027. The Second Battle of Castiglione - WDS Campaign Marengo

5 August 1796 - Historical - Intended to be played Head to Head - After the combat of the 3rd the situation of the Austrian columns was such that no union was likely to occur. Yet Wurmser decided to stand firm near Solferino. His army put together a couple hasty fortifications and were formed up in two wings with Davidovich on the right and Subottendorf on the left. Wurmser ordered up Weldenfeld from Pescheira to reinforce the right flank and keep an eye out for the French. Meszaros with about 5,000 men was marching from Borgoforte towards Goito and would help keep Fiorella from taking part in the battle. Goito would act as the rallying point for a retreat. Napoleon, however, would toss a monkey wrench into the Austrian operations and would order Massena and Augereau along with Kilmaine's cavalry reserve to attack Wurmser's position. His ace in the hole was to have Fiorella (in command of Serurier's division due to that commander's ill healt) come up from the south and drive on the Austrian rear and sever their communications with Mantua. Everything pretty much went to plan. The French advanced on the Austrians early in the morning and by 10am were making strong headway against Wurmser's position. The effort was made to drive them to the northeast. Augereau's men on the right took the small redoubt on the low hill south of Girole while Massena's men drove on the Autrian right flank. Fiorella gave Meszaros the slip by marching off early in the morning and arrived in the Austrian rear to cause the command to retreat to the northeast. Some units were unable to do so and were captured. However, the bulk of Wurmser's men did make their escape living to fight again under the command of Alvinczy. Castiglione would be Wurmser's last great chance at field command for the Austrian cause in Italy. Note: Supply wagons are worth 1 point/10 points captured.