Nap Campaign: Battle of Loverna. 18th April 1808. Turns 6 - 9

The situation at the start of turn 6. In the south the 6th Corps has gone on the offensive following the collapsed Spanish attacks. Dogged by poor command rolls the Spanish failed to co-ordinate their assaults leading to piecemeal charges which were easily dealt with by French defenders. What is left of the Spanish 2nd and 5th Divisions are retreating from the field. Their Vanguard, 3rd and 4th Divisions along with their cavalry are still fresh and with Picton's 5th Division may yet defeat the 6th Corps.

In the north the threat of the French dragoons has been dealt with in the nick of time and the stage is now set for an Anglo/Portuguese general advance against a weakened 4th Corps. The French are still strong on cavalry though and could prove problematic for the allies.

TURN 6 

Battalions of the French 22nd Division quickly move out to hit the Spanish, some of whom were still in a square formation as a result of the close proximity of lancers. Here the column of the Hesse-Darmstadt battalion charges into the Valencia light battalion in square formation. The Germans quickly overcome the Spanish unit causing it to break and flee the field.

Continued -

Nap Campaign: Battle of Loverna. 18th April 1808. Turns 1 - 5

 TURN 1

A dice was rolled to determine who had the initiative which was won by the French. They had the first turn which was not without problems. The 2nd Cavalry Corps, consisting entirely of dragoons, were ordered to deploy on the right flank anchored on the river. The 9th Cavalry Division in the lead received their orders which Burthe passed easily moving out to its designated position (top of photo). Vincent however, failed his command roll. Strolz intervened with a re-roll which resulted in a Command Blunder! Vincent's Brigade inexplicably retreated off the tabletop.

The single brigade of the 10th Cavalry Division (bottom right) moved sluggishly but at least it was in the right direction.

The march columns of infantry is Toussaint's Brigade of the 14th Division also move slowly towards the farm and their intended position. 

Allied movement was confined to their left flank with the Portuguese spreading out clear of the rocky terrain. Collins has a good command roll allowing his brigade a full 3 moves along the road crossing the bridge. His primary task is to secure the second crossing near the French lines in order to prevent any possible outflanking moves. He is to use his accompanying artillery battery along with musketry to harass the French flank. A secondary task should the opportunity present itself, is to cross the bridge if safe to do so and assault the French.

Continued -

Nap Campaign: Battle of Loverna. 18th April 1808. Introduction

 

Refer back to the map moves post for the lead up to this action. An Anglo/Portuguese/Spanish army under the command of Wellington pursues Soult with the French Army of the South deeper into France. Soult received an unexpected reinforcement with the arrival of a Confederation of the Rhine Division. Other reinforcements have trickled into his units and has elected to make a stand rather than cede any more territory near the village of Loverna.

You will notice a change to the numbers of figures from the map moves post. This is partly a change to adjust to Black Powder rules and also reinforcements have arrived. 

Continued -