Historical Battle:

The battle began as an Austrian reconaissance in force. In Montebello, Urban had found no evidence of the Allied army, after having dispersed some peasants armed only with farm tools, and after confering with Stadion was ordered to push on to Genstrello.

As Schafflgotsche's brigade reached Genestrello, they were attacked by the Piedmontese Light Horse. The Austrians pushed on their Hussars into the melee, but the French under Forey had come up with two guns and two battalions of the 74th, reinforcing two battalions of the 84th, who were holding the bridge over the Gazo.

The arrival of the French had halted the Austrian advance, but Forey was greatly outnumbered: Braum had advanced along the railroad and reinforced Schafflgotsche, throwing one French battalion back and capturing the farm and hamlet at Cascine Nuova. Forey had four battalions holding against seven and a half Austrian ones.

Blachard's brigade now came up, and with his support Buret was able to recover Cascine Nuova and hold it. Forey's entire division had arrived from Voghera and with it he was prepared to take the offensive. With Beuret to the south of the road and Blanchard holding the position along the Gambura, Forey threw forward his right flank and knocked Schafflsgotsce out of Genestrello and back to Montebello.

While the Austrian commanders attempted to sort out who was to fall back and who was to attempt to hold Montebello, Beuret's brigade stormed over the high ground south of the town and Blanchard attacked along the line of the railway. Fighting continued for two hours, terrace to terrace and house to house.

At 7:00 PM, Urban had had enough, and the Austrians withdrew toward Stradella.The Allies were too exhausted to follow. Hess, who had been turned back by a detachment of Piedmontese cavalry, had never been fully engaged.

Allied casualties were 105 killed, 549 wounded and 69 missing.

Austrian casualties were 331 killed, 785 wounded and 307 missing.

The Austrian Army Commander, Field Marshal Von Giulay, became convinced that the Allies were attempting to turn his left flank. He heavily reinforced hie left at the expense of his right. Unfortunately for Austria, he got it backwards.

Austrians: FML Count Stadion

Right Column: GM Prince of Hesse

4th Btn Imperial Jaegers
31st Line, Grenadier, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Btns
61st Line, 1st Btn
3 sqd King of Sicily Uhlans
16# Horse Btty

Center Column: FML Baron Paumgarten

1st Brigade: GM Gael

Licaner Grenz Regt., 1st Btn
3rd Line Regt., Grenadier, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Btns
49th Line, 2nd Btn
1 6# Foot Btty
1 12# Foot Btty

2nd Brigade: GM Bils

Oguliner Grenz Regt., 2nd Btn
47th Line, Grenadier, 1st and 2nd Btns
1 6# Foot Btty

Left Column: GM Urban

1st Brigade: GM Schaftgotsche

3rd Jaegers
1/2 Bttn Sluiner Grenz Regt
39th Line, 3rd Btn
59th Line, 3rd Btn
49th Line, Grenadier Btn
1 Light Rocket Btty

2nd Brigade: GM Braum

40th Line, Grenadier Btn, 1st and 2nd Btns
1 6# Foot Btty

Austrian Reserve

39th Line, Grenadier Btn
47th Line, 3rd Btn
1 12# Foot Btty
1 6# Horse Btty
1 Rocket Btty
Haller Hussar Regt

French:

1st Division: General Forey

1st Brigade: General Buret

17th Chasseur Btn
74th Line, 2 Btns
84th Line, 2 Btns

2nd Brigade: General Blanchard

91st Line, 2 Btns
93rd Line, 1 Btn
94th Line, 2 Btns

2 Bttys, Light Guns

Wargaming the Scenanio:

Austrian Deployment:

Deploy along the road in column as far as Casteggio. The Hussars may be attached to the leading columns. Right Column under Hesse remains off map until Austrian player throws 11 + on 2d6, then Right Coumn may enter from north board edge. Roll 1d6 for entry: 1-3 road to Casteggio, 4-6 road from Caleababbio. Austrians must capture Montebello to win Tactical Victory, plus Voghera to win Decisive Victory.

French Deployment:

French may enter along west end of board edge. French may deploy one move distance in column along Voghera-Genestrello roadway. Fench must hold Voghera and Genestrello for Tactical Victory, plus Montebello for Decisive Victory.

Piedmontese:

4 Squadrons Novara Light Horse
4 Squadrons Aosta Light Horse

Piedmontese Deployment:

Piedmontese may deploy as far east as Genestrello. Victory conditions are as for the French (if they win you win!).

Length of Play: As the original battle went on all day, some fatigue rules are in order, otherwise fight'til they drop!

Terrain Notes: According to sources, the area was thickly cultivated with mulberry orchards and broken by irrigation ditches, streams and tree lines. All movement off-road should be considered difficult. Visibility should be low.

Large Version of Map (76K)

Bibliographical Credits

The Campaignof magenta and Solferino by Col. H.C. Wylly
Second Italian War of Independence by Luigi Cassale

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