[ #titre1 Katzbach August-26 1813 Epilog #normal In heavy rain the main forces collided between Christianhohe and Hermannsdorf. The Allies possibly had slightly more warning of the encounter and their forces entered the action more concentrated than those of the French. In addition the Allies had managed to secure most of the key terrain in the area. Due to the rain the rivers in the area had flooded and become almost impassable. Consequently the battlefield was almost split in two, both armies fighting almost as two separate wings. This was a more severe problem for the French as it seriously delayed parts of 3rd Corps which was 'marching to the sound of the guns' and handicapped their attempts to bring sufficient units into action around the dominating heights of Christianhohe. A confused battle erupted with the Allies generally getting the better of the engagement. After heavy fighting the French left was driven off the plateau and across the river. On the Allied left Langeron was put under heavy pressure and came close to cracking. Blucher, with the battle won on the other side of the river was able to send Steinmetz to his support and the French were driven back. The French conceded defeat and pulled back in some confusion, and possibly suffered more losses whilst withdrawing than in the actual battle itself. The Allies managed to surround and capture Puthod's division on the 29th. On August 31 Blucher heard about the Allied defeat at Dresden and halted his pursuit. The French never came so close to the vital Allied center of Breslau again. [