28 April 1813 – Battle of Almagro

Tactical map of battle area

15^th French army is ordered to attack Almagro

23^rd cavalry brigade is ordered to return and join them

They will not arrive until the start of move 9

15^th French Army – 7 infantry brigades, 2 cavalry brigade, 2 corps artillery

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

Table at start of battle

Spanish deployed on the left

French will arrive on the right table edge at start of move 1

End of move 2

Spanish CinC has taken command of Almagro and placed a second brigade in the town.

French have arrived on the right

CinC has taken command of two infantry brigades and both artillery batteries

23^rd cavalry brigade will arrive at the start of move 9

End of move 4

5^th Spanish corps advance within range of hill

Their cavalry move towards the centre to threaten the French reserve

29^th French corps deploy behind the crest of the ridge

They want to pin 5^th Spanish, but not risk artillery casualties

French reserve are moving to attack town and Spanish right

Artillery advance, infantry form square to deter Spanish cavalry

6^th Spanish corps retreat level with the town

30^th Westphalian corps move off hill, screened by their cavalry

End of move 6

5^th Spanish corps swing right to attack the French reserve

29^th French corps remain out of sight on the hill

They have not yet had time to react to the Spanish redeployment

French reserve advance to within short artillery range of the town

one infantry brigade remain in square to protect them from Spanish cavalry. the second had

advanced behind the cover of the woods

6^th Spanish corps continue to withdraw as the Poles advance

30^th Westphalian corps continue to advance in pursuit of the retreating Spanish.

End of move 8

29^th French corps move down from hill

5^th Spanish corps react by turning to face them

Spanish artillery open fire and hit 15 infantry brigade

French infantry pass morale test with 10% casualties

French reserve artillery open fire on town at close range

Both batteries hit, garrison receive 20% casualties.

Garrison fail morale test and are shaken

30^th Westphalian corps advance towards 6^th Spanish corps

Spanish artillery open fire on cavalry, but no casualties

End of move 10

29 French corps advance

15 infantry brigade receive more casualties but continue to advance

23 cavalry brigade arrive and join corps attack

5^th Spanish corps cavalry charge French cavalry

Melee is a draw with 10% casualties on either side

Spanish garrison fail morale and both brigades rout

French reserve artillery redeploy to face south

Reserve infantry advance to occupy town

30^th Westphalian cavalry charge and rout Spanish gunners

The nearby garrison have to test their morale, fail and rout

Westphalian infantry advance

6^th Spanish corps infantry continue to hold area between town and farm

End of move 12

29^th French corps attack farm

French cavalry win melee and rout Spanish lancers

15 infantry brigade charge and rout gunners despite 30% casualties

All three infantry brigades advance in column to attack Spanish line

Two brigades are routed, one is shaken

French reserve enter and occupy Almagro

30^th Westphalian infantry attack in column

Spanish line hold, one Westphalian brigade is routed and the other shaken

Summary

After a very hard fought battle the French finally take the town

Spanish infantry hold both flanks, but retreat under cover of darkness

The French have lost 5 infantry casualties (2000 men)

The Spanish have lost 5 infantry and 2 artillery casualties (2200 men)

There are 8 Spanish brigades in rout and 3 French