Peninsular 1809 - Talavera Battle Report

 Talavera. Its a big one! Without preamble, here we go.............

German division, ready to advance on the French left flank

French centre deploys

Cavalry massed around the hill on the right flank

Rear of the cavalry. This will not be the last time we see the rear of the French cav.

Anglo Portuguese deployments along the table.

We begin with a solid French infantry advance to the river

Half the cavalry advances, whilst the other sits mulling over thoughts of Madrid brothels.

Invariably, the French cavalry starts getting shot to shit.

More French line advances as the British hold firm in position.

The river crossing begins.

Massed British lines await.

French centre right.

On the French left, the German division makes a good showing of attacking the town.

Cavalry begins to engage

Now their coming! The forces begin arriving on the other bank

Germans forcefully take the town, with artillery in support.

Fight in the centre begins

More cavalry pours into the fight.

The town falls into French (well, German) hands.

The lines in the centre continue to engage, now the Cavalry has done their thing.

British cavalry reserve arrives and views the scene

Whilst the French reserves arrive.

More cavalry going into the centre, but those British lines are holding strong and in depth

Germans begin to consolidate and try to flank the central British units

Whilst the Portuguese attempt to hold them back.

One v painful French artillery battery causing problems.

Back to the central fight and its all on.

Heavy cavalry clash!

Neither side is giving way here.

V aggressive French commanders meeting solid defence lines though. 

And with that, it was nigh a draw. Very very close win to the French, perhaps, but all accounts a draw.

Phew.......big game, big armies and a lot happening!