Nap Campaign: 2nd Battle of Brandenlea (Spain) - Introduction

As it has been a while since I posted on my Napoleonic campaign, I thought I would start on the latest battle by giving a brief recap of the events leading up to it.

The above map indicates the situation on 27th March 1808. This battle takes place in the south western sector.

Continued -

Zooming in on the southern part of the map you will see the red border line with Spain to the west of that. The red and brown counters at the western edge of the map represent Wellington's Anglo-Portuguese army. Approaching them is the newly arrived Marshall Soult with the 4th Corps. 

Grey 1 is the Spanish commander, Morillo with the battered division of Del Parque. Directly to their south is the Spanish capital Brandenlea. 

Wellington has pleaded with Morillo to stay as part of the main allied army intending to join forces with the newly raised Spanish division moving down from the north. Morillo though will simply not countenance leaving his Capital at the mercy of the marauding French. Spanish pride dictates that it will be defended no matter what the cost. 

Del Parque is not remotely happy that his depleted and battered division will once again be thrown into the fray before they have had a chance to replenish their ranks. Morillo though will not countenance such defeatist talk. As intelligence arrives of Lobau's 6th Corps moving towards Brandenlea he orders his small force to intercept them north of the town.

Lobau is advancing south along the road from square 20 to 25. Brandenlea is directly to the south of square 24. Square 24 consists of a mountain, rocky terrain and rapids. Morillo knows that to have any chance of success he must pick a good defensive position and one that cancels out the French advantage in cavalry and artillery.

This area fits the bill nicely. He will position his troops among the rocks and hills threatening the French line of advance. Lobau must deal with him or he will be faced with an enemy to his rear potentially cutting off his line of supply. 

On to the battle:

Table size - 4'6" x 3'
Rules - General de Brigade

Figures - 6mm Baccus

Buildings - Total Battle Miniatures

Note: I had problems with the lighting in some of the photos. Glare from the windows was problematic at times. 

The above is the section of campaign map to be fought over.

Terrain:

19B24 – Broken Terrain, High peaked mountain, Farm (cap 40) with few stone walled enclosures,

River rapids. Difficult Terrain including rapids which can be crossed. Mountain is severe terrain and therefore impassable to all except skirmishers (not used in this battle).

19B25 - Firm flat grassland, river deep, stone bridge.

All Woods – Difficult Terrain visibility 6cm.

The effect of the broken rocky terrain will mean that both horse and foot are unable to form up. For the former this will prevent them charging into contact. Artillery cannot deploy. All move at half movement rates.

This then translates to the above battlefield layout taking into account the availability of my terrain stocks.

The battlefield before deployment:

Orders of Battle:

 
 

The Spanish spread themselves out across the valley floor. They were unable to form up so took advantage of the abundance of cover.

The more experienced and better trained troops were placed to the fore with most of the remainder forming a reserve. 

Morillo on the high ground surveys his displacements with some satisfaction. He looked forward to seeing the arrogant French break their formations advancing through the difficult terrain before being swept away by the concentrated fire of his brave Spanish troops. There would be no French columns here! 

Morillo had sent his small cavalry force with his artillery to Brandenlea. In the unlikely outcome of the Spanish losing today, they were instructed to make haste towards Wellington. 

Immediately below Morillo, on the valley floor, is the divisional commander del Parque. 

Looking out from their position, the Spanish observe the French deploy with a disturbing number of artillery at their disposal.

The initial French deployment.

Although they look impressive, Lobau is well aware that his artillery will have minimal impact on the Spanish hidden among the rocky valley ahead. He will nevertheless open the action with a bombardment hoping to unnerve the shaky Spanish. The 19th and 20th Divisions are tasked with the main assault.  

On the French left, the 21st Division will sweep around the wood and be available as a reserve if required. Subervie's 5th Cavalry Division will move to the south of the mountain positioning themselves between that and Brandenlea. They are to take every opportunity in mopping up any routing Spanish troops.

NEXT: Lobau launches his assault.