Tactical
map of battle area
Background
to battle
Both corps have orders to attack Agualar
British – 1200 infantry, 1000 cavalry and 30 guns
Spanish – 4000 infantry
French – 1600 infantry, 1000 cavalry and 30 guns
Table
at start of wargame
6th French arrive on table start of move 1
Spanish militia brigade will not hold Agualar unless
supported by British
0800-1100
As the French approach the town, the Spanish garrison
start to retreat to the left hand half of the town.
The British hussars charge the French chasseurs, but lose
the melee and withdraw shaken.
1100-1200
French infantry enter right half of town, Spanish militia
continue to retreat towards left half.
Rifle brigade enter left half to support Spanish.
French cavalry charge and rout the shaken British
hussars. Nearby gunners are shaken by
the rout
Remainder of British corps form square against French
cavalry.
1300-1400
French infantry continue to advance through right hand
town section
Disordered French cavalry return to corps to rally
Shaken British gunners fail morale and rout, taking the
nearby rifle brigade with them.
Conclusion
With three brigades in rout Wellington orders a general
retreat.
The British have lost 300 cavalry
The French have suffered no casualties
Outcome
The battle is convincing French victory
The British will retreat on 12 March 1813
Battle
Summary
The battle opened with the Spanish militia holding
Agualar.
Both corps advanced towards the town
One French brigade was sent to engage the Spanish
garrison.
The British hussars charged the French cavalry to delay
their deployment
The French won the melee, and the British withdrew shaken
The French then charged again, and routed the hussars
They failed to rally and pursued the fleeing hussars,
causing more casualties
Most of the British corps were in column of march, and
had to form square
The gunners now failed their morale, and routed.
The nearest infantry brigade also failed their morale and
joined the rout
With the loss of his cavalry and artillery Wellington
ordered a general retreat
The British have lost
300 casualties and have three brigades in rout
The French have suffered no casualties
