Wellington's Battles

Battle of Orthez - Move 7

2011-12-15T01:41:00.001-08:00

Table at start of move 7

Wellington’s right flank starts to disintegrate

Davout orders his centre and left to attack

British Left

On the left Cole continues to move to his left

On the right Alten moves towards St Boes

Once again the artillery fails to inflict any casualties

French cavalry and occupation of St Boes make any advance impossible

British Centre

Picton is pinned by St Boes in front and the hill behind

Only one infantry brigade and his artillery are in place to meet the French attack

British Right

Stewart’s whole corps has broken in rout

Only one infantry brigade remains to cover the retreat, and they are shaken

French Right

Although out numbered two to one, Reille continues to hold his position

His cavalry hold his right, and St Boes his left

He has broken the enemy cavalry, making any allied advance very risky

French Left

Clausel on the left and d’Erlon on the right advance

Stewart’s corps in front of Clausel have broken and routed

Picton’s corps in front of d’Erlon are unable to deploy

Table at the end of the game

Game Notes

This has been a most unusual complete disaster for Wellington. And all the more unusual because he outnumbered the French four to three.

The result was partly due to consistent poor dice for the allied army.

Credit must go to Davout for deploying his reserve against the weak allied right flank.

Wellington had to take St Boes, and failed to do so. Worse Davout defeated his two leading corps, Cole and Stewart, and they were unable to take sufficient ground for the tow reserve corps, Alten and Picton, to deploy

The complete collapse of his right flank caused Wellington to order an immediate withdrawal.

Casualties were very light:

British casualties 2 infantry, 7 cavalry, 4 gunners

French casualties 2 infantry

Result – a convincing French victory

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Orthez - Move 6

2011-12-14T00:52:00.001-08:00

Table at start of move 6

Wellington attempts to redeploy his army

Davout has deployed his army to meet the attack

British Left

On the left Cole moves his corps to the left

On the right Alten deploys his corps in front of St Boes

Once again the artillery fail to inflict any casualties

Cole is pinned by the lancer brigade opposite his far left

He has managed to rally his routed highland brigade

British Centre

Picton has orders to attack to the right of St Boes

He is trying to move his corps to the right

French artillery causing casualties

French cavalry preventing infantry advance

British Right

Stewart is faced by odds of two to one

His cavalry have lost the cavalry melee and are in rout

Both his artillery and Portuguese square are shaken by the rout

French Right

Reille has suffered no casualties and is waiting for the British to attack

His lancers on the right flank are pinning the enemy infantry

French Left

Clausel has deployed his corps to the left of the road

His cavalry have routed the British dragoons and shaken their gunners

The rest of his corps is almost in position ready to advance

Game Notes

The British are having a long run of very poor dice

Their artillery consistently fail to inflict any casualties

They have lost half of their cavalry in melee

The failure of their attack on the flanks has halted the advance

They must take St Boes to break the strong French position

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Orthez - Move 5

2011-12-12T07:45:00.001-08:00

Table at start of move 5

Wellington’s army is badly deployed to meet the French reserve deployment

Davout has committed his reserve corps on the far right

British Far Left

Artillery fire and miss

Infantry on the right move to the left flank

Highlanders fail morale test and continue to rout

British Left

Artillery fire on St Boes but no casualties

Infantry advance 8” towards the village

Hussars advance 10” to cover left flank

British Centre

Artillery limber and move 4”

Right hand brigade advance 4” and form column of attack

British Right

Artillery fire on nearest infantry but no casualties

Portuguese square advance 2” to support gunners

Dragoons retire 6” facing enemy

French Left

Clausel is taking position on the left of the road

D’Erlon is in position to the right of the road

D’Erlon moves his cavalry to his right flank

French Right

Artillery fire at close range at enemy infantry but fail to hit

Lancers withdraw 6” to main battle line

Game Notes

Both sides need some time to get their corps in position

The French is almost complete.

Reille is on the right

D’Erlon is in the centre

Clausel is on the left

Wellington has more problems, because there is less space to redeploy

Cole is on the far left

Alten is moving into position to the right of Cole

Picton is trying to move to the right of St Boes

Stewart is holding the right

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Orthez - Move 4

2011-12-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Table at start of move 4

Wellington’s army is badly deployed to meet the French reserve deployment

Davout has committed his reserve corps on the far right

British Far Left

French lancers charge routed British cavalry and cut them all down

Cole orders his corps to halt

Left hand brigade forms square to protect infantry from lancers

Shaken brigade fails morale test and routs

British Left

Artillery halt and unlimber

Hussars advance on left and form line

New orders arrive from Wellington

Engage St Boes village

British Centre

Picton moves his cavalry to the left flank out of artillery range

Artillery advance off hill and unlimber

Infantry advance off hill

Wellington sends orders to face right and support Stewart

British Right

Wellington orders Stewart to Hold

Artillery fire on French infantry and inflict casualties

French pass morale test for casualties

Portuguese infantry form square to protect gunners

French Left

Clausel is trying to deploy the reserve to the left of the road

D’Erlon has deployed his infantry to the right of the road

His artillery are also right of the road, fire on British infantry and miss

His cavalry brigade is on the left, and mingled with Clausel’s advance

French Right

Artillery fire at close range at enemy infantry but fail to hit

Lancers charge routed British hussars and cut them all down

Game Notes

When a routed brigade is caught they are all cut down

This is one of seven “quick results” which are automatic

Rule 8 covers Quick Results

Wellington is finding it difficult to react to the French reserve

His far left has been halted by Reille and will be lucky to hold their ground

On his far right Stewart is facing two corps and must also halt

In the centre both Alten and Picton must redeploy to meet these set backs

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Orthez - Move 3

2011-12-09T00:46:00.000-08:00

Table at start of move 3

Wellington’s army are now approaching French artillery range

Davout has not yet committed his reserve

British Far Left

Cavalry lose melee with French lancers and rout

Infantry have formed column of attack and artillery unlimbered

French artillery have caused casualties on highland brigade, who are shaken

British Left

Wellington has joined Alten to decide where to commit him

Meanwhile Alten had advanced 8”

British Centre

Picton has advanced 4” and is moving down the hill towards St Boes

British Right

Artillery fire on French cavalry, but are out of range and cause no casualties

British infantry form column of attack

Artillery manhandle guns 2”

Portuguese infantry form column of attack from square

French Left

Artillery fire on British cavalry and cause casualties

British cavalry pass morale test for casualties

Three French infantry brigades form square

French Reserve

Clausel advances 16” to support d’Erlon

French Right

Artillery fire at close range on highland brigade and cause casualties

Highlanders fail morale test for casualties and are shaken

Lancers charge downhill at British hussars

British hussars pass morale test to counter charge

Lancers skirmish melee

British hussars lose melee, receive casualties and rout

Lancers test morale for pursuit, pass and halt disordered

Game Notes

There are two types of cavalry melee.

Skirmish melee is usually less decisive

Attack melee normally results in heavier casualties

Attacker decides which type of melee, depending on his orders

Rule 14 covers cavalry v cavalry combat

There are four types of morale. Formed, Disordered, Shaken and Rout

Failure to pass morale test can result in shaken or rout

Rule 18 covers morale tests

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Orthez - Move 2

2011-12-07T23:46:00.000-08:00

Table at start of move 2

All of Wellington’s army is now on the table

They have all taken multiple moves are they are more than 16” from the French

Davout has not yet committed his reserve

British Far Left

Cole has advanced within 16” of St Boes

His hussars have moved forward to counter the French cavalry on the hill

Wellington has changed their orders to Engage

British Left

Alten advances 8” towards St Boes from the south

He is now within 16” of the enemy and can not take multiple moves

British Centre

Picton advanced 8” to the edge of the hill overlooking St Boes from the south

British Right

Stewart advanced 8” towards d’Erlon

He has unlimbered his artillery

He has also put his Portuguese in square to protect the gunners

French Left

D’Erlon has ordered his artillery to fire on Stewart, miss and no casualties

French Right

Reille is waiting for the enemy to come within artillery range

His cavalry have moved forward to the crest of the hill

French Reserve

Clausel is in reserve behind d’Erlon

Waiting for orders to deploy

Orders arrive to move forward, but arrive too late for this turn

Game Notes

The are now unable to make multiple moves because they are within 16” of the enemy.

Rule 5 covers movement

Wellington has changed Cole’s orders to Engage so that he can attack the enemy

Rule 4 explains what action can be taken on Move, Halt, Hold, Engage or Attack orders.

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Orthez - Move 1

2011-12-07T00:47:00.001-08:00

Table at start of move 1

Reille is deployed in and behind St Boes

D’Erlon is deployed to his right

Clausel is in reserve top right

Cole will arrive on road centre left

Alten will arrive on road bottom left

Picton will arrive bottom centre

British Far Left

Cole advances 16” towards St Boes from the east

British Left

Alten advances 16” towards St Boes from the south

British Centre

Picton advanced 16” towards St Boes from the south

British Right

Stewart advanced 16” from Orthez

His cavalry have formed line on the right

French Left

D’Erlon is deployed facing Orthez

French Right

Reille is deployed in and north of St Boes

His cavalry are behind the crest of the hill

French Reserve

Clausel is in reserve behind d’Erlon

Waiting for orders to deploy

Game Notes

The French are deployed on the table at the start of the game

All British commands will arrive during move one

All commands can have multiple moves providing that they are at least 16” from the enemy.

Rule 5 covers movement

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of Orthez - Set Up

2011-12-06T02:59:00.000-08:00

Historical background

In February 1814 Soult withdrew his main army from Bayonne and retreated towards Toulouse, hotly pursued by Wellington. The French took up a strong defensive position at Orthez on the river Pau and waited for Wellington to attack. On 27 February 1814 he did so.

Map of battle

Historical Orbat

Wellington - 40,000 British

Soult - 33,000 French

Wargame Orbat

Wellington (Gifted) - 128 Infantry 16 cavalry 4 guns

Soult (Gifted) - 96 infantry 12 cavalry 3 guns

British commanders

Stewart (Average) - 32 infantry 4 cavalry 1 gun

Picton (Average) - 32 infantry 4 cavalry 1 gun

Clinton (Average) - 32 infantry 4 cavalry 1 gun

Alten (Average) - 32 infantry 4 cavalry 1 gun

French commanders

D’Erlon (Average) - 32 infantry 4 cavalry 1 gun

Reille (Average) - 32 infantry 4 cavalry 1 gun

Clausel (Average) - 32 infantry 4 cavalry 1 gun

Table at start of battle

St Boes is the village in the centre of the table

Road top right leads to Toulouse

All other roads lead to Bayonne

Orthez is off table bottom right

Reille is in St Boes

D’Erlon is deployed between the village and the T junction

Clausel is in reserve top right

Cole will arrive centre left

Alten will arrive bottom left

Picton will arrive bottom centre

Steward will arrive bottom right

Rules

This battle is based on Orthez, it is not meant to be a refight of it.

We use our own rules to fight all of these battles.

Link to wargame rules

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of the Nive - Move 12

2011-09-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 12

Left top – Alten is moving his division to take position below the woods

Left centre – Howard has been delayed again by the Poor Card

Right top – British have abandoned the hill, but French too weak to take advantage

Right bottom – Clinton is ready to attack, but still waiting for orders

British left

British cavalry and artillery advance to the left of Archanques

Alten is deploying his division between the town and the river

British right

Colville has replaced the garrison with his Portuguese brigade

Clinton is moving forward between the hill and the river

French right

Villate has taken the woods, but is too weak to advance further

Maransin is still attacking Archanques

Despite heavy casualties the British riflemen continue to hold the town

French left

Abbe continues to skirmish in Villafranque

Darricau has cleared the hill, but his division is falling apart and in rout

Game Notes

At the end of the game neither side had achieved a convincing victory.

The French had taken Arcanques woods, but not the town. On the opposite side of the river Villafranque was still in dispute, but the French had more reserves than the British.

The two forward British divisions had held disputed both Archanques and Villafranque against odds of two to one. The two reserve divisions were delayed, Clinton by the river and Howard by the Poor Commander card. But as night fell they were in position and ready to attack.

The French attack had failed to take the two towns, which was their objective. But they had inflicted heavy casualties on the divisions of Alten and Colville.

British casualties 17 infantry and 4 cavalry.

French casualties 12 infantry 7 cavalry

Result a draw

Battle of the Nive - Move 11

2011-09-29T09:49:00.001-07:00

Table at start of move 11

Left top – Alten has orders to take up a new position to the right of Arcanques

Left centre – Howard has been delayed by both the French cavalry and the Poor Card

Right top – Highlanders hold the town, but infantry and gunners rout on hill

Right bottom – Clinton is waiting for new orders from Wellington

British left

Wellington has joined Howard to sort out the redeployment around Archanques

French right

Villate has taken the woods

Maransin is attacking Archanques

Despite heavy casualties the British riflemen continue to hold the town

French left

The French are taking heavy casualties

Two infantry brigades are in rout and a further three are shaken

Abbe continues to fight to take Villafranque

Darricau has taken too many casualties to advance any further

Game Notes

Both armies have taken heavy casualties, and have lost brigades due to poor morale

At this stage any loss of morale can have a dramatic effect

If one brigade routs, any supports within 4” must also test morale.

When most brigades have at least one casualty, this can lead to further routs

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of the Nive - Move 10

2011-09-28T00:39:00.001-07:00

Table at start of move 10

Left top – Wellington has ordered Alten to withdraw from the woods

Left centre – Poor card prevented Howard from moving his division

Right top – French are close to taking Villafranque and nearby hill

Right bottom – Clinton is moving his division forward again

British left

Riflemen hold Arcanques despite heavy casualties

Howard’s division fails to move due to the Poor Card

Arcanques Woods

The British have withdrawn from the woods due to heavy casualties

French infantry are entering the abandoned woods

British right

Clinton has changed his orders to Halt and is reforming his division

British infantry and gunners are routing from Villafranque hill.

Fighting in Villafranque

Colville still holds the village with his highlanders

He has lost the nearby hill and his first brigade is in rout

Only the Portuguese infantry and British hussars remain

French right

Abbe has taken the woods and his artillery is firing on Arcanques

Maransin is also firing on the town, and his infantry skirmishing with the garrison

French left

The French have taken a hammering, but at last taken the hill

Abbe is still fighting for Villafranque and gaining the upper hand

Darricau has cleared the hill, but is unable to advance any further due to casualties

Game Notes

Cards are drawn to determine which division moves next.

Amongst the cards is one Poor Card

When this is drawn the next Poor Commander must miss his turn

There are two Poor Commanders, one British and one French

Rule 3 covers Poor Commanders

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of the Nive - Move 9

2011-09-27T00:16:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 9

Left top – Riflemen retreat from edge of woods due to heavy casualties

Left centre – French cavalry have forced 2^nd division to halt and form square

Right top – French close in on Villafranque hill

Right bottom – French dragoons rout from British squares

British left

Riflemen are starting to withdraw from the woods due to heavy casualties

Howard’s division push on towards the woods

British artillery redeploy to cover left flank

British right

Clinton forms column of attack and is ready to advance

British dragoons are shaken having received artillery casualties

Villafranque hill and village are about to be over run by the French

Fighting in Villafranque

1^st British brigade have routed due to heavy casualties

The highland brigade which replaced them have also taken casualties

Artillery are being withdrawn on the nearby hill

French right

As the riflemen retire from the woods, French infantry advance again

Maransin continues his advance towards Arcanques

Arcanques Woods

The riflemen are withdrawing from the woods due to heavy casualties

A line brigade is moving into the woods to replace them

Three French brigades are about to attack the woods

French left

The French cavalry have taken heavy casualties and fall back in disorder

French infantry from both divisions attack the hill

On the right Darricau is outflanking the hill and advancing towards the bridge

Game Notes

The British reinforcements on both sides of the river have been delayed by the French cavalry success. The cavalry are now a spent force, but they have gained precious time for their infantry and artillery to over run the British forward positions are Arcanques and Villafranque.

The forward British divisions have orders to Hold, and must counter attack if they are driven back. Wellington must now order both divisions to withdraw slightly to allow time for the reinforcements to arrive. If he can achieve this without too many casualties he may yet win the day.

Rule 4 explains the limitations of the difference types of corps orders

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of the Nive - Move 8

2011-09-26T02:23:00.001-07:00

Table at start of move 8

Left top – Riflemen holding their own in the woods, but have received heavy casualties

Left centre – French cavalry have forced 2^nd division to halt and form square

Right top – British artillery has started to withdraw from Villafranque hill

Right bottom – French dragoons pursuit have caused Clinton to halt and form square

British left

Riflemen are starting to withdraw from the woods due to heavy casualties

Half of Howards division is in square, the remainder push on towards the woods

French dragoons have retreated out of artillery range

British right

British hussars have rallied behind the squares of Clinton’s division

British squares have routed the French dragoons

Garrision replaced in Villafranque by a fresh highland brigade

Fighting in Villafranque

1^st British brigade have suffered heavy casualties

They have been replaced by the highland brigade

Artillery are being withdrawn on the nearby hill

French right

Villate has given up his attempt to take the woods and changed his orders to Halt

Maransin has withdrawn his dragoons, but continues his advance towards Arcanques

Arcanques woods

With heavy casualties the riflemen withdraw from the edge the woods

The second British brigade in support of the riflemen have also withdrawn

With heavy casualties of his own, Abbe has changed his orders from Attack to Halt

French left

The French advance has forced the British artillery to withdraw from the hill

Abbe continues to fight for Villafranqe and the hill

On the right Darricau is outflanking the hill and advancing towards the bridge

Game Notes

British reinforcements on both sides of the river have been forced to halt and form square, by the failure of their cavalry to hold the enemy horsemen.

The French dragoons on the Villafranque side of the river have pursued the defeated hussars too far, and find themselves surrounded by British squares. They receive heavy casualties and return to their own line in rout

On the far side of the river the French cavalry have been more controlled, rally rather than pursue the defeated enemy cavalry, and return to their own lines in good order.

Both Clinton and Howard have been forced to halt their divisions and form square because of the French cavalry, and in doing so have delayed their arrival at Villafranque and Arcanques.

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of the Nive - Move 7

2011-09-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 7

Left top – British reinforce skirmish fighting for the woods

Left centre – 2 division move towards woods

Right top – British still hold Villafranque hill

Right bottom – Clinton is approaching hill protected by artillery and infantry square

British left

British dragoons lose melee and withdraw shaken

Howard has deployed his division to counter enemy cavalry

British riflemen still hold Arcanque town and woods

British right

British hussars rout from cavalry melee, French dragoons pursue

Howard deploys his division in square until the enemy cavalry withdraw

French right

Villate is still unable to take the woods

Despite this Maransin continues his advance towards Arcanques

Arcanques woods

Despite heavy casualties the riflemen continue to hold the woods

A second British brigade has arrived to support the riflemen

Three French brigades have been driven back

French left

The French are swamping Villafranque

The garrison has withdrawn to the centre of the town

Darricau is pushing forward between the hill and the river

The artillery on the hill are also withdrawn

Villafranque

The garrison have taken heavy casualties and withdrawn shaken

The French follow up and cause more casualties, but the British make morale again

On the left a second brigade has been sent to replace the shaken garrison

Game Notes

French cavalry have won against the British time and again

The French are B class, and the British C class.

In addition the dice have gone in favour of the French

The French are now on Attack orders, which are more decisive than Engage

Rule 14 covers cavalry combat

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of the Nive - Move 6

2011-09-24T00:42:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 6

Left top – skirmish fighting for the woods

Left centre – French cavalry rout British hussars

Right top – Skirmish fighting at Villafranque

Right bottom – Clinton is approaching the hill to the left of Villafranque

British left

Wellington has taken command of Howard’s cavalry

Shaken British hussars withdraw behind them

Alten’s riflemen continue to hold the woods

The remainder of Howard’s division is moving to the right of Arcanques

British right

Colville is holding his own at Villafranque.

His artillery on the hill is causing a lot of French casualties

French dragoons have routed British dragoons

Clinton is approaching the hill behind a screen of hussars

French right

Villate is unable to take the woods

Despite this Maransin continues his advance towards Arcanques

French left

On the left Abbe is unable to make any progress against Villafranque

To his right Darricau is pushing on between the hill and the river

Abbe’s chasseurs have rallied and are available to rejoin his division

Arcanques Woods

One brigade of British riflemen hold the woods against four French brigades

The French are now under orders to attack the woods, but have been beaten back

British reinforcements are arriving at the top left of the woods

Game Notes

The British reinforcements are starting to arrive.

Archanques woods has delayed the French advance west of the river

Villafranque has done the same east of the river

Wellington has taken personal command of the heavy dragoons to allow the shaken hussars to withdraw.

Rule 2 allows the CinC to take command of any brigade

Engage orders only allow attackers to skirmish for control of woods or towns

Attack orders allow them to make a more determined attack

However the consequences of losing an attack are greater than a skirmish

Rule 11 covers skirmish

Rule 9 covers fighting at the edge of woods or towns

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of the Nive - Move 5

2011-09-23T00:39:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 5

Left top – skirmish fighting for the woods

Left centre – Alten is moving his reserves to the right to support the woods

Right top – Darricau and Abbe are nearing Villafranque

Right centre – skirmish fighting at Villafranque

Right bottom – Clinton is approaching the hill to the left of Villafranque

British left

The arrival of the heavy dragoons from Howard’s division allow the shaken hussars to retire and join Alten to the right of Arcanques

British right

Colville is holding his own at Villafranque.

French cavalry attempting to charge the artillery have been routed

Colville is moving his division to the right of the hill to make room for Clinton

Clinton is approaching the hill behind a screen of heavy dragoons and hussars

French right

Soult has ordered Villate to attack the woods held by the British riflemen

The first attack is a draw, both suffer casualties and both are disordered

Maransin has missed his turn due to the Poor Card

French left

French infantry are skirmishing at Villafranque

French cavalry routed by the artillery on the hill have rallied bottom right

Maransin has halted to the right of the hill to hold Clinton

Game Notes

At present the French artillery outnumber the British two to one

All guns are within range, but the French are proving ineffective

The British artillery near Villafranque is causing a lot of casualties

In these rules casualties are reasonably difficult to inflict.

But all casualties can be critical if a unit fails to make their morale

Rule 7 covers artillery fire

Rule 18 covers morale

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of the Nive - Move 4

2011-09-22T00:14:00.001-07:00

Table at start of move 4

Left top – two French divisions, Villatte and Maransin, approaching Arcanques

Left centre – Alten holds the town and the woods

Left bottom – Clinton is crossing the river towards Villafranque

Right top – two French divisions, Abbe and Darricau, approaching Villafranque

Right centre – Colville has deployed in and around Villafranque

British left

Top – British hussars have lost melee and retire shaken

Bottom - Howard has missed his turn due to Poor Card

British right

Wellington has joined Colville on the hill

French cavalry charged the guns on the hill

Gunners passed their reaction test and fired on cavalry

Rolled 2xdD6, inflicted two casualties and routed cavalry

At the bottom Clinton is crossing the bridge and moving to join Colville

French right

On the left Villate is still skirmishing with the rifles in the woods

His cavalry have received an artillery casualty and withdraw out of range

On the right Maransin is advancing to the right of Arcanques

French left

On the left Abbe is moving towards Villafranque

His cavalry have been routed by the British gunners on the hill

On the right Darricau is advancing between the hill and the river

His cavalry have forced the British hussars to retire shaken

Game Notes

Cavalry v cavalry melee can be found in Rule 14

Cavalry v artillery are covered by Rule 16

Gunners must pass reaction test to fire or evade

In this case the gunners passed and opted to fire

They roll 2xD6 and require 6 for a hit – they rolled 2x6 for two hits

There is a card for each commander, and a Poor Card.

Cards are drawn to determine the move sequence

The next Poor commander to draw a card after the Poor Card must miss his turn

This time it was Howard, who had to miss his turn

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of the Nive - Move 3

2011-09-21T00:31:00.001-07:00

Table at start of move 3

Left top – two French corps, Villatte and Maransin, approaching Arcanques

Left centre – Alten holds the town and the woods

Left bottom – Clinton is moving towards the river

Right top – two French divisions, Abbe and Darricau, approaching Villafranque

Right centre – Colville has deployed in and around Villafranque

British left

Top - Alten holds Arcanques and the woods on the right

Bottom left - Howard is marching towards Arcanques

Bottom right – Clinton is heading for Villafranque

British right

Colville has concentrated around Villafranque and the hill to the left

The cavalry are holding the left and the reserve infantry moving towards the town

Enemy cavalry have advanced to charge the artillery on the hill

French right

On the left Villatte is skirmishing with the rifles in the woods

On the right Maransin has advanced his cavalry to engage the British hussars

French left

On the left Abbe is moving towards Villafranque

His leading infantry have received casualties from artillery on the hill

He has sent his cavalry forward to charge the gunners

On the right Darricau is advancing between the hill and the river

Game Notes

The French are now in artillery range, and the leading brigade has taken casualties

Artillery fire is covered in Rule 7

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of the Nive - Move 2

2011-09-19T23:19:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 2

Centre left - Alten has concentrated at Arcanques

Centre right – Colville has concentrated at Villafranque

Top left – Villatte is approaching Arcanques

Top right – Abbe is approaching Villafranque

British left

Alten holds Arcanques and the woods on the right

The hussar brigade is deployed to the left of the town

Clinton is moving towards the river Nive

British right

Colville has concentrated around Villafranque and the hill to the left

His cavalry, supported by an infantry square, continue the line to the river Nive

French Right

Villate is moving towards the woods to the left of Arcanques

Maransin has arrived and is moving towards the town

French left

Abbe is moving towards Villafranque

Darricau has arrived and is moving towards the hill

Game Notes

The French are approaching the British positions, and being within 16” can only take one normal move.

Movement rates are covered in Rule 5

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of the Nive - Move 1

2011-09-19T00:35:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 1

Left of the river Alten is deployed in and behind Arcanques

Right of the river Colville is deployed between Villafranque and Ustaritz

Villatte, also left of the river, is approaching the woods north of Arcanques

Abbe, on the right of the river, is moving towards Villafranque

British left

Alten holds Arcanques and the woods on the right

The hussar brigade is deployed to the left of the town

The remainder of his division is approaching the town

British right

Colville holds Villafranque and the hill to the left

His cavalry are to the left, to slow down the French approach

The remainder of his division are approaching the town

French right

Villate is moving towards the woods to the left of Arcanques

His cavalry have moved to the right of the town to counter the British hussars

French left

Abbe is moving towards Villafranque

His cavalry are well to the right to counter the enemy cavalry

Game Notes

One command point is normally required to move each brigade or commander. However in certain circumstances the whole command can move for just two points

Command points are covered in Rule 3

When more than 16” from the enemy brigades can take multiple moves, providing that they have sufficient command points.

Multiple moves are covered in Rule 5

The rules used can be found at

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of the Nive - Set Up

2011-09-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

Map of battle

Historical Orbat

Wellington's Army

33,000 British

30,000 Portuguese

25,000 Spanish

Soult's Army

86,000 French

Wargame Orbat

Wellington - 128 Infantry - 16 cavalry - 4 guns

Soult - 128 infantry - 16 cavalry - 4 guns

British commanders

Colville - 32 infantry - 4 cavalry - 1 gun

Alten - 32 infantry - 4 cavalry - 1 gun

Howard - 32 infantry - 4 cavalry - 1 gun

Clinton - 32 infantry - 4 cavalry - 1 gun

French commanders

Abbe - 32 infantry - 4 cavalry - 1 gun

Darricau - 32 infantry - 4 cavalry - 1 gun

Villatte - 32 infantry - 4 cavalry - 1 gun

Maransin - 32 infantry - 4 cavalry - 1 gun

Table at start of battle

Alcanques is at the top, left of the river.

Villafranque is at the top, right of the river

Ustaritz is at the bottom, right of the river

Alten is deployed in and around Alcanques

Colville is deployed in and around Villafranque

Clinton will arrive bottom left at the start of move 2

Howard will arrive bottom left at the start of move 3

Villate is approaching Alcanques

Maransin will arrive behind him at the start of move 2

Abbe is approaching Villafranque

Darricau will arrive behind him at the start of move 2

Rules

This battle is inspired by Nive, it is not meant to be a refight of it.

We use our own rules to fight all of these battles.

Link to wargame rules

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of San Marcial - Move 8

2011-08-29T01:23:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 8

French have taken the centre and right hand hills

British and Spanish still hold left hand hill and Irun

French left

4^th French division have taken the left hand hill

The whole 4^th Spanish division is in rout

French Centre

3^rd French division have taken San Marcial hill

Fleeing Spanish are disrupting British reserve

French Right

1^st French division (right) have broken Spanish outside Irun

2^nd French division (left) are attacking along the hill towards Irun

Allied Left

2^nd Spanish Division still hold Irun, but remainder of division is in rout

Allied Centre

3^rd Spanish division in full rout from San Marcial hill

1^st British division trying to hold despite the Spanish rout

Allied Right

4^th Spanish division in full rout

Table at end of Move 8

The French have gained all the hills, and pushed past Irun

1^st British division holding on and will cover the Spanish retreat

Summary

Wellington is holding the main position with three Spanish divisions, and he has one British division in reserve. In 1813 he held the line with the Spanish alone.

For this game we have increased the morale value of the Spanish, but left their firing and skirmish value at class C. One quarter of the French army is of a similar low quality.

This is one of the few battles fought by infantry and artillery, the ground was not suitable for cavalry.

The Spanish were deployed behind the crest, with only their artillery visible to the enemy. So their gunners came under counter battery fire from the start, and the French gunners proved very lucky with their dice throw.

The Spanish infantry were easily out skirmished, and once one brigade broke the remainder soon followed.

The British reserve division held the line at Irun, but the battle was lost in the centre on on the allied right.

In retrospect I would increase the Spanish skirmish capacity to help them hold their own, but that would not be very historically correct.

British casualties were 3 infantry and 1 gunner

Spanish casualties were 21 infantry and 7 gunners

French casualties were 8 infantry and no gunners

Battle of San Marcial - Move 7

2011-08-28T00:46:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 7

French have taken the centre and right hand hills

British and Spanish still hold left hand hill and Irun

French left

4^th French division have taken the left hand hill

The whole 4^th Spanish division is in rout

French Centre

3^rd French division have taken San Marcial hill

There are two Spanish infantry brigades attempting to stop the French

French Right

On the right 1^st French division have broken the Spanish to the right of Irun

The Spanish still hold the town of Irun

1^st British division have arrived on the hill beside Irun in support of the Spanish

British Reserve

1^st British division are in contact with the French on the left hand hill

Their artillery, in the valley to the right, have been shaken by French artillery fire

Game Notes

The Spanish are breaking all along the hill line

Irun is still held by the Spanish, and the British are in support

The battle is lost, but Wellington is still hanging on

Battle of San Marcial - Move 6

2011-08-26T22:56:00.001-07:00

Table at start of move 6

French infantry skirmish on hills

Two our of four Spanish artillery are shaken (yellow markers)

French left

One French brigade has routed (red marker)

Remaining infantry are clearing the hill

Spanish infantry are either shaken or in rout

French Centre

Spanish infantry in rout on San Marcial hill

Reserve infantry move forward to counter attack

No target for French artillery as Spanish guns withdrawn from crest of hill

French Right

Two French brigades in skirmish with Spanish artillery and infantry

Remaining two brigades hold back because of Spanish on hill

2nd French division (left) have missed their turn once more due to Poor Card

British Reserve

1^st British division move on to hill and deploy either side to support Irun

Game Notes

The Spanish divisions are all shaken, and some brigades in rout

The French artillery are all screened by their own infantry

Corps commanders are using all of their command points to press home the French attack

The Poor Card has caused 2^nd French division to miss its turn again

Battle of San Marcial - Move 5

2011-08-26T02:45:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 5

Four French divisions skirmish with Spanish

The British reserve division moves to support Irun

French left

French artillery win counter battery fire

Spanish manhandle artillery back from edge of hill

French infantry lose skirmish and rout

French Centre

French win counter battery exchange

Spanish guns withdrawn shaken

French infantry charge hill and rout Spanish infantry

French Right

French infantry skirmish with artillery and infantry at Irun

French infantry receive artillery fire, but hold their position

British infantry arrive in support of Spanish on hill

British Reserve

1^st British division move to support Irun.

Game Notes

French artillery are winning the counter battery fire

Infantry on both sides skirmish, and both have their success and failure

British reserve arrive to support the Spanish at Irun.

The Poor Card is drawn too late to affect this move

Battle of San Marcial - Move 4

2011-08-24T23:15:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 4

Four French divisions take casualties from the Spanish artillery

The British reserve division has moved onto the near hill in the centre

French left

4^th French division take more casualties as they approach the hill

French artillery fire on Spanish guns, but they concentrate on the infantry

French Centre

Spanish artillery fire on French gunners, but miss

3^rd French division reach foot of San Marcial hill

1^st British division move to the right towards Irun

French Right

In the centre 2^nd French division miss their move due to the Poor Card

On the right 1^st French division march towards Irun

At the back the British reserve division is moving to support Irun

Game Notes

The French take casualties as they near the Spanish held hills

The Poor Card has prevented the Spanish centre firing on the approaching French

The British reserve division has been committed to support Irun

Battle of San Marcial - Move 3

2011-08-24T01:09:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 3

Four French divisions near the Spanish held hills

The British reserve division has moved onto the near hill in the centre

French left

4^th French division take casualties as they approach the hill

Only the Spanish artillery are in sight at the front of the hill

French Centre

3^rd Spanish division miss their turn again due to Poor Card

1^st British division are on the hill behind San Marcial

2^nd and 3^rd French divisions mass their artillery against San Marcial

French Right

1^st and 2^nd French divisions move on Irun

Spanish infantry on the hill have retreated closer to the town

Spanish reserve infantry are moving forward to support the artillery

Game Notes

Davout is moving two divisions towards Irun

Davout has also concentrated two of his guns to support the attack on San Marcial

3^rd Spanish division has missed their turn three times due to the Poor Card

Battle of San Marcial - Move 2

2011-08-22T23:21:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 2

Four French divisions advance towards hills

Three Spanish divisions deployed along the hills

One British division in reserve

French left

4^th French division move towards hill and deploy

4^th Spanish division artillery fire (7) on approaching infantry and miss

French Centre

3^rd Spanish division miss their turn due to Poor Card

1^st British division advance on to hill behind San Marcial

3^rd French division deploy artillery on right and infantry on left

French Right

2^nd Spanish division move infantry on hill back towards Irun

Manhandle guns forward and advance reserve infantry

2^nd French division deploy artillery on left and infantry on right

1^st French division advance towards Irun

Game Notes

Davout is moving two divisions towards Irun

Wellington has moved his reserve onto the hill behind San Marcial

3^rd Spanish division has missed their turn twice due to the Poor Card

We used our house rules to fight the game

http://napoleonicwargamerules.blogspot.com/

Battle of San Marcial - Move 1

2011-08-22T01:40:00.000-07:00

Table at start of move 1

Four French divisions advance towards hills

Three Spanish divisions deployed along the hills

One British division in reserve

French left

4^th French division move towards hill, they are still out of artillery range

French Centre

2^nd and 3^rd French divisions deploy advance, they are sill out of artillery range

Spanish brigade on right hand hill move back towards Irun

French Right

2^nd Spanish division move infantry on hill back towards Irun

2^nd French division advance towards valley between hills

1^st French division advance towards Irun

Game Notes

All four French divisions advance towards the Spanish position

The Spanish artillery is silent because the French are out of range

The Spanish brigade on the hill in front of Irun withdraw towards the town