1809

General Graham is marching his force across Spain into Portugal and comes to a road running through a valley. Sensing that there might be enemy around, he sends out the 95th in three companies to reconnoiter the ridge and the hill. From both of these places it is possible to see beyond the ridge and discover if there are any French forces lying in ambush.

If any of the 95th patrols reach the message flags placed on the ridge and hill, they will be considered to have reached a position where they can see beyond and will report their findings (by signal) back to General Graham.

At any time, General Graham can reinforce the 95th with other units from the advance guard - the rest of the Light Division (52 Foot, Cacadores), the 3rd Light Dragoons, KGL Lancers, and Ramsay's Battery RHA (I gun). These reinforcements should be used sparingly as it is anticipated that action lies ahead - and soon, for which they will be required.

When General Graham is satisfied from his scout's reports that the way is clear, then he comes on the road in column (starting 12" up the road and with 2 units abreast). On the other hand, if General Graham is suspicious, then he may come on and deploy into battle order as soon as on the table. He should endeavor to march across the table and off the other side.

Graham's Force (excluding the advance guard)

4 Bns infantry
2 Bns Spanish infantry
3 Squadrons heavy cavalry
2 Squadrons light cavalry
3 Field guns
2 Horse guns

Unknown to the French, immediately behind the ridge being ascended by the Light Division there is a depression through which runs a fast flowing river. The only way of crossing this river is by a bridge the road leads to (actually off the table). Therefore, the aim of the Light Division is to gradually and unobtrusively work their way across to the left, towards the point where the road leaves the table. Then the units must leave the table one by one, being covered as they go. The object of the game (also unknown to the French is for the Light Division to hold up the enemy for about 10 game turns, then move off the table and destroy the bridge behind them. No unit must be left behind.

You are Marshal Massena and you have planned a trap for a British force under General Graham, which is marching along the road through the valley. Behind the rear ridge you have a complete French army, intent on swarming down the slopes and catching the flanks of the British column on the road.

It is quite possible that the British will have their famed Light Division scouting for them - and if they discover the presence of your army, then the trap is sprung. So, hidden on the slopes you have a regiment of Tirailleurs who are to prevent any scouts coming far enough up the ridge or onto the knoll on your left to be able to see your army and report back.

You will have 3 companies of tirailleurs who you can hide anywhere along your front, but not more than 24 inches in from your baseline. They will not be on the table, but you will hide a counter in their position and when you wish to reveal their presence (to fire or move), you take away the counter and replace it with men. Once the counter is placed you can only change position of these men by standing them up and moving them across the table in the normal way.

You may reinforce these tirailleurs as an when you wish - the troops coming on the table in the normal manner. You may launch the big attack whenever you want to - whenever you think you have a chance. As soon as firing begins, you must bring onto the table and move normally the figures representing Massena and his staff.

French Forces

3rd Regt. Tirailleurs (3 companies)
The Imperial Guard
2 Regt. Line Infantry
2 Squadrons Light Cavalry
4 Squadrons Heavy Cavalry
2 Field guns
2 Horse guns

1812

Massina's army, in position facing the valley running between a ridge and a hill, receive information that Wellington is marching his army toward him, either directly north, northwest, or northeast. They have light infantry on both ridge and hill (may be 24" on table and marked on the map but not placed on the table). It is estimated that Wellington's move will take 18 game moves to complete, and if you prevent it inside that time limit, you win.

You may cover 1) the valley with its ridge and hill border, 2) the west bridge, 3) the east bridge - by having a substantial part of your army in a position to move towards the bridge and prevent it being crossed. This force(s) will be on the table. Or, you may allocate reasonable (at least 2 units) of cavalry off table (on the map) to cover a bridge who can send warning if the enemy approach. This will allow your troops to march to the bridge. These cavalry forces may be, on the map, immediately south of the bridge.

Your force is 3 divisions of infantry, 6 cavalry squadrons, 3 field batteries, and 2 horse batteries.

Wellington is marching his army NW on the road parallel to the river, intending to cross at the bridge. He seeks to deny this knowledge to the French by keeping them occupied to their front (facing south) with the light division. His maneuver will take and estimated 18 game moves.

He sends the light division forward with orders to keep the French occupied and, if possible, give them the idea something is going on at the eastern road and bridge.

If, at the end of 18 moves, the French have not moved or stationed a reasonable part of their force in the area of the west bridge and approaches on the table, then Wellington has won. On the other hand, if at the end of 18 moves the French can give evidence of having an off table force at the bridge, or a reasonable force covering the approaches to it on the table, then they have won. The French may cover the west bridge by having a reasonable cavalry force off table to send warning to the main body if necessary.

Your force is the Light Division, plus 2 units of cavalry, 2 field guns, and 2 horse guns. Start no more than 24" in from your baseline.

If required to give the impression of the main army advancing into the valley, you may utilize your reserve force during the battle. Your reserve force consists of 2 cavalry and 2 infantry units plus 1 field gun.