7 March 1813 – Battle of Palencia

Tactical map of battle area

Background to battle

Two British corps will open attack on Palencia

14 French corps will march west to join battle of Palencia

4 French corps will arrive start of move 5

British – 21600 infantry, 1900 cavalry, 60 guns

French – 28000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Table at start of wargame

French HQ – start on table

4 French – arrive start of move 5

6 French – start on table

14 French – march off table towards Medina

British HQ – arrive start of move 5

2 British – start on table

4 British – start on table

0800-1200

6^th French corps has to hold Palencia alone, until 4^th corps arrive

Both British corps have deployed and unlimbered their artillery

The guns have started to fire on the town, whilst the infantry prepares to attack

British hussars on the hill are to spot and delay 4^th French corps

1200-1500

2^nd British corps suffer casualties from garrison

One brigade fails morale and is shaken

Second brigade, supported by cavalry, advance against enemy line

4^th British corps come under artillery as they approach town

4^th French corps arrive and move to take hill and outflank British.

1500-1700

Wellington orders both of his corps to attack Palencia

2^nd corps cavalry charge and rout the French brigade to the right of the town

Their artillery bombard and rout the garrison of the right hand town section

4^th corps hussars hold the hill, supported by infantry and cavalry

The two rifle brigades advance and engage the town

The left hand brigade charges and routs the supporting French artillery

4^th French corps arrive too late to prevent the loss of Palencia

Conclusion

With the loss of Palencia Marshal Soult orders a general retreat

Outcome

Wellington has won a significant victory

With the loss of Palencia the French will have to accept defeat in the Valladolid campaign.

Battle Summary

Wellington is determined to take Palencia before 4^th corps can support the garrison

He orders his two corps to advance either side of the Valladolid road

Artillery from both corps open fire on the town

The French artillery reply, but is ineffective at  long range

British cavalry occupy the hill to delay the approach of 4^th French corps

The two rifle brigades spearhead the British attack

The right hand town section is routed, as is the French artillery

Marshal Soult orders a general retreat before both of his corps are pinned

The French lost 2400 infantry and 100 gunners

They also have two brigades and the corps artillery in rout

The British lost 400 infantry