The IIId Corps to occupy the heights of Lipa and Chlum, on the right of
the Xth Corps;
The VIIIth Corps in reserve, in rear of the Saxons.
In case the attack should be confined to the left wing, the other corps
were merely to hold themselves in readiness. If, however, the attack
should extend to the center and right, the following dispositions were
to be made:
The IVth Corps to move up on the right of the IIId to the heights of
Chlum and Nedelist;
The IId Corps, on the right of the IVth, constituting the extreme right
flank;
The 2d Light Cavalry Division, to the rear of Nedelist;
The VIth Corps to be massed on the heights of Wsestar;
The Ist Corps to be massed at Rosnitz;
The 1st and 3d Cavalry Divisions to take position at Sweti;
The 2d Reserve Cavalry Division, at Briza;
The Reserve Artillery behind the Ist and VIth Corps.
The Ist and VIth Corps, the five cavalry divisions and the Reserve
Artillery were to constitute the general reserve.
A slight attempt was made to strengthen the position by throwing up
entrenchments. Six batteries were constructed on the right, as well
as breastworks for about eight companies of supporting infantry. The
infantry breastworks, as well as the batteries, were constructed by
engineer soldiers, and were of strong profile, with traverses, and had
a command of eight feet. There was not the slightest attempt to have
the infantry shelter themselves with hasty entrenchments. Even the
earthworks that were constructed were of no use; for a misunderstanding
of orders caused the line of battle to be established far in advance of
them. On the left but little was done to strengthen the position before
the Prussian attack began.
THE BATTLE OF KÖNIGGRÄTZ, JULY 3D.
Notwithstanding the heavy rain, the muddy roads, and the late hour at
which the orders had been received, the divisions of the First Army
were all at their appointed places soon after dawn. The Army of the
Elbe pushed forward energetically, and at 5:45 o’clock its commander
notified Frederick Charles that he would be at Nechanitz between 7
and 9 o’clock, with thirty-six battalions. The First Army was at once
ordered forward.
The 8th Division marched on the left of the high road, as the
advanced-guard of the troops moving upon Sadowa.
The 4th and 3d Divisions marched on the right of the road, abreast of
the 8th.
The 5th and 6th Divisions followed the 8th on the right and left of the
road respectively, while the Reserve Artillery followed on the road
itself.
The Cavalry Corps had started from Gutwasser at 5 o’clock, and it now
marched behind the right wing to maintain communication with the Army
of the Elbe.
The 7th Division was to leave Cerekwitz as soon as the noise of the
opening battle was heard, and was to join in the action according to
circumstances.
The divisional cavalry of the 5th and 6th Divisions was formed into a
brigade, and a brigade of the Cavalry Division was attached to the IId
Corps.
[Illustration: BATTLEFIELD OF KÖNIGGRÄTZ.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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