29 August 1813 – North Spain – Day 4
French attack Quintana
10 French army – attack Quintana
11 French army – regroup and resupply at Burgos
12 French army – rally and regroup at Cuellar
British lose battle of Quintana
1 British army – defend Quintana
2 British army – regroup and resupply at Santa Maria
3 British army – retreat to Coca
Battle of Quintana – End of Move 2
10th French army follow up their victory, enter Valladolid district and attack them
10th French army is commanded by Marshal Soult
1st British army is commanded by Duke of Wellington
French – 12 infantry brigades, 3 cavalry brigade, 3 corps artillery
British – 12 infantry brigades, 3 cavalry brigade, 3 corps artillery
French have 6 infantry and 1 cavalry casualties (2500 casualties)
British have 4 infantry casualties (1600 casualties)
On the left 28 French corps attack the woods held by 1 British corps
The British put up a determined defence, but lose the woods late in the day
In the centre 29 French corps attack the town held by 2 British corps
They take the right half of the town, but can make no progress against the left half
On the left Soult takes command of three infantry brigades and captures the hill
The remainder of 30 Polish corps move to support the attack on the town
Despite starting the game with more casualties, the French take two of the three objectives
In doing so they win the battle
Comments
This was another very close run game.
The French started the game with more casualties than the British.
They also had to attack, because the British retreated after losing an earlier battle
29 French corps, in the centre, had the majority of casualties
They also had to attack the town, which was the most difficult objective
It is not surprising that they failed to take it.
On the left the CinC took command of three Polish infantry brigades to attack the hill
They took it with ease, and the British could not organise a determined counter attack
But it was on the right that the most interesting battle was fought
The French routed the British cavalry and pushed back the infantry to the right of the woods
They then brought up their artillery close range and battered the defending highland brigade
Two French brigades attacked the woods, one from the front and one from the right
They routed the highland brigade, but also lost their brigade on the right
The British guards brigade counter attacked with just one move to go
The result was a draw, both sides lost 10% casualties but passed their morale
The French routed the British cavalry and pushed back the infantry to the right of the woods
They then brought up their artillery close range and battered the defending highland brigade
Two French brigades attacked the woods, one from the front and one from the right
They routed the highland brigade, but also lost their brigade on the right
The British guards brigade counter attacked with just one move to go
The result was a draw, both sides lost 10% casualties but passed their morale
We agreed to fight an extra move to decide the game
Once more both sides lot 10% casualties and both passed their morale test
Of course we had to fight another move to decide the game
This time the British lost 10% and automatically routed with 30% casualties
The French did not lose any casualties, but failed their morale and were shaken
Though shaken the French remained in the woods, and could claim victory
It is really enjoyable when a game goes all 12 moves without a decision
And then has to fight a further two to determine the winner
It was clearly a convincing French victory
But if they had lost that melee for the woods they would have lost the game
Once more both sides lot 10% casualties and both passed their morale test
Of course we had to fight another move to decide the game
This time the British lost 10% and automatically routed with 30% casualties
The French did not lose any casualties, but failed their morale and were shaken
Though shaken the French remained in the woods, and could claim victory
It is really enjoyable when a game goes all 12 moves without a decision
And then has to fight a further two to determine the winner
It was clearly a convincing French victory
But if they had lost that melee for the woods they would have lost the game
