Thursday, July 25, 2013

Campaign Move 40 – Bad News from Lonato



Move 40 – 1600 8 September 1796


As Bonaparte prepares to attack the Austrian relief column he receives alarming reports from Lonato.   The battle is going badly for the French and Argereau warns that he and Serurier will have to retreat towards Brescia.

Bonaparte orders 3rd and 6th divisions to hold their ground and prevent the relief column from reaching Mantua, but not to engage in battle   He rides north to determine for himself just how bad things are at Lonato

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Campaign Move 39 – Austians attack Lonato



Move 39 – 1200 8 September 1796


Wurmster has ordered his 1st, 2nd and 4th divisions to cross the river Minico and attack 4th and 5th French divisions at Lonato. 


3rd Austrian division has reached the river Minicio opposite.

Bonaparte is approaching Mantua with 3rd division.  He orders 6th divison to prepare to attack Mantua before 3rd Austrian division can resupply the city.

Meanwhile 4th and 5th French divisions must hold Lonato against the three Austrian divisions of Wurmster.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Campaign Move 38 – Austians deployed opposite Lonato



Move 38 – 2000 7 September 1796


Wurmster has completed his deployment along the river Minicio opposite Lonato.  He is ready to attack at first light with his 1st, 2nd and 4th divisions.

3rd Austrian division has reached Castellard on its way to raise the siege of Mantua

Bonaparte is also approaching Mantua with 3rd division.   He plans to defeat 3rd Austrian division before they can reach the city, and then march north to cut Wurmster’s lines of supply.

Meanwhile 4th and 5th French divisions must hold Lonato against the three Austrian divisions of Wurmster.


Saturday, July 6, 2013

Campaign Move 37 – Austrians deploy along east bank of river Minicio


Move 37 – 1600 7 September 1796

Wurmster starts to deploy along the eastern bank of the river Minicio opposite Lonato.   1st division moves south followed by 2nd and 4th divisions

3rd Austrian division had passed through Villagranca on its way to raise the siege of Mantua

Bonaparte passes through Castiglione with 3rd division on his way to Mantua

4th and 5th French divisions resupply and prepare their defence positions at Lonato