Age of Eagles Wargame -- July 29, 2006

The Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro -- May 5, 1811

A 25mm scale Napoleonic Wargame

using Age of Eagles rules

Introduction:

During the winter of 1810-11, Wellington harried Masséna out of Portugal, isolating a French garrison at Almeida on April 7th. Masséna regrouped his army and attacked Wellington in a desperate attempt to relieve Almeida.

The Wargame:

The game was played by the Gourmet Wargaming Club (GWC) in Santa Rosa on July 29, 2006.

Both sides presented long front lines that did not appear at the historical battle. The French launched an initial assault along the entirety of the British line, and were mainly repulsed for their efforts. The British cavalry on the right flank parried all attempts by the French cavalry to break through. But while the British center and right flank held firm, the left flank was hit by a timely and well-massed French infantry assault that broke the best British division and tore a large gap in the front.

The French were victorious, the British and their Portugese allies being forced to withdraw.

The Aftermath:

This would have been ranked as one of the bloodiest Peninsular War battles. Wellington's Anglo-Allied Army lost 8,640 infantry killed, wounded, and routed (roughly 30 percent of its strength on the field), 16 of the 42 guns deployed, and 180 cavalry. Marshal Massena's Army of Portugal lost 12,960 infantry killed, wounded, and routed (nearly 36 percent of its strength on the field), and 1,800 cavalry (48 percent of its strength!). All in about 5 hours of fighting.

The battle's outcome likely would have extended Wellington's campaign by a year, and the French would have saved their garrison at Almeida.

French Forces

Army Strength: 36,360 infantry, 1,620 light cavalry, 2,160 heavy cavalry, 36 guns.

Click here to download the French order of battle for Age of Eagles.

British Forces

Army Strength: 29,520 infantry, 540 irregular light cavalry, 1,440 heavy cavalry, 42 guns

Click here to download the British order of battle for Age of Eagles.


French to the left, British to the right.	The full length of the French line at the beginng.	The British line, with Portugese troops conspicuously holding the town itself.	The French left flank is all cavalry.	The British right flank with cavalry behind.
Spanish irregular cavalry which was placed too far away to get orders to move!	British commanders and a gesturing referee.	French commanders.	The battle opens with a French advance in the center.	In come the French!
The distance rumbling of many French hooves is heard on the British right.	French cavalry sweep over the hills.	The British right flank falls back to face the cavalry threat.	A die-roller of great repute who's also good at scooting under tables.	Heavy fighting in the center.
French infantry surge forward against the town.	The British have given ground, but the French have been hit hard.	Opposing cavalry trade sabre blows on the British right.	The British center holds as more French hit home.	Siesta! Let's eat!
Brutal fighting marks the farthest point of the French advance in the center.	The battered elite British infantry near the town are hit yet again.	Portugese infantry and English horse rip into the advancing French left.	The continuing see-saw battle in the center. The French have lost greatly, but both sides are exhausted.	A decisive French push near the town. Portugese troops give ground.
The plucky English cavalry are systematically driving off the French--and surviving!	Here is the moment that decides the battle, for the French have smashed the British line beside the town.	Another view of the French breakthrough, at top.	A meager group of British survivors watches three French brigades rush through the gap.	The gap is widened as fresh French infantry hit battered veterans.
...And still the horsemen play at their little war.	A sterling and happy crew enjoy the agony of victory and defeat.