Albacete Campaign – Day 11

Campaign Map on 18 September 1813

Suchet is surprised to find that the guerrilla threat has disappeared

He orders his three corps to hold their position and resupply

He also orders transfer of supplies from Riopar and Elda to Hellin

                                                               

Giron orders his army to move north and deploy in front of Molina

All four corps remain within supply range of their three supply depots

All four are also now concentrated ready to attack Hellin

He also orders 4 and 6 militia brigades to move into contact with Riopar and Elda

This forward movement has caught Suchet by surprise

The Spanish have gained a day’s march on the French

Campaign Notes      

Suchet is pleasantly surprised to find that the guerrilla threat in the north has disappeared.   However he orders his three corps to remain in position, and resupply, whilst he reorganises his supply system.

The French can move up to 4 days supplies, and the Spanish three days,  between depots each day, providing that both depots are within three squares and have a road between them.

Both Elda and Riopar have spare supplies, whilst Hellin is low.   So he orders both to transfer two days supplies to Hellin.  This will enable him to concentrate his army at Hellin and still supply all three corps.

Giron orders his army to move forward and deploy just north of Molina.   All four corps are concentrated, with the weakest corps in reserve.   From this position they can attack Hellin.   They are also within supply range of their three depots.

He also orders guerrilla brigades to move into contact with Riopar and Elda.   This will pin their garrisons and prevent them rejoining the main French army.

This aggressive move has caught the French commander by surprise.   He is not used to the Spanish taking the offensive.   He expected them to remain on the defensive at Molina and allow him to reorganise his supply system.

This over confidence has placed the French in a dangerous position should the Spanish attack tomorrow.