Burgos Campaign – Day Five

 

 

30 August 1813 – North Spain – Day 5

French attack Coca
10 French army – occupy Quintana
11 French army – pursue British to Laguna
12 French army – attack Coca

British win battle of Coca
1 British army – retreat to Palencia
2 British army – retreat to Laguna
3 British army – defend Coca

Battle of Coca – End of Move 2

Wellington’s invasion of Burgos District has suffered a major set back
He has lost three of the four battles fought so far
His army have been forced to abandon the invasion and retreat into Valladolid District

The French defeated Picton at the battle of Cuellar two days ago
They now attack him at Coca as he regroups and resupplies his army

12th French army is commanded by Marshal Marmont
3rd British army is commanded by General Picton

French – 12 infantry brigades, 3 cavalry brigade, 3 corps artillery
British – 12 infantry brigades, 3 cavalry brigade, 3 corps artillery

French start the battle with 8 infantry, 2 cavalry and 1 artillery casualties (3500 men)
British start the battle with 9 infantry and 3 cavalry casualties (3900 men)

Despite starting the battle with more casualties, the British win the battle.

Comments

Both armies started the battle with considerable casualties from earlier in the campaign.
This would mean that most brigades has 10% casualties and would have brittle morale
They would also be less effective in combat than those without any casualties

On the right the French infantry reached the hill without any artillery casualties
Hand to hand infantry fighting decided the outcome, which was a victory for the French

The British heavy cavalry charged and routed the French cavalry in the centre left
However they also received casualties and would both rout when a nearby brigade routed
The Polish lancers rallied and supported the attack on the town

French infantry took the hill on the left, again after extensive infantry hand to hand fighting

So the battle was decided by the Vistula Legion attack on the town
This was delayed until the cavalry melee was decided
The Polish artillery then concentrated on the right half of the town]
The garrison was routed and Polish infantry entered
However the highland brigade launched a counter attack, which routed the Poles
Meanwhile two more Polish brigades attacked the left half of the town
Heavy fighting resulted in a Polish withdrawal
At nightfall two British brigades held the town, one was shaken and the other disordered
But there were no Polish infantry left to attempt a counter attack

Normally when both sides start a game with heavy casualties there is a quick winner
One rout often leads to many more amongst the supporting brigades
Aware of this danger, the French player attacked with great caution
He managed to attack all three objectives, and all were hard fought
But the town was the deciding one, and both sides ended the game battered
If the French had just one formed infantry brigade near the town they would have won
But they didn’t.

Very enjoyable game with the winner decided at the end of move 12.