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Hi Gary,
In the Military History and Atlas of the Napoleonic Wars, a book published originally I believe for West Point (certainly by two officers connected with the academy), the forces available for use by the Army of Berlin (French) were some 60,000+, vs the Army of the North (Allies) were some 110,000 plus.
These are the strengths at the beginning of the campaign, when Oudinot was in command, and before the first battle, of Grossbeeren..
It is reported that Napoleon, upon replacing Oudinot with Ney, planned to increase the Army of Berlin to a strength of 80,000. However, the 25,000 men intended as the reinforcement never joined the army, as Napoleon decided to make use of them elsewhere, at the last minute.
This leaves the French strength at some 55,000, while the Army of the North stayed at roughly the same level.
In the game played here, it was #60 Dennewitz , which is an alternative scenario. The major difference here from the historical version is that the French forces begin more concentrated as opposed to strung out, which allowed them historically to be defeated in detail.
In this scenario, the overall strength of the French side is some 57,612.
The overall Allied strength is some 80,162.
However, there are other factors involved in the game, primarily that the Swedish part of the army arrive late in the game, and cannot exert direct influence upon the final moments of the battle (they arrive late, and have a long way to march), this removes some 27,000 men from the Allied overall strength.
This would leave a slight advantage for the French of some several thousands.
But, it is still not as simple as all that.
For example, the French could act very much in an offensive manner, and therefore find themselves deeper into enemy territory, which means closer to the Swedish forces when they arrive, and who would then likely play a more substantial role in the unfolding battle.
Our strategy as the French in this battle was to ensure we did not allow this to happen, at least not easily so.
I have found both Dennewitz and Grossbeeren to be incredibly complex battles.
They are very much meeting engagements, that allow each side to direct as they will the emphasis of their attacks. To determine whether they will assign the weight of their strength to one flank or the other, which in turn is dependent upon what the opponent has done.
Adding an integral factor for both sides are the schedules for reinforcements.
I can recommend both of these battles for French and Allied officers to play if you wish to have an excellent experience learning the vital details of command and control.
The opposing strengths available to each side vary throughout the course of the scenarios, presenting some opportunities here and there, but never long to last.
Regards,
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NWC
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