18 March 1813 – Battle of Castrojarez

Tactical map of battle area

Background to battle

British corps attack French corps at Castrojarez

British – 12000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

French – 11600 infantry, 1000 cavalry, 30 guns

Note – 10 British brigade has 70% casualties and will not take part

Table at start of wargame

Both corps start the game on the table.

0800-1100

British and French cavalry pin each other

French have redeployed their artillery to protect the bridge

This is their only retreat option should they lose the battle

British deploy and send brigade to take hill on the left

1400-1500  

The French have ordered the town garrison to join the main battle line

In order to protect the bridge, they have sent one brigade to hold the hill

The two garrison brigades have been ordered to join them

The British have sent two brigades to take the hill

The cavalry have been ordered to engage the French lancers

1500-1800  

British dragoons charge the French lancers

However they lose the melee and rout with 10% casualties

They do eventually rally, but probably too late to have any effect on the outcome

The British and Portuguese brigades win the firefight on the hill

The defending French brigade breaks and runs with 20% casualties

However the two garrison brigades are now in support of the hill

And the lancers have returned from their melee and about to rejoin the battle

 

1800-2000

The British brigade advance and engage the French reserve brigade

The first firefight is a draw, both sides suffer 10% casualties

However the Portuguese brigade now join the firefight

Outnumbered 2 to 1 the French lose 60%  casualties and rout

Conclusion

With two brigades in rout the French accept defeat

Outcome

The French abandon Castrojarez and retreat under cover of darkness

They have lost 3200 infantry and have two brigades in rout

The French have lost 100 cavalry and 400 infantry

Battle Summary

The Westphalians hold the town, but must also protect the bridge behind them

The British ignore the town and march towards the bridge

The Westphalians send one brigade and the artillery to secure the hill

They also order both brigades to abandon the town and move to support the hill

The British send two brigades to attack the hill

They also send their dragoon brigade to engage the Westphalian lancers

The lancers win the melee, and rout the dragoons

Despite this the British press on and take the hill

Then continue to advance and also rout the reserve brigade

The Westphalians accept defeat and retreat before they lose the bridge.

They have lost 3200 infantry and have two brigades in rout

The British have lost 100 cavalry and 400 infantry