Battle of Talavera - Introduction

I shall be taking up the action on day 2 of the battle with initial historical deployments. So with that straight onto the AAR:

Scale - 6mm

Figures - Baccus

Rules - General de Brigade

Table size - 6' x 3'9"

Figure ratio - 1:20

Number of turns - 32 (representing a full day's action)

The deployment is after Bassecourt and Alburquerque have reinforced the allied left flank.

Terrain

Medellin - North and East slopes are steep. South slope is good terrain but cavalry and artillery move at half speed.

Cascajal and Segurilla slopes are gentle and good terrain.

Olive Groves - All classed as difficult terrain but only apply a -1 target fire modifier (-2 if behind wall in enclosure). Artillery may only pass through on roads or gaps. Cavalry may operate but only at half speed. May charge but must take a formation test. If unformed they can still charge. Visibility - 10cms.

Pajar Redoubt - Only partially completed. Max 30 figures or 5 gun models. Classed as cover but no morale modifier.

Portina Stream - Good terrain and no obstacle.

Hidden Ravine - Any cavalry crossing must take a formation test. If charging may complete charge even if unformed.

Continued -

Victory Conditions

As per the General de Brigade conditions for victory. 

The breakpoints for the Spanish and British forces are treated separately. If the Spanish army breaks it will not affect the British (they would not be surprised by such an eventuality). If the British break then the Spanish will automatically follow suit. This provides added incentive for the French to follow the historical action prioritising the British. Routing the Spanish first is not without its merits though, as doing so exposes the British right flank.

Tactically important terrain features: Medellin, Pajar redoubt. These are important targets for the French.

ORBATS

Overview looking north west. The River Tagus runs along the board edge on the left forming a natural boundary.

Beginning with the allied line from the left flank, here Bassecourt's Spanish division hold the far left on the Sierra de Segurilla hills.

Anson and Fane's cavalry brigades in the valley supported by Alburquerque's Spanish cavalry. On the Medellin to the right is Tilson's brigade supported by Stewart's brigade.

Another view of the steep slopes of the Medellin from the French position.

The centre of the allied line with the Guards brigade on the middle left. Cotton with his brigade of cavalry are in support on the right.

The view from behind the KGL brigades looking out towards the French centre.

The Pajar redoubt is situated at the junction of the British and Spanish armies and contains a battery from each.

Manglano and Portago's Spanish infantry divisions including battalions lining the stone wall in the sunken road.

Manglano's Division supported by Henestrosa's cavalry with the outskirts of Talavera on the left.

Talavera occupied by M. Zayas' division.

Iglesias infantry Division forms the Spanish reserve.

Starting with the French right, Ruffin's divisions supported by Merlin's cavalry prepare to assault through the valley.

Opposite the Medellin, Vilatte's division sit atop the Cerro de Cascajal behind the grand battery ready to drive the British from the hilltop.

The view of Lapisse and Liger-Belair's divisions from the British lines.

The French army arrayed to the south of the Cascajal into the Olive Groves.

In the foreground Maubourg's cavalry division are in reserve behind Lapisse and Liger-Belair's divisions.

The junction between Liger-Belair's division on the left and Leval's largely German division on the right. In the background one of the vineyard enclosures.

Leval's division. The two large Polish battalions form the reserve.

And finally Milhaud's cavalry division holding the French left opposite Talavera.

AAR TO FOLLOW