Glasgow & District Wargaming Society

Vittoria 1813

This was the Napoleonic 'big game' played at the society weekend on 22/23 January 2005. The rules are Principles of War and the 1000+ figures came from a variety of members collections and suppliers.

In 1813 Wellington advanced across Spain throwing the French on the defensive on all fronts. Advancing in four columns his army converged on Vittoria. Historically it was a decisive victory for the British and their Portuguese and Spanish allies. In the refight the French did slightly better - holding off the British until darkness fell.

The scenario gives a good game with a variety of different actions. Hill fighting, river crossings and unusually for the Peninsular War, British troops attacking the French who are defending in line. Ideally it requires six players.

Set out below are some photos of the refight together with the British briefing and the orbats for both sides. These are drawn heavily from the scenario published on the PoW website although we made changes where we felt the designer had deviated from the actual orbat. Our main sources were Oman and Ian Fletcher's Campaign Osprey on the battle.

The battlefield	French Dragoons charge Cole's Division as it crosses the bridge at Nanclares. The whole column is disordered!
After successfully pushing the French out of Abechuco, Graham's flanking column fails to cross the Zadorra.	French under pressure on the Arinez Knoll.
Picton is across the Zadorra and forcing the French left flank.	The 'Generals' pose ACW style!

British Briefing

The date is 21 June 1813. You are Earl Wellington, Duque de Ciudad Rodrigo, Commander in Chief of the allied armies in Spain. 

You have pushed the French out of central Spain and they have decided to make at stand at Vittoria. Your objective is to capture Vittoria and trap the French army there. 

You have divided your army into four main commands.

To the south Sir Rowland ‘Daddy’ Hill has the 2^nd Division, Spanish and Portuguese divisions. His orders are to capture the Peubla heights and their foothills, including the village of Subjiana, then sweep up to Vittoria from the south, cutting the Salvatierra Road. 

You personally command the Light and 4th Divisions together with the reserve cavalry and artillery coming from the west. You have the Light Division in advance looking for a crossing over the River Zadorra. 

To the north-west is the Earl of Dalhousie with the 7^th and 3^rd Divisions. He has been ordered to come through the mountains and arrive on your left flank north of the river. There to await your orders.

To the far north is Sir Thomas Graham with the 1^st and 5^th Divisions and Portuguese brigades. He has been ordered to make a wide sweep through the mountains, force the River Zadorra and cut off the Pamplona Road. However, he has instructions to co-ordinate his attack with your attack from the West. 

It is 8am (move 1). Morillio’s Spanish Division is over the river and beginning to ascend the Puebla Heights. Your other commands start at their respective table edges. They will arrive in march column on the roads. The exception is Dalhousie’s 7^th Division that will arrive at it’s table edge after move 8 on a six D6. 

The French army appears to be concentrated from the heights through Subjiana to the river.

 Game Note 

The table will be 6ft wide (north-south) and 10ft long (west-east). The frontage between the river and the heights is around 3ft. Wider towards Vittoria.