2024 · Vae Victis
Deux Années de Gloire (Two Years of Glory) brings together the four battles that determined the outcome of the Prussian and Polish campaign from 1806 to 1807. They were previously featured in the series Jours de Gloire (Days of Glory) in 2006 and 2007 (VaeVictis and Canons en Carton), and we are now offering them in new, redesigned and significantly revised versions.
Jena - Auerstedt (14 October 1806)
Jena is one of Napoleon’s most brilliant victories. While Hohenlohe, the Prussian general-in-chief, was unable to engage all of his forces in a coordinated manner, the French army corps leapt into action as soon as they arrived in the combat zone. The same day at Auerstedt, Davout’s and Brunswick’s forces clashed in the fog. At three against one, the Prussians squandered their numerical superiority and Davout’s victory was as complete as it was unexpected.
Eylau (8 February 1807) - Friedland (14 June 1807)
Eylau is a “despite it all” victory, won through superhuman sacrifice. On the contrary, Friedland is a crafted victory, masterfully planned and executed. With its artillery batteries and the charge breaking Murat’s 80 squadrons, Eylau is the frontrunner of the frontal combats at the end of the Empire. As Marengo reminds us, Friedland’s concentration of reinforcements and spirit of initiative provoke the decision. France reaches the height of its power, demonstrated by the Treaties of Tilsit.
Deux Années de Gloire proposes four battles mobilizing great forces. Can you snuff out the Prusso-Saxon army at Jena ? Will you be victorious at Auerstedt at the head of a single army corps ? Will you succeed in saving your battalions from the snowstorm d’Eylau? Will you be able to escape the trap Napoleon has set at Friedland ?
