Nap Campaign: Map Moves 5th - 6th March 1808

The situation by nightfall on 5th March 1808:

A closer look at the situation in Hanover:

Kielmansegge (1) and Col Best (4) are now in full retreat towards the Dutch/Belgian border. Neither force has been allowed to rally and reform by the French pursuit having been routed at the Battles of Sharpsborg and Greysands. Kielmansegge did have the option of rallying on the Hanoverian capital but he calculated their best chance of survival was to join the Dutch/Belgians for a possible counter-attack. This of course upset Grouchy's plans to completely destroy the Hanoverians, but he was content with the prospect of capturing the whole of the country with minimal opposition. There were now reports of 2 British fleets off the Hanoverian coast but he calculated that it would be too late for them to intervene with any landings.

The situation near the Prussian border:

  

Napoleon was continuing to build up his forces near the Prussian and Nassau borders. The overall Prussian commander, Field Marshall Blucher, ordered his forces to concentrate near the French border but he knew this was going to take time he probably did not have. Instructions were given to forces based in the region to monitor French movements and do whatever they could to delay them should they attack.

Pressure continues to build on the Spanish border:

The Spanish began concentrating their forces as Lobau's Corps continues to assemble at two points on the Spanish border. The Portuguese are increasingly apprehensive as word filters through of the French buildup. Of more immediate worry was the approach off it's coast of a French fleet. The small Portuguese navy put to sea to shadow the French. Surely it would not be long before the British fleet arrived! 

Meanwhile in the vicinity of the French Capital:

The French 3rd Corps under the command of General de Division Vandamme had mobilised earlier than expected (9). Vandamme was under orders to march with all haste to join Napoleon. Along with the 3rd Corps, the 7th Division of the 2nd Corps under General Girard had also mobilised. The Young Guard and the Light Cavalry of the Guard, who had been based in the capital now moved off with the 7th Division to reinforce Grouchy (7).   

The situation by nightfall 6th March 1808:

Hanover Falls:

Grouchy, having captured Hanover, has a problem developing on his right flank. The speed of his advance has potentially exposed his flank to a Prussian incursion. He has therefore, reluctantly detached part of his command (15), which together with a force from the Army of the East (6) he hopes will be enough to counter this threat. This has made Grouchy more wary of advancing too far into Holland until this threat has been neutralised. The problem he is faced with is that by doing this he is allowing Dutch/Belgian forces to join the now rallied Hanoverians and continue to build their strength.

Prussia and Nassau are invaded:

Napoleon launches his invasion of both Prussia and Nassau. Both the latter fall back in the face of the advancing French army. Blucher's army continues to build into a formidable force and he becomes increasingly confident that the French can easily be dealt with.

The distant rumble of cannon fire is heard of the coast of Portugal:

With Lobau yet to make his move, events are taking place at sea. Portuguese merchant vessels are sent north, partly for safety, and partly to assist the British transport their expeditionary force. The Portuguese are becoming increasingly impatient! The small Portuguese naval force, sent to screen and monitor the French fleet, get rather more than they bargained for. On sighting only a brig and a frigate, the Portuguese commander becomes increasingly convinced that this is all the French have. He rashly decides that his force of two frigates and a sloop will be sufficient to deal a blow to the pride of the French navy and raise morale at home. As his ships lay chase to the French duo, more sails are sighted off his starboard beam. They had the weather gauge and were rapidly closing the distance. There was no way out of this. The Portuguese commander realised he had to fight and hoped for a miracle.

Next: Battle of Cape Youngsport