Merida Campaign Day 4

12 June 1813 – Southern Spain – Day 4

 

In the north 13^th French corps attack 1^st Spanish corps at Adjucen

3 infantry brigades are detached for garrison duty

1 cavalry brigade is detached to retake Bargas

6^th cavalry and 4^th infantry brigades attack Bargas

Guerrillas retreat leaving the town undefended

 

In the centre 14^th French army occupy San Pedro, regroup and resupply

2^nd Spanish army retreat to Merida

 

In the south – 15^th French army prepare to attack Calamonte

3^rd Spanish army rally, regroup and resupply at Calamonte

Guerrillas attack convoy to Nambroca, attackers lose 10% casualties, convoy safe

Comments

French retake the town of Bargas.

6^th cavalry brigade join forces with 4^th infantry brigade to attack the town.

As they approach the guerrillas abandon the town and retreat into the mountains

To the west 13^th French army attack the walled town of Adjucen

1^st Spanish army deploy to the east of the town to engage the French as they leave the mountains

The French quickly outflank the Spanish position, and force their artillery to withdraw

The Spanish infantry and cavalry soon follow them.

 

This retreat without battle results in an uncertain end to the wargame

It allows the retreating army to avoid more casualties

The attacking army does not have time to reach and take the town

And, in fact, just postpones everything for another 24 hours.

 

The guerrillas attack a French convoys between Toledo and Nambroca, but are driven off with ease.

 

The campaign is going badly for the Spanish.  

Merida Campaign – Battle of San Pedro

Start of game

14^th French army have orders to attack San Pedro

The town is held by 2^nd Spanish army

 

The Spanish are deployed either side of San Pedro at the top of the table

Spanish CinC has taken command of the only cavalry brigade in the army

 

The French are deployed at the bottom of the table

French CinC has taken command of cavalry brigades of 41^st and 42^nd corps

41^st Baden corps is on the right bank of the river Guadiana

The river can only be forded by one of the three bridges

 

French Army – 10 infantry brigades, 3 cavalry brigade, 3 corps artillery

Spanish Army – 11 infantry brigades, 1 cavalry brigade, 3 corps artillery

Battle of San Pedro – Move 6

By midday the Spanish CinC ordered a general retreat

42^nd Polish corps routed the Spanish artillery and two infantry brigades

40^th French corps artillery were within close range of the town

41^st Baden corps had fought their way across the northern bridge and routed two infantry brigades

Only the French cavalry had failed in their mission

The Baden cavalry fought four rounds of melee and three were a draw

They won the fourth round but by then had lost 30% casualties

The Polish lancers charged the Spanish artillery twice, and were repulsed twice with 20% casualties

 

The French lost 5 cavalry casualties (500 men)

The Spanish lost 8 infantry, 4 artillery and 4 cavalry casualties (3900 men)

Comments

The French started this battle concentrated and deployed

So it was always very likely that they would win

But it was not anticipated that they would win so quickly

After just six moves the Spanish abandoned the town and retreated

 

At midday all three Spanish corps were still in position and they held the town

However 4^th and 5^th corps had suffered heavy casualties

6^th corps still held San Pedro.  But French artillery were within close range of the town

French infantry were moving into position to assault the town as soon as the garrison was shaken

 

41^st Baden corps had the most difficult task

They were deployed on the eastern side of the river, which could only be crossed by one of the bridges

A defended river crossing was always going to be difficult.

 

The French CinC took command of the Baden and Polish cavalry brigades

He would advance along the west side of the river and attack in support of the Baden infantry

He would force the Spanish infantry into square and distract or capture their artillery

 

The Baden cavalry led the advance, and they were charged by the Spanish militia lancers

The Spanish held their own for three moves, and both sides suffered 30% casualties

The Baden horse won the fourth round of melee and routed the Spanish

But in doing so suffered so many casualties that they were non operational

The Polish lancers were given the task of attacking the Spanish artillery

They suffered 10% casualties in their first attack and withdrew shaken

Having rallied they again attacked the guns, and again were held at bay and shaken with another 10%

However they forced the Spanish gunners to concentrate on the left bank of the river

In doing so the Baden infantry were allowed to reach the bridge without any casualties

And the Baden artillery were allowed to deploy within short range of the Spanish infantry holding the bridge

 

This is the first game in which infantry have been able to cross a defended river

It would not have been possible without the support of the two cavalry brigades

 

Cavalry were the only casualties suffered by the French

They lost 5 casualties between the two brigades

This loss will have a significant effect on future battles.

Merida Campaign Day 3

11 June 1813 – Southern Spain – Day 3

 

French lines of supply cut at Bargas

The battle of San Pedro

 

In the north 13^th French army regroup to attack Adjucen

Guerrillas hold Bargas cutting French lines of supply

38 corps send their cavalry brigade to retake Bargas and open lines of supply

 

In the centre 14^th French army attack San Pedro

Guerrillas attack convoy to Albareal, attackers lose 10% casualties, convoy safe

Guerrillas attack convoy to Nambroca, neither side lose casualties, convoy safe

 

In the south 15^th French army occupy Manchita

3^rd Spanish army retreat to Calamonte

Guerrillas attack convoy to Guadamur, attackers lose 10% casualties, convoy safe

 

Comments

The French victory at Manchita has once more extended their lines of supply.

As a direct consequence Spanish guerrilla activity has increased

 

Today there were three attacks on French convoys.

All three were beaten off, and the convoy continued and delivered their supplies

At Albarel and Guadamur the Spanish rolled 2 and lost 10% casualties

At Nambroca they rolled 4 and neither side lost any casualties

 

Casualties to guerrilla bands and French escorts remain until the end of the campaign.  

If they are involved in future melee they will suffer a minus 1 on their dice roll

 

The loss of Bargas to the guerrillas has halted all supplies from Toledo

However supplies can be sent via Albareal, but they take an extra day

Meanwhile 6^th cavalry brigade has been sent from 38^th corps to retake Bargas

 

The French have won the first two battles, as they were expected to do

They are unlikely to lose the campaign due to formal battles

The Spanish best chance of winning is attrition

As the French advance they have to leave more infantry brigades behind as garrisons

As the Spanish retreat their garrisons rejoin the field army

 

San Pedro is the first battle when both armies are concentrated at the start of the game

This should be a greater advantage to the French than the Spanish

They will have one less infantry brigade, but two more cavalry brigades

This will give them a huge advantage.

 

The Spanish will not defeat them, but the dice may

 

Merida Campaign – Battle of Manchita

Start of game

15^th French army have orders to take the walled town of Manchita

43^rd French corps will arrive at the start of move 1

44^th Westphalian corps will arrive at the start of move 5

45^th Italian corps will arrive at the start of move 5

 

3^rd Spanish army have orders to hold Manchita

7^th Spanish corps are in and around the walled town of Manchita

8^th Spanish corps will arrive at the start of move 1

9^th Spanish corps will arrive at the start of move 5

 

French army are full strength, but have two infantry brigades detached

Spanish army are full strength, but only 7^th corps have cavalry brigade

 

15^th French Army – 10 infantry brigades, 3 cavalry brigade, 3 corps artillery

3^rd Spanish Army – 12 infantry brigades, 1 cavalry brigade, 3 corps artillery

Battle of Santa Manchita – Move 12

The battle was won by 43^rd French corps

But they could not have done so without the support of 45^th Italian corps

7^th Spanish corps held the French at bay until the Italians arrived

Their cavalry and artillery forced 7^th corps to withdraw

The French then took the town.

The French lost 3 infantry and 4 cavalry casualties (1600 men)

The Spanish lost 9 infantry, 1 artillery and 1 cavalry casualties (3800 men)

 

Comments

The battle started badly for the French, when their cavalry lost the first melee

The town walls prevented the French gunners from being very effective

The infantry could only attack the front of the town

 

The arrival of 45^th Italian corps on move 5 proved decisive

Their cavalry forced the Spanish outside the walls to form square

As their artillery opened fire the squares have to withdraw slowly

This allowed the French infantry to attack three sides of the town at once

The Spanish garrison lost 60% and routed, each French brigade lost 10%

 

45^th Italian corps had open ground between the pass and the farm

So they arrived quickly, and were soon in action in support of the centre

 

44^th Westphalian corps had to cross the hill on the right

This delay prevented the infantry from taking any part in the battle

Their artillery did open fire, but proved ineffective

 

8^th Spanish corps arrived at the start of move one, and has no terrain obstacle

If they were allowed to advance they would prevent French infantry attacking the town

To delay them the Westphalian cavalry had to advance and suffered 10% casualties   

 

For most of the battle it seemed likely the Spanish would hold the town

They has two of their best infantry brigades in garrison

The town walls would give them added protection against artillery and infantry.

 

By move 10 their infantry support outside the town had been forced to withdraw

French infantry could advance to attack three sides of the town

The garrison suffered their first artillery casualties just as the French infantry attacked

The garrison was routed with 60% casualties, but the support brigade passed their morale

 

On move 12 one of the attacking French brigades entered the town

They pushed the broken garrison into the support brigade, who then lost their morale

 

It is interesting that 9^th Spanish corps held against a deployed Italian corps

But 8^th Spanish corps broke when attacked by Westphalian cavalry and artillery

One Spanish brigade was shaken when hit by artillery fire

Well placed Westphalian cavalry charged and broke the square

The routed infantry, pursued by the cavalry, broke the nearby artillery

As the gunners routed two nearby Spanish infantry brigades had to test their morale

Both failed, both routed.

 

The French have won a second battle with most of their army arriving too late to take part.  

Merida Campaign Day 2

10 June 1813 – Southern Spain – Day 2

French attack the walled town of Manchita

 

In the north 1^st Spanish army retreat to Adjucen having lost the battle of Santa Amalia

13^th French army have occupied the town and are regrouping after the battle

Spanish guerrilla brigades have been active and have taken the town of Bargas.

 

In the centre 14^th French army have closed up to the border in order to attack San Pedro

2^nd Spanish army are taking up defensive positions just west of the border.

 

In the south 15^th French army have attacked the walled town of Manchita

All movement in the mountains is in column of march

Both armies are dispersed and will reach the battlefield throughout the day

 

Comments

The French occupation of Santa Amalia has extended their lines of supply from Bargas to Tomjos

It has also left them open to attack by the Spanish guerrilla.

 

2^nd militia brigade has attacked the convoy carrying two days supplies from Bargas to Tomjos. 

The skirmish is decided by rolling 1D6, which rolled a 3.  

This result caused the Spanish to withdraw without any casualties and the convoy to deliver their supplies to Tomjos.

 

1^st militia brigade attacked the town of Bargas, and were more successful.  

They rolled a 6, resulting in the capture of the town and the garrison withdrawing having suffered 10% casualties.  

It also meant the loss of the two days supplies held there.  

Worse still it will disrupt the supply line from Toledo.   

13^th French army will have to take urgent action to reopen their lines of supply

 

In the south the French have attacked Manchita

Both armies are widely dispersed and in difficult terrain

This will cause delay is some corps reaching the scene of the fighting

It will also mean that those corps will arrive on the table in column of march

 

It is only the second day of the campaign and already the French are suffering supply problems

Merida Campaign – Battle of Santa Amalia

Start of game

French launch a surprise attack on Santa Amalia

The battle was fought by 1^st Spanish and 37^th French corp

Both armies are full strength at the start of the game

 

1^st Spanish corps is in and around the town

2^nd Spanish corps will arrive at the start of move 1

3^rd Spanish corps will arrive at the start of move 5

 

37^th French corps enters table at start of move 1

38^th and 39^th corps both arrive at the start of move 5

 

13^th French Army – 10 infantry brigades, 3 cavalry brigade, 3 corps artillery

1^st Spanish Army – 11 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 3 corps artillery

Battle of Santa Amalia – Move 12

The battle was fought by 1^st Spanish and 37^th French corps

The remainder of both armies arrived too late to play much part in the fighting

The French waited until all of their army had arrived before they attacked the town

However the loss of the town caused the Spanish to lose heart and they retreated

The French lost 3 infantry and 1 cavalry casualties (1300 men)

The Spanish lost 5 infantry, 2 artillery and 1 cavalry casualties (2300 men) and six brigades in rout

 

Comments

The first battle of the campaign was fought by the best corps of each army

1^st Spanish corps has four infantry, one cavalry and one artillery brigade

37^th French corps is the only Young Guard corps in southern Spain

 

This was an experiment to see if an encounter battle would work on the wargames table. 

The Spanish had one corps on the table at the start of the game

One Spanish corps would arrive, in column of march, at the start of move one

One Spanish corps would arrive, along the same road, at the start of move five

One French corps would arrive, fully deployed, at the start of move one

Two French corps would arrive, deployed in column of attack, at the start of move five

 

It looked good at the planning stage, but did not work on the table.

The Spanish were able to deploy, but at the rear of the town rather than in front

The French reinforcements arrived too late to take any real part in the battle.

 

It soon became obvious to the French that they could not wait for their whole army

If they did so they would run out of time, and would not be able to take the town

The Young Guard artillery were able to deploy within short range of the town

They inflicted 20% casualties on the garrison, and their infantry took the town with ease

The guard cavalry routed the Spanish artillery, but were in turn driven off by Spanish dragoons

 

The loss of the town had an immediate effect on the Spanish army

The town was held by two brigades from 1^st Spanish corps

The forward brigade took the artillery casualties

They were then routed by an infantry attack

The second brigade in the garrison joined the rout

 

The French cavalry now routed the nearby Spanish artillery

The gunners routed into their supporting infantry square

The rest of 1^st Spanish corps now joined the rout

 

2^nd and 3^rd Spanish corps played little part in the battle

Just as they reached their deployment areas the town fell

They came under threat from the two French corps cavalry and artillery

As they received their first casualties both Spanish corps retreated.

 

A pretty convincing, though not unexpected, victory for the French

If they could not win with the best of their three armies they would be in trouble.

 

Not so good for the Spanish.  

They lost the first battle with the best of their three armies

And indeed they lost the battle with the best corps in their entire army

Merida Campaign Day 1

 

9 June 1813 – Southern Spain – Day 1

The Spanish army deployed west of the Merida-Toledo district border.

Three corps occupy the border towns of Santa Amalia, San Pedro and Manchita.  

However they are not close enough to prevent the French crossing the border.

The remaining three corps are further west in Adjucen, Merida and Calamonte.

 

The French army are closer to the border, and all nine corps are deployed to attack

 

The campaign opens in the north where 13^th French army attack Santa Amalia

 

Comments

The Spanish army are deployed in a defensive position.  

Their have three corps observing the border

But the remaining six corps are in reserve

This deployment makes it much easier to supply all nine corps

But there will be a delay of 4 and 8 hours for  the reserve corps to reach the front

 

The French army have concentrated in preparation for an advance into Merida region  

The three forward corps are in contact with the Spanish

The remaining six corps are out of sight, but can reach the border within 4 hours.

This deployment makes resupply more difficult.

 

The French have occupied all of the towns in Toledo region.

The Spanish garrisons of those towns have formed guerrilla brigades

Each of these brigades must operate within one square of their original town

For example 1 militia brigade was the garrison of Bargas

They must remain within one square of that town.

 

Each French corps can carry a maximum of four days supplies

Each Spanish corps, and militia brigade, can carry only three days

This gives the French a considerable movement advantage

It also allows them to go one day more without resupply

 

The entire French army have a minimum of 51 days supply

This is 36 with the corps and a reserve of 15 in the supply depots

This reserve is to allow time for supplies to be moved to each corps

 

The entire Spanish army has a minimum reserve of 38 days

This is 27 with the corps and a reserve of 11 days supply

 

Each town gathers one days supply each day

Any surplus required to make the daily minimum is received by the main supply base

This is Toledo for the French and Merida for the Spanish