A couple of weeks ago I had a group of guys take on the task of re-playing the Battle of Salamanca.
Clausel's battery unlimbers in effective range.
The initial dispositions were fairly historical, the Portuguese divisions under Pack and Bradford, supported by the Spanish Division of De Espana were deployed west of the Aigapete stream and North of the British line, which mirrored the French formations heading west in attempt to cut Wellington off in essentially an “L” shape.
French troops from Bonnet's division.
The British attacked aggressively, sweeping down from the long ridge that formed the long side of the “L” shaped British position. At the Apex of the “L” the British had Leith’s division with Cole’s in support. The Light division was in reserve and Pakenham’s was to perform the flanking manoeuvre on the lead elements of the French force.
The British long side of the L.
The French however had other plans. The leading division heading west was ordered to hold it’s position while the rest of the formation counter-attacked. The short side of the “L” saw Sarrut and Clausel forcing their way across the river and attacking Pack and Bradford. Sarrut initially underestimated the Spanish troops under De Espana and got his foot battery caught while unlimbering onto a hill, the battery was cut down but the rest of the division stood firm and countered the Spanish bold move by routing the entire Spanish division in short order!
The French players ponder their position, early on Saturday.
The British line looking West.
Clausel advanced on Pack unlimbering his battery at close range and mercilessly pounding the Portuguese! How long they would take this punishment was anyone’s guess. The division of Bonnet attacked Leith at the apex of the “L”, exchanges of volleys seeing casualties mounting on both sides. The rest of the British line advanced resolutely on to the remaining French forces. At the top of the “L” Pakenham was trying to outmanoeuvre the French who had now begun to deploy behind a low ridge.
The view from the western end of the British line.
Seeing the attack on the short side of the “L”, the British deployed the Light division to support the Portuguese. They began to move east in an attempt to stop any break through.
The Light division moving in support of Pack's division.
Portuguese from Leith's Division.
More tomorrow.