Historical Background
Following the capture of Badajoz and Ciudad Rodrigo, Wellington advanced into Spain, where Marshal Marmont’s Army of Portugal awaited him. The two opposing armies sparred for position, each looking to catch the other at a disadvantage.
On July 22nd, Marmont found a British force in plain view on a ridge and great clouds beyond the hills to the south. Thinking this was just a rearguard, Marmont made a fatal mistake. Marmont’s army had marched into a deadly British ambush. Wellington gave a “whoop” of delight and set several combined arms counterattacks in motion, starting with an attack by his brother-in-law, Edward Packenham’s 3rd Division against Thomiere’s lead division. In the first hour of fighting, three of the eight French divisions were completely smashed and the French left wing ceased to exist. With Marmont wounded, command fell to General Clausel, who organized a truly effective combined arms attack that shattered Cole’s British Division. British reserves, however, were close at hand and soon Clausel’s forces were also in retreat. Wellington was determined to destroy the entire French army.
To that end, he launched the 1st and Light Divisions against the French divisions of Ferey and Foy on the French right. The British divisions emerged from hiding behind a ridge, crossed the Pela Garcia River with little opposition, and engaged the surprised French. Ferey’s 3rd Division, while still in march column, was attacked by the British guards and was forced back, while Foy’s 1st Division attempted to make a stand near Calvarisa de Ariba, but were also driven back. Bloody, but not beaten, these two French formations still managed to hold the British at bay, covering the French retreat toward Alba de Tormes and saving Marmont’s army to fight another day
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?
Set-Up Order
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| 10 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 6 | 3 | 5 |
Battle Notes
British Army
• Commander: Wellington
• 6 Command Cards
• 6 Tactician Cards
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| 9 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
French Army
• Commander: Marmont and
Clausel
• 5 Command Cards
• 4 Tactician Cards
• Move First 
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| 13 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
Victory
13 Banners
Special Rules
• The six Town/Chapel hexes form a Group Majority Victory Banner Objective worth 3 banners for the side that occupies the absolute majority at the start of the turn.
• The Azan River is impassable except at the bridge.
• The Pela Garcia and Arroyo de Los Requesenes streams are fordable. In addition, a unit or leader’s movement is not stopped when moving onto a stream hex.
