Peninsular 1809 - Talavera

 

 Date: Weds 21st Feb 2024

Table Size: 8x6

Context: Summer 1809. Wellesley, exonerated, has returned to command the Peninsular forces and marches out from Portugal into Spain, intending to advance on Madrid with Spanish forces.

The French have opposing, yet equally aggressive, plans with their army now reequipped and restored after having been forced into a humiliating retreat from Porto during the British re-entry into Portugal. The orders from Paris are to decisively crush the British forces and discourage any further "interference" from London.

The British, however, have been hampered by a lack of coordination and cooperation with the Spanish forces, which allows the French to move and withdraw as needed, meaning that the chance to take Madrid passes.

The two forces finally catch one another at Talavera. The British intend to do what they do best and fight a defensive battle. The French, recognising the positions of the relative forces, deploy the majority of their forces against the British lines, intending to defeat them first and then turn on the Spanish.

Battlefield Map:

Objectives - British: Hold the line, engage with French forces in your favoured positions and prevent the French breaking the line, in turn breaking the alliance.

Order of Battle - British:

CIC - Arthur Wellesley

Brigade 1 (Guards) - 2 x Battalions of Foot Guard

Brigade 2 (Kemmis) - 4 x Battalions of Line Infantry, 1 x Cannon, 1 x Tiny 95th Rifles

Brigade 3 (Campbell) - 4 x Battalions of Line Infantry, 1 x Cannon, 1 x Tiny 95th Rifles

Brigade 4 (Cameron) - 4 x Battalions of Highlanders, 1 x Cannon

Brigade 5 (Langwerth) - 3 x Battalions of Line Infantry, 1 x Howitzer

Brigade 6 (Light Cavalry) - 1 x Regiment of Light Dragoons, 1 x Regiment of Hussars

Brigade 7 (Scots Greys) - 2 x Regiments of Scots Greys

Brigade 8 (Household Cavalry) - 1 x Regiment of Life Guard

Objectives - French: The Emperor demands an end to this Spanish ulcer. You are to advance, smash the British, then clear the way to advance and end this Spanish uprising. Defeat is not an option.

Order of Battle - French:

CIC - Joseph Bonaparte, King of Spain (Chief of Staff - Marshal Jourdan)

Brigade 1 (Ruffin) - 5 x Battalions of Line Infantry, 1 x Cannon, 1 x Small Voltigeurs

Brigade 2 (Lapisse) - 4 x Battalions of Line Infantry, 1 x Cannon, 1 x Small Voltigeurs

Brigade 3 (Leval) - 5 x Battalions of German Line Infantry, 1 x Cannon

Brigade 4 (Villatte) - 4 x Battalions of Grenadiers

Brigade 5 (Light Cavalry) - 1 x Regiment Chasseur a Cheval, 2 x Regiments of Hussars

Brigade 6 (Dragoons) - 2 x Regiments of Dragoons

Brigade 7 (Dragoons) - 2 x Regiments of Dragoons

Brigade 8 (Artillery) - 2 x Cannons, 1 x Howitzer