068. River Crossing at Vaprio-Cassano - WDS Campaign Marengo

27 April 1799 - Historical - Intended to be played Head to Head - The French army in the eastern Po River Valley was spread out along the Adda River trying to defend all points at once. The Allies were repulsed at Lecco but were able to gain a crossing point at Trezzo. Ott's advance guard encounted a lone battalion of the 33rd Demi-brigade which gave the alarm. Serurier's division was falling back from the north at the time after having had to abandon their position on the river. The French made their stand at Vaprio which was a good defensive point. Zaph's division was able to cross and reinforce Ott. In the south, Melas sought to cross at Cassano but was satisfied to let precious time waste away with an artillery exchange. He finally stirred himself to attack the bridgehead and drove off the long French battalion and artillery section. In the north the Russian Cossacks along with the Austrian cavalry hit the French left as they were attempting to turn Ott's line. The French fell back in confusion losing men and artillery. By nightfall the French were falling back on Milan as Melas had crossed the Adda and had turned their right flank. The French would never be able to regain a defensive line again in the campaign and the Allies would sweep down the Po River Valley all the way to Turin.