The Battle of Caldiero, 30^th October 1805

While the main area of conflict in the campaigns of 1805 took place to the north, a much more even contest developed in Italy, between the Austrian army lead by Archduke Karl, and a mainly French army under Marshal Andre Massena. Infact, it could be argued that the Austrians had had the better of the campaign up until now, aided by a numerical superiority. However, with news of the disasters that had befell the main Austrian army, the Archduke Karl had to look for a way of extricating his force, and march north. Equally, Massena would seek to turn an Austrian retreat into rout if at all possible. The two forces met north of Verona, near the village of Caldiero, in a major battle, which took place over 3 days. Only the main action, that of the middle day, is covered by this scenario.

French Briefing

The campaign has been a testing one. You have been facing a numerically superior Austrian army, good quality troops lead by the best Austrian General, Archduke Karl. However, now that the Emperor has destroyed the main Austrian field army, the Austrians are attempting to retreat northwards. This is a chance to keep the pressure on them, to turn retreat into rout, and to claim victory in your independent campaign. You aim to attack vigorously, trying to turn their flank by a crossing of the Adige. However, you will consider the numerical superiority of the opposition, and the fact that you can ill afford significant losses if you wish to remain a threat to them.

French Order of Battle

Commander in Chief              Marshal Andre Massena (Bold/Solid)

1^st Division                                          Gardanne (Solid)

1^st Brigade

22^nd Legere                              2 btns   C class             SK2

52^nd Ligne                                3 btns   C class             SK2

2^nd Brigade

23rd Ligne                                3 btns   C class             SK2

79^th Ligne                                 3 btns   C class             SK2

Artillery

Foot Battery                             8x8lb    B class

Foot Battery                             8x8lb    B class

Cavalry

29^th Dragoons                                      C class             Line Cavalry

2^nd Division                                        Duhesme (Bold/Able)

Brigade

14^th Legere                               2 btns   C class             SK2

20^th Ligne                                 3 btns   B class             SK2

Artillery

Foot Battery                             8x8lb    B class

Cavalry

25^th Chasseurs  a Cheval                       B class             Light Cavalry

Light Cavalry Brigade                       d’Espagne (Bold/Solid)

3^rd Chasseurs a Cheval             C class             Light Cavalry

14^th Chasseurs a Cheval                       C class             Light Cavalry

Artillery

Horse Battery                           6x4lb    B class             Horse Artillery

Reserve Division                               Partonneaux (Solid)

Brigade

1^st Battalion of carabiniers         1 btn    B class             SK3

2^nd Battalion of grenadiers         1 btn    B class             SK2

3^rd Battalion of grenadiers         1 btn    B class             SK2

2^nd Italian Line Infantry  1 btn    D class             SK1

Cavalry

7^th Cuirassiers                                       C class             Heavy Cavalry

Artillery

Horse Battery                           6x4lb    B class             Horse Artillery

Left Wing                                           Verdier (Solid)

1^st Brigade

56^th Ligne                                 3 btns   C class             SK2

62^nd Ligne                                2 btns   B class             SK2

Artillery

Horse Battery                           6x4lb    B class             Horse Artillery

Cavalry

4^th Cuirassiers                                       C class             Heavy Cavalry

Game Setup

The game starts at 10.30 am. All units may start the game on any orders.

Verdier appears at point X with the 62^nd Ligne, on move 1.

The game continues until 5pm (move 28 in LFS), or if the players agree to finish.