100.Nive1_9Dec13 - WDS Wellington's Peninsular War

Battles of the Nive: 9 December Reconnaissance - In order to probe the French defensive line in front of Bayonne, Wellington planned to send forward three columns under Hill, Beresford and Hope. Hill's force would cross the Nive at Cambo and, leaving Morillo to guard his flank, advance up the Bayonne road, outflanking any French forces defending the river. Meanwhile, Beresford with the 3rd and 6th Divisions would cross the Nive by a bridge north of Ustaritz and then advance via Villafranque to join forces with Hill. (The pontoon bridge marked on the map at Villafranque wouldn't be built until the 11th December, once the French had been dislodged) The Light, 7th and 4th Divisions would advance on the left. Finally, Hope's corps would advance up the coastal road from Bidart towards Bayonne via Barrouillet and Anglet. NB: Since this was a reconnaissance mission and Hope had been ordered not to assault the defenses around Bayonne, there are no objective hexes beyond Anglet.