Ordal Cross - 13 September 1813
Historical Background
In late June Suchet was informed of the French loss at Vitoria and started his Army of Aragon’s retreat North. Lord Bentick, a rather inept British commander, followed timidly, for Suchet’s army was unbeaten after several battles. Bentick ordered Adam’s British advance guard along with Torres’ Spanish to occupy the heights above Ordal Cross. The position was extremely strong, and Suchet was still believed to be in retreat. Adam posted his best unit, the Inniskillings, in the abandoned trenches near the cross itself. Ominously, no vedettes were posted.
Suchet had determined the best defense was a good offense and had turned back south to attack. Shortly after midnight on the morning of September 13th, Suchet’s troops crossed the Bridge of Lledoner in the gorge near the Allied position undetected.
First contact was made when a Spanish cavalry patrol discovered the advancing French column. Soon after, the entire pass was engaged in a fierce night battle. The Allies made a series of bayonet charges against the French advance, and extracted a heavy toll with their gunfire, but Suchet expertly kept moving troops forward and extending his lines. The Allies were steadily forced back. After three hours of fighting the last entrenchments fell, and with Adam wounded, the surviving Inniskillings and Spaniards retreated, but most were captured by Suchet’s pursuing cavalry.
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
Anglo-Spanish Army
• Commander: Adam / Torres
• 5 Command Cards
• Optional 4 Tactician Cards
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| 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
French Army
• Commander: Suchet
• 6 Command Cards
• Optional 5 Tactician Cards
• Move First 
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| 11 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Victory
6 Banners
Special Rules
• The Spanish Guerrilla Action rule is in effect. The Spanish player starts with one Guerrilla counter.
• The river is not fordable.
