Post the 2nd Battle of Dahme, Napoleon pounced with 3 corps on that already devastated town, hoping to catch the victorious but isolated Austro-Russian forces still recovering from yesterday's battle. But the Allies were too canny and pulled back towards the main Russian forces in Luckau, leaving the frustrated Emperor clutching at fresh air. Napoleon was reported to have gnawed at least one carpet, an expensive item he brought back with him from the Orient one report said.
To the south east, a large Austro-Russian force is massing and should they decide to attack we could witness the decisive battle of the campaign (the THIRD battle of Dahme??).
Further west, Prince Schwarzenberg is pressing Marshal Marmont back along the Herzberg/Jueterbog road and threatening to cut French supply lines to Wittenberg. Marmont though has been joined by Marshal Ney's dilapidated corps (who have finally recovered from their pounding at the 1st battle of Dahme) and the 2 French Marshals look determined to fight to keep their supply lines open.
Reports from the west tell of a long procession of French supply wagons streaming south from Wittenberg. Explosions have been reported from that town, suggesting the French are planning to abandon Wittenberg as their main supply base. This is only a rumour at this stage, but if it's true it would appear that the Emperor is planning to abandon Germany east of the Elbe, a politically dangerous decision and one that may prompt the Prussians to re-enter the war.
Is the campaign reaching it's climax or are the French going to avoid a major battle a fall back to fight another day? The Emperor is famous for his gambles. Will he take one now?
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