Scenario - March 20, the Battle of Braga

Historical Background

The victory over the Portuguese at Chaves presented Soult with two possible routes to reach Oporto and after careful consideration he decided to cross the mountains between the Tamega and the Cavado Valleys. This route would bring his force closer to Oporto via Braga and most likely bring him into contact with another Portuguese force. The French march to Braga encountered light resistance at the mountain passes and this was due to General Bernardino Freire placed his sole effort on the defence of that town for which he had assembled a force of 25,000 men. [1]

Despite the large number of troops for the defence of Braga, Freire was not very optimistic about engaging the French and began moving his ‘heavy stores, his military chest and his position artillery to the rear, a decision that raised suspicion among his troops. A few days later, their fury burst into open mutiny creating a life threatening situation for Freire. When the French arrived before Braga, he fled. At this critical moment, the Ordenanza were saved by the timely arrival of Baron Eben with the 2^nd battalion of the Lusitanian Legion and an unfortunate Freire was quickly apprehended and imprisoned in Braga. [2]

On the 18^th – 19^th, Baron Eben reinforced his position by adding entrenchments on the Monte Adaufé and constructed gun emplacements to command positions along the plateau to the west and east of Braga. He restored as best as he could, the shortage of munitions especially shot for the artillery. On the morning of the 20^th, Soult was joined by Lorges and other detachments and could thus proceed with the attack. [3]

Location

The confrontation took place 4 km. north of Braga with the Portuguese holding the plateau line facing the village of Carvaho D’Este. There are a number of good maps to be found on the internet and the primary reference for our test games will come from The Peninsular War Atlas by Col. Lipscombe.  

Forces

Portuguese: To defend Braga, Eben had the Lusitanian Legion (700 men), one incomplete line regiment (Viana, nr.9), the militias of Braga and the neighbouring towns and villages plus some 23,000 Ordenanza, of whom 5,000 had firearms, 11,000 pikes and the remaining 7,000 were armed with nothing better than scythes, goads and farm tools. Along a front of six miles were placed 15 to 29 pieces of artillery.

French: Soult had 3,000 cavalry and 13,000 infantry – absent were the troops of Merle. To begin the assault, Delaborde’s infantry and Lahoussaye’s dragoons would assail the enemy centre, Mermet’s infantry and Franceschi’s light horse would attack the wooded slopes of the Monte Vallongo on the left and one brigade from Heudelet’s division would attack the right; a second brigade was held back as a general reserve for the army [4]

Objectives

On the 20^th of March, there is roughly 12 hours of daylight available with sunrise beginning at approximately 06.30hrs. 

Portuguese:

If by a miracle the Portuguese can hold the French back until dusk, they can consider the battle a victory.

French;

Sweep the plateau clear of enemy and capture Braga before nightfall.

Footnotes

[1] History of the Peninsular War, C. Oman, volume II, p.228

[2] ibid, p. 232

[3] ibid, p. 234

[4] ibid, p. 234

The Peninsular War Atlas by Col. Lipscombe.