Ceresole is perhaps one of the lesser known battles of the Italian Wars and is an interesting footnote to the expansionist policy of Francis I. It is an interesting encounter as both sides were `looking for a battle' and were fairly evenly matched in numbers and ability, although the French are superior in horse, the Imperialists have the advantage in foot and firepower. Each army must therefore maximise it's strengths and minimise it's weaknesses. In addition the terrain does not unduly favour one army over the other.

This scenario is ideally suited for 6 players and an umpire (although can accommodate more or less), when played at the 'Exiles' with 6 players and 2 umpires) it took about 2 1/2 hours to play. Little preparation is required from either umpire or players. Only standard troop types are required.

BACKGROUND

It is 20 years since the battle of Pavia where Francis I, King of France, was captured. Francis, after years of captivity and fruitless warring with his neighbours still dreamt of an Italian Empire. The base for this latest adventure was to be Piedmont. French plans were upset when the Marquis del Vasto seized the fortress of Carignano, 15 miles south of Turin. Well garrisoned this fortress would severely handicap any French offensive.

With the French campaign stalled before it had started Francis sent Francis of Bourbon (Lord of Enghien) to take command. Perhaps more importantly he also sent reinforcements including Gendarmes and Swiss Foot. Francis promptly laid siege to Carignano, possibly to lure the Imperialists into a pitched battle. Monluc was sent to obtain the King's permission for this. It was granted, provided the majority of the French captains agreed.

Del Vasto, also having been reinforced by his sovereign, moved forward to raise the siege. Francis, leaving a force to blockade Carignano, advanced to bring the Imperialists to battle. Del Vasto marched straight for the French and Francis deployed his army on previously selected ground.

The Battle

After prolonged skirmishing and mutual - bombardment the Imperialists attacked, either as part of a preconceived plan or due to more and more units being drawn into the skirmish combat. The French right wing horse broke the Florentines and halted the Italian foot. The Landsknechts in the centre engaged the Swiss and French foot (the Imperial Gendarmes refusing to advance in their support). Due to the Italians halting Monluc and his French were able to get on the Landsknechts's flank. After a fairly savage push of pike the Landsknechts were broken. Meanwhile the German and Spanish foot had rolled over the New Swiss (who apparently broke before contact) despite having their supporting horse (the Neapolitans) swept away by French cavalry. Francis led his Gendarmes (and the Gentlemen volunteers) in three charges against the Imperial foot but failed to halt them (by the end of the third charge there were only 100 Gendarmes left). As the enemy continued to advance inexorably (making good use of their pike and shot combination) Francis, unable to see what was happening elsewhere due to the ridge line, believed the battle was lost and resolved to fall on his sword. Fortunately (for him) the Swiss and French foot arrived and he was informed that the battle was his. The Germans and Spanish began to retire (under fire from the recently arrived Italian mounted shot) but were compelled to surrender when the Swiss and French foot engaged them.

THE COMMANDERS

THE IMPERIALISTS

CinC MARQUIS DEL VASTO
Lt-General of Lombardy. A veteran of Pavia (which probably explains his belief that the arquebus was superior to shock cavalry) and a good strategist. Appears to have 'looked' for this battle. Wounded early in the action attempting to 'lead from the front'. Rate him average to good.

PRINCE OF SALERNO
commander of the Italians. Failed to distinguish himself taking an age to reorganise his troops after their initial brush with the French and left the Imperial Landsknechts 'hanging'. Marched from the field when the Landsknechts were broken. Rate him poor (at best!) and cautious.

ALDOBRANDO MADRAZZO
brought the Landsknechts from Germany and certainly 'went for it' during the battle. Appears to have handled his troops well. Average to good, possibly rash.

THE FRENCH

CinC FRANCIS OF BOURBON
a new commander appointed to replace De Boutier. Personally led a number of (ill advised?) cavalry charges against the German and Spanish foot. Believing the battle was lost he was about to commit suicide (changed his mind upon hearing the enemy was in retreat). He was certainly brave but his conduct both before and during the battle makes him out to be something of a 'drama queen'. I rated him poor in command control terms but very charismatic when leading a unit. Obviously rash. I leave it up to you if wish to devise special CinC suicide rules!

DE BOUTIER
possibly replaced because he was overly cautious (although it must be pointed out he was probably outnumbered). May have had something to prove. Appears to have been 'Mr Average' although possibly possessing a good sense of timing. If you wish to make the leadership more equal for both sides consider making him good in command terms but with a low charisma.

DAMPIERRE
rather anonymous (but who could compete with Francis of Bourbon hogging the spotlight?). Average?

Unusually perhaps for a losing army the Imperialists appear to have a slight edge in leadership, although depending on your rules the Prince of Salerno could be a real liability. Partly this is because the Imperialists were on the offensive and it is easier to draw conclusions from their performance, partly as a game balancing mechanic.

I suggest that leaders rated poor are given a reduced movement allowance. The Prince of Salerno was not very effective and Francis appears to have become completely fixated by events in front of him, completely losing track of what was going on elsewhere.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SIR CHARLES OMAN "Art of War in the 16th Century", 1987 Greenhill ed.
BLAISE de MONLUC "Memoirs", Edited by I.Roy, 1971
RAY LUCAS "The Great Italian Wars", 1993
HANS DELBRUCK "The Dawn of Modern Warfare (History of the Art of War vol.4)" Translated by Walter Renfroe, 1990 Bison ed.

Ceresole 14th April, 1544

Historical Background and Commanders
Troops and Organization
Orders of Battle: French
Orders of Battle: Imperialists
The Wargame and Map