Columbeira In 3D - French Playthrough

THE fourth scenario in Mike Lambo's Battles Of Napoleonic Europe is probably the hardest of the lot.

When I played it in September 2023, using the map and counters in the book, I lost in just six turns.

Lambo calls the scenario the Battle of Roliça Part Two, but I have renamed it Columbeira, partly to make the name less of a mouthful.

After my chastening experience last year, I wrote: "I hope I do not seem like a bad loser, but I believe this scenario is an all-but-impossible task for the human player."

Well, here is my chance to prove myself wrong.

Map of the battlefield

A 3D version of the battlefield with a grid made from Kallistra of Nottinghamshire's Hexon II terrain system, with trees, river and 'village' added

The human commands the French, who consist of General Henri-François Delaborde, three units of infantry and one each of cavalry and artillery.

The French army - 10mm figures by WoFun

The AI receives Sir Arthur Wellesley, six units of infantry, four of cavalry and one of artillery

To win the French have to preserve at least three units to the end of the battle, ie for 10 turns.

On the map you should be able to see a blue dashed line on the bottom left. I have to set up my forces below it.

Last time my plan was to defend from the two largest hills, hoping the advantage of being on higher ground would be significant.

Unfortunately the Allies' overwhelming numbers proved too much, so this time I will need a different plan.

One feature of this scenario, unlike most others, is that the AI's setup is largely fixed, with only the placement of the artillery and the commander somewhat randomised.

Here is how I set up the French forces in September 2023

Basically the Allied infantry start on the Allied right, and the Allied cavalry on the Allied left.

My plan this time is put the river between my army and the Allied infantry, while at the same time hoping to out-manoeuvre, and out-fight, the Allied cavalry on the other flank.

A very different setup, with the largest hill completely unoccupied

As I stated, the Allied setup is largely fixed, and the two semi-randomised placings, of Sir Arthur Wellesley and the Allied artillery, resulted in them landing in the centre of the Allied forces - indeed in exactly the same spots as in my first playthrough.

The impressive Allied army looms in the distance

As usual I will write up the battle as it proceeds.