Campaign Move 32 – French hold Verona

Move 32 – 2000 5 September 1796

Throughout the afternoon both sides exchange artillery fire

The Austrian gunners concentrate on 4^th French division, who hold the city and main bridge.   Their cavalry are deployed to delay the Austrian approach.  They suffer casualties and fail their morale.  The Austrian cavalry charge and rout them, but the supporting infantry form square and hold the bridge.

By nightfall 4^th Austrian division has crossed the river Aidge and joined 1^st and 2^nd divisions.   But it is too late to attack the city.   3^rd division is still east of the river and exchanging artillery fire with Verona.

Under cover of darkness Bonaparte orders his army to abandon Verona and march west towards Perschia.

Campaign Move 31 – Austrians attack Verona

Move 30 – 1600 5 September 1796

Wurmster outnumbers Bonaparte by four divisions to three.

However his army is separated by the river Aidge.

1^st and 2^nd divisions are to the west of the river

3^rd and 4^th divisions are to the east of the river

Bonaparte has his 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th divisions in and around the city

4^th division is already deployed in the city and holding the bridge

3^rd division is ordered to take and hold the hill to the west of the city

5^th division is still moving through the city

It is clear to Wurmster that his two divisions west of the river are not strong enough to take the city on their own.

It is also clear that he will not be able to force the Verona bridge unless he can attack it from the north and east at the same time

By late afternoon both 1^st and 2^nd Austrian divisions have deployed north of the city

4^th Austrian division is sent north along the east bank to cross the river

3^rd Austrian division artillery engages the enemy gunners but to no avail

Campaign Move 30 – Austrians march on Verona from Rivoli

Move 30 – 1200 5 September 1796

1^st and 2^nd Austrian divisions march south towards Verona

Just before midday the leading division sights the French retreating towards Perschia

Quosdanovich orders his division to attack.