Nap Campaign: The Battle of Brandenlea (Spain)

At dawn on 8th March 1808 Lobau crossed the border into Spain with his main force directly headed for the capital Brandenlea. He has with him 2 brigades of infantry and 2 brigades of cavalry with more following up behind him. He is hoping for a swift victory and with more units joining him from the 6th Corps this would be followed up by a quick advance into Portugal. With the Portuguese capital, Youngsport, captured quickly it would prevent British reinforcements from landing.

As word reaches the Spanish commander, Morillo, that Lobau has crossed the border, he moved out of Brandenlea with the bulk of the Spanish army to intercept them. Even though he has only 2 small infantry brigades and a cavalry brigade, most of which are inexperienced, he is confident that they will prevail in defence of their homeland. 

The situation on the night before Lobau's advance: 

The Invasion of Spain Part 1:

THE BATTLE OF BRANDENLEA

French v Spanish

Total French = 308

CinC Lobau

Total Spanish = 198

CinC Morillo

Figure Scale = 15mm

8th March 1808

1300 hrs (max 16 moves)

ORDER OF BATTLE

TERRAIN (19B & 23B)

Each square = 3'9" on the tabletop

6' x 3'9" table

Spanish defending left (west) square 5

French attacking from right (east) square 5

Terrain Description:

19B25 (top square) - Firm flat grassland, river deep.

23B5 - Flat soft ground, cottage, river fordable all year round.

23B10 - Firm grazing land, fences, farm.

All woods are difficult terrain.

Initial dispositions. Spanish defending on the left.

Lobau was not anticipating any great difficulty and hoped to roll over the Spanish in fairly short order. Thevenet's Brigade took the right and Bony the left. Domerget's Chasseurs covered the right flank with Merlin's sole cavalry regiment, the 11th Chasseurs the left.

Morillo deployed his cavalry brigade on the left flank. He was concerned about the stretch of open ground on this flank that would give the French cavalry good ground in which to operate. Carrera's Brigade took the left of his line with the Catalonia light infantry occupying the wood on his left flank. Lazan's brigade took the right. 

Lobau ordered a general advance along his entire line. Domerget was ordered to deal with the Spanish cavalry and then fall on the flank of the Spanish line. The sole Spanish artillery battery opened up on the advancing French columns, but at this range only had minimal effect.

As the two regiments of Chasseurs advanced, supported by their battery of horse artillery, the Spanish cavalry moved out to meet them.

The 11th Chasseurs advance to threaten the Spanish right flank.

The first melees occurred between the opposing cavalry brigades. The 9th Chasseurs got the better of the Cazadores pushing them back. The Spanish dragoons however held the 4th Chasseurs and the melee descended into a sprawling mass of cavalrymen exchanging blows. Even the French 3rd Cavalry Divisional commander, Lt Gen Domon, joined in the fun!

The French horse artillery battery deploys to counter the threat posed by the Spanish cannon. Thevenet's brigade advance in column with the 6pdr foot battery limbering up to join them.

On the opposite flank the Spanish begin to respond to the threat.

The Andalucia volunteers move out to the flank where there is more cover to protect them against the French cavalry and also provide a threat to their flank.

After some initial success the Spanish cavalry comprehensively break pursued by the 9th Chasseurs. 

With the Toledo regiment forming square the Andalucians continue to deploy to the flank.

The Spanish artillery retreats to cover as the Catalonia light infantry exchange fire from the wood.

As the French columns close on the perilously thin Spanish line -

The 11th Chasseurs charge towards the Toledo square taking flanking fire from the Andalucians. But they only take minor casualties and continue into the square. The Toledo regt hold their nerve successfully repelling the French cavalry. 

Five French battalions charge the Spanish line. From left to right, the 2nd Leon, 1st Leon and Saragossa battalions open fire at close range opening gaps in the French columns. 3 of the French columns are stopped in their tracks including the larger 1st and 2nd battalions of the 10th line. 

The 1st and 2nd battalions of the 27th Line continue with their bayonets levelled which proves too much for the 1st Leon who promptly routed in the opposite direction. That left the faltering 2nd Leon to receive the charge of both columns.

The French launch an assault on the Catalonia Light infantry, and after a brief melee, successfully push them through the woods until they have descended into an uncontrolled retreat. The imminent danger for them is the French cavalry who have now reformed and are moving to outflank the Spanish. The Spanish artillery has deployed and is the only unit available to halt the flanking cavalry.

Two French columns ploughed into the 2nd Leon carving gaps in their line. It was all too much for them and they rapidly followed their 1st battalion routing from the field. 

The luckless Catalonia fell out of the woods directly into the path of the 4th Chasseurs who promptly charged into the mass of retreating light infantry. As the 4th Chasseurs butchered the Catalonians, the Spanish artillery limbered up and left the field in something of a hurry!

The now deserted Spanish left.

All that was now left of the Spanish force was Lazan's Brigade. Morillo had little confidence in Lazan who he felt had been promoted above his ability. He therefore, remained close at hand to oversee what he knew was the only option left open to them, to retreat from the field preserving as many of their fighting men as possible. The Andalucians were the first to be ordered to retreat.

The French 12pdr battery opens fire on the Toledo regiment causing several casualties. To the front and flank of the Saragossa Regt French columns prepare to descend on them. Lazan joined the Saragossa urging them to stand for the sake of Spain.

Saragossa gives a last defiant volley into the advancing 1/10th Line. The French infantrymen are taken aback by the accuracy of the Spanish musketry as many of their compatriots in the front rank are felled. Their attack stalls but unfortunately for the Saragossa, there is no such hesitation on their flank. The 2/5th Light's column ploughs into the flank of the Saragossa. As their line breaks up, the Toledo and Andalucian regiments decide it is time to leave and rout from the field. Following pleas from his staff, Morillo also leaves galloping in the direction of Brandenlea.

The final action of the battle saw the 9th Chasseurs ride into the disordered mass of the Saragossa. Lazan fought for his life as the French cavalry swirled about them. The remnants of the Saragossa along with Lazan finally fled the field.

Casualties:

With the daylight remaining, the defeated and bedraggled Spanish army passed through Brandenlea. The French reformed their units and collected their wounded ready to capture Brandenlea and move onto the next phase of their campaign.

The situation at the end of the day.

Result = Decisive French victory.

NEXT - Part 2 of Lobau's advance into Spain- 

The Battle of Rock Valley