The Spanish Ulcer - 1811
Albuera
May 16, 1811
Background
Marshal Soult’s French army advanced to raise the siege of Badajoz by Beresford’s Anglo-Portuguese force. Lifting the siege, Beresford joined Blake’s Spanish army near Albuera. Faced by an allied force larger than he expected, Soult was still determined to attack.
Map
No map available yet.
Sequence
The French start with the initiative. The French are the First Side.
France
Information Chart
Historical Order of Battle
Scenario Rules
- Map NotesAlbuera has a “+3” combat modifier. The Allied 4th Division (4) must be set up in march column formation. The Allied forces are set up first. The SA may be set up within command range of any Spanish general. The A1 through A7 edge form the French base edge. The B1 through D1 and D1 through D7 edges form the Allied base edge.
- Game Length and sequence07:00 pm to 14:30 pm. The French are the first side. The French start with the initiative marker.
Arrivals
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Victory Locations
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Historic Results
Feinting with his right wing an attack against Albuera, Soult launched his major attack with the French left wing against the Spanish army. Despite the initial surprise, Zayas' division (formed by the best Spanish troops) held their ground against the first assault of Girard's division until the arrival of British reinforcements. The French advance was halted, and for several hours, there was a heavy fight all along the flank while gradually both sides committed their infantry reserves. A great cavalry charge made by the Polish lancers almost annihilated Colborne's brigade; however, it was not decisive and neither side was able to break the tie. Exhaustion and heavy rain brought the shooting to an end by midafternoon. Finally, the French troops gave way and withdrew protected by their cavalry superiority. The British units had also suffered heavily and the French withdrew unmolested. Next day Soult withdrew to Andalucía and Beresford resumed the siege of Badajoz, although he finally had to leave it in June with no result. The battle caused about 6.000 casualties on the Allies and between 7.000 and 8.000 on the French.
Pictures
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