This is my first "engagement" for the Peninsula in Crisis campaign. Whenever I label a battle "engagement" that will let readers know it is one of the "big" OHW battles (a rule breaking 10 units per side or more!) that punctuate the high points of the campaign. As I'm following fictional characters etc... I have not yet figured how I can fit my fictional battles into the more historical battles of the Peninsular Campaign. So these will pass as "unrecorded" and "forgotten" battles between great generals like Massena and Wellington.
So without further ado, here is the Engagement at the Crossroads:
With the taking of Villa Dora, Marshal Massena's hand was forced and he gathered his army for an attack on the British/Portuguese forces marching towards him from the west. Ordering General Fromage's VII Division to anchor his southern flank, Massena set about intercepting Wellington's army at a vital crossroads just northeast of Andujar, near Córdoba. Wellington, realizing his forces would need not only to hold the crossroads but to also have a stronghold in the south, ordered Brigadier General Adamstone's V Brigade to march on La Vallejo on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and take it. After forcing Fromage out of the region, Adamstone immidiately raced north to reinforce Wellington at Andujar, whilst Fromage's Division, battered, and tired, also hurried to Massena's camp. Elements from both forces arrived to the battlefield in a peice meal fashion. The outcome of this battle would determine who held southern Spain. Would Massena hold his ground and force the British to a stalemate? Or would Wellington drive the "Fox" back further into the Spanish interior into the waiting ambuscades of Spanish partisans?
His Grace, Sir Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.
Andre Massena, Duc di Rivoli, Prince d'Essling, Marshal of France. Known as the Fox by his enemies.
The scenario for the big battle or "engagement" No.2, with my own additions. As part of a campaign, I wanted this battle to be affected by the previous one, so because the British won the Battle at the Ford, their reinforcements will arrive on turns 4 and 8. The French will arrive on turns 6 and 10. This represents elements sent to reinforce both armies from the secondary theatre straggling in, or trying to find their way to the battlefield. This also means the battle will be fought with 10 units per side. Making it a rather large OHW battle.
Massena's French deploy to the north holding the high ground whilst Wellington's army forms up along the south holding the crossroads.
Major Sharpe's 95th Rifles marched for two days to reach the battlefield, led by Spanish guides along the shortest route after having lost contact with Adamstone column.
Portuguese and British Dragoons ready to charge towards the French grand battery deployed on the hill.
The finest regiments of France that Bonaparte could spare for the Spanish occupation forces. Along with some equally fine Curraissers.
French reinforcements expected to arrive on turns 6 (Artillery and Polish Hussars) and 10 (Voltiguers)
British reinforcements expected to arrive on turns 4 (infantry and rifles) and 8 (artillery train)
Turn 1: British cavalry charges madly across the open field, French guns score a hit on them.
Turn 2: Rally! Dragoons remove their hit.
But then the French guns score 3 more hits on them.
Turn 3: Confusion. Cavalry and Highlanders are disordered by French artillery.
Turn 4: First wave of British reinforcements arrive. Demoralized card is drawn. French artillery panics while loading grape shot for incoming cavalry charge, suffer 3 hits.
"Mom Dieu! Not again!!"
Major Sharpe: "Right! You lot want ta have another go with the Frogs then do ya?"
Seargent Harper: "Aye sir. It'd be a shame if we were late to our own funeral."
The 13th Light Dragoons wheel right to flank the French lines, inflicting 16 hits (double amount of hits on flanking) III Regimente de Ligne is broken and routes. The Portuguese 7th Dragoes charge straight for the guns. Inflicting 8 hits.
Turn 5: A double action card is drawn, allowing the 13th Dragoons to ride around the squares formed by the IV and V in reaction to the destruction of the III. They cannot move or shoot, but they are safe from cavalry. VI regiment presses on but is hit from behind by the 13th Dragoons, who, though tires manage to inflict 6 hits on the Frogs.
The Portuguese also make a poor showing with only 3 hits on the French battery. (Cavalry add +2 to their dice rolls always)
Turn 6: Polish Hussars and more French cannon arrive to the fight. Dressed impeccably as ever.
The Poles immediately hit the 13th from the rear with 10 hits! The Dragoons break and flee back to British lines.
The French resume marching towards the crossroads.
Curraissers charge the Highlanders who stubbornly refused to budge, taking 8 hits on the chin.
The 42nd returns fire giving back 6 hits plus one additional hit by the 28th Foot. Meanwhile the Portuguese destroy the French guns on the hill and turn to find fresh kills.
Turn 8: two units rally, and remove three hits each while the Royal Artillery arrives to take up position.
The Poles charge the British line, managing to inflict losses on the 28th before combined fire from the 42nd, 28th and the 95th Rifles slaughters the Hussars. (All 6's!!) French infantry cause the Black Watch to fall back after heavy losses. Their place in the line is taken by artillery.
Forced to form squares again the French ward off the 7th Dragoes who turn to charge the fresh French battery firing on them.
Turn 10: the Voltiguers arrive last, having straggled through guerrilla infested hills and woodland to get to the battlefield.
French sniper fire picks a few Dragoes off but they succeed in hitting the artillery.
Turn 11: Confusion. Fortunately only the non marching infantry are affected.
Frogs and Lobsters trade volleys with help from the Rifles and artillery.
Turn 12: Ammunition shortage. The 67th once again fail to keep their powder dry. (This unit is starting to develop a reputation!)
Nearing the end of the engagement. The Dragoes turn about to hold the hilltop for Wellington's army. Dodging French shells all the way back.
Turn 13: more ammo shortages. The men are starting to run low on powder and shot. Wellington calls for more from the rear.
The British line wheels inwards to box in the French.
The Portuguese are close to breaking but stand their ground nonetheless. Til well placed French shells blast them out of their saddles.
Turn 15: Endgame. By nightfall Messina's forces retreat northeastwards while Wellington's men take the hill and crossroads. Adamstone's men receive commendations personally from Wellington, and then return to Brigade HQ at La Vallejo. Wellington is now free to move further into Spain. This victory also causes more of the scattered Spanish army and partisans to grow bolder in their attacks on French garrisons. Wellington has created a fresh headache for Napoleon.
Conclusion: With Fromage pushed back into eastern Spain, Adamstone now has a breathing space to reorganize the V Brigade and prepare for the next battle. He now has a fortified base at La Vallejo and strong support from the local populace. Fromage meanwhile is fuming and calling for more regiments from Massena while Massena asks for more men and arms from France.
No comments:
Post a Comment