ORDER OF BATTLE // September 23, 1813
Battle of Roßlau
Estimated force strength by side, with confidence labels per surviving record.
Forces engaged
2 sides catalogued · combined 11,000–12,500 estimated
French Empire
7,000–8,000
Medium-confidence figure
Sweden
4,000–4,500
Medium-confidence figure
Battle context
The Combat of Roßlau saw Michel Ney attack the Swedish bridgehead on the Elbe in an attempt to prevent the Army of the North from crossing the river. Although the Swedish commander Sandels launched a counterattack that drove the French back roughly 5 km, he was ultimately forced to retire, leaving the engagement without a clear strategic outcome. Casualties were recorded at approximately 350 for the Swedes and 600 for the French. The battle produced no strategic effects on the broader campaign of the Sixth Coalition, but it stands as one of the rare instances in the war when a Swedish force was fully committed to a pitched engagement.
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