Battle of Vitoria

Vitoria was perhaps the greatest of Wellington’s victories as it was the start of the campaign that finally pushed the French out of Spain. It began with a feint by the British army who sent Murray’s division towards Salamanca - successfully confusing the French into believing this was the main thrust of the British army. Graham was sent north into Spain with 60,00 troops secretly. By the time the French were aware f the situation the British army had converged their columns on them at Vitoria.

The French command was it’s usual mass of bickering without the strong leadership of the Emperor or any senior marshals. The French continued to withdraw looking for better ground but the strong desire of the men to fight forced their hand and they made their stand at Vitoria.

The British plan did not execute flawlessly however. Dalhousie got lost and Graham was behind schedule. Picton picked up the ball however and launched a strong attack on D’Erlon’s corps just as Graham arrived. The Army began to disintegrate and fall back in disorder. They were fortunate in that once again the British were no masters of pursuit but the baggage left behind included all but two of the French guns, Jourdan’s marshal’s baton and King Joseph’s chamber pot. They were never to see Madrid again and by 1814 were crossing the French border.

Background Reading

Wellington in the Peninsula (Greenhill Military Paperbacks) by Jac Weller

The Game

The game begins at 8 AM and goes to 4 PM (16 turns).

French decisive victory if hold Vitoria and destroy Picton’s and Graham’s division

French marginal if hold the Pamplona road (bottom left hand road)

British marginal if capture Vitoria

British decisive if capture Pamplona road and destroy Reille’s division

French arrival and movement bases.

All French troops are initially on the table

1st Division

3^rd Division

4^th Division

5^th Division

6^th Division

Soult’s Cavalry

Tilly’s Cavalry

Digeon’s Cavalry

1st Division

2^nd Division

Treillard’s Cavalry

4^th Division