Battle of Talavera - Part Five

Move 10

The French continue to skirmish both the Medellin and the pajar, both without effect. Joseph move comes immediately after the poor card, so he is unable to change the orders for Sebastiani and Leval from Engage to Attack.

The British infantry on the Medellin form line, advance and fire on the nearest French column. The French fail their morale and rout, causing the nearby artillery to test their morale, which they fail and also join the rout.

Move 10 - The Medellin

On the left the highland brigade is exchanging fire with a French brigade in line. A second British brigade on the right has formed line, advanced to the edge of the hill and routed an enemy brigade, who have taken the supporting gunners with them. The third British brigade has formed square to protect the highlanders from the waiting French light cavalry.

Move 11

The French finally gain the upper hand on the Medellin. The highlanders finally break and rout through the supporting square, which is shaken. Wellesley orders Hill to withdraw.

They also capture the pajar. Both Sebastiani and Leval have orders to attack the fortified farm and their overwhelming numbers win the day.

As night approaches Wellesley is forced to withdraw from Talavera having lost both the Medellin and the pajar.

Move 11 - The Medellin

The highlanders rout from the hill, leaving the badly shaken square to hold the enemy cavalry. The supporting heavy cavalry move to cover the retreat. Due to earlier heavy casualties the French are too weak to follow up their victory, and the British retreat in good order under cover of darkness.

Move 11 – The Pajar - Allied View

The allied view as night approaches. Two of Sherborne’s brigades have suffered heavy casualties and are in rout. The remaining brigade, and the artillery, are both shaken. On the right a Spanish brigade has joined the rout together with the gunners who had taken shelter with them. The Spanish guns have been abandoned, but their infantry are still standing firm and will cover the retreat.

Move 11 – The Pajar - French View

The view from the French side. On the right a mass of infantry surge around and through the pajar. To their left the cavalry are held at bay by the remaining Spanish infantry. The French artillery are unable to fire due to their own infantry massed between them and the retreating British and Spanish infantry.

Conclusion
As night falls the French have taken both Medellin and the pajar and the British are in rout. The Spanish continue to hold Talavera, but will have to retreat during the night. After a hard fought battle the French are clear winners.

Casualties on both sides have been light, and nightfall has prevented the French from inflicting more with their waiting cavalry.

French 7 infantry 2 cavalry 0 gunners
British 10 infantry 0 cavalry 0 gunners
Spanish 0 infantry 0 cavalry 0 gunners