Scenario for Rio Gevora, February 19, 1811

    A week from today we'll be playing the Battle of Rio Gevora (or Battle of the Gebora), which took place in February 1811. With Massena's army mired in front of the Lines of Torres Vedras defending Lisbon, Marshal Soult moved his Army of the South from Andalusia into Estremadura, besieging the Fortress of Badajoz. A large Spanish army under the Marquis de Romana was sent to raise the siege. La Romana, however, fell ill and died before the maneuver could be carried out, and command fell to the less capable General Medizabal. The Spanish Army camped on the heights of San Cristóbal, but neglected to follow the advice of Wellington to entrench their position. Soult ignored the force, proceeding with the siege of Badajoz. Heavy rains made the rivers swollen and difficult to cross. As they subsided, Soult dispatched a force under Marshal Mortier to cross the Guadiana river at night, and then the Gevora. The French advanced at dawn. Dense fog concealed the French from the Spaniards until the French were only a mile away. The Spaniards were in their encampments, and had to form upo very hastily to meet the French Advance.

A good account of the Battle and its background is found here on Wikipedia. 

We will use Field of Battle rules, 3rd edition, with my Hand of Cards variant. The scenario is adapted from that by Michael Hopper, with minor changes to suit my tastes and collection. 

Overview of the table, French at the top, Spanish at the bottom of the picture

View from behind the Spanish lines

View from behind the French lines. 

2 regiments each of (recently painted Piano Wargames) Dragoons and Chasseurs hope to sweep around the Spanish right flank. 

The French infantry prepare to attack the Heights of San Cristobal. 

The recently crossed Rio Gevora is well to their rear. 

Special Rules:

Due to the fog, Artillery may not fire until the 3rd initiative. Spanish Infantry may not form square during the entire first turn. 

French:   19 units, 20 MP

Marechal Mortier  LD 12

Brigade Phillipon  LD 12

1 French Legere  DD8  CD 12

4 French Line  DD6  CD 10

Battery 6# Foot Artillery  DD6  CD 12

Brigade Brayer  LD  12+1

4 French Line DD6  CD 10

1 French Legere  DD8  CD 12

Battery 6# Foot Artillery  DD6  CD 12

Cavalry - General de Division Latour Maubourg  LD 10

Brigade Briche  LD  12

3 Hussars  DD8  CD 10

Brigade Bouvier  LD 12

2 Dragoons DD 6  CD 12

2 Chasseur a Cheval  DD6  CD 10

Spanish:  27 units, 27 MP

General Mendizabal  LD 10

Vanguard - General Espana  LD 8

2 Light Infantry  DD4  CD 10

3 Line Infantry  DD 4 CD 10

1 6# Foot Artillery  DD6  CD 10

1st Division - General Garcia  LD 10

1 Light Infantry  DD 4 CD 10

3 Line Infantry  DD6 CD 10

2 Militia Infantry  DD4  CD 8

1 6# Foot Artillery  DD6  CD 10

2nd Division - General Virues  LD 10

3 Line Infantry  DD 4 CD 10

2 Militia Infantry  DD 4 CD 8

1 Battery 6# Foot Artillery  DD6  CD 10

Brigade Madden  LD 10

1 Cazadore a Caballo DD4 CD 8

1 Garochista  DD4  CD 8

1 Granaderos a Caballo de Fernando IV  DD4  CD 8

Brigade Butron  LD 8

2 Heavy Cavalry  DD 4  CD 12

2 Dragoons  DD 4  CD 10

1 Hussar  DD4  CD 8

Another view of the bulk of the Battlefield.