23 April 1813 – Battle of Consuegra

Tactical map of battle area

Consuegra is a fortified town north of the river Giadiana

It is held by 2^nd Spanish army, plus a garrison of one militia brigade

However it only has one cavalry brigade

 

13^th French army is at full strength, and has not yet detached any garrisons

It has less infantry than the Spanish, but more cavalry.

 

13^th French Army – 8 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

2^nd Spanish Army – 9 infantry brigades, 1 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

Table at start of battle

The Spanish are deployed on the left of the table

Consuegra is the walled town in the centre

The Spanish commander has taken command of the centre

This includes the town garrison, one infantry brigade and the cavalry brigade

 

The French will enter the table from the right at the start of move 1

End of move 2

4^th Spanish corps have reinforced the hill and deployed their artillery

 

The French commander has taken command of two infantry brigades and both artillery brigades

 

The whole army moves forward towards the Spanish

End of move 4

25^th French corps climb northern hill

 

French reserve swing south to support 26^th corps

Spanish artillery engage but no casualties

 

26^th French corps cavalry move onto southern hill

Infantry lag behind due to having to cross so many hills

End of move 6

25^th French corps descend from northern hill

Receive infantry casualties from Spanish artillery

 

French reserve artillery unlimber and open fire, no casualties

Infantry continue to advance towards town

 

26^th French corps start to climb southern hill

Cavalry face north to support reserve artillery from Spanish cavalry.

End of move 8

25^th French cavalry charge Spanish gunners

They receive 10% casualties, fail their morale and rout

In doing so they disrupt the infantry moving down from the hill

 

French reserve artillery fire on town at close range, no casualties

Infantry move into position to attack, but only when garrison weakened

 

4^th Spanish dragoons charge and rout Polish lancers

Remainder of 4^th Spanish corps retreat and redeploy

End of move 10

An extensive infantry melee between 3^rd Spanish and 25^th French corps ends with one French and two Spanish brigades in rout.

The French reserve artillery continue to pound the town at close range

But the garrison continue to hold, despite light casualties

 

4^th Spanish corps withdraw with only light casualties

26^th Polish corps are unable to pursue do to the loss of their cavalry

 

Summary

At nightfall the Spanish still hold the town and claim a victory

However they have only been able to do so by withdrawing their army behind the town.   This allows the French artillery to deploy within short range of the town walls.  

The Spanish retreat under cover of darkness

The French have lost 4 infantry casualties (1600 men)

The Prussians have lost 2 infantry casualties (1000 men)