18 April 1813 – Battle of Murca

Tactical map of battle area

Marshal Soult is running short of supplies

He should rest and resupply his army

Instead he orders them to attack Murca

Wellington is determined to hold Murca

He orders his army to concentrate there

French – 56000 infantry, 4000 cavalry, 120 guns

British – 52000 infantry, 4000 cavalry, 120 guns

Table at start of wargame

We are using new command and control rules for this game

Commanders can only move a maximum of 16” each move

This will make it more difficult for Soult to coordinate his attack

We are also using our 18mm figures for the first time in many years

1100-1400

All four French corps have been ordered to engage

They have advanced their artillery into long range

The infantry and cavalry are deploying out of artillery range

All four British corps are now in position

Their infantry have received casualties from the French artillery

But all brigades have passed their morale tests

Only the French gunners are within range of the British guns

And Wellington has ordered them to hold their fire until the infantry advance

1100-1400

All four French corps have been ordered to engage

They have advanced their artillery into long range

The infantry and cavalry are deploying out of artillery range

All four British corps are now in position

Their infantry have received casualties from the French artillery

But all brigades have passed their morale tests

Only the French gunners are within range of the British guns

And Wellington has ordered them to hold their fire until the infantry advance

1400-2000

With all four corps in position the whole French army advanced.

They immediately came under effective British artillery fire

Two infantry brigades were routed.

The French cavalry engaged the British cavalry in a series of inconclusive melee.

Neither side could gain an advantage and simply countered each other

On the left of the photo 6^th French corps opened the attack.   1^st British corps had suffered the most casualties in the French artillery preparation, but still put up a good fight.  However they were the first to retreat when their cavalry and gunners were routed.

3^rd French corps were fought to a standstill by 2^nd British corps, though both lost heavy casualties

The French attack on Murca was less successful.   3^rd and 4^th British corps held their ground and prevented the French from reaching the town.  

Conclusion

The British suffered more casualties than the French

But at nightfall they held the town and had halted the French attack

The result of the battle is a draw

Both commanders must decide whether to fight again on 19 April

The French have lost 4300 casualties

The British have lost 5200 casualties