047. Third Day of Arcole - WDS Campaign Marengo

17 April 1796 - Historical - Intended to be played Head to Head - Having failed on the second day to take Arcole, Bonaparte determiend to have a bridge built downstream to get his men across the river. This was accomplished with little interference during the night and early in the morning Augereau's men began shuttling across. He also had some troops march downstream from Ronco and along with forces from Legnano they moved up the eastern side of the Adige to attack along with those that were crossing at the bridge. The Austrians, however, reacted with great courage and during the early to mid afternoon were able to press the French back from both the bridge at Arcole and to send Augereau's men back across the Alpone. Only Massena's timely intervention (his flank having been dealt with) saved the French from a disaster. The addition of so many new forces was too much for the Austrians and finally Bonaparte and the French army had taken Arcole for good. Bonaparte had wrecked the Austrian plan for good. His next move was to move west and north to take care of the Tyrol Corps which had fainlly stirred itself near Rivoli and had pressed the French back on that front. The Austrian operation had failed once again due to a lack of initiative and a failed understanding that in using columns the Austrians were forfeiting their manpower advantage.