Alba de Tormes - 28 November 1809
Historical Background
After the victory at Tamames, Del Parque’s Army of the Left advanced from its mountain sanctuary, sparring with French forces. By mid November, Del Parque’s 32,000 Spaniards were on the verge of attacking Kellerman’s 16,000 man force when news of the Spanish disaster at Ocaña reached him. Del Parque retreated rapidly back towards the mountains. The French were caught flat-footed by the suddenness of the retreat. Confident that he had made a clean escape from the French, Del Parque set up camp at Alba de Tormes. Kellerman’s cavalry, however, had kept pace with Del Parque, and on the 28th made contact with the Spanish army. Only two of the five Spanish divisions had crossed the River Tormes to safety on the far side.
Kellerman knew the Spanish would escape if he waited for his infantry to arrive, so he ordered his 3,000 troopers to attack the 16,000 Spaniards to his front. He reasoned that if his troopers could attack before the Spaniards could all form square, they would inflict significant loss on the Spanish infantry. With Lorcet’s light cavalry in the lead, the French horsemen swept through the Spanish cavalry and into the unprepared Spanish infantry formations. Losada’s division and most of Belveder’s disintegrated under the onslaught, and the survivors ran for the bridge and safety on the far side. La Carrera’s division on the left (off map) had time to form square, and follow-up French cavalry attacks there were repulsed. La Carrera’s men were still in grave danger. Since the Spaniards could not move in square, they would be destroyed if the French infantry showed up in time. Fortunately it was a short November day, and the sun was setting as the French infantry units appeared on the horizon. In the gathering darkness, La Carrera ordered his units to make a run for the bridge, and most of the Spaniards made it across.
Spanish losses were about 3,000 for the battle, and another 3,000 who deserted on the retreat. French losses were negligible. Kellerman’s bold gamble paid off. Worse yet for the Spaniards, Del Parque’s army endured a savage winter in the mountains. Barely 16,000 men remained as the spring campaigning season began.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?
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Set-Up Order
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Battle Notes
Spanish Army
• Commander: Duke Del Parque
• 4 Command Cards
• Optional 2 Tactician Cards
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| 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
French Army
• Commander: Kellerman
• 5 Command Cards
• Optional 4 Tactician Cards
• Move First 
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| 3 | 6 | 2 |
Victory
6 Banners
Special Rules
• The Bridge hex is a Victory Banner objective for the French player. If a French unit occupies the objective hex at the start of the French player’s turn, the French player gains a Victory Banner. As long as the unit remains on the objective hex the French player will keep the Victory Banner. If it moves or retreats off the hex or is eliminated, the banner no longer counts and is removed. If the French regain the hex, they again receive the Victory Banner
(Temporary Victory Banner Turn Start)
• Spanish Guerrilla Action Rule is in effect. The Spanish player does not start the battle with any Guerrilla counters.
• The River Tormes is not fordable.
