1813 Tortosa Campaign

Campaign Move 13

2012-03-06T09:51:00.002-08:00

0800-1200 11 August 1813

The three battles fought yesterday have had a striking effect on all seven corps involved.

In the north 16^th Italian corps has managed to withdraw from Torrente, but have left one of their brigades surrounded at Mora.

3^rd and 4^th Spanish corps must now decide how best to take advantage of this withdrawal.

In the centre 8^th French corps has forced 2^nd Spanish corps to abandon their siege of Miravat and rescued 21^st infantry brigade.

In the south 17^th French corps have reached Tortosa just in time to prevent its capture by 1^st Spanish corps. The Spanish have retreated west of the river to Amposta. 5^th British corps is approaching Amposta and will soon be available to support the Spanish.

7^th French corps is on the march from Barcelona to join the main French army.

Campaign Move 12

2012-02-26T03:21:00.000-08:00

1600-2100 10 August 1813

Battle of Torrente at nightfall

16^th Italian corps have fought a hard battle, but must withdraw during the night

They have suffered 7 infantry and 2 cavalry casualties

3^rd Spanish corps have suffered too many casualties to pursue the Italians

They have taken 7 infantry and 1 artillery casualties

4^th Spanish corps have not suffered any casualties

They are ready to pursue the Italians at first light.

This was a convincing Spanish victory

Battle of Miravat at nightfall

8^th French corps have taken most of the battle to reach the Spanish position

But once there they quickly broke the enemy infantry

They have taken 2 infantry and 1 artillery casualties to do so

Their gunners have routed and abandoned their guns

2^nd Spanish corps had put on a brave face, but failed to deliver the goods

They have suffered 8 infantry casualties and two brigades are in rout

Although shaken their gunners remain with the guns

There is sufficient infantry and cavalry to cover the retreat

This was a convincing French victory

Battle of Tortosa at nightfall

17^th French corps have not had sufficient time to close with the enemy

They have achieved a victory of sorts by driving the Spanish back to the bridge

They have not received any casualties during the battle.

1^st Spanish corps have managed to hold the bridge

By a timely retreat they have avoided a major battle and probable defeat

They have suffered 2 infantry and one cavalry casualty

At nightfall all of their brigades are formed

This was an partial French victory

Campaign Move 11

2012-02-25T04:58:00.000-08:00

1200-1600 10 August 1813

Battle of Torrente at 1600

Severoli has withdrawn his corps to a new position between the farm and the hill. He must hold this position until nightfall

4^th Spanish corps have occupied Torrente and deployed to the north to attack the Italian right wing.

3^rd Spanish corps are moving to attack the farm

Battle of Miravat at 1600

Elio has deployed his corps across the Miravat road.

His infantry hold the northern hill

His cavalry hold the southern hill

Harispe will hold the centre and attack on his right

Two infantry brigades have been sent along the northern hill

Infantry and artillery advance in the centre

Lancers hold the left flank

Battle of Tortosa at 1600

1^st Spanish corps had already crossed the river Ebro when they sighted 17^th French corps marching towards Tortosa on the Cambrils road. Both corps had their cavalry deployed to recce Tortosa. The French chasseurs charged and routed the Spanish dragoons.

Del Parque deployed his corps between the woods and the hill, and his infantry to form square.

Halbert ordered the garrison of Tortosa to join the main corps, deployed his infantry in column of attack and advanced towards the Spanish.

Del Parque immediately ordered his corps to withdraw towards the bridge.

Campaign Move 10

2012-02-24T11:54:00.004-08:00

0800-1200 10 August 1813

Battle of Torrente at 1200

The battle started with general Severoli (top right) in full retreat to reach the Lerida road before 4^th Spanish corps (top left) could cut him off.

This frantic retreat caught both Spanish commanders by surprise. 3^rd Spanish corps were deployed in a defensive position to prevent the Italians from reaching the town of Flix (off table bottom centre). 4^th Spanish corps (top left) expected to have to fight for Torrente (top centre).

Severoli ordered his corps to concentrate between the farm (top right) and the hill to the north of the Lerida road. The slow response of the Spanish commanders allowed him to do so without any urgent pursuit.

4^th Spanish corps occupied the abandoned Torrente and started to deploy to the north of the town to attack the right of the new Italian position.

3^rd Spanish corps advanced to attack the farm from the south.

Battle of Tortosa – Move 8

2012-02-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

1900-2000 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 8

Left – Spanish in position to hold the bridge

Right – French advancing but still out of musket range

1st Spanish corps

General del Parque (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Hold bridge

Artillery fire on 22^nd French (total 3 – no casualties)

4^th infantry retreat 8” onto bridge

1^st infantry move 2” to left in square to protect cavalry

Artillery manhandle 2” back towards bridge

3^rd infantry test morale for shaken (total 3 – pass become disordered)

17^th French corps

General Halbert (Average)

8 Command Points

Orders – Engage enemy

Artillery fire on Spanish gunners (total 5 – no casualties)

22^nd 23^rd and 24^th infantry advance 6”

Halbert moves to centre of corps

Artillery manhandle 2” forward

24^th infantry skirmish with 1^st Spanish (total 6 – one casualty)

1^st Spanish test morale for first casualty (total 3 – pass remain formed)

Marshal Suchet (Gifted)

5 Command Points

Moves to join Halbert

Change corps orders to Hold

Game Notes

Del Parque has managed to withdraw his corps to the bridge

He has suffered light casualties, but all of his brigades have held their morale

Halbert has pushed the Spanish back to the bridge

Night has robbed him of the opportunity to press home his attack

He has inflicted light casualties on the enemy, and received none himself

He is well placed to attack again at first light

Suchet has ordered Halbert to halt and hold his position

He is not prepared to risk casualties so late in the day

He is confident of victory if the Spanish do not retreat over night.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Table at end of game

Left – Spanish infantry in position in front of bridge

Spanish cavalry in reserve protected by square

Shaken infantry on bridge have rallied

Right – French infantry brigade skirmish with Spanish square

French cavalry unable to advance due to enemy square

Remainder of French corps have halted out of musket range

Game Result

17^th French corps have not had sufficient time to close with the enemy

They have achieved a victory of sorts by driving the Spanish back to the bridge

They have not received any casualties during the battle.

1^st Spanish corps have managed to hold the bridge

By a timely retreat they have avoided a major battle and probable defeat

They have suffered 2 infantry and one cavalry casualty

At nightfall all of their brigades are formed

This was an indecisive French victory

Battle of Tortosa – Move 7

2012-02-22T09:02:00.000-08:00

1800-1900 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 7

Left – Spanish artillery withdraw to bridge covered by an infantry square

Right – French corps advance towards the bridge

1st Spanish corps

General del Parque (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Retreat to bridge

3^rd infantry change from square to column of march and withdraw 4”

Artillery retire 4” and unlimber

4^th infantry change from column of attack to line

1^st infantry retire 2” in square

2^nd infantry change formation from square to line

Del Parque moves to centre of corps

Del Parque changes orders to “Hold bridge”

17^th French corps

General Halbert (Average)

8 Command Points

Orders – Engage enemy

Cavalry form line and advance 4” to edge of hill

Artillery fire on 3^rd Spanish (total 10 – one casualty)

3^rd Spanish test morale for first casualty (total 1 – fail and become shaken)

22^nd and 24^th infantry advance 6”

Artillery manhandle forward 2”

Halbert moves to centre of corps

23^rd infantry advance 6”

Marshal Suchet (Gifted)

3 Command Points

Moves to join Halbert

Game Notes

The Spanish are now in position at the bridge

By moving first 3^rd infantry have managed to withdraw out of French canister range

1^st infantry has remained in square to protect the left flank and their cavalry

The remainder have formed line to provide better fire power

Halbert is now within artillery range

His infantry are advancing but still out of musket range

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Tortosa – Move 6

2012-02-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

1700-1800 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 6

Left – Spanish corps withdraw towards the bridge

Right – French corps advance towards the bridge

17^th French corps

General Halbert (Average)

8 Command Points

Orders – Advance to bridge

Cavalry advance 8” on ridge

Halbert moves to centre of corps

22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th infantry all advance 6”

Artillery advance 4” and unlimber

Halbert moves back to command range of cavalry

1st Spanish corps

General del Parque (Average)

11 Command Points

Orders – Retreat to bridge

1^st infantry retire 2” in square

2^nd infantry form square to left of bridge

Del Parque moves to centre of corps

3^rdinfantry retire 2” in square

Artillery retire 8”

4^th infantry about turn at bridge

Del Parque moves to centre of corps

Marshal Suchet (Gifted)

4 Command Points

Move to join Halbert

Change corps orders to “Engage enemy”

Game Notes

Del Parque has left one brigade in square to cover the withdrawal of the artillery

The remainder of his corps are now in position at the bridge.

Halbert has followed the Spanish towards the bridge.

Suchet has changed Halbert’s orders from Move to Engage.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Tortosa – Move 5

2012-02-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

1600-1700 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 5

Left – Spanish corps starts to withdraw towards the bridge

Right – French corps have formed column and are starting to follow the enemy

Marshal Suchet (Gifted)

4 Command Points

Moves to join Halbert

Changes corps orders to “Advance to bridge”

17^th French corps

General Halbert (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Advance to bridge

22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th brigade all advance 6”

Artillery advance 8”

Halbert moves to command range (8”of cavalry)

Cavalry turn right and move towards hill

1st Spanish corps

General del Parque (Average)

10 Command Points

Orders – Retreat to bridge

Artillery limber and retreat 4”

1^st and 3^rd brigades retreat 2” in square

4^th brigade retreats 6” to bridge

2^nd brigade forms column of attack and retreats 3”

Cavalry move 12” towards left flank

Del Parque moves to join shaken cavalry

Cavalry test morale for shaken (total 8 – pass and become disordered)

Game Notes

Del Parque has broken contact and is withdrawing his corps to take up a new position at the bridge.

Halbert has ordered his cavalry to move to the hill and advance to threaten the enemy left flank.

By moving on the hill they can avoid enemy artillery fire.

The sequence of morale is formed-disordered-shaken-rout.

A morale test is required to move from rout to shaken and shaken to disordered

At the end of each move sequence disordered automatically become formed.

Rule 18 deals with morale

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Tortosa – Move 4

2012-02-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

1500-1600 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 4

Left – Spanish cavalry rout towards bridge, infantry form square

Right – French cavalry out of angle of enemy artillery.

17^th French corps

General Halbert (Average)

8 Command Points

Orders – Engage enemy

22^nd and 24^th brigades form column of attack and advance 3”

23^rd brigade move out of town and join general advance

Artillery limber and advance 4”

Halbert moves to centre of corps

Marshal Suchet (Gifted)

2 Command Points

Moves to join Halbert

1st Spanish corps

General del Parque (Average)

8 Command Points

Orders – Hold

Artillery fire on 22^nd French (total 7 – no casualties)

Del Parque changes corps orders to “Retreat to bridge”

Gunners manhandle artillery 2” towards bridge

Dragoons retreat to shelter behind infantry square

Del Parque moves to centre of corps

4^th brigade about turn and retreats 3” towards bridge

Dragoons test morale for being in rout (total 3 – pass become shaken)

Game Notes

Without cavalry del Parque orders his corps to retreat to the bridge

He hopes to avoid a major battle, but still hold the bridge, until nightfall

He is fortunate to be able to rally his dragoons behind the shelter of an infantry square

With the removal of the enemy cavalry Halbert orders his infantry to advance

They abandon their square formation and change into column of attack

Only the French cavalry are in contact with the enemy, so they are unable to prevent del Parque from breaking contact and retreating to the bridge.

If the Spanish can hold the bridge until nightfall, they will be able to withdraw safely over the river under cover of darkness.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Tortosa – Move 3

2012-02-18T09:31:00.000-08:00

1400-1500 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 3

Left – Spanish deploy between hill and woods

Right – French deploy just above Tortosa

Marshal Suchet (Gifted)

3 Command Points

Move to join Halbert

Change corps orders to “Engage enemy”

17^th French corps

General Halbert (Average)

10 Command Points

Orders – Engage enemy

Cavalry charge Spanish dragoons

Spanish test to counter charge (total 4 – pass and charge)

Artillery advance 4” and unlimber

22^nd and 24^th brigades advance 3” and form square

Halbert moves to command range of Tortosa

23^rd brigade move to edge of Tortosa

French cavalry roll 2D6

French chasseurs charge Spanish dragoons (total 12 – French win)

Spanish dragoons lose one casualty and rout

French chasseurs halt disordered

3^rd Spanish brigade test morale for rout within 4” (total 2 – fail become shaken)

1^st Spanish brigade test morale for rout within 4” (total 4 – pass)

1st Spanish corps

General del Parque (Average)

8 Command Points

Orders – Move to Tortosa

Artillery fire on 22^nd French (total 2 – no casualties)

1^st and 2^nd brigades form square

4^th brigade advance 4” and form column of attack

Del Parque changes corps orders to “Hold”

Del Parque joins shaken 3^rd brigade

3^rd brigade test morale for shaken (total 4 – pass become disordered)

Game Notes

Suchet orders Halbert to advance and engage the Spanish

Halbert orders his cavalry to charge the enemy dragoons.

Cavalry melee are very unpredictable

He orders his infantry to form square to protect the gunners

His cavalry are very successful and rout the dragoons

On Engage orders they cause one casualty

Had they been on attack orders they would have caused two casualties

Spanish infantry within 4” of the rout have to test their morale

Spanish gunners unable to fire on chasseurs who are out of the angle of fire

Rule 2 covers role of CinC

Rule 7 covers artillery fire

Rule 14 covers cavalry combat

Rule 17 covers reaction to rout

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Tortosa – Move 2

2012-02-17T07:12:00.001-08:00

1300-1400 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 2

Left – Spanish start to deploy just right of the river

Right – French deploy just above Tortosa

1st Spanish corps

General del Parque (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Move to Tortosa

Artillery advance 8”

3^rd and 4^th brigade advance 8”

Del Parque moves to centre of corps

Artillery advance 4” and unlimber

3^rd brigade advance 8” and form square

1^st brigade advance 6”

Marshal Suchet (Gifted)

4 Command Points

No orders issued

17^th French corps

General Halbert (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Move to Tortosa

Artillery advance 8”

Cavalry advance 6”

22nd brigade advance 6”

24^th brigade advance 4” and form column of attack

Halbert moves to centre of corps

23^rd brigade prepare to vacate Tortosa

Game Notes

1^st Spanish corps have cleared the bridge and started to deploy to cover the crossing

Halbert is well aware that he must attack the Spanish without delay if he is to stand any chance of driving them back over the river Ebro before nightfall.

He has moved his cavalry forward to allow space for his infantry and artillery to deploy. This has put the cavalry within range of the Spanish gunners, and he must hope that he will move first next move so that he can charge the enemy cavalry before the gunners get a chance to fire on his chasseurs.

Marshal Suchet is content to allow Halbert to command his corps and deploy for battle.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Tortosa – Move 1

2012-02-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

1200-1300 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 1

Left – 1st Spanish corps cross the river Ebro

Spanish cavalry deployed in the centre to protect the corps column

Right – 17^th French corps approach Tortosa

The town is held by 21^st infantry brigade

1st Spanish corps

General del Parque (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Move to Tortosa

Del Parque moves to centre of corps

1^st brigade moves 8” to the far left and forms column of attack (double move)

2^nd brigade moves 8” to centre left

Artillery moves 16” (double move) to centre

3^rd brigade advance 16” (double move)

4^th brigade advance 16” (double move)

17^th French corps

General Halbert (Average)

8 Command Points

Orders – Move to Tortosa

Cavalry advance 8” and form line

22^nd brigade advance 8” and form column of attack

Artillery advance 8”
Halbert moves to centre of corps

24^th brigade advance 16” (double move)

Marshal Suchet (Gifted)

4 Command Points

Move 16” to observe Spanish deployment

Game Notes

Del Parque orders his corps to deploy between the hill and the woods

Moving first he has the advantage of being more than 16” from the nearest enemy

He can therefore take advantage of multiple moves

He also has a good dice roll for CP, which allows him to take full advantage

Halbert deploys his cavalry to counter the enemy cavalry

He then orders his corps to deploy to the right of Tortosa

Most of his brigades are too close to the enemy to take multiple moves

Marshal Suchet is moving with 17^th corps

He moves forward to observe the Spanish deployment

Rule 5 covers multiple movement

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Tortosa – Set Up

2012-02-15T05:44:00.000-08:00

strategic map at 1200 10 August 1813

Campaign Background

17^th French corps had left one23rd brigade to hold Tortosa whilst they marched north to raise the siege of Miravat, which was held by their 21^st brigade. Before they reached Miravat they were ordered by Marshal Suchet to return to Tortosa as he believed it was about to be attacked.

1^st Spanish corps had held the river Ebro bridge for some days, and observed the movements at Tortosa. Their main objective was to hold Amposta until the arrival of 5^th British corps. Having received notification of the approach of the British they advanced over the river at midday with the intention of laying siege to Tortosa.

Tactical Map at 1200 10 August 1813

Battle Area

The battle will take place in the nine squares outlined in white.

On the left general Del Parque is crossing the river Ebro in square L3, covered by his cavalry in L4

On the right general Halbert is marching south in square K5 and is now approaching Tortosa.

The town is held by his 23^rd infantry brigade.

Wargames Table at start of battle

Tortosa is on the right

17^th French corps is approaching the town from the top right

1^st Spanish corps is crossing the river Ebro on the left

Tortosa is held by 23^rd French infantry brigade

1^st Spanish Corps

Corps is crossing the river in column of march.

The artillery is moving in the centre of the corps column

The corps cavalry are deployed to observe the French and protect the column

17^thFrench corps

Corps approach Tortosa in column of march.

Their cavalry lead the corps, also in column of march

Special Rules

We are play testing new rules for command and control.

The wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleoniccampaignrules.blogspot.com/

The latest entry is a draft of the new rules

Battle of Miravat – Move 9

2012-02-14T09:24:00.000-08:00

2000-2100 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 9

Left – Spanish brigade on hill have orders to retreat, but must break contact first

Right – French infantry press home their attack

2^nd Spanish corps

General Elio (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – Retire to Miravat

Artillery fire on enemy artillery (total 5 – no casualties)

Elio moves to join 6^th brigade

6^th brigade retires (1”) facing enemy

Elio leaves 6^th brigade and moves to centre of corps

Gunners manhandle guns (2”) away from enemy infantry

8^th brigade (square) retires 2” to support artillery

7^th brigade skirmish with 31^st French (total 5 – no casualties)

8^th French corps

General Harispe (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Engage enemy

Harispe changes corps orders to “Attack enemy infantry”

Harispe moves to right flank to command infantry attack

29^th brigade advance (1”) uphill and skirmish 6^th Spanish

30^th and 31^st brigade advance to attack 7^th Spanish

Harispe returns to centre to join shaken gunners

29^th French skirmish 6^th Spanish (total 6 – one casualty)

6^th Spanish test morale for fourth casualty (total minus 1 – fail and rout)

30^th and 31^st French attack 7^th Spanish (total 10 – French win)

7^th Spanish rout and lose three casualties

30^th and 31^st French halt disordered

Spanish gunners test morale for rout within 4” (total 2 – fail and become shaken)

French gunners test morale for shaken (total 0 – fail and rout)

Game Notes

This final move has allowed the French infantry to close with, and rout, the Spanish infantry

Rule 11 deals with infantry skirmish combat

Rule 13 deals with infantry hand to hand combat

Rule 17 deals with reaction to rout

Rule 18 deals with morale

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Table at end of game

Left – Spanish infantry in rout

Spanish gunners shaken, but protected by square

Spanish cavalry available to cover night retreat

Right – French infantry press home their attack and rout enemy

French gunners have broken and routed leaving their guns behind

French cavalry await orders

Game Result

8^th French corps have taken most of the battle to reach the Spanish position

But once there they quickly broke the enemy infantry

They have taken 2 infantry and 1 artillery casualties to do so

Their gunners have routed and abandoned their guns

2^nd Spanish corps had put on a brave face, but failed to deliver the goods

They have suffered 8 infantry casualties and two brigades are in rout

Although shaken their gunners remain with the guns

There is sufficient infantry and cavalry to cover the retreat

This was a convincing French victory

Battle of Miravat – Move 8

2012-02-13T09:31:00.000-08:00

1900-2000 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 8

Left – Spanish brigade on hill have taken casualties but remain firm

Right – French infantry exchange skirmish fire and prepare to attack

8^th French corps

General Harispe (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Engage enemy

29^th, 30^th and 31^st brigades advance to volley range

Harispe moves to centre of corps

29^th French volley fire on 6^th Spanish (total 9 – French win)

6^th Spanish receive two casualties, retire 4” and are shaken

29^th French receive one casualty and are disordered

2^nd Spanish corps

General Elio (Poor)

6 Command Points

Orders – Hold pass

Artillery fire on enemy artillery (total 12 – one hit)

French gunners test morale for first casualties (total 2 – fail and are shaken)

Elio changes corps orders to “Retire to Miravat”

7^th brigade retire 2” facing enemy

Elio moves to join 6^th brigade

6^th brigade test morale for shaken (total 3 – pass test and become disordered)

Game Notes

French have won the first phase of the firefight

Spanish have retreated shaken, but managed to rally their morale

Despite this Elio has ordered his corps to retire to Miravat

The battle would normally end at 2000.

However both bodies of infantry are in close combat and neither side a clear winner

One more round will be fought to see if a winner can be found

Rule 12 deals with infantry firefight combat

Rule 18 deals with morale

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Miravat – Move 7

2012-02-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

1800-1900 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 7

Left – Spanish wait for the French attack

Right – French infantry attack from hill

2^nd Spanish corps

General Elio (Poor)

6 Command Points

Orders – Hold pass

Artillery fire on 31^st French (total 9 – one casualty)

31^st French test morale for first casualty (total 1 – fail become shaken)

6^th brigade skirmish 29^th French (total 3 – no casualty)

8^th French corps

General Harispe (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Engage enemy

Artillery fire on 8^th Spanish (total 5 – no casualty)

Harispe moves to command range of cavalry

Cavalry advance 6” (within charge range of Spanish gunners)

Harispe returns to centre of corps

30^th brigade advance 3” off hill (maximum move on difficult terrain)

29^th brigade form line

31^st brigade advance 6”

Harispe joins 31^st brigade (to help rally from shaken)

29^th brigade skirmish with 6^th Spanish (total 6 – one casualty)

6^th Spanish test morale for first casualty (total 5 – pass morale test)

31^st brigade test morale for shaken (total 5 – pass test become disordered)

Game Notes

The French infantry have now closed with the Spanish left flank.

31^st brigade take first artillery casualties, and move close to the Spanish infantry to avoid further artillery fire. Harispe joins them to give them a better chance of making their compulsory morale. In doing so he has moved out of command range of his own artillery, who will not be able to fire next turn.

Leading French infantry brigade have won the first phase of the skirmish fight and are now in line ready to advance into volley range next turn.

Rule 7 deals with artillery fire

Rule 11 deals with infantry skirmish combat

Rule 18 deals with morale

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Miravat – Move 6

2012-02-11T10:11:00.000-08:00

1700-1800 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 5

Left – Spanish wait for the French attack

Right – French are just outside musket range

8^th French corps

General Harispe (Average)

7 Command Points

Orders – Engage enemy

Artillery fire on 7^th Spanish (total 7 – no casualties)

Manhandle guns 2” towards enemy

31^st brigade advance 6” to support guns

Harispe moves to command range (8”) of hill

29^th and 30^th brigade advance 3” on hill

Harispe moves back to centre of corps

2^nd Spanish corps

General Elio (Poor)

6 Command Points

Orders – Hold pass

Artillery fire on 31^st French (total 5 – no casualties)

Game Notes

Both the French and Spanish gunners have performed poorly (both require a total of 8 or more with 2D6 for a hit).

Next move the French will be within musket range, and neither side has suffered a single casualty to artillery fire.

This is more of an advantage to the French. They have better quality troops and a more efficient commander. Both sides are evenly matched in infantry, cavalry and artillery. So the odds are firmly with the French.

Elio is disappointed that his artillery have not helped to even the odds, but he now had no choice other than to stand and hope for the best

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com

Battle of Miravat – Move 5

2012-02-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

1600-1700 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 5

Left – Spanish wait for the French attack

Right – French move into position to launch their attack

8^th French corps

General Harispe (Average)

8 Command Points

Orders – Engage enemy

Artillery fire on 7^th Spanish (total 3 – no casualties)

Manhandle guns 2” towards enemy

31^st brigade advance 6” to support guns

Harispe moves to command range (8”) of hill

29^th and 30^th brigade advance 3” on hill

Harispe moves back to centre of his corps

2^nd Spanish corps

General Elio (Poor)

6 Command Points

Orders – Hold pass

Artillery fire on 31^st French (total 7 – no casualties)

Game Notes

Harispe is aware that due to the late start of the battle he has no time to try anything clever. He orders his corps to advance and engage the enemy

Elio does what the Spanish do best – he stands and waits. With his corps in position he does not need to move any of his brigades. He is hoping that his artillery will inflict some casualties before the French reach him.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Miravat – Move 4

2012-02-09T02:22:00.000-08:00

1500-1600 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 4

Left – Spanish now fully deployed to receive the French attack

Right – French move into position to launch their attack

8^th French corps

General Harispe (Average)

8 Command Points

Orders – Move to Miravat

Artillery fire on 7^th Spanish (total 7 – no casualties)

Manhandle guns 2” towards enemy

29^th and 30^th brigades advance 3” on hill

31^st brigade advance 6”

Harispe changes corps orders to “Engage"

2^nd Spanish corps

General Elio (Poor)

7 Command Points

Orders – Hold pass

Artillery fire on 31^st French (total 6 – no casualties)

Game Notes

Harispe moves his centre forward in line with infantry on the hill

His cavalry remain out of artillery range to protect his left flank

Elio is content to await the French attack.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Miravat – Move 3

2012-02-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

1400-1500 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 3

Left – Spanish have occupied both hills and hold the centre with infantry in square

Right – French infantry on hill move to attack Spanish left flank.

8^th French corps

General Harispe (Average)

8 Command Points

Orders – Move to Miravat

Artillery manhandle 2” towards enemy

31^st brigade advance 6” to support artillery

Harispe moves within command range of infantry on hill

29^th brigade advance 3”

30^th brigade advance 3” and form column of attack

Harispe returns to centre of corps

2^nd Spanish corps

General Elio (Poor)

6 Command Points

Orders – Hold pass

Artillery fire on enemy artillery (total 6 – no casualties)

7^th brigade change from square to line

8^th brigade advance 2” in square

Elio moves to command range of hill

9^th brigade advance 2” and form line

Game Notes

No more multiple moves as both corps are within 16”

Elio places the infantry on his left flank in line to meet the French columns

His right flank are held by the cavalry and one brigade in square

Harispe holds his centre and left out of artillery range until his infantry on the hill to his right are close enough to attack the Spanish infantry.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Miravat – Move 2

2012-02-06T04:53:00.000-08:00

1300-1400 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 2

Left – Deployed Spanish brigades join the main corps in the pass

Right – French cavalry move to threaten Spanish right flank.

Two infantry brigades move over the hill to threaten Spanish left flank

8^th French corps

General Harispe (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Move to Miravat

31^st brigade advance 8” and form column of attack

24^th brigade advance 4” on hill and form column of attack

30^th brigade advance 8” (double move) on hill

Artillery advance 16” and unlimber

2^nd Spanish corps

General Elio (Poor)

7 Command Points

Orders – Hold pass

6^th brigade advance 8” (double move) onto left hand hill

Cavalry turn right, move 8” on to hill and turn left to face enemy

Game Notes

Both sides take advance of multiple moves outside 16” of the enemy to deploy and form column of attack

2^nd Spanish move to occupy both hills to counter French flank attacks

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Miravat – Move 1

2012-02-05T07:49:00.000-08:00

1200-1300 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 1

Left – 2^nd Spanish corps hold the pass leading to Miravat

Right – 8^th French corps march through Cambrils to raise the siege of Miravat

2^nd Spanish corps

General Elio (Poor)

7 Command Points

Orders – Hold pass

Artillery fire on cavalry, who are out of range

6^th brigade (left) move 24” (three moves) to join main corps

8^th brigade (right) move 8” to join main corps

8^th French corps

General Harispe (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Move to Miravat

Cavalry turn left, move 16” and turn right to face enemy

29^th and 30^th brigade move 8” onto hill

General moves to command range (8”) of town

31^st brigade advance 4” through town

Game Notes

Under the new wargame rule amendment both the corps commander, and each brigade, roll for command points.

Each brigade rolls one average dice, with minus one for C class and each casualty. A brigade with a high dice roll (6^th Spanish brigade) who are also more than 16” from the nearest enemy can take three moves. A low dice roll (8^th Spanish brigade) can only move once.

The corps commander will normally use his CP to issue general orders to his brigades. However he may join a brigade and use his own CP to make the brigade move, change formation or fire. This is particularly useful if the brigade has no CP of its own.

Wargame rules can be found at
http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Miravat – Set Up

2012-02-04T13:36:00.000-08:00

Strategic Map at 1200 10 August 1813

Campaign Background

21^st infantry brigade, of 17^th French corps, have been under siege in the town of Miravat for eight campaign moves. 8^th French corps have been tasked to raise the siege and rescue the garrison.

2^nd Spanish corps have imposed the siege, and have deployed just west of Miravat to prevent the French from reaching Miravat.

Tactical Map at 1200 10 August 1813

Battle Area
The battle will take place in the nine squares outlined in white.

General Elio has taken a blocking position just east of Miravat in H3

He has ordered 5^th infantry brigade to maintain the siege

The rest of his corps to concentrate in H3

General Harispe is marching through Cambrils H5 on his way to Miravat.

His cavalry brigade have halted in H4, having located Elio in H3.

32^nd infantry brigade are returning to Harispe and are currently in H6.

They will arrive in Cambrils at 1600.

Wargames Table at start of battle

Cambrils is on the right centre

Miravat is just off the table centre left

2^nd Spanish corps is deployed left centre.

6^th infantry brigade is approaching top left

8^th infantry brigade is approaching bottom left

8^th French corps is moving through Cambrils left centre
8^th lancer brigade is in the centre, just out of range of the Spanish artillery
32^nd infantry brigade will arrive left centre at the start of move 5

2^nd Spanish corps

General Elio is holding the Miravat road with his cavalry, artillery and one infantry brigade

8th French corps

General Harispe moves through Cambrils.

His cavalry brigade is deployed in front of the town observing the Spanish

His order of march is as directed in the last corps orders received.

It is unfortunate that his artillery are moving at the rear of the column.

Special Rules

We are play testing new rules for command and control

The wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleoniccampaignrules.blogspot.com/

The latest entry is a draft of the new rules

Battle of Torrente – Move 13

2012-02-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

2000-2100 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 13

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps advance in square, the Italian cavalry have started to retire

Right – Italian corps have suffered heavy casualties but continue to hold their ground

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps have also suffered casualties and right hand brigade is shaken

3^rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

8 Command Points

Orders – Hold

Artillery unlimber within short range of farm

Move general to join 11^th brigade (shaken)

11^th brigade about turn and retire 3” to support distance (4”) of artillery

10^th brigade volley fire 7^th Italian (total 7 – draw)

10^th brigade third casualty and disordered

7^th Italian fifth casualty and disordered

9^th brigade test morale for shaken (total 2 – fail remain shaken)

11^th brigade test morale for shaken (total 3 – pass test become disordered)

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – Hold Farm

6^th brigade retire 2” facing enemy

Artillery move 4” and unlimber

General moves to join 7^th brigade

7^th brigade retire 2” facing enemy

8^th brigade (garrison of farm) skirmish 9^th Spanish (total 6 – one hit)

9^th Spanish test morale for third casualty (total 2 – fail remain shaken)

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – Engage Enemy

Artillery fire on Italian cavalry (total 12 – one casualty)

Cavalry test morale for second casualty (total 0 – fail and rout)

6^th Italian test morale for rout within 4” (total 1 – fail are shaken)

13^th brigade advance 6”

14^th and 15^th brigades form column of attack and advance 3”

16^th brigade advances 4” off hill

Artillery limber and advance 4”

Game Notes

4^th Spanish corps artillery have excellent gunners (rolled 2x6 dice twice)

They have routed the Italian cavalry

The Spanish infantry immediately form column of attack and advance on the farm

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Table at end of game

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps advance in column of attack

Right – Italian cavalry have routed and the infantry have been lucky to hold for so long

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps have also suffered casualties but are still attacking the farm

Game Result

16^th Italian corps have fought a hard battle, but must withdraw during the night

They have suffered 7 infantry and 2 cavalry casualties

3^rd Spanish corps have suffered too many casualties to pursue the Italians

They have taken 7 infantry and 1 artillery casualties

4^th Spanish corps have not suffered any casualties

They are ready to pursue the Italians at first light.

This was a convincing Spanish victory

Battle of Torrente – Move 12

2012-02-01T07:37:00.000-08:00

1900-2000 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 12

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps advance in square towards Italian cavalry

Right – Italian corps have suffered casualties to cavalry, garrison and right hand brigade

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps have suffered casualties and right hand brigade is shaken

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – Hold Farm

General moves to command range (8”) of cavalry

Cavalry withdraw 8” facing enemy

General returns to centre of corps

Artillery retreat 8”

8^th brigade (farm) skirmish 9^th Spanish (total 6 – one casualty)

9^th Spanish test morale for second casualty (total 2 – fail remain shaken)

3^rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Hold

Artillery moves 8” towards centre of corps

10^th brigade advance 3” and form line from column of attack

Move general to centre of corps

10^th brigade volley fire on 7^th Italian (total 6 – draw)

10^th brigade receive second casualty and are disordered

7^th Italian receive fourth casualty and are disordered

General joins shaken 11^th brigade

11^th brigade test morale for shaken (total 1 - fail remain shaken)

9^th brigade test morale for shaken (total 2 – fail remain shaken)

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – Engage Enemy

Artillery fire on 6^th Italian (total 12 – one casualty)

6^th Italian test morale for first casualty (total 5 – pass test)

16^th brigade moves forward to crest of hill

Move general to centre of corps

14^th and 15^th brigades advance 2” in square

Artillery manhandle forwards 2”

13^th brigade advance 6”

Game Notes

Severoli is taking a lot of casualties, but his corps is still holding the farm

His 7^th brigade have suffered four casualties in the exchange of volley fire with the two Spanish brigades, but neither side have broken.

3^rd Spanish corps is also taking a lot of casualties, but they are spread throughout all of the brigades. It is fortunate that they have all made their morale, because if one were to rout it is very likely that more would join them.

4^th Spanish corps continues to move slowly towards the farm. The Italian cavalry have taken one casualty and withdrawn, but they are still close enough to charge the Spanish should they form column of attack from their defensive squares

This would normally be the end of the game, as it is nightfall. However the fighting around the farm needs to be resolved and it was agreed to fight one more round.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Torrente – Move 11

2012-01-31T08:45:00.000-08:00

1800-1900 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 11

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps advance in square towards Italian cavalry

Right – Italian corps have suffered casualties to garrison and right hand brigade

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps are winning skirmish for farm

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

9 Command Points

Orders – Hold Farm

Artillery retreat 8”

7^th brigade advance 2” and volley fire on 9^th and 10^th Spanish (total 8 - 7^th brigade win)

7^th brigade lose one casualty and are disordered

9^th Spanish lose one casualty, retire 4” and are shaken

10^th Spanish lose one casualty, retire 4” and are shaken

8^th brigade (in farm) skirmish 10^th Spanish (total 2 – no casualty)

3^rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders– Engage Enemy

Change corps orders to “Hold”

Artillery are out of command range and unable to fire

General move to command range (8” of artillery)

Artillery limber and move 4” towards main corps

General return to centre of corps

10^th brigade skirmish with farm (total 2 – no casualty)

9^th brigade test morale for shaken (total 3 – rally to disordered)

11^th brigade test morale for shaken (total 1 – fail remain shaken

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – Engage Enemy

Artillery fire on enemy cavalry (total 12 – one casualty)

Italian cavalry test morale for casualty (total 4 – pass test)

13^th brigade turn left and advance 3”

14^th and 15^th brigade advance 2” in square

Artillery manhandle 2” towards enemy

Commander moves to command range of 16^th brigade

16^th brigade advance 4” on hill

Commander returns to centre of corps

Game Notes

Rather than leave the advantage to the Spanish Severoli orders his battered 7^th brigade to advance to volley range (2”) and fire on the two Spanish brigades skirmishing with him. He wins the volley exchange and the two enemy brigades retire 4” with two casualties and are shaken. 7^th brigade suffers a third casualty and are disordered. The gamble has paid off.

Severoli is fortunate that there is only one more move to nightfall. His cavalry have suffered casualties, as have the garrison of the farm. His 7^th brigade has three casualties and are likely to rout if they have to test their morale. If one of his brigades fail morale and rout it is very likely that his whole corps will fall apart.

He is retreating his artillery in preparation for a general retreat at nightfall.

Rule 12 covers infantry volley combat

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Torrente – Move 10

2012-01-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

1700-1800 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 10

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps advance in square towards Italian cavalry

Right – Italian corps have redeployed to meet 3^rd Spanish flank move

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps advance to attack farm

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – Engage Enemy

Artillery fire on Italian cavalry (total 3 – no casualty)

14^th and 15^th brigades advance 2” in square

Artillery manhandle forward 2”

13^th brigade move out of town

O’Donnell moves to centre of corps

16^th brigade move 7” (double move) on hill

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – Hold Farm

Artillery fire on 9^th Spanish (total 10 – one casualty)

9^th Spanish test morale for casualty (total 6 – pass test)

Artillery limber

Severoli moves to centre of corps

7^th brigade advance 4”

7^th brigade skirmish with 11^th Spanish (total 5 – no casualty)

3^rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

7 Command Points

Orders – Engage Enemy

Artillery fire at close range on farm (total 8 – one casualty)

Garrison of farm test morale for casualty (total 5 – pass test)

9^th brigade advance 4” (within 2” of farm)

10 brigade advance 6”

Rosche moves to command his right wing

10^th and 11^th brigades skirmish 7^th Italian (totals 7 and 6 – two casualties)

7^th Italian test morale for two casualties (total 4 – pass test)

9^th brigade skirmish with garrison (total 4 – no casualties)

Game Notes
O’Donnell moves his corps forward in square because of the enemy cavalry. He can only move his squares 2” each move, so is unlikely to close with the enemy before nightfall.

Volley fire is not allowed against hard cover, only skirmish fire

Infantry must be less than 4” to skirmish, and less than 2” to volley fire.

Skirmish fire requires a total of 6 to inflict a casualty

10^th and 11^th Spanish brigades are winning their skirmish fight with 7^th Italian brigade. They rolled a 5 and 6 (plus 1 for C class skirmishers) to achieve two hits. 7^th brigade rolled a 3 (plus 2 for B class skirmishers) and failed to inflict any casualties.

Rule 11 covers infantry skirmish combat

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Torrente – Move 9

2012-01-28T06:54:00.000-08:00

1600-1700 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 9

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps start to advance north of Torrente

Right – Italian corps have redeployed to meet 3^rd Spanish flank move

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps move to their right to attack farm from the south and east

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – Deploy between farm and hill

Severoli changes corps orders to “Hold Farm”

Artillery fire on Spanish artillery (total 10 – 1 casualty)

Also overshoot on infantry directly behind artillery (total 6 – no casualty)

Spanish gunners test morale for casualty (total 3 – pass test)

7^th brigade form line

Garrison skirmish with nearest enemy (total 3 – no casualty)

3^rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

8 Command Points

Orders – Engage Enemy

Artillery fire at close range of farm (total 3 – no casualty)

10^th brigade move 6” to east of farm

9^th brigade move 4” towards farm and forum column of attack

Artillery manhandle 2” out of close range of enemy guns

11^th brigade move 6” towards farm

9^th brigade skirmish with garrison (total 5 – no casualty)

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – Engage Enemy

Artillery manhandle 2” towards enemy

13^th brigade move to edge of town

15^th brigade (square) advance 2” towards enemy

14^th brigade advance 2” and form square

16^th brigade form column of march and move 8” (double move) on to hill

O’Donnell is moving his corps forwards in square because of enemy ca

He has sent his guerilla brigade onto the hill to outflank the cavalry

He is trying to force the cavalry to retire so that he can support 3^rd corps attack

Game Notes

3^rd Spanish corps artillery have received the first casualties of the game. This is quite serious because it will reduce their fire effectiveness, their morale and their brigade command points.

The Spanish have B class gunners, the same as the Italians. But their 6 pounder guns have less effective range than the Italian 9 pounders.

Rosche has ordered his gunners to retire a short distance to take them out of close range of the enemy gunners, but they still remain within close range of the farm.

Rule 7 deals with artillery firing.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Torrente – Move 8

2012-01-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

1500-1600 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 8

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps prepares to advance north of Torrente

Right – Italian corps is changing their deployment to meet 3^rd Spanish flank move

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps move to their right to attack farm from the south

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

7 Command Points

Orders – Deploy between farm and hill

Artillery unlimber

Cavalry turn right and form line

6^th brigade turn right and form line

Severoli moves to centre of corps

7^th brigade forms column of attack

Severoli has completed his redeployment

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – move to north of Torrente

Change orders to “Engage Enemy”

16^th brigade advance 8”

15^th brigade (in square) advance 2”

Artillery manhandle forwards 2”

14^th brigade advance 4”

13^th brigade prepare to move out of town

O’Donnell advances with caution

3^rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Move to east of Farm

Change orders to “Engage Enemy”

Artillery fire on farm (total 4 – no casualties)

Artillery manhandle 2” towards farm

10^th brigade advance 6” towards farm

9^th brigade advance 8” towards farm

Rosche moves to centre of corps

11^th brigade advance 6” towards farm

10^th brigade skirmish with farm (total 1 – no casualties)

Game Notes

Both Spanish commanders have changed their orders to Engage, the attack has begun. The choice of orders is shown in Wargame Rule 3

Severoli is aware that if he waits for both Spanish corps to attack he will be strongly outnumbered. He has decided to engage 3^rd corps and hope to defeat them before 4^th corps can attack him. He has left his cavalry brigade on his right flank to slow 4^th corps advance

Rosche is aware that he must attack in support of Rosche. But faced with the Italian cavalry, and without any of his own to counter them, he must advance with great caution. He is moving his artillery forward protected by an infantry square to take them within range of the cavalry. He will then hope to inflict casualties or cause them to withdraw.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Torrente – Move 7

2012-01-26T05:34:00.000-08:00

1400-1500 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 7

The table has been changed again due to the Spanish flank move

Three squares have been taken from the left and three added to the right

Squares A1, B1 an C1 have been replaced by B4, B4 and C4

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps prepare to advance north of Torrente

Right – Italian corps is changing their deployment to meet 3^rd Spanish flank move

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps move to their right to attack farm from the south

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – move to north of Torrente

Enemy are out of artillery range

Artillery manhandle 2” towards enemy

13^th brigade form garrison of town

14^th brigade advance 6”

15^th brigade advance 2” in square

16^th brigade advance 12” (double move) and form line

General moves to centre of corps

O’Donnell is ready to advance but wants to inflict casualties on enemy cavalry first

3^rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Move to east of Farm

Artillery fire on farm (total 4 – no casualties)

9^th brigade turn right and advance 4”

10^th brigade advance 4” and form column of attack

General moves to centre of corps

11^th brigade advance 6”

Artillery manhandle 2” towards farm

Rosche has moved his artillery within close range of farm

He wants to inflict casualties on the garrison before he risks an attack

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – Deploy between farm and hill

Artillery limber and move 4” towards enemy

7^th brigade form column of march and retreat 4”

6^th brigade turn left and move 6” towards farm

General moves to command range of cavalry

Cavalry turn left ready to move towards farm

Severoli is redeploying his corps nearer to the farm

He is moving one brigade to the left to counter 3^rd Spanish corps

Game Notes

Severoli is redeploying his corps to defend south and west of the farm

This is to counter 3^rd Spanish corps attempt to move south of the farm

Time is running out for the Spanish as they try to find a weak spot to attack

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Torrente – Move 6

2012-01-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

1300-1400 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 6

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps move to the north of Torrente

Right – Italian corps in position between the farm and northern hill

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps Halt facing the farm

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

7 Command Points

Orders – move to north of Torrente

15^th brigade advance 12” (double move) and form square to protect artillery

Artillery manhandle 2” towards enemy

14^th brigade advance 6”

16^th brigade advance 8”

Commandeer moves to centre of corps

O’Donnell has completed his redeployment north of Torrente

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – Deploy between farm and hill

Artillery fire on enemy artillery (total 6 – no casualties)

8^th brigade occupy farm

6^th and 7^th brigades about turn and retire 2”

Severoli is moving his battle line back out of artillery range

Not sufficient CP to withdraw cavalry

3^rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

6 Command Points

Orders – Move to farm

Artillery fire on farm (total 7 – no casualties)

Rosche changes orders to “Move to east of Farm”

11^th brigade advance 6”

10^th brigade turn right and advance 4”

Rosche is moving his corps to the right to outflank farm

Game Notes

Neither Spanish commander is prepared to commit to a frontal attack, and with good reason. The Spanish are mostly poor quality troops, and any casualties to enemy artillery might well cause the whole corps to rout before they could get within range.

By moving to his right Rosche hopes to be able to attack the farm with superior numbers, and without being exposed to the enemy artillery. He also hopes to force Severoli to move some of his corps to counter the move, leaving less to face O’Donnell when he attacks.

Severoli is quite happy for the Spanish to waste time redeploying. Each move is one closer to nightfall when he can retreat towards Lerida.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Torrente – Move 5

2012-01-24T09:21:00.000-08:00

1200-1300 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 5

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps move to the north of Torrente

Right – Italian corps take up position between the farm and northern hill

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps advancing towards the farm

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

6 Command Points

Orders – Deploy between farm and hill

Artillery fire on Spanish infantry (total 10 – 1 casualty - but out of range by 1”)

6^th brigade about turn and form line

Cavalry form line

Severoli moves within command range (8”) of farm

8^th brigade move into farm

Redeployment almost complete

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

6 Command Points

Orders – move to north of Torrente

16^th brigade move 16” (double move)

14^th brigade form column of attack from square and advance 6”

Commander moves to centre of corps

13^th brigade move into town

O’Donnell has now concentrated his corps ready to advance north of the town

3^rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

7 Command Points

Orders – Move to farm

Artillery fire on Italian infantry (total 7 – no casualty)

Rosche changes corps orders to Halt

9^th brigade retire 3” facing enemy

Game Notes

The rules do not allow us to measure ranges, so we have to fire and then measure to confirm if in range. Italian artillery had scored a hit, but when measured were 17” from target – just 1” out of range.

Although the Spanish guns are only 6 pounders, they are just within range of the nearest Italian brigade. Severoli will have to consider withdrawing this brigade out of range.

Rosche has halted his 3^rd corps out of artillery range to wait for 4^th corps to begin their advance. This will also give him the opportunity to move around the left flank of the Italians rather than attack into the enemy artillery. There are seven more moves, so plenty of time to launch the final attack.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Torrente – Move 4

2012-01-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

1100-1200 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 4

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps move to the north of Torrente

Right – Italian corps take up position between the farm and northern hill

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps advancing towards the farm

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

7 Command Points

Orders – move to north of Torrente

13^th brigade enter the town

Artillery move 16” (double move) and unlimber

15^th brigade move 12” (double move) to support the artillery

16^th guerrilla move 8” towards the town

O’Donnell concentrates on moving his artillery into position

He takes advantage of being more than 16” from the enemy to take multiple moves

He does not have sufficient CP to move all of his infantry

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

6 Command Points
Orders – Deploy between farm and hill

8^th brigade moves into farm
Artillery unlimber facing 3^rd Spanish corps

7^th brigade form line between farm and artillery
Severoli moves to centre of corps
Cavalry about turn to face 4^th Spanish corps
Severoli had a poor dice throw for his CP
He concentrates on his left flank as 3^rd Spanish are nearer
His artillery and the farm should hold his left flank
His cavalry are moving into position to hold his right flank
Then he has to hold this position until nightfall

3^rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

9 Command Points

Orders – Move to farm

Artillery move 4” and unlimber
9^th, 10^th and 11^th brigades all advance 6” towards farm

Commander moves to centre of corps
Rosche has rolled well for his CP
But he is unable to use them all because he is too close to the enemy for multiple moves

Game Notes

The new rules are working well so far.

The two poor corps commanders have had low dice for their CP, and have had to decide which brigades they want to move most

The CP for brigade movement is also working well. So far all brigades have had sufficient to do everything they want to. But this will change when the two armies are in combat, and brigades are required to move and skirmish or fire.

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Torrente – Move 3

2012-01-18T05:49:00.000-08:00

1000-1100 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 3

The Italian retreat has moved the centre of the battle to the north

Three squares have been removed at the bottom, and three added to the top

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps enter Torrente and deploy to the south

Centre – Italian corps are deploying between the farm and the northern hill

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps advancing towards the farm

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

8 Command Points
Orders – move to Lerida road

Severoli has chosen to defend between the farm and the northern hill

He changes his orders to “deploy between the farm and the hill”

7^th brigade move 8” to form left of line

8^th brigade move 8” to occupy farm

6^th brigade move8” to form right of line

Artillery move 8” to form centre of line

Cavalry brigade move 16”to form extreme left flank

By moving first Severoli signals his new defence line to the Spanish

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – move to Torrente

The Italian redeployment is obvious to O’Donnell
He issues new orders “move to north of Torrente”
16^th guerrilla brigade move 8” (double move) off hill towards main corps
Artillery limber and move 8” towards north of town
Commander moves to centre of corps
It will take a little time for O’Donnell to redeploy north of town

3^rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

6 Command Points
Orders – Move to farm

The Italian redeployment does not make any difference to Rosche

His corps is already under orders to move towards the farm

Artillery advance 8"

11^th brigade form column of attack from square and advance 8”

10^th brigade advance 8”

9^th brigade advance 16” (two CP)

Rosche moves to centre of corps

Game Notes

The guerrillas require two moves to move off the hill into the valley.

This is because movement on hills is at half normal rate

Rule 5 covers movement in difficult terrain

It takes 3 CP for a Poor commander to change his corps orders, but only 2CP for an Average commander.
Rule 2 covers change of corps orders

The Spanish can have multiple moves because the Italian’s are now more than 16” away.
Rule 3 covers multiple moves

The Italian retreat has taken them to the northern edge of the table.

The subsequent advance of 3^rd Spanish corps has taken them into the centre squares
As a result the top bottom three squares have been removed
The remainder have been moved down
Three new squares have been added to the top

The new squares are A1, A2 and A3 on the tactical map

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Torrente – Move 2

2012-01-17T06:42:00.000-08:00

0900-1000 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 2

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps approach Torrente

Centre – Italian cavalry cover corps withdrawal

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps follow Italian retreat

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – move to Torrente

O’Donnell orders his 13^th brigade to enter the town

His artillery are out of range and man handle the guns towards the enemy

14^th brigade form square to protect the gunners

15^th brigade advance towards the town

O’Donnell then moves to command range of the guerrilla brigade and orders them to abandon their ambush position and rejoin the main corps

He is delighted to find that the Italians have abandoned their supply depot in Torrente

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders – move to Lerida road

Severoli has managed to break contact with both Spanish corps.

However he must now establish a defence position until nightfall

He orders 7^th brigade to move to the farm and occupy it

The other two brigades, and the corps artillery, will deploy to the right of the farm

His cavalry have completed their task of covering the withdrawal

He orders them to take position on the right of the new line

He is pleased that the withdrawal has been completed without any casualties

3^rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

7 Command Points

Orders – Move to farm

Rosche must follow the Italian’s as quickly as possible

He is also aware of the threat from the enemy cavalry

He orders his artillery to take post on the right, opposite the farm

11^th brigade form square to the right of the gunners to protect them

9^th and 10^th brigade advance to the left of the artillery
Rosche is pleased to see the enemy cavalry withdraw
It is difficult to advance against cavalry with poor quality infantry.

Game Notes

The new Command Points are working well

All three commanders have sufficient CP to move their corps as required.

All brigades have sufficient CP to carry out their orders, at least until they start to receive casualties.

Being a wargame the Italian corps could easily continue to retreat and avoid battle. However this would be unfair to the Spanish. To give the Spanish a chance to bring their superior numbers to bear the Italian’s will have to hold the farm until nightfall (10 more game moves

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Torrente – Move 1

2012-01-16T06:59:00.000-08:00

0800-0900 10 August 1813

Table at the start of move 1

Top left – 4^th Spanish corps move towards Torrente

Centre – 16^th Italian corps withdraw to concentrate top right

Bottom – 3^rd Spanish corps deployed to cover Flix (off table)

16^th Italian corps

General Severoli (Poor)

9 Command Points

Orders – move to Lerida road

Severoli is fortunate that he moves first.
He has sufficient command points to move all of his widely spread brigades

First he orders his main body to move towards the main road

He then moves within command range (8”) of the brigades at Torrente

He orders the infantry to retire east and the cavalry to delay 3^rd Spanish corps

The cavalry move south of the town and deploy in line facing 3^rd Spanish corps

Severoli has done well to move his corps out of danger

4^th Spanish corps

General O’Donnell (Poor)

8 Command Points

Orders– move to Torrente

O’Donnell expected to have to fight to take Torrente

He is advancing in column of attack, which is slower than column of march

He is also concerned that the Italian cavalry might turn on his infantry

He orders one brigade to occupy the town

His artillery move to the south and unlimber to engage the enemy cavalry

His second brigade moves to support the guns

He has too few CP to move within command range of his guerrilla brigade

O’Donnell has failed to prevent the enemy withdrawing safely

3rd Spanish corps

General Rosche (Average)

7 Command Points

Orders – Hold Flix road

Rosche is one of the best Spanish commanders

But he was not very lucky with his CP roll

He was not expecting the Italians to retreat and is badly deployed

Because the enemy moved first his artillery are out of range

First he must order his corps to advance in pursuit

He changes his orders to Move (towards retreating enemy)

First he orders his two brigades in line to form column of attack

His artillery limber and advance

His three infantry brigades advance with the artillery

Rosche is disappointed that he has been unable to fire on the enemy

Game Notes

All three corps have been able to take multiple moves because they are more than 16” from the enemy

Rule 7 refers

16^th Italian corps has two widely spread sections, and the commander has had to move to be within command range (8”) to issue orders to both sections. Rule 3 refers

All three corps have had sufficient CP for both the commander and each brigade, because none have yet suffered any casualties New Rule refers

They have also taken advantage of corps moves to make maximum use of available CP to move closer to the enemy. Rule 3 refers

Wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Torrente – Set Up

2012-01-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

Strategic Map at 0800 10 August 1813

Campaign Background

General Severoli was tasked to hold the northern flank of the French army deployed to the east of the river Ebro. He started the campaign at Lerida, with one brigade holding the town of Flix.

When news reached him that the Spanish general Rosche had laid siege to Flix, he ordered his corps to move west to Torrente in preparation for the relief of Flix. He also based his corps depot there.

Reaching that town he made contact with a second Spanish corps in the town of Candosnos.

Severoli left one cavalry and one infantry brigade to hold Torrente, and marched south to Flix with the remainder of his corps. On approaching Flix he was confronted by 3^rd Spanish corps in a strong defensive position. At the same time he received a report from Torrente that 4^th Spanish corps was approaching the town on the Candosnos road.

Severoli ordered his corps to retreat to an area just east of Torrente, and the detachment there to abandon the town and join the main corps. His intention was to concentrate his corps on the main road just east of Torrente and make a stand to cover his retreat.

Tactical Map at 0800 10 August 1813

Battle Area

The battle will take place in the nine squares outlined in white.

Severoli has ordered his corps to concentrate in B3

4^th Spanish corps are marching towards Torrente.
Their 16^th guerrilla brigade is in ambush in C1

3^rd Spanish corps are in defence in D2 to block the Italian relief force

One of their brigades are earmarked to maintain the siege of Flix

The garrison of Flix are unaware of the approach of 16^th corps, because the messenger was taken when he tried to pass through D2.

Wargames Table at start of battle

Torrente is the town top centre

4th Spanish corps is approaching from the left in column of attack

16^th Italian corps is moving in column of march to concentrate in the top right square

Guerrilla brigade on the hill centre left

3rd Spanish corps deployed in defence bottom centre

Flix is off table in the next square behind 3rd Spanish corps

3rd Spanish corps watch the Italian corps march away

4th Spanish corps advance towards Torrente

Italians withdraw and abandon Torrente

Special Rules

We are play testing new rules for command and control.

The wargame rules can be found at

http://napoleoniccampaignrules.blogspot.com/

The latest entry is a draft of the new rules

Campaign Move 9

2012-01-13T07:53:00.000-08:00

1600-2000 9 August 1813

General Severoli, commander of 16^th Italian corps, has opted for an aggressive approach.

His corps started the campaign at Lerida, and he is responsible for the northern flank of the French deployment along the eastern bank of the river Ebro.

His 5^th infantry brigade provides the garrison for his forward base at Flix.

3^rd Spanish corps have laid siege to Flix, and have cut their communications with 16^th corps.

Severoli reacted by ordering his corps to move to Torrente and sent a relief column to raise the siege.

He now finds that he has taken on more than he bargained for.

3^rd Spanish corps have taken up a strong defensive position just north of Flix, and refuse to give way.

4^th Spanish corps are approaching Torrente, which is not only his forward supply base but also only line of retreat to the main French army.

Severoli finds himself in a difficult position.

He must decide whether to attempt to save his infantry brigade at Flix, and risk losing Torrente. Or to retreat to secure Torrente, but abandon his brigade at Flix.

Campaign Move 8

2012-01-10T03:58:00.000-08:00

1200-1600 9 August 1813

Captain-General Copons is starting to panic.

His four Spanish corps have not achieved much since the start of the campaign.

None of the French garrisons have fallen, and the only casualties to date have been Spanish.

He is also aware that the French have had almost three days to concentrate. He can not understand why they have not made any attempt to raise the sieges of Miravat or Flix. He should be relieved at this inactivity, but finds it very disturbing.

He is still waiting for news of the eagerly awaited English landing. He had expected them to arrive two days earlier, and the lack of contact is causing him to wonder whether they may have abandoned their plan to come to his assistance.

He has moved his headquarters south to Gandesa to be nearer to the coast and better able to meet with the English commander if, and when, he lands. However in doing so he has lost contact with his two northern corps.

His corps commander daily reports cause him even more concern. All four demand support as they are facing large bodies of the enemy. Yet he is aware that when the campaign began there were only two French corps along the river Ebro. So either his commanders are mistaken, or the enemy have already concentrated.

Campaign Move 7

2012-01-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

0800-1200 9 August 1913

The Spanish continue to gather west of the river Ebro.

The siege at Miravat continues, and a second one has been imposed 15 miles north at Flix.

The remainder of the Spanish army has not made any attempt to advance.

Meanwhile the French have not made any attempt to counter the Spanish advance, nor to raise the siege if Miravat, which is entering its fourth move.

This apparent inactivity on both sides is hard to understand.

The advantage to the French is that once concentrated they will have a strong advantage over any Spanish corps they encounter. However they run the risk of losing a full brigade should either Miravat or Flix fall to the enemy.

It is true that the Spanish can not advance west and leave a French held town along their lines of supply. It is also true, as they have found to their discomfort, that trying to storm a fortified town is a risky business. However it is difficult to understand why they have not imposed more sieges.

There are only two French corps in the front line, and they have managed to hold four Spanish corps for six moves, or two full days.

There is still no news of the long awaited arrival of the English army. Hopefully when it does land it will inspire the Spanish to be more aggressive.

Campaign Move 6

2011-12-14T03:45:00.000-08:00

1600-2000 8 August 1813

Both sides are aware that an English army is sailing north from Alicante heading for the north east coast. Both are also aware that when it lands it will have a large impact on the campaign. But neither side have any idea where, or when, it will land.

Marshal Suchet has ordered his corps to concentrate, and is moving his headquarters west from Barcelona to shorten his lines of communication with his corps commanders. He has two corps deployed along the west bank of the river Ebro, and is moving a third up to support them. His fourth corps is also moving west, but has to keep garrisons along the coast until the English have landed.

Neither Suchet nor Copons will commit until the English have landed, and their indecision has infected their corps commanders. The Spanish commanders are aware that they only have a limited time to take advantage of the wide spread French garrisons, but none have taken full advantage of it.

2^nd Spanish corps has continued to enforce its siege of Miravat. It is now entering the second day, and there is a chance of attrition amongst the garrison. This in turn will make the odds better if the Spanish commander decides to attempt a second storm. The pressure is also on 17^th French corps to send a relief column to raise the siege.

Campaign Move 5

2011-12-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

1200-1600 8 August 1813

6^th French chasseur brigade have orders to hold Tortosa. They have occupied, but not garrisoned, the city and are observing the road from Amposta

1^st Spanish dragoon brigade have orders to recce Tortosa and are on engage orders. As they near the city the chasseurs deploy in line just west of the built up area.

The Spanish brigade commander orders his dragoons to advance, which prompts the chasseurs to do the same.

The dragoons are C class troops, which gives a slight advantage to the French horsemen. They roll a three with 1D6, giving them a total of four. This results in a draw. Both are disordered. The two brigades withdraw a short distance and remain facing either other.

Both brigades remain west of Tortosa, and both have maintained their skirmish screen

Campaign Rule 11 deals with cavalry v cavalry combat

http://napoleoniccampaignrules.blogspot.com/

Campaign Move 4

2011-12-07T04:59:00.000-08:00

0800-1200 8 August 1813

The failure of two Spanish corps to storm a town held by a resolute French garrison has caused some alarm and confusion amongst the Spanish higher command. The anticipated advance east destroying isolated French brigades has failed to live up to expectations.

Captain General Copons is not yet aware of this set back. His reaction is likely to be loud and unhappy.

Meanwhile the Spanish corps commanders are aware that they have not yet managed to inflict any damage on the isolated French garrisons. They are also aware that the French are now well aware of the Spanish advance, and are no doubt taking steps to counter it.

General Elio, commander of 2^nd Spanish corps, has decided to try a different approach. Instead of ordering a retreat after his unhappy experience of the previous day he orders his corps to impose a siege on the French held town of Miravat.

There is a lot of speculation about the anticipated arrival of the British fleet. Since it left Alicante some days ago there have been reports of it being sighted along the whole of the north east coast.

Marshal Suchet is well aware that General Murray could land his 5^th British corps at any undefended port between Alicante and Barcelona. This threat makes it very difficult for the French to concentrate to combat the Spanish advance. Until the destination of the British fleet is determined he must hold a strong reserve to counter a landing north of his main concentration area.

The new day will no doubt lift some of the extensive fog of war.

Campaign Move 3

2011-12-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

1600-2000 7 August 1813

The first day would end with two combats, both involving isolated French garrisons.

5^th infantry brigade held a small town just north of the river Ebro called Flix. This town was the objective of 3^rd Spanish corps, who attacked it without any preparation. General Rosche ordered his whole corps to storm the town, and was surprised and rather embarrassed when they not only failed to take it, but were also forced to retire in some confusion and with light casualties

15 miles south of Flix, the town of Miravat dominated the bridge over the river Ebro. This town was held by 21^st infantry brigade. General Elio halted his 2^nd Spanish corps at the bridge and ordered his two best brigades, supported by his artillery, to attack the town. They had no more success than 3^rd corps at Flix. They also failed to take their objective. They withdrew west of the river with light casualties.

It is interesting, and typical of a certain type of Spanish commander, that both Rosche and Elio failed to calculate the odds of taking a fortified town held by a determined defender. Both appear to have considered that odds of 5 to 1 at Flix, and 3 to 1 at Miravat, would in itself guarantee success.

It was a costly lesson with which to open the campaign.

Campaign Move 2

2011-11-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

1200-1600 7 August 1813

The four Spanish corps cross the river Ebro and advance east

By mid afternoon they are in contact with the first line of French garrisons and cavalry patrols.

Each garrison has a prearranged alarm signal system to notify their corps commander that they are under attack. A small town has sufficient supplies to withstand a siege for six days. None are further than two days from support.

A Spanish commander could order an assault on the garrison, but it is unlikely to succeed against a full strength garrison.

It is obvious to Marshal Suchet that he cannot effectively command his army from Barcelona. He orders his headquarters to move from Barcelona to Tarragona, and rides ahead with a small mounted escort.

Campaign Note

The Spanish commanders must decide how to best take advantage of the temporary isolation of the French garrisons.

The French commanders must decide whether to withdrawn their garrisons, move to their support with the available brigades or leave the garrisons to fend for themselves until they can concentrate their corps.

Campaign Move 1

2011-11-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

0800-1200 7 August 1813

Marshal Suchet’s four armee corps were spread over a wide area. In addition each corps had detached three brigades to form garrisons. This dispersal was done to allow the French army to live off the local resources, as was their practice.

The initiative lay with Captain-General Copons, who would open the campaign with his advance west of the river Ebro. Consequently his four corps were concentrated at their forward supply base.

Because of the wide deployment area all four French corps commanders had a large degree of independence. They received their first warning of the proposed Spanish offensive from army headquarters. All immediately recognized that their forward garrisons nearest to the river Ebro were in danger of being cut off, and all sent orders for their withdrawal.

It was now a race to see whether the French could warn their exposed garrisons in time, and then either withdraw them or move to reinforce them.

No contacts took place during move one, but it was likely that there would be at least one sooner rather than later.

Campaign Note

The French reaction is delayed by the fact that each corps commander can only send one message each campaign move. With up to three brigades detached in garrisons each commander must decide which brigade to send orders to first.

Background to the Tortosa campaign

2011-11-20T13:15:00.001-08:00

7 August 1813 - Initial corps deployment

Background to the campaign

This is the second phase of the 1813 campaign in north eastern Spain.

The first phase was the Tarragona campaign from 29 May to 7 June 1813.

Wellington is commander in chief of all Armies in Spain, including the Spanish. But his appointment is resented by all of the Spanish commanders, and they pay little attention to his orders. Captain General Copons has command of the four Spanish corps in eastern Spain.

Wellington has started his bid to clear the French from Spain with his successful Valladolid campaign. He is at present resting his army in preparation for the advance on Burgos.

To prevent Suchet from sending reinforcements to Soult, he has ordered Copons to cross the river Ebro and take the city of Tortosa.

He has promised to send General Murray and his 5^th British corps to support Copons.

Fourth French Army

Fourth French Army

Marshal Suchet has four corps under his command

At the start of the campaign they are deployed throughout their operational areas.

Spanish Army

Spanish Army

Captain-General Copons in the nominal commander of four corps

All four corps commanders consider themselves to have independent commands, and are unlikely to put the common cause above their own best interests

5^th British Corps

British Corps

General Murray commands an independent corps.

He has orders to support the Spanish offensive when possible

His first priority it to avoid the loss of his command

1813 Hanover Campaign

2011-11-17T05:43:00.000-08:00

23 July to 6 August 1813

North Germany 23 July 1813

General

This is the sixth phase of the 1813 campaign

It covers the period 23 July to 6 August 1813 and the fighting northern Germany between Second French army and the Prussian army

It was fought during the period March to November 2011

Corps deployment at start of campaign

Summary of the Campaign
Davout had deployed his four corps to cover the approach to Hanover, and to secure his communications with Hamburg in the north and Halle in the south.

Blucher had taken Magdeburg in the first phase of the 1813 campaign and established his four corps on the left bank of the river Elbe. Having rested his army he was now ready to advance west and capture Hanover.

Davout advanced to drive the Prussians back over the river Elbe, but was in turn forced to retire and eventually abandon Hanover and retreat to Hamburg.

The campaign was another convincing victory for Blucher.

Battles fought during campaign

Campaign History
23 July Start of campaign

24 July Battle of Uelzen Prussian victory

25 July Battle of Steinhorst French victory

26 July Battle of Wolfsburg French victory

27 July Second Uelzen French victory

29 July Battle of Helmstedt Prussian victory

30 July Battle of Rosche Prussian victory

30 July Second Wolfsburg French victory

1 August Second Helmstedt Prussian victory

4 August Battle of Peine Day One Prussian victory

5 August Battle of Peine Day Two Prussian victory

6 August End of campaign

Link to Campaign Blog

http://new1813campaignhotmailcouk.blogspot.com/

1813 Valladolid Campaign

2011-11-16T02:58:00.000-08:00

12 to 22 July 1813

West Spain 12 July 1813

General
This is the fifth phase of the 1813 campaign

It covers the period 12 July to 22 July1813 and the fighting in western Spain between Fifth French army and the Anglo-Portuguese army

It was fought during the period October to December 2010

Corps deployment at start of campaign

Summary of the Campaign
Napoleon had ordered most of his best troops out of Spain to built his new Grande Armee in northern Europe. He then appointed Soult to organise the remainder to hold north west Spain.

Wellington has ordered the capture of Vallalodid as the first step in his offensive to drive the French out of Spain

After a short campaign he forced Soult to fall back to Burgos

A convincing victory for Wellington

Battles fought during campaign

Campaign History
12 July Start of campaign

17 July Battle of Duenas French victory

18 July Battle of Valladolid British victory

22 July Battle of Baltanas British victory

Link to Campaign Blog

http://1813valladolidcampaign.blogspot.com/

1813 Passau Campaign

2011-11-15T05:08:00.000-08:00

12 to 22 June 1813

Southern Germany 12 June 1813

General

This is the fourth phase of the 1813 campaign

It covers the period 12 June to 22 June 1813 and the fighting in southern Germany between Third French army and the Austrian army

It was fought during the period March to July 2010

Corps deployment at start of campaign

Summary of the Campaign

Napoleon is not expecting any trouble with the Austrians.

He has sent Oudinot to Munich to take command of the Bavarian and Baden armies. The Austrian advance down the Danube valley comes as a complete surprise to Oudinot.

After an initial success the Austrians are defeated.

Battles fought during campaign

Campaign History

12 June Start of campaign

16 June Battle of Mattsee Austrian victory

17 June Battle of Altheim Austrian victory

19 June Battle of Branau Austrian victory

20 June Battle of Salzburg French victory

21 June Battle of Reishach French victory

Link to Campaign Blog

http://1813danubecampaign.blogspot.com/

1813 Halle Campaign

2011-11-13T13:36:00.000-08:00

17 June to 11 July 1813

Central Germany 17 June 1813

General
This is the third phase of the 1813 campaign

It covers the period 17 June to 11 July 1813 and the fighting in central Germany between Fourth French army and the Russian army

It was fought during the period August to October 2009

Corps deployment at start of campaign

Summary of the Campaign

Kutuzov had played a major part in the 1812 campaign and his army had suffered heavy casualties. After six months rest in Dresden his army was now ready to take the field again.

His objective was to take the town of Halle and secure the river Saale.

Napoleon had two corps west of the river Saale, and a third in reserve. He had just arrived at Fulda to take command of the Imperial Garde

The Russian attack forced the French to abandon the east bank, and Kutuzov managed to cross the river. But a determined counter attack made them retire to the east bank.

The campaign was a draw. The French held the line of the river Saale, but they had to abandon their positions on the east bank.

Battles fought during campaign

Campaign History

17 June Start of campaign

23 June Battle of Neustadt Russian victory

25 June Battle of Gera Russian victory

26 June Battle of Weimar French victory

28 June Battle of Lutzen Russian victory

1 July Battle of Rohenburg Russian victory

7 July Battle of Halle French Victory

Link to Campaign Blog

http://1813hallecampaign.blogspot.com/

1813 Tarragona Campaign

2011-11-13T07:28:00.000-08:00

14 May to 7 June 1814

Eastern Spain 14 May 1813

General
This is the second phase of the 1813 campaign

It covers the period 14 May to 7 June 1813 and the fighting in eastern Spain between Fourth French army and the Spanish army

It was fought during the period July to August 2009

Corps deployment at start of campaign

Summary of the Campaign

Wellington has been appointed commander of all allied armies. He had decided that the main campaign will be in western Spain, but he has ordered the Spanish army in eastern Spain to take the city of Tarragona in order to prevent Suchet from sending any reinforcements to Soult in western Spain

Suchet has three corps deployed along the coastal area from Gerona to Tarragona

Copons commands the four Spanish corps tasked to occupy Suchet. He captures Tortosa to lure the French into the mountains inland. He then attempts to take Tarragona, but fails to do so. Suchet concentrates his three corps at Tarragona and they drive Copons south.

The Spanish achieve their objective of preventing Suchet from sending reinforcements to Soult.

Battles fought during campaign

Campaign History

14 May Start of campaign

20 May Battle of Reus Spanish victory

24 May Battle of Prades French victory

26 May First battle of Cambrils French victory

28 May Second battle of Cambrils French victory

7 June End of campaign

Link to Campaign Blog

http://1813tarragona.blogspot.com/

1813 Magdeburg Campaign

2011-11-13T05:22:00.000-08:00

1 to 16 May 1813

Northern Germany 1 May 1813

General

This is the first phase of the 1813 campaign

It covers the period 1 to 16 May 1813 and the fighting in northern Germany between Second French army and the Prussian army

It was fought during the period April to July 2009

Corps deployment at start of campaign

Summary of the Campaign
Prussia had not taken part in the 1812 campaign, so it was the first of the allied armies to take the field against Napoleon.

Davout was tasked to hold the river Elbe from Hamburg to Magdeburg. He had two corps immediately available, and two more on the way

Blucher’s objective was to capture Magdeburg and secure the west bank of the river Elbe.

After two weeks and four battles Blucher held Magdeburg and two other bridge heads over the river Elbe. But his main army had been forced to withdraw to the west bank.

The campaign was a draw

Battles fought during campaign

Campaign History

1 May Start of campaign

5 May Battle of Calbe (Gommern on new map) Prussian victory

7 May Battle of Colbitz (Bismark on new map) Prussian victory

10 May Battle of Halbeck (Kalbe on new map) Prussian victory

14 May Battle of Magdeburg French victory

16 May End of campaign

Link to Campaign Blog

http://1813northgermany.blogspot.com/

Background to 1813 Campaign

2011-11-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

In early 2009 I carried out a complete review of our wargaming activities. My wife and I have been wargaming since 1970, and I wanted to create a campaign which would provide us with enjoyable wargames making maximum use of our model soldier and scenery collection.

I have always taken photographs of my wargames, and I decided to start a blog to keep a permanent record of the campaign.

I settled on the 1813 campaign because it involved all of the major military powers, and I had figures to represent all of them. I would not attempt to copy that campaign, but to use it as a framework for my fictional one.

The campaign would start on 1 May 1813

I used a road atlas to produce hand drawn maps of central Europe and Spain. In 2010 I treated myself to Profantasy CC3, a computer based map making system, to produce more professional looking maps.

The strategic terrain is similar to the actual terrain, but the tactical maps represent the wargames table scenery The nations involved are the same, but the orders of battle completely different.

The orders of battle are designed to make maximum use of the model soldiers in my collection

Each battlefield is designed to fit on my 6x6 foot wargames table making maximum use of the scenery in my collection.

There are five campaign areas, each with its own French and allied army

Map of Europe 1 May 1813

Northern Germany – Munster to Berlin – French v Prussian
Central Germany – Dusseldorf to Dresden – French v Russian
Southern Germany – Munich to Vienna – French v Austrian
Eastern Spain – Barcelona to Valencia – French v Spanish
Western Spain – Madrid to Bayonne – French v British

The campaign started in April 2009