochenblatt, the following anecdote is told:

‘During the battle of Dennewitz, the 1st battalion of the 1st Pomeranian Infantry Regiment found itself under such strong canister fire, that Major von Podewils, convinced he would not be able to throw back the enemy without serious losses, commanded - “turn about!” - . “Rather dying here at the spot then going back one pace”, yelled the musketeers Ott, Rieben, and Neitzel of the Leib company. - “Now then, forward with God!” – is the reply of the Major. The whole battalion yells as one, - “Yes!” – and advances. The enemy is shaken for such bravery, and give way.’

While the reason for telling this short anecdote clearly is to honour the proved bravery and stamina of the common men of the above battalion, love of truth still dictates that the facts should be told authentic and not obscure to the public. Especially if because by deviation of truth, the behaviour of particular persons is shifted to the background.

While I at that time had the honour to command this brave battalion, and while on that memorable day command of the battalion was not interrupted for even a single moment, I live in the thorough conviction that a report should be expected from my point of view. Not to be regarded as the result of egoism, as there is a sufficient amount of individuals to punish my me if I would lie.

In order to secure the retreat of a battery which had fired all its ammunition, and for the cover of which my battalion had been assigned, I ordered to turn about, and retreated as far as I believed was necessary in these circumstances. This was about sixty to eighty paces, after which I again made front and advanced again, without being yelled at to do so, without receiving any advice or urged on by any individual, or being remembered to do so by someone.

I do not want to deny that the brave remarks mentioned in the above anecdote have not been made by these specific individuals in the company from which they were part of. And that these words were heard by others. However, these remarks did not reach my ears, and would in no way have changed my retreating movement in compliance with the orders given to me. As well as causing me to give the order to advance again, as both orders were given by me according to the circumstances and the principles of war. Besides, my battalion was not in such disorder, that any given person would have dared to express his opinion with a loud voice.

I would not be ashamed to admit that certain individuals, such as these three musketeers, could have a better view and more stamina then their commander. As it could happen to the most experienced and determined commanders that one of their subordinated men would surpass them in a certain instance. And it will only bring honour to such a commander to act according to a smart exhortation, instead of imposing his own will to the disadvantage of the whole. While I did not find myself in a situation as just described, I also do not need any acknowledgment as such.

My silence until now about this matter seems, especially in the eyes of several of my concerned and respectable friends, an acknowledgement of what is stated. For this reason I was forced to give my view on this matter, although the signs of full satisfaction from my superiors on that day, and especially the evidence of the grace of his majesty, have always assured me that I have done my duty surely and without the need to be stimulated.

Von Podewils,

Lieutenant-colonel and commander of the 4th Breslauer Landwehr Regiment No. 22, former 13th Silesian.”

Source: Von Podewils, “Berichtigung”, in Militair-Wochenblatt, 2. Jahrgang (Berlin 1817), pp. 318-319.

For comparison: George Nafziger, “Napoleon at Dresden, the Battles of August 1813” (Chicago 1994) p. 272: “The 1/1st Pommeranian Infantry Regiment (Major Podewils) advanced against the Windmühlberg, attacking a 12pdr battery supported by a battalion of the Anton Infantry Regiment. The battery defended itself at 60 paces with canister, followed by a volley fire from the Anton Infantry Regiment, which killed or wounded 90 men. Under such punishment the Pommeranians fell back.”