This is Scenario 9, one of the 12 that appear in the book.--RL

1809 Campaign in the Peninsula

Opposing Sides

French: under Marshal Victor
Spanish: under General Cuesta

Situation

Early July: The command of the British Army was given to Sir Arthur Wellesley in APril. Napoleon had returned to France to prepare for the campaignin Germany, facing a now threatening Austria. Sir Arthur now had taken the initiative. He had driven Marshal Soult northward and turned eastward to follow up on Marshal Victor.

However, Cuesta, who was to support Wellesley, had not concentrated his forces, leaving Sir Arthur no choice but to proceed cautiously. Victor, who had by now effected a junction with the Army of Madrid, turned upon Cuesta's vanguard and surprised it near the village of Navalcarnero.

Objective

A surprised Spanish vanguard must await the arrival of Cuesta's amin body to show up. The French have an outright opportunity to crush their opponent.

French OB

Marshal Victor, C-in-C

1st Division (Gen. Ruffin)

3 light units (1 elite, 2 regular)
5 line units (reg)
1 medium foot artillery unit (reg)

2nd Division (Gen. Lapisse)

3 light units (1 elite, 2 regular)
6 line units (reg)
1 medium foot artillery unit (reg)

Attached Cavalry

1 chasseur unit (regular)
1 hussar unit (elite)
1 light horse artillery unit (elite)

Spanish OB

General Cuesta, C-in-C

1st Division (Gen. Bassecourt)

6 line units (2 reg, 4 militia)
1 light foot artillery unit (militia)

Cavalry Division (Gen. Albuquerque)

3 Heavy units (1 regular, 2 militia)
3 Light units (1 regular, 2 militia)

Optional Cards

French: none
Spanish: 1 Command Indecision, 1 Ragged Volley, 1 Main Force Arrives*
replace all musket reload with Regulars reload and Militia reload.

* Main Force Arrives Card: This card does not exist in any deck. Use a blank card to create one.

Special

At the beginning of the second turn, the Spanish commander will roll 1d4. The number rolled is the turn after turn 2 that the special card, Main Force Arrives, is inserted in thedeck. Once drawn, the game ends and Albuquerque is considered to have met his objective.

This is based upon a historical situation. Victor, being persued by Wellesley, had skillfully withdrawn towards Madrid. When the French Marshal finally linked up with the Army of madrid, he turned upon the Spanish. The Spanish ultimately escaped certain disaster only because of the bravery and tenacity of Gen. Albuquerque.

Related

Chapter One-Der: Piquet Designer's Notes
Interview: Bob Jones, Piquet Designer

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