25 April 1813 – Battle of Almagro

Tactical map of battle area

15^th French army have orders to attack Almagro

20^th French corps cavalry brigade are absent on patrol

30^th Westphalian corps have one infantry brigade absent on garrison duty

 

3^rd Spanish army have orders to defend Almagro

5^th and 6^th Spanish corps are present, but have light cavalry and artillery casualties

 

15^th French Army – 5 infantry brigades, 1 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

3^rd Spanish Army – 7 infantry brigades, 1 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

Table at start of battle

3^rd Spanish army are deployed on the left, in and around Almagro

Commander has taken command of two infantry brigades in the centre

 

15^th French army will arrive on the right side of the table at the start of move 1

End of move 2

6^th Spanish corps move forward infantry and artillery between town and farm

 

15^th French army has advanced from the right

Commander has taken control of both artillery batteries and two infantry brigades in the centre

End of move 4

29^th French corps advance to attack 5^th Spanish corps

French reserve swings right to support them

30^th Westphalian corps advance, but only to pin 6^th Spanish corps

 

5^th Spanish corps vacate farm

End of move 6

5^th Spanish cavalry charge the advancing French infantry columns

The infantry brush the cavalry aside, who then rout

The leading infantry brigade then charges the nearby artillery

The Spanish gunners join the cavalry rout

In doing so they force the nearby infantry to check their morale

They fail and in turn join the rout

The rest of 5^th Spanish corps withdraw

 

The Spanish reserve enter the town

 

6^th Spanish corps hold their position.

 

Summary

Despite their success it has taken 29^th French corps too long to defeat 5^th Spanish corps.   It is now too late for 15^th French army to redeploy and attack the town.

 

However they have advanced clear of the mountains, and have also broken 5^th Spanish corps artillery and cavalry.   They are now well placed to attack the town itself.

 

However first they must organise their supply system.

 

The French have lost no casualties

The Spanish have lost 1 cavalry and 1 artillery casualties (200 men)