11 March 1813 – Battle of Burgos

Tactical map of battle area

Background to battle

Both British and French corps have orders to attack

British – 2400 infantry, 2000 cavalry, 60 guns

French – 3200 infantry, 2000 cavalry, 60 guns

Table at start of wargame

1^st British corps arrives on table at the start of move 1

0800-1200

Both armies advance within sight of each other and deploy

It is now clear to the British that they are heavily outnumbered

In addition first blood goes to the French

13^th corps artillery cause 10% casualties to 2 dragoons

The cavalry retreat out of artillery range.

1200-1600  

1^st British corps deploy to hold the bridge and delay 3^rd French attack

2^nd British corps, supported by 1^st corps artillery, advance to attack 13^th French.

The British artillery prove ineffective, only causing light casualties

The British dragoons charge the French lancers, but lose the melee and retreat shaken.   They rally and charge again, forcing the lancers to retire shaken.

13^th French artillery batter the infantry squares, but the British hold

By late afternoon the British have abandoned the attack and are on hold orders

Heavily outnumbered they are forced to retreat to avoid heavy casualties

Conclusion

The British failure to break 13^th corps signals the end of the battle

Outnumbered, and in danger of being pinned against the river, they retreat

The French have lost 400 infantry and one brigade is shaken

The British have lost 400 infantry and 200 cavalry

Outcome

The battle is a clear French victory

On 12 March the British will retreat

The French remain in control of Burgos

Battle Summary

The French started the battle with a clear advantage

They outnumbered the enemy in infantry

Their CinC was also present to command the two corps

The British plan was for 1^st corps to delay 3^rd French corps

2^nd corps, supported by 1^st corps artillery, would attempt to defeat 13^th corps

The British cavalry suffered early casualties, and their gunners proved ineffective

The French garrison of Burgos joined 13^th corps increasing their greater numbers

By late afternoon both French corps were advancing towards the river

The British were forced to retreat to avoid possible destruction

A clear French victory, even though casualties were light

The French lost 400 casualties

The British lost 600 casualties