Peninsular 1810 - Battle of River Coa

 

Date: Weds 18th September

Table Size: 8x6

Context: Following the fall of Ciudad Rodrigo, the Light Division has been warned by Wellington that they should withdraw across the river Coa, so as to not get caught out by French forces. 

However, divisional commander Bob Craufurd has chosen to entirely disregard these orders and remain on the Eastern side of the river. Consequently, spotting an opportunity, Marshal Ney commits a sizeable force for an attack, whilst the overnight storm has turned the river a "boiling torrent" with the rocks and roads in a poor state.

Caught napping and vastly outnumbered, Craufurd has, for some reason, chosen to defend the bridge, before inevitably giving the reluctant order to retreat........

Battlefield Map:

Objectives - British: You must retreat from the field and cross the bridge to the Southern edge of the table.

Order of Battle - British:

CIC - Bob Craufurd 

Brigade 1 - 2 x British Light Infantry Battalion, 1 x Small 95th Rifles (2 stands), 1 x Portuguese Cacadores Battalion

Brigade 2 - 2 x British Light Infantry Battalion, 1 x Small 95th Rifles (2 stands), 1 x Portuguese Cacadores Battalion

Brigade 3 - 2 x Light Dragoons, 1 x KGL Hussars, 1 x Horse Artillery Cannon

Objectives - French: Take the fight to the British, cut off their retreat and take the Light Division.

Order of Battle - French:

CIC - Marshal Ney

Brigade 1 - 4 x French Line Infantry Battaions, 2 Cannon

Brigade 2 - 4 x French Line Infantry Battalions, 2 Cannon

Brigade 3 - 4 x Grenadier Battalions

Arrive Turn 4

Brigade 4 - 1 x Hussar Cavalry Regiment, 1 x Chasseur a Cheval Regiment