Zornoza - 31 October 1808
Historical Background
The first French invasion of Spain had ended in failure, but the Spanish, without a functioning high command, failed to coordinate an advance by the closest Spanish armies to take advantage of the temporary weakness of the French position behind the Ebro River. French Marshals Bessières, Victor and Ney, knowing that Napoleon was on his way, chose not to act. Marshal Lefebvre, hungry for glory, observed that Blake’s Spanish ‘Army of the Left’ was vulnerable to attack.
On October 31st Lefebvre launched a ferocious three-pronged attack on Blake’s army as it was drawn up in front of Zornoza on a range of low hills. At first the entire Spanish line retreated to the heights of San Martín, but soon afterward, the Spanish center disintegrated. Blake reacted quickly, and ordered his two wings to retire and cover his center. Blake’s army then retreated in good order.
Lefebvre’s premature attack at Zornoza, coupled with Blake’s rapid retreat, compromised the northern part of Napoleon’s plan for a grand double envelopment of the Spanish armies.
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: Blake
• 4 Command Cards
• Optional 3 Tactician Cards
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| 9 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
French Army
• Commander: Lefebvre
• 5 Command Cards
• Optional 4 Tactician Cards
• Move First 
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| 14 | 2 | 3 |
Victory
6 Banners
Special Rules
• Ordered Spanish units may move off the Spanish edge of the battlefield. After three ordered Spanish units have moved off, the Spanish player will gain one Victory Banner for each additional ordered Spanish unit that moves off the Spanish edge of the battlefield. Spanish Leaders that are ordered and are moved off the Spanish edge of the battlefield will not count as a Victory Banner for the Spanish player, but their exit may prevent the French player from gaining banners for their elimination if they remain on the battlefield.
• The Spanish Guerrilla Action rule is in effect. The Spanish player does not start the battle with any Guerrilla counters.
• The entire river is fordable.
