Lizaso (Beunza) – 30 July 1813

Historical Background
Just days after victory at Maya during the weeklong “Battle of the Pyrenees”, the French under General d’Erlon were blocked at Lizaso by an Anglo-Portuguese force led by General Hill. Marshal Soult left Sorauren to join d’Erlon. Abbe and Maransin moved to outflank the British left while D’Armagnac was to demonstrate in front of Hill’s center. Battling against Hill’s entrenched forces along the forested ridge, d’Armagnac instead mounted an all-out assault that resulted in needlessly heavy losses. Things went better on the French right. Hill’s overstretched line was forced to yield under pressure from Abbe who was supported by Maransin. Outnumbered by almost two to one in this combat, Hill lost in excess of 1,000 troops while French casualties neared 800. The Allies were forced to retire. The French had seemingly gained a significant victory. Soult considered changing his strategy by redirecting his army through Lisazo towards San Sebastian. However, news of the French defeat at the Second Battle of Sorauren on the same day ended Soult’s offensive. With most of his army crippled, he had no option but to retreat back to France.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?