A successful Prussian rear guard action that demonstrated renewed Prussian fighting effectiveness following the catastrophic defeat at Jena-Auerstedt.
Key Facts
- Date
- 1 November 1806
- Conflict
- War of the Fourth Coalition
- Prussian commanders
- August Wilhelm von Pletz; Ludwig Yorck von Wartenburg
- French commander
- Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte
- Distance from Rostock
- 70 kilometres southeast of Rostock
- Outcome
- Prussians withdrew intact; no serious losses or units cut off
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Prussian defeat at Jena-Auerstedt on 14 October 1806, Napoleon ordered a vigorous pursuit. French forces cut off and captured large numbers of Prussians near Prenzlau and Stettin. Blücher's corps evaded capture by moving west and linked up with another Prussian corps near Waren, forming a combined force that then began withdrawing westward.
As the combined Prussian force pulled out of Waren on 1 November 1806, French cavalry attacked, triggering an all-day engagement. Prussian troops under Pletz and Yorck fought multiple clashes against Bernadotte's aggressively pressing forces. Despite sustained French pressure, the Prussian rear guard held its cohesion throughout the battle.
The Prussians successfully disengaged without serious losses or the capture of any units, completing a tactically sound withdrawal. The action stood in notable contrast to the poor Prussian performance since Jena-Auerstedt, suggesting the army retained some fighting capability even as the broader campaign continued to go badly for Prussia.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
August Wilhelm von Pletz, Ludwig Yorck von Wartenburg.
Side B
1 belligerent
Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte.