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Battle Report: 3rd December 1994 Mexican Juarista ~vs~ French Interventionist (Robert Avery ~vs~ Rupert Avery) |
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Report The
French had stolen a march on the Mexicans by forced marching to stretch right
across the battlefield as opposed to entering, as expected, at the corner
opposite a Mexican village. This fairly well scotched the brilliant plans of
the Mexican commander - but then all is fair in love and war and you can never
really trust these Frenchies either! The
battle was divided into three sections: both geographically and
chronologically. The first, and main, section, was the centre of the
battlefield: with the French Veterans, artillery and Zouaves facing up to the
two regular Mexican infantry units supported by the guerillos foot. Both
sides advanced strongly towards each other but, in their eagerness to capture
the central hill, the French artillery outstripped their infantry and ended
up, still limbered, too close to the Mexicans. Seeing their opportunity, the
LSP’s, headed by the Mexican General Louis Louis, charged the guns: rushing
through a hail of cannister fire to capture them as their crews fled to their
infantry. As
the other Mexican units rushed to support them, the LSP’s (whilst trying to
spike the Mexican guns) were charged by a squadron of French Lancers backed up
by one of Cuirassiers. Still
disordered after their own charge, the LSP’s were smashed backwards,
routing. The French cavalry charged onwards: into the Zapadores, who were
frantically trying to form line. The
Zapadores routed as well, although they managed to wipe out the Lancers with
rifle fire, but it looked as if nothing could stop the Cuirassiers. However,
they were counter-charged by the yellow-flag guerillos who, through sheer
weight of numbers, threw them backwards and then overwhelmed them in melee. At
the same time, General Louis Louis, who had watched in some confusion as unit
after unit had charged past him (in both directions) took off his hat to
salute the guerillos infantry. “Surely nothing can stop us now,” he said:
and was promptly shot horribly in the head, splattering his brains over his
staff! This proved the final straw for the Mexicans in the centre: their
attack was stalled. Meanwhile,
seeking to relieve the pressure on the centre, the Mexican left flank launched
an impetuous attack up the road leading from the village: straight at the
Egyptian Legion. Unfortunately,
fitness had not been a priority in the training the two militia battalions had
received. Their charges petered out right under the muskets of the Egyptians:
who fired, routing them. Finally,
as a last ditch attempt, the Mexican irregular cavalry charged another
lancer/cuirassier unit: but were easily squashed by the grim-faced regulars. Casualties The
Mexicans lost 282 LSP’s; 60 Zapadores; 108 Militia; 95 Guerillos Foot and 35
Guerillos Horse: a total of 580. Their CinC suffered a spectacular death! The
French lost 36 Veteran Infantry; 121 Lancers; 16 Cuirassiers and 62 Egyptians:
a total of 235. One French 2inC was seriously wouned, and the Egyptian Legion
2inC was lightly wounded. Results A
victory for the French. Analysis A most enjoyable battle, with the Mexicans enjoying initial success, but overextending themselves to their eventual downfall. |
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19th Century Battle Reports