Battle of Valladolid - Move 9

1600 to 1700

19 July 1813

Situation at the end of Move 9

Soult has ordered Leval to withdraw towards Valladolid. As they do so the square on their right finally break, but the remainder of the corps is in square and able to withdraw without further loss.

Villate’s corps are in firm control of Valladolid, and the British have withdrawn out of artillery range.

The British hussars had tried to Opportunity Charge the French artillery as they withdrew from the broken square, but failed their morale test. The whole French corps is now ready to withdraw towards Valladolid

Rule Note

A cavalry brigade wishing to make an Opportunity Charge must make at least 4 with 1D6. In this case the British hussars were C class, which is a minus one. If they fail to pass the test they are unable to charge.

Effect on Campaign

The failure to take Valladolid is a serious set back to Wellington.

The casualties on both sides have been light so far in the campaign, and Wellington has managed to cross the river Douro. But he has been unable to force the French to withdraw to the east and allow him to consolidate his hold on the river crossing. He will have to bring his army over the river Douro further west than he wanted.

Soult must now decide whether he is strong enough to go on to the offensive and drive Wellington back across the river, or whether to retreat to Plaencia and concentrate his army there.