8th April 1814 – Battle of Savaltiere

Savaltiere Campaign area

11 French have orders to move and engage

17 French have orders to halt and hold

2 British have orders to move on observe

4 British have orders to move and attack

British                              28,000 infantry            1,900 cavalry                 60 guns

French                              24,000 infantry            2,000 cavalry                 60 guns

Table at start of wargame

British  Brigades         7 infantry         2 cavalry           2 artillery

French Brigades          6 infantry         2 cavalry           2 artillery

11 French start on table

17 French arrive top right move 1

2 British arrive bottom left move 1

4 British start on table

Move 1 – 0800 to 0900

11 French arrive on table in column of march

17 French move north in column of march

2 British arrive on table in column of march

4 British move north in column of march

Wellington arrives on table and joins 4 British

Move 2 – 0900 to 1000

11 French deploy into column of attack

17 French deploy into column of attack

2 British deploy into column of attack

2 British deploy into column of attack

Move 3 – 1000 to 1100

11 French cavalry advance and spot 4 British

4 British replace blind with figures and advance

17 French lancers spot 2 British

2 British replace blind with figures and advance

17 French replace blind with figures

They have one brigade in each town section

Move 4 – 1100 to 1200

11 French change orders to Hold and withdraw cavalry screen

4 British advance, cavalry spot 11 French who replace blind with figures

17 French change orders to Hold and withdraw cavalry  screen

2 British advance towards town

Move 5 – 1200 to 1300

11 French infantry form line from column

4 British advance and unlimber artillery

17 French wait to see how British will attack

2 British advance towards town

Move 6 – 1300 to 1400

4 British advance

13 rifle brigade lose 10% casualties to artillery fire, pass morale

11 French cavalry withdraw out of artillery range

2 British advance

17 French unlimber artillery

Move 7 – 1400 to 1500

2 British advance

Artillery limber behind marsh

Infantry receive 10% artillery casualties, pass morale

4 British advance

Artillery fire, no casualties

Infantry square receive 10% artillery casualties, pass morale

11 French infantry advance for firefight

21 French 30% casualties and retire shaken v 13 British 10% casualties disordered

22 French 10% casualties  v 15 British 10% casualties, both disordered

Move 8 – 1500 to 1600

4 British win firefight with 10% casualties

11 French lose firefight and retreat shaken with 30% casualties

2 British infantry lose 20% to artillery fire, fail morale and shaken

Move 9 – 1600 to 1700

4 British advance

11 French fail morale and three brigades rout

2 British change orders to Hold

French break contact and retreat

French break and run

Having lost the firefight three French infantry brigades turn and run

The British have lost heavy casualties, but their better morale wins the day

Game Casualties

British 2,400 infantry

French 2,800 infantry

Game Summary

17^th French corps have orders to hold Savaltiere, which they do throughout the battle.

2^nd British corps threaten the town, but do not attack

11^th  French corps march support the town

As they approach they spot 4^th British corps.

11^th French take up a defensive position

Their longer range artillery cause considerable British casualties

However 4^th British corps include two brigades of riflemen

Once within musket range of the French they quickly gain the advantage

Three of the four infantry brigades of 11^th French corps are routed

11^th French corps retreat

17^th French corps withdraw before they are surrounded

Similar casualties, but a clear British victory

Total casualties, including from earlier battles,  at the end of the battle

British 2,500 casualties one brigade shaken

French 2,000 casualties three brigades routed