Carlist: 1833-40 Chronology
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When Ferdinand VII of Spain died in 1833, his fourth wife Cristina became Queen regent on behalf of their infant daughter Isabel II. This splintered the country into two factions known as the Cristinos (or Isabelinos) and the Carlists. The Cristinos were the supporters of the Queen Regent and her government. The Carlists were the supporters of Don Carlos, pretender to the throne and brother of the deceased Ferdinand VII. The First Carlist War lasted over 7 years and the fighting spanned most of the country at one time or another, although the main conflict centred around the Carlist homelands of the Basque Country and Aragon.
Note: Where I'm uncertain of something I mark it with double question marks (??).
I originally relied heavily on Conrad Cairns' articles in Wargames Illustrated for the chronology. More recently I have had access to other sources and have updated the material. I'm very grateful to both Bernabe Saiz and Nuno Pereira who kindly sent me material for the Chronology of the Carlist Wars.
Scenario Ideas - A General NoteIdeas for wargaming scenarios appear in boxes like this. As it happens I found it difficult to write scenarios for specific battles as details of most battles were fairly vague - often I just had the names of the generals and the outcome, and sometimes not even that. I use a variant on Shako so my comments will reflect that. For those people who are familiar with Shako the only tweak worth mentioning here is that I use non-standard categories of cavalry:
The small size of the forces is problematic for most rules. For example, at the Battle of Viana the Carlists had 200 cavalry and only 40 infantry, to the Cristinos 300 cavalry and 600 foot. In these cases I have recommend adjusting the scale of the game so that instead of battalions and regiments the units are 1/2 battalions, squadrons (equivalent to two companies), or even companies. Note: one battalion/regiment = eight companies. So a foot company was probably about 100 men at full strength and 80 in the field. A horse company was 48-68 men at full strength, so probably about 40 in the field. |
1815-33: Background
26 Sep 1815: Holy Alliance
In 1815 Austria, Prussia and Russian formed the Holy Alliance to combat liberalism in Europe (Wikipedia: Holy Alliance).
1820: Liberal insurrections in Spain and Portugal
In very early 1820 a liberal insurrection broke out amongst Spanish troops camped at Cadiz (Livermore, 1966). This movement forced Ferdinand VII of Spain to declare himself in favour of a constitution.
Marshal Beresford sailed to Brazil in an attempt persuade João to return to Portugal (Livermore, 1966). In his absence on 24 Aug 1820 liberal officers revolted in Oporto. The movement spread and quickly took over the government of Portugal.
1822: Navarre Uprising
General Quesada led an absolutist uprising in Navarre (Zumalakarregi Museum). Tomás Zumalacárregui joined the rebels.
Apr - Oct 1823: '100,000 sons of St. Louis'
At the prompting of the Holy Alliance the Duke of Angoulême led a French army - supposedly 100,000 men - into Spain (Apr 1823) to expel the liberal government and restore Ferdinand VII's absolute power (24 May) (Holt, 1967; Livermore, 1966). Being royalist in nature this was the first French army for 34 years to march under the Bourbon lilies on its standards. There was no resistance from the Spanish population. Some of the Navarese from General Quesada's uprising, including Tomás Zumalacárregui, joined the French (Zumalakarregi Museum). Clearly it wasn't entirely one sides as the absolutists had to besiege Lérida in Oct
1827: The Revolt of the Aggrieved
Although Don Carlos was not involved himself, "the Revolt of the Aggrieved" was the first rising of the absolutist movement that would become the Carlists (Holt, 1967). The Catalan rebel's rallying cry was "Religion, King, Inquisition". Government forces under the Count of España brutally suppressed the rebellion and executed the leaders.
11 Jul 1828: Miguel I of Portugal
On 11 Jul 1828 Dom Miguel was proclaimed King of Portugal, thus kicking off the final succession dispute comprising the Liberal Wars (Livermore, 1966). Fighting continued until 1834.
10 Oct 1830: Isabel of Spain
Isabel, the first daughter of Ferdinand VII of Spain and his fourth wife
Maria Cristina of Naples, was born on 
10 Oct 1830 (Holt, 1967)
16 Mar 1833: Don Carlos
Ferdinand "authorised" his brother, Don Carlos, to go to Portugal, thus relieving his daughter of one danger to her succession (Holt, 1967). As it happens Don Carlos never entered Madrid again and it was more than a year before he managed to return to Spain. While in Portugal Carlos refused Ferdinand's request that he acknowledge Isabel's right to inherit the throne.
20 Jun 1833: Queen Isabel of Spain
Presumably with Ferdinand's health declining, Isabel was sworn in as Queen of Spain (Alcalá, 2006). She was subsequently proclaimed queen on 24 Oct 1833.
Sep-Oct 1833: Revolution
29 Sep 1833: Ferdinand dies
Ferdinand VII of Spain died on 29 Sep 1833 and Queen Cristina became Regent on behalf of their infant daughter Isabel II (Holt, 1967). In Portugal Don Carlos proclaimed himself King Carlos V of Spain, maintaining that he was Ferdinand's rightful successor, . England, France and Pedro of Portugal acknowledged Isabel, but the Holy Alliance and Miguel of Portugal supported Don Carlos.
3
Oct 1833:
"Long Live King Carlos V"
The first rising occurred when Manuel Gonzáles, postmaster of Talavera de la Reina in Castile, called out the local Royalist Volunteers in support of Don Carlos (Alcalá, 2006; Chant, 1983; Holt, 1967). Despite support from the Carlists of Calera the Government quickly suppressed the uprising and executed Gonzáles and many of his supporters.
Note: the Royalist Volunteers (Realistas Volunarios) were the armed militia of the conservatives and most declared for Don Carlos (Alcalá, 2006).
5 Oct 1833:
5 Oct saw Don Carlos on the Spanish-Portuguese border, seeking an escort to Madrid (Holt, 1967). Instead he found Spanish troops under Rodil barring his way.
The first Carlists rose in Catalonia at Prats de Llusanés (Alcalá, 2006).
6 Oct 1833
Carlists rose in several places around Spain (Alcalá, 2006). Magranell in Valencia, el "Cura Merino" in Burgos, Ladron de Guevara in Navarre, Zabala in the Basque country, etc. Holt (1967) mentions rising in Bilbao, Alava and Guipúzcoa on either 5 or 8 Oct.
Carlists subsequently rose in Navarre, Rioja, Catalonia, Aragon and Valencia (??). Field-Marshal Ladrón de la Guevara led the rising in Navarre and Rioja. Smaller groups rose in Galicia, León and Estremadura. 3,000 men flocked to the Carlist standard in Morella, the Baron de Hervés's headquarters in the Maestrazgo.
Merino, the 64 year old renegade Castilian priest, led 11,000 Carlists south from Logroño towards Madrid (Holt, 1967). He got near enough to alarm the inhabitants of the capital but was forced to withdraw to Navarre in the face of superior numbers.
The regular army remained loyal to the Queen Regent (Alcalá, 2006). Not a single garrison declared for Don Carlos.
Sometime ?? Oct 1833
The Queen Regent ordered the disarming of the Royalist Volunteers (Chant, 1983). Don Carlos responded with a call to arms.
11 Oct 1833: First Battle of Los Arcos
In the first battle of war (Holt, 1967; Saiz, 1999) Field-Marshal Santo Ladrón de la Guevara led a body of Royalist Volunteers from Logroño into Navarre. There they encountered a much larger government force under General Manuel Lorenzo. Attempting to make a stand at Los Arcos, near Estella, the Carlists were defeated and their commander was captured and shot.
Scenario Idea: "Long Live King Carlos V"This scenario would represent the initial Carlist risings and the Cristino response. The historical precedents are:
Battle of Astarta is particularly noteworthy as it was Zumalacárregui's first open field battle. In all cases a larger professional Cristino army attacked a smaller Carlist force based on Royalist Volunteers. Both sides were not too well trained at this early stage, so might all be second rate. The Carlists were probably more motivated which would compensate for any additional training the Cristinos would have. The Cristinos would favour forming up into lines and columns, the Carlists skirmish order, although at Astarta Zumalacárregui got them to successfully hold a line - apparently the first time they'd done this. At Peñacerrada the Carlists had only 1,500 men, i.e. about 3 battalions in Shako, and at Astarta Zumalacárregui's had 3,000 men. Given the small scale of the forces you might consider changing the scale of the rules, i.e. field 1/2 battalions, squadrons (equivalent to two companies), or even companies instead of battalions. The Carlists are defending in advantageous terrain - either hills (Los Arcos, Peñacerrada, and Astarta) or a built up area (Guernica) . The Carlists should be disadvantaged by a shortage of ammunition - this was critical at Astarta. |
17 Oct 1833
Captain Juan Martin de Balmaceda declared for Don Carlos in Old Castille (Alcalá, 2006).
Generals Saarsfield and Lorenzo were tasked with putting down the risings in Navarre and the Basque Country (Alcalá, 2006).
24 Oct 1833: Queen Isabela of Spain
The infant Isabel was proclaimed as Queen Isabel II of Spain (Alcalá, 2006).
Nov 1833: Action at Morella
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
29th Provincial Regiment (Cuenca)
12 Nov 1833
Saarsfield left Vitoria to face the Carlists (Alcalá, 2006). The liberal army began to prepare for a full scale war. Spain broke diplomatic relationships with Portugal where Don Carlos was in refuge.
13 Nov 1833
In the Maestrazgo - the mountainous boundary between Aragon and Valencia - Carlists proclaimed in favour of Don Carlos (Alcalá, 2006; Chant, 1983). The rebels were under Rafael Ram de Viu (the Baron de Hervés), Carlos Victoria (commander of Morella), and Manuel Carnicer.
Oct 1833 - 15 Jun 1835: Zumalacárregui Era
14
Nov 1833
Tomás Zumalacárregui was appointed commander of the Carlist Army of the North, i.e. in Navarre and the Basque Country (Alcalá, 2006; Duncan, 1997). Not that the army was too large ... it contained only 800 badly armed peasants and 14 horses.
[Notario (2006) says Zumalacárregui took command in Dec 1833. He also says that Zumalacárregui inherited just over 1,200 men in four battalions. The number of men might be right for Dec after some recruitment.]
15 Nov 1833
Ramón Cabrera - a rather impious seminary - was expelled from Tortosa (Chant, 1983). Rather than go to Barcelona as ordered, Cabrera declared for Don Carlos and headed for Morella. Cabrera joined one of the Carlist gangs raiding in Tortosa - the partido of some 256 men under Bojar - and although he didn't perform well in the first encounter with Cristinos he quickly showed his aptitude for things military and started clawing his way up the hierarchy.
19 Nov 1833: Battle of Peñacerrada
Following Los Arcos the Cristino Generals Pedro Saarsfield and Manuel Lorenzo crossed the Ebro and routed 1,500 Carlists blocking their way at Peñecerrada (Saiz, 1999). Within a week the Liberals had entered Vitoria and Bilbao unopposed.
| See the Long Live King Carlos V scenario. |
21 Nov 1833: Action at the Coll de Vallibona
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
13th Line Infantry Regiment (Mallorca)
6 and 9 Dec 1833: Actions at Morella
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
24th Line Infantry Regiment (Bailén)
10 Dec 1833: Capture of Morella
Liberal troops under Manuel Bretón, the governor of Tortosa, and Noare captured Morella from the Baron de Hervés with little effort (Alcalá, 2006; Chant, 1983; Duncan, 1997).
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
3rd battalion, 6th Line Infantry Regiment (Saboya)
13th Line Infantry Regiment (Mallorca)
5th Light Infantry Regiment (Volunteers of Bailén)
Garrison of Morella from Dec 1833 to Feb 1834 (Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936)):
29th Provincial Regiment (Cuenca)
20 Dec 1833
Cabrera made sub-lieutenant (Duncan, 1997)
21 Dec 1833: Guernica
The Cristino Baron del Solar de Espinosa attacked the Carlists at Guernica under Fernando de Zabala and Simon de La Torre (Saiz, 1999). In their first victory against army Regulars, the Carlists held the town and inflicted over 300 Cristino casualties, but withdrew when heavy reinforcements approached.
| See the Long Live King Carlos V scenario. |
25 Dec 1833
Espartero defeated and captured the guerilla leader Magranell in Valencia (Alcalá, 2006).
Dec 1833: Fernando Muñoz, the Queens consort
In Dec 1833 or Jan 1834, the Queen Regent Cristina secretly married Fernando Muñoz, a corporal of the Royal Guard (Holt, 1967). To the population of Madrid "it was Godoy over again" (p. 48). This relationship however gave the Carlists the (unwarranted) excuse to call Cristina "the royal prostitute" and to shout "Death to the whore!"
29 Dec 1833: Battle of
Asarta
29 Dec 1833: Battle of
Asarta In his first major battle Zumalacárregui mauled a larger Cristino force under General Manuel Lorenzo and Colonel Marcelino Oráa (subordinates of Saarsfield) (Holt, 1967; Saiz, 1999, Zumalakarregi Museum). Zumalacárregui chose a defensive position in the Valley of La Berrueza, in the district of Estella, between Asarta and Nazar, but closer to the former. He had 3,000 men including battalions from Alava and Navarre. Once the Cristinos attacked the half trained Carlists stood their ground, but soon ran out of ammunition. Oraa led the decisive attack on the left-flank in the direction of Nazar, and Zumalacárregui ordered a retreat. The Carlists suffered 50 casualties and the Liberals over 300. Zumalacárregui retreated to Améscoa then Campezo whilst the Liberals returned to Pamplona.
See also the Battle of Mendaza which occurred in the same place.
Check out Ernesto Reiner's 3D Map of the Battle of Mendaza. The view is from east to the west. Asarta nestles at the foot of the far hills. Dos Hermanas and Mendaza are in the foreground. Los Arcos is off the map to the south (left). I don't know where Nazar is.
| See the Long Live King Carlos V scenario. |
Sometime ?? 1834: Siege of Eibar
When summoned to surrender, Eibar’s Militia commander wrote back to the attacking Carlist General addressing him as “the little leader of Biscayan traitors and cowards” (Cairns, 1994b).
Sometime ?? beginning of 1834: Villafranca (near Morella)
Cabrera captured the new governor of Morella and his escort, then, dressed in the captured uniforms, surprised Villafranca (Duncan, 1997).
12 Jan 1834
Zumalacárregui took Orbaiceta (Alcalá, 2006).
The liberals captured and shot the Baron de Hervés and Carlos Victoria (Alcalá, 2006).
Cabrera's band joined that of Carnicer (Alcalá, 2006).
Cabrera made full lieutenant on 12 Jan 1834 (Duncan, 1997). His advancement from that point is a little difficult to ascertain. Duncan says Captain on 27 Jul 1834 (with a separate command and title of "commandant of the infantry"), Colonel in Nov 1834, Commandant-General of Lower Aragon in Nov 1835, Brigadier of Infantry on 8 Feb 1836, and Field Marshal (mariscal de campo) on 15 Aug 1836. Saiz (1999) has him already a Colonel on 10 Apr 1834 at the Battle of Mayals. Chant (1983) and Holt (1967) agree on Commandant-General in Nov 1835.
Regardless of when it occurred, when a Colonel he recruited a battalion within enemy held Tortosa then accompanied Commandant-General Carnicer in successful raids on Moine de Aragon and Caspe (Chant, 1983). (Note: Brigadier Manuel Carnicer was Commandant-General of Aragon).
16 Feb 1834
The National Militia ('Urbanos') were reformed to fight the Carlists (Cairns, 1994b).
18 Feb 1834
In a night attack, Zumalacárregui surprised General Oraa in Urdiniz and Zubiri (Alcalá, 2006).
22 Feb 1834
General Quesada replaced Valdés in command of the liberal Army of the North (Alcalá, 2006).
Mar 1834: Persecution of Carlist bands in the province of Castellón
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
3rd battalion, 18th Line Infantry Regiment (Almansa)
9 Mar 1834
Zumalacárregui defeated Lorenzo at Abárzuza (Alcalá, 2006).
Mar 1834: Daroca and Castejoucillo de Alarba
In conjunction with Carnicer, Cabrera surprised the important garrison of Daroca and defeated a considerable Cristino force under the Governor of Catalayud near Castejoucillo de Alarba, taking many prisoners (Duncan, 1997).
Apr 1834: Ariño and Alfara
Cabrera defeated the Cristinos near Ariño and captured Alfara by surprise (Duncan, 1997).
10 Apr 1834: Battle of Mayals
Determined to spread the Carlist insurrection to Catalonia, Brigadier Carnicer crossed the Ebro and was met at Mayals, southwest of Lerida, by General José Carratalá, commanding in Tarragona, and Governor Manuel Bretón of Tortosa (Saiz, 1999). Despite a courageous attack by Colonel Ramón Cabrera, Carnicer was defeated and the Carlists suffered a major setback. This is the only instance where Cabrera criticised Carnicer's dispositions (Duncan, 1997). Alcalá (2006) has the Carlists under Cabrera and Quilez.
Sometime ?? 1834: Battle of Montalban
The Cristino General Valdés routed Brigadier Manuel Carnicer's force at Montalban (Chant, 1983). Ramón Cabrera's battalion was much reduced, and shortly afterwards Cabrera was defeated again, thus reducing Cabrera's force to 12 men. Belatedly Cabrera retreated to the Maestrazgo to study tactics.
22 Apr 1834
The Quadruple Alliance
On 22 April 1834 the Quadruple Alliance was signed as a counter to the Holy Alliance (Holt, 1967; Livermore, 1966). Portugal, Spain, England and France agreed to banish Dom Miguel from Portugal and Don Carlos from Spain. Spain committed to keep troops in Portugal until the end of the Portuguese Civil War, England promised naval support for Dom Pedro of Portugal and Isabel, and Portugal agreed to supply an auxiliary force for operations against Don Carlos in Spain (Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha).
Zumalacárregui defeated Quesada at Alsasua and Muez (Alcalá, 2006).
Battle of Alsasua
Zumalacárregui attacked and defeated the Cristinos (General Vicente Jenaro de Quesada) as they passed Alsasua on a march from Salvatierra into Navarre (Alcalá, 2006; Holt, 1967; Saiz, 1999). Despite being rescued by another Cristino force (Jáuregui el Pastor 'The Shepherd'), Quesada left 100 prisoners in the hands of the Carlists and suffered 200 dead and wounded. Subsequently all the captured Cristino officers were shot, including the Count de la Bisbal.
[Wikipedia: Alsasua says the battle occurred in Apr 1834, Alcalá (2006) refines this to 22 Apr 1834. In contrast Saiz (1999) gives the date as 2 May 1834. On balance I accepted 22 Apr 1834.]
Scenario Idea: AmbushIt was fairly common for the Carlists to attack a marching Cristino force. Initially at least this was part of Zumalacárregui's strategy to give his men little successes to build up their expertise and confidence.
The scenario would involve three forces. Each Cristino force should be weaker than the Carlists, but the combination should be much stronger. (I use the terms weak/strong advisedly and don't necessarily mean smaller/larger). The forces are:
Set up the table with a road running lengthways. The Carlists deploy hidden using Hidden Movement Cards or some such. The Marching Cristinos have to march along the road, in column, until the Carlists attack. At that point the Cristinos can write orders. The relieving Cristinos appear after a considerable delay - determine the precise entry time randomly. The Carlists can choose to withdraw off table if the going gets tough, or if they think they've inflicted enough damage. Based on this reasoning the orders of battle might be: Cristino Marching
Carlist Attackers
Cristino Relief
In most of the battles, e.g. Mount Larremiar, the Cristinos had 1,500. For these each unit would be a squadron or pair of companies. At the Battle of Salvatierra there were about 3,000 men in each force, so each unit would be the equivalent of a half battalion or half cavalry regiment. In both cases the commanders are actually more like battalion commanders. At the Battle of Las Amezcuas each unit would a full battalion/regiment. |
17 Jun 1834: Battle of Gulina
Liberal commander Vicente Jenaro de Quesada in Vitoria ordered Brigadier Linares from Pamplona in an attempt to trap Zumalacárregui (Saiz, 1999). However, just northwest of Pamplona at Gulina, Zumalacárregui attacked Linares and both sides suffered about 600 casualties before Zumalacárregui was driven off.
Late Jun 1834
José Rodil replaced Quesada as Cristino commander-in-chief in the north (Holt, 1967).
12 Jul 1834
Don Carlos joined Zumalacárregui (Alcalá, 2006).
Aug to Dec 1834: Harrying of Carlist bands in the province of Castellón
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
9th Line Infantry Regiment (Soria)
17 Aug 1834: Action at Albocácer
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
1st Line Infantry Regiment (Rey)
19 Aug 1834: Peñas de San Fausto
A Liberal division under Baron Luis Angel de Carondolet was campaigning against the Carlists northwest of Estella in Navarre (Alcalá, 2006; Saiz, 1999). On 19 Aug 1834 General Tomás Zumalacárregui surprised Carondolet's column at Peñas de San Fausto on the Urederra River. The Liberals were routed and fled, losing 250 men, including some drowned in the river.
| See the Ambush scenario. |
23 Oct 1834: Action at Culla
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
1st Line Infantry Regiment (Rey)
31 Aug
1834: Battle of Artaza
Soon after Don Carlos V arrived in Spain, Liberal General José Ramon Rodil led perhaps 8,000 men into the rugged Améscoa Valley, where he was attacked at Artaza by just 2,000 Carlists under General Tomás Zumalacárregui (Saiz, 1999). In a one-sided action Rodil suffered heavy losses before the Carlists withdrew. Despite his losses Rodil continued his campaign in pursuit of the pretender.
Scenario Idea: Battle of ArtazaThis battle stands out because Zumalacárregui, with only 2,000 men (about 4 battalions), attacked 8,000 men (about 16 battalions), and inflicted heavy losses on them. I can only assume that there was a considerable element of surprise involved, and that, perhaps, the Cristinos were encamped when attacked. With that in mind I'd use a 4'x4' table. The Cristinos would be camped in separate brigade encampments (x4) in each quarter of the table. They would be under some kind of disadvantage for being surprised - for example, starting "Staggered" and under "Defend" orders if using Shako. The Carlists could enter from any table edge. Because this is essentially a raid the Carlists can withdraw off table at any point. |
4 Sep 1834: Battle of Viana
Viana was a triumph for the Carlist horse (Cairns, 1995b; Zumalakarregi Museum). Baron Luis Angel de Carondolet had a Liberal division of 300 cavalry and 600 foot in Viana, and Zumalacárregui took a mere 240 men to attack him. As the Carlist Infantry conducted a surprise attack on the city, the Navarese Lancers fought it out with the Liberal cavalry on the road to Mendavia. Although at first they refused to charge, Zumalacárregui’s 200 lancers then met and broke the illustrious Cazadores de la Guardia Real, largely because the latter were foolish enough to receive the charge of the lancers when halted. The Carlist lancers went on to overwhelm a battalion of the Castilla Regiment (16th Line Infantry Regiment; Aula Militar) and take its Colour. After losing 200 of his men Carondelet retreated to Logroño
Scenario Idea: Battle of VianaLooks very one sided, so needs careful consideration of the objectives of the two sides. The main objective is to capture/retain Viana. The Cristinos cannot, however, sit passively waiting for the Carlists to attack, they are expected to attempt to punish the enemy if they have the imprudence to appear (particularly as the government has superior forces). Similarly, the Carlists are always happy to inflict casualties then retreat. So I would give both sides victory points for inflicting casualties and give the Carlists bonus points for occupying any part of Viana. Under this scheme the Cristinos have to come out of the town to hunt for the enemy and the Carlists are encouraged to have a go at the town.. Once again, tiny forces, so use units approximating companies rather than battalions and regiments. Carlists:
Cristinos:
I have upgrade the Morale Rating of the Carlists as they operated with particular élan on the day. I have downgraded the majority of the Cristinos to make it a more even game. Use a 4'x4' table with the town dominating one half. Make the town 8 sectors, i.e. one per Cristino infantry unit. Carlist Cavalry can enter town sectors, but they fight with disordered MR (bad terrain) if they do. The Cristino infantry starts within the town, and the cavalry outside, but beyond 6" of any edge. Once again the Cristinos were surprised so I'd start them all "Staggered" and under Defend orders. The Cristinos deploy before the Carlists deploy and write their orders. The Carlists can attack from any table edge; each Carlist brigade can attack from a different table edge, or they can combine efforts. |
27-28 Oct 1834: Battle of Salvatierra
Fought on the plains of Salvatierra in the lowlands of Alava near Vitoria (27 Oct) (Alcalá, 2006; Cairns, 1995a; Duncan, 1997; Holt, 1967; Saiz, 1999). Eluding pursuit after victory at Artaza and Peñas de San Fausto, Carlist commanders Tomás Zumalacárregui and Francisco de Iturralde surprised a large Liberal column (3,000-3,500 men) under Brigadier O’Doyle at Alegría, between Vitoria and Salvatierra. Zumalacárregui formed his Carlist troops with a skirmishing battalion leading two others in close order and a fourth in reserve; cavalry guarded the flanks. The Cristinos lost very heavily when their lines were broken by the Navarrese bayonet assault. O’Doyle fled to nearby Arrieta (Ducan says O'Doyle was lost along with 900 men killed, wounded or prisoners). Also called Battle of Alegría. The next day (28 Oct) a relief column from Vitoria under General Joaquín de Osma was beaten at Ameta. After this defeat the Cristinos took to moving in large columns, which the Carlists declined to charge.
| See the Ambush scenario. Units would be the equivalent of 2 companies (i.e. a cavalry squadrons). |
30 Oct 1834
General Espoz y Mina reached Pamplona and took command of the government Army of the North (Duncan, 1997). The Queen had 23,000 men in Navarre; 14,000 in the field under Generals Córdova, Lopez and Oraa, and the remainder in garrisons. Mina did not have absolute control of the Cristino forces, for example, he did not control Gemeran Latré at Viana nor General Bedoya at Logroño. Facing them were a 8,000 Carlists.
End of Nov 1834
Zumalacárregui offered open battle to a Cristino force a few leagues north of Logroño (Duncan, 1997). 7,000 Carlists faced a slightly smaller Cristino force under General Córdova (6,000 men of Córdova's and Oraa's divisions). Córdova fairly sensibly declined battle and observed the Carlists for five days, but this inactivity lowered his men's morale.
Two days later Córdova engaged a smaller Carlist force in the Pass of Argayas (Duncan, 1997). His men, notably the officers, performed poorly, and it was only in a second engagement did Córdova overcome the Carlists.
12 Dec 1834: Battle of Mendaza
In the first serious battle of the war General Luis Fernández de Córdova defeated Zumalacárregui at Mendaza in Navarre (Alcalá, 2006; Duncan, 1997; Saiz, 1999; Wikipedia: Batalla de Mendaza). The battle took place in the Berrueza Valley (Duncan mistakenly says the battle took place at Sorlada, which is actually a small distance to the northeast). The valley run north-south and has the village of Mendaza on the eastern side, at the foot the mountain of Dos Hermanas (Two Sisters), and village of Asarta facing Mendaza at the foot of the western slopes. The valley floor, and much of the slopes were covered in small fields separated by stone walls. Before dawn on 12 Dec 1834 Zumalacárregui deployed his 10,000 men facing south in a line from Mendaza on the left to Asarta on the right; using the stone walls as defences. His HQ was in the deserted village of Desiñana. Zumalacárregui reinforced his left with a contingent hidden on the wooded slopes of Dos Hermanas behind Mendaza. Zumalacárregui's planned to use Hannibal's tactics at Cannae, i.e. withdraw his centre slowly in the face of the enemy to form a "U" shape. The flanks would then converge to encircle the attackers. Córdova had 10-14,000 men in three divisions (Córdova, Oráa, and Lopez) deployed south of the valley at Los Arcos. The Cristinos arrived in front of the Carlist positions about 1200 hours. Córdova ordered the vanguard under Marcelino Oráa up the centre of the valley where the Carlists seemed to be concentrated. Oráa, a veteran of the guerrilla war in Navarre during the War of the Independence anticipated Zumalacárregui's tactics, disregarded his orders and marched to Mendaza instead. This forced Zumalacárregui to respond and he ordered some of the troops in the centre to swing left toward Oráa. The Carlists lines became disordered and having lost the protection of the walls exposed themselves to the fire of the Cristino artillery at the entrance of the valley. They could not endure the punishment and after losing 900 men began to retreat north up the valley. Zumalacárregui reformed at the Pass of Arquijas 8 km to the northwest.
See also the Battle of Asarta which occurred in the same place.
Check out Ernesto Reiner's 3D Map of the Battle of Mendaza. The view is from east to the west. Dos Hermanas and Mendaza are in the foreground. Asarta nestles at the foot of the far hills. Los Arcos is off the map to the south (left). The Carlists withdrew to the north (right).
Scenario Idea: Battle of MendazaA proper battle. Ernesto Reiner's 3D Map of the Battle of Mendaza gives a good idea of what the table should look like. I'd be inclined to use a 6'x4' table with the edge of the wood covered Dos Hermanas hill on-table on one of the short edges, and the village of Mendaza next to it (maybe 2 town sectors in Shako). Similarly on the far short table edge I'd put the edge of the mountains and the village of Asarta (one town sector). A road would run from one village to the other, and a second road from one long table edge to the other. Otherwise the terrain would be broken up by small fields with stone walls. The Carlists would deploy across the middle of the table, with the option of occupying the villages and the hills behind. They also have the option of send a flank march on either or both flanks - representing troops stationed on the hills off-table. The Carlists should get some benefit from deploying behind the stone walls. The Cristinos would start with Oráa's vanguard on table. The divisions of Córdova and Lopez would start as off table reserves and must appear on or near the road from the south. They cannot flank march. Carlists
Cristinos
These orders of battle are based on a couple assumptions:
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Campaign Idea: Berrueza ValleyThis is a linked scenario mini-campaign.
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15 Dec 1834: First Battle of Arquijas
The Spanish Liberal army under General Luis Fernández de Córdova pursued the Carlist commander Tomás Zumalacárregui through Navarre and attempted to force the pass at Arquijas, 8 km to the northwest of Mendaza (Saiz, 1999). Córdova detached Oráa with eight battalions (plus guns) to attack the Carlist rear (Duncan, 1997). Oráa progressed unexpectedly slowly and didn't reach his positions until dark, so in the meantime Córdova launched an unsupported attack at the Carlist positions. Córdova took the position, but withdrew to Los Arcos as night approached. Oráa then attacked, but being himself now unsupported, was cut to pieces. Córdova was, as a result of this defeat, replaced by Lorenzo.
See also the Second Battle of Arquijas
Scenario Idea: First Battle of ArquijasMuch the same forces fought at the Battle of Mendaza three days before. Clearly there would be some losses, particularly amongst the Carlists (900 men). .I would reduce the Carlist Orbat by 1 x Regular Line Infantry and 1 x Second Rate Infantry unit. To compensate for the small number of units, the Carlists would have more steep hill features on the table - representing the pass they were defending. As it happens at the Second Battle of Arquijas Zumalacárregui was defending the same location with half the number of troops as his attacker, and still won. This leads me to assume the position was quite strong. Unlike the Battle of Mendaza where the Carlists have the option to flank march, in the scenario only the Cristinos can flank march, and only one division. |
Sometime ?? 1835
In 1835 the National Militia were renamed the National Guard (Cairns, 1994b).
Some time in late 1834 or early 1835 - while Mina commanded in the North - the Carlist chief Eraso destroyed the Cristino regiment of Granada (Duncan, 1997). Granada was a provincial regiment (Aula Militar). A few days later the Carlists defeated General Jauregui (aka El Pastor), the later suffering many losses.
2 Jan 1835: Battle of Ormáiztegui
Following his success at Arquijas, Zumalacárregui took 2,000 men north from Navarre to Guipuzcoa in search of Jauregui's Chapelgorris (Saiz, n.d; Zumalakarregi Museum). The Carlists entered Urretxu but found Jauregui was already in Bergara with General José Carratalá's army. The Liberal commanders Espartero, Lorenzo, Iriarte and Quintana had around 8,000 men nearby and chose to attack in conjunction with Carratalá. On 2 Jan they found Zumalacárregui in the mountains at Ormáiztegui, west of Beasain. In order to halt the Cristino offensive Zumalacárregui decided his army would have to suffer heavy losses (Cairns, 1995a; Saiz, 1999). The Liberals launched constant bayonet attacks, but the Carlists managed to hold on to their position until nightfall. The Carlists fell back to Segura during the night as the Liberals withdrew to Ormaiztegi. Both side lost 500 men. The action continued the next day (Battle of Segura).
Scenario Idea: Battle of Ormáiztegui and Battle of SeguraHmm, this is a challenge. This Cristinos had probably a 6:1 advantage in numbers, yet ultimately the Carlists won. The Cristinos had six brigade commanders ( Espartero, Lorenzo, Iriarte, Quintana, Carratalá, Jauregui) each with about 2,000 men (or four battalions). Zumalacárregui also had a force 2,000 men. To make this a fairer game the Carlists have to have some advantage. Possibilities are:
With some or all of these it might be playable. |
3 Jan 1835: Battle of Segura
The Liberals attacked again the next day but ran out of steam by noon (Zumalakarregi Museum). Jáuregui withdrew to Ordizia and the remainder of the liberals withdrew to Bergara. Zumalacárregui followed closely. Following scattered action the Carlists let the Liberals go. Initially the Liberals claimed a victory, but were eventually forced to admit their defeat.
The actions of 2-3 Jan 1835 saw the Carlists fighting formed, as opposed to as skirmishers, which was a new innovation for them (Cairns, 1995a). When attacking the enemy columns on the march, the Carlists delivered a rolling fire and then a fire by platoons - which surprised an English observer by its regularity and order. At a later period in the battle the 1st Navarrese and Guías de Navarre “opened left and right” to allow the general’s squadron of escorting cavalry to charge through at the gallop, a very considerable feat of drill. Unfortunately, the Príncipe regiment (3rd Line Infantry Regiment; Aula Militar), drawn up three deep, halted them with its fire.
| Combined into the Battle of Ormáiztegui scenario. |
17 Jan 1835: Battle of Orbiso
Zumalacárregui attempted to intercept a Liberal army under General Manuel Lorenzo and Colonel Marcelino Oráa marching towards Maeztu (Saiz, 1999). At Orbiso, Zumalacárregui was driven off at the cost of about 400 men.
| See the Ambush scenario. |
Early Feb 1835
Colonel Ramón Cabrera travelled 320 enemy held km from the Maestrazgo to Don Carlos's headquarters at Huñiga on the Navarrese border with Alava (Chant, 1983). He came away with little except a summons for his superior, Canricer, to appear before the Pretender.
Sometime in Feb Mina sent General Oraa was sent to raise the Carlists siege of Elisondo (Duncan, 1997). Oraa ran into difficulties and Mina had to relieve the town himself in Mar.
5 Feb 1835: Second Battle of Arquijas
In a renewed attack on Carlist commander Tomás Zumalacárregui, Spanish Liberal forces under General Manuel Lorenzo made a second attempt to force the pass at Arquijas, northeast of Logroño in Navarre near Mendaza (Saiz, 1999). With only half as many men, Zumalacárregui inflicted a very costly defeat upon the Liberals.
See also the First Battle of Arquijas.
Scenario Idea: Second Battle of ArquijasAs at the First Battle of Arquijas Zumalacárregui is defending the entrance to the mountain pass. The terrain is very much in his favour. On the other hand Lorenzo has twice the number of troops. |
25 Feb 1835: Convoy from San Mateo to Morella
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
3rd battalion, 19th Regiment of Infantry (Fijo of Ceuta)
25 Feb 1835: Action at Cervera
The Isabelino Regiment of Ceuta (19th Line Infantry Regiment; Aula Militar) suffered a serious defeat in the neighbourhood of Cervera (Sorando, n.d.).
| See the Ambush scenario. |
End of Feb 1835: Los Arcos and Arroniz
Carlists captured Los Arcos (Duncan, 1997)
A few weeks later General Aldana's division was destroyed at Arroniz (Duncan, 1997).
| See the Ambush scenario. |
Mar to Dec 1835: Operations of Peñíscola in the Maestrazgo ()
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
14th Line Infantry Regiment (América)
8 Mar 1835
At this point Cabrera had only 29 men under his command (Duncan, 1997).
Mid-Late Mar 1835: Pamplona Offensive
The Cristino General Espoz y Mina attacked from Pamplona in freezing weather, trying to destroy part of the Carlist army whilst Zumalacárregui was absent (Cairns, 1994a). Although some of his forces fought well, Mina was unable to cope with the extraordinary mobility of the Carlist army and was nearly surrounded. He forged Zumalacárregui’s signature on an order and then passed it to another enemy general, thus managing to extricate his army. .
12 Mar 1835: Mount Larremiar
Marching to relieve Elizondo in northern Navarre, besieged by Carlists under José Miguel Sagastibelza, Spanish Liberal General Francisco Espoz y Mina and 1,500 men came under attack at Mount Larremiar by Carlist commander Tomás Zumalacárregui (12 Mar 1835) (Saiz, 1999). In heavy fighting Mina lost about 300 casualties before he managed to reach Elizondo.
| See the Ambush scenario. |
19 Mar 1835
Followed Carlists took the fort of Echarri-Aranaz (Alcalá, 2006).
Post 12 Mar 1835: Elizondo
Mina raised the siege of Elizondo and in their retreat the Carlists buried two mortars and two howitzers at St. Estevan (Duncan, 1997). Subsequently, Mina followed them to recover the guns. Stopping at the village of Lecaroz, he shot four of the 22 male peasants and burnt the village down. The guns were quickly produced when he threatened other villages with the same fate.
Apr 1835: Valdés replaces Mina
Despite only suffering light losses, Mina’s reputation suffered irreparable harm as a result of the Pamplona Offensive (Cairns, 1994a). Subsequently General Jéronimo Valdés, the Minister of War, replaced Mina as commander in chief in Apr 1835 (Duncan, 1997).
Apr - May 1835: Valdés consolidates
General Valdés initially had at his disposal 7,000 foot and 400 horse (Duncan, 1997). To these he added the three divisions in Pamplona (under Mendez, Vigo, and Gurrea), another 8,000 men. In the first two months of his command General Valdés withdrew his troops from all posts that could not resist artillery. As a result of this and some key military failures listed below (Guernica and Villafranca) the Bastan was in Carlist hands by Jun.
6 Apr 1835: Carnicer shot
In disguise Carnicer, Commandant-General of Aragon, attempted to retrace Cabrera's steps of Feb to see Don Carlos, but was captured at Miranda and shot by the Cristinos (Cairns, 1995c; Chant, 1983). Ramón Cabrera effectively became commander in his place, and soon had his force up to 4,000 infantry and several hundred cavalry. [Alcalá, 2006, suggests Carnicer was shot on 3 Jun 1835, but this is unlikely as Cabrera was already in command by that stage.]
Sometime ?? Apr 1835: Battle of Guernica
Zumalacárregui defeated Valdés at Guernica (Duncan, 1997; although Holt, 1967, says May it had to be Apr as the battle was before the Eliot Convention was signed). Carlist forces subsequently occupied Elizondo, Urdache, Irun, and Estella.
19-24 Apr 1835: Battle of Las Amezcuas
General Jéronimo Valdés, with 20,000 men, reached Euskal Herria then moved on to the Valley of Las Améscoas (or Las Amezcuas) where Zumalacárregui was camped with 5,000 men (Zumalakarregi Museum). Given their numbers, the narrow valley made the liberal's approach difficult. On 21 Apr the Liberals entered Améscoa and Zumalacárregui retreated to San Martín. Taking the town of Eulate, the Liberals burnt the Carlist gunpowder factory there, then headed for the ports of Eulate and Aranarache before finally reaching Urbasa. The Liberal force camped near the Venta de Urbasa, with the Carlists split up in various village in the valley, and only a few piquets to harass the attackers during the night. The following day (22 Apr) the Carlists attacked the Liberals as they descended to the port of Artaza. In a difficult fight the Liberal numbers told, and they pushed their way through towards Estella. With the Carlists in pursuit the journey from Urbasa to Estella along narrow paths was very difficult. Some Liberals arrived in Estella at nightfall, while others took refuge in Abárzuza. During the night the Liberals suffered 50 casualties in a friendly fire incident. They also suffered another 200 wounded and lost 250 prisoners to the Carlists.
Scenario Idea: Battle of Las AmezcuasLike the Ambush scenario but on a grander scale. The Cristino force was strung out so I'd use the 20,000 men for both the marching force and the relief force. Units would be half battalions/regiments. |
Campaign Idea: Valley of Las AméscoasThe whole episode took five days. The aim of the Cristinos is to get through the Valley of Las Améscoas from Euskal Herria to Estella via the port of Artaza. The Carlists are trying to make this difficult, i.e. delay it and inflict casualties. A Matrix Game seems like a good option, providing flexibility in what players can do. |
23 Apr 1835
Ramón Cabrera had his first brush with General Augin Nogueras, leader of Cristino forces in lower Aragon (Alcalá, 2006; Holt, 1967).
27-28 Apr 1835: Eliot Convention
General Valdés on behalf of the Cristino Army of the North (27 Apr) and Zumalacárregui on behalf of their Carlist opposites (28 Apr) signed the Eliot Convention (??). Brokered by the British, this agreement stopped the shooting of prisoners in the Northern sector for a few months but had no effect elsewhere.
May 1835: Maella
Cabrera attacked and pillaged Maella (Duncan, 1997).
1 May 1835: Guernica atrocity
General Serrosa shot the Cristino prisoners from Guernica (Duncan, 1997). Zumalacárregui claimed he didn't have the signed Eliot convention before the massacre occurred.
End of May - 3 Jun 1835: Siege of Villafranca de Oria (Ordizia)Continuing his offensive in Navarre, Carlist commander Tomás Zumalacárregui besieged Villafranca de Oria, southwest of Tolosa (Saiz, 1999). Zumalacárregui wanted to demonstrate that he could take cities, in addition to his field victories (Zumalakarregi Museum - this source gives the city's name as Ordizia, which is presumably Basque). In the event the Carlist's lack of a strong siege train was to hamper their operations. The Liberal garrison fended off the initial attack and waited for reinforcements. Valdés was in Mondragón at the time, Jáuregui left San Sebastián for Tolosa, and Espartero moved from Vizcaya to Vergara. As the Liberals closed in Zumalacárregui intensified the siege so that he could claim victory before the reinforcements arrived. Zumalacárregui sent Gómez to Tolosa to block Jáuregui and Eraso to Urretxu to block Espartero. After Liberal relief forces were driven off at Larrainzar (29 May) and Descarga (2 Jun), Villafranca fell (3 Jun), yielding a massive prize of arms, and the Carlists quickly took Durango, Tolosa and Vergara and advanced on Bilbao. Aside for the capitals, the provinces of Guipuzcoa and Vizcaya were in Zumalacárregui's hands. |
11 May 1835
Carlist offensive began (Alcalá, 2006). Zumalacárregui took Treviño.
29 May 1835: Battle of Larrainzar
In late May 1835 General Valdés sent Colonel Marcelino Oráa with 3,500 men to relieve the Carlist siege of Villafranca de Oria (Duncan, 1997; Saiz, 1999). But on 29 May, at Larrainzar north of Pamplona, Oráa was surprised and routed by a smaller Carlist force under José Miguel Sagastibelza, losing perhaps 500 killed and 500 captured. Apparently the Cristino troops threatened to shoot their own officers when the latter tried to rally them. (Duncan, 1997, says Oraa's defeat occurred at Puerto of Doña Maria.)
| See the Ambush scenario. Units are equivalent of two companies (a cavalry squadron). |
2 Jun 1835: Descarga
On 2 Jun 1835 General Espartero was in Descarga, just east of Vergara, waiting for news from the other Liberal leaders (Duncan, 1997; Saiz, 1999; Zumalakarregi Museum). With no news forthcoming from his commander, General Valdés, and with a heavy storm during night, Espartero ordered a withdraw to Vergara - but things didn't quite go according to plan. Eraso had meanwhile reconnoitred toward Descarga with a group of Vizcayan lancers and Álavese guides (a much smaller force than Espartero's). The Carlists surprised Espartero in camp, scattered his men, and captured 2,000 as the rest retreated to Vergara. The disheartened Liberals retreated on all fronts: Espartero to Bilbao, Valdés to Pamplona and Jáuregui to San Sebastián.
Scenario Idea: Descarga
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3 Jun 1835
Villafranca de Oria surrendered to the Carlists (Alcalá, 2006). Eibar, Durango, Vergara and Ochandiano then fell. Three Carlist battalions under Zumalacárregui captured the 380 Cristinos at Ochandiano (Holt, 1967). The captured regimental band of the Cristinos elected to join the Carlists.
10 Jun – 6 Sep 1835: First siege of BilbaoUnder pressure from Carlos, Zumalacárregui attacked Bilbao on 10 Jun with 14 battalions and 10 guns (Alcalá, 2006; Cairns, 1994a; Holt, 1967; Saiz, 1999; Zumalakarregi Museum). The garrison of 5,000 men and 30 guns under the Count of Mirasol - although the military commander was Colonel José Ozores of the Provincial Regiment of Compostela - won the greatest Cristino victory to date, resisting the siege and killing Zumalacárregui. Zumalacárregui wanted to take the surrounding fortifications before attacking the residential areas of the city, so the siege opened with a bombardment by three mortars and two 18-pounders (14 Jun). The Carlists inflicted more damage on their own lines that those of the liberals, and used up all their ammunition, but did breach the walls. The opportunity, however, was wasted as in the subsequent lull the Cristinos filled the breach. The next day (15 Jun) Zumalacárregui was shot whilst examining the walls with a telescope; he was evacuated and subsequently died (24 Jun). The siege was continued by Juan Benito Eraso, and he ordered the city centre bombed on 16 Jun, hitting houses, churches and hospitals. Liberal reinforcements from San Sebastián and Santander tried to enter Bilbao via Portugalete on the 18 and 24 Jun, but the Carlists kept up the siege and intensified the bombardments. Don Carlos visited the besieging army on 26 Jun and the bombardment continued until 30 Jun. The Carlists lifted the siege (1 Jul) when they were threatened by advancing armies from Miranda and Vitoria under Generals Espartero and Jéronimo Valdés. Five Battalions of the British Auxiliary Legion under General Sir George de Lacy Evans were with the relieving Cristinos. The Cristinos lost 31 dead, 130 wounded and 11 prisoners during the siege. The Carlist casualties are not known, but the loss of Zumalacárregui was a decisive blow. [Zumalakarregi Museum
says the siege was lifted 1 Jul 1835, but one of the other sources says 6 Sep
1835 - must track it down.] |
10 Jun 1835: First siege of Bilbao opens
Zumalacárregui attacked Bilbao on 10 Jun with 14 battalions and 10 guns (Alcalá, 2006; Cairns, 1994a). The guns included 2 x 12 pounder cannon, 1 x 6 pounder cannon, 2 x 4 pounder cannon, 2 x howitzers, and 2 x mortars - not nearly heavily enough to attack a city with. Inside the city, Colonel José Ozores had 5,000 men and 30 guns, including
1 x Battalion from 3rd Light Infantry Regiment (Volunteers of Girona)
2 x Battalions of 4th Light Infantry Regiment (Volunteers of Valencia)
1 x Battalion of Ronda Provincial Regiment
4 x Companies from Compostela Provincial Regiment
2 x companies of Royal Corps of Artillery
1/2 x company of Royal Corps of Sappers
1 x company of Salvaguardas of Vizcaya
1 x company of Urban Artillery of Bilbao
2 x companies of auxiliaries of Bilbao (presumably militia or volunteers)
the company of Urbanos de Begoña
a detachment of the Urbanos of Durango
independent groups from3rd Line Infantry Regiment (Príncipe)
18th Line Infantry Regiment (Almansa; Aula Militar)
Alcazar de San Juan Provincial Regiment
Mondoñedo Provincial Regiment
other units.
15 Jun 1835: Zumalacárregui dies
On the second day of the siege of Bilbao (15 Jun) Zumalacárregui was shot whilst examining the walls with a telescope; he was evacuated and died on 24 Jun (Alcalá, 2006; Holt, 1967; Zumalakarregi Museum).
Subsequently Lieutenant-General Vicente Gonzáles Moreno succeeded Zumalacárregui as leader of the Carlist Army of the North (Cairns, 1994a; Holt, 1967).
20 Jun 1835: Durango Decree
Don Carlos announced that the Elliot Convention did not apply to foreign troops (Cairns, 1995a). Subsequently the Carlists shot prisoners taken from the British and French legions.
24 Jun 1835 - 37: The Carlist Expeditions
24 Jun 1835
General Valdés resigned as Cristino Commander in Chief (Duncan, 1997). General Saarsfield declined the post and as a result General Córdova assumed the mantle of command in the north.
10 Jul 1835
First detachments of the British Auxiliary Legion - 400-500 men of the 1st Regiment in the Royal Tor steamship - arrived in San Sebastián in Spain (Holt, 1967). Although a force of largely inexperienced officers and raw recruits, this force was expected by some to turn the fate of the war. By Oct the entire force - 9,600 men and 400 officers under General Evans - had arrived in northern Spain (Santander, Bilbao and San Sebastián).
14 Jul 1835
The province of Viscaya was exhausted as a result of the failed siege of Bilbao so the Carlists marched their army out of the province, across the plain of Alava, to Estella where the Navarrese battalions - the strongest in the army - were at home (Wikipedia: Batalla de Mendigorria). The Cristinos were also on the march, travelling via Orduña to Vitoria. General Córdova then heard of the Carlist presence at Estella and headed via a circuitous route. The liberals marched through Peñacerrada, Logroño, crossed the Ebro at the bridge of Lodossa, then Sesma and Lerín before reaching Estella. As the army by the carasol of Montejurra they discovered the Carlists had abandoned Estella, crossed the river Arga into Cristino territory, and occupied Mendigorría to the southeast. It was obvious to Córdova that Moreno was offering battle; the Liberal general accepted the challenge and turned towards the East.
On 14 Jul 1835 they arrived at Larraga, 8 km south of Mendigorría (Wikipedia: Batalla de Mendigorria).
16 Jul 1835: Battle of Mendigorría
On 16 Jul 1835 the Cristinos (General Córdova) attacked the Carlists (General Moreno) at Mendigorría (Alcalá, 2006; Cairns, 1994a; Duncan, 1997; Saiz, 1999; Wikipedia: Batalla de Mendigorria). Larraga is 8 km south of Mendigorría along the Arga river. Between the two villages the river flows along a fertile valley about 500 m in width. The river itself was 50-80 m wide with gentle banks. The western bank rises to the mountains, but on the eastern bank, after about 20 m, an undulating plain begins which extends to a third village, Artajona in the east. Three bridges crossed the river in this area. North of Mendigorría the Cristinos had fortified and garrisoned the Bridge of La Reina. A narrow bridge was a kilometre to the south of Mendigorría (to Cirauqui). A wider bridge was a kilometre to the north of Larraga. According to Zumalakarregi Museum this battle was unique in the First Carlist War - the suggestion being that it was the largest. The Liberals had 15,000 Infantry and 800 cavalry, compared to the Carlists with 14,000 men in total. Don Carlos was in Mendigorria at the time and his army was deployed on the outskirts. The liberals attacked in four divisions under Espartero (left flank), Santiago, Froilán Méndez Vigo, and Gurrea. Córdova personally commanded in the centre. The Cristinos approached along the roads from Larraga and Artajona. The liberal right took Corona hill and repulsed a Carlist counter-attack. The fight in the centre was more tenacious, but the Cristinos finally prevailed. The Carlists could not withdraw easily as they had the river Arga behind them with only the bridge to Cirauqui to retreat across. The Carlist retreat was chaotic but they were protected by the Alavese division under Brigadier Villarreal; the Alavese held the bridge as Don Carlos and and most of the Carlist troops escaped. The Cristinos did not press their advantage; the Carlists could have been routed had not Córdova failed to launch the necessary cavalry charge at the end of the battle. Having said that Don Carlos was almost captured by Cristino cavalry in the chaotic retreat. In bloody fighting which had lasted seven hours Córdova lost perhaps 1,000 casualties, but Moreno lost 1,500-2,000. As a result of this defeat Moreno's men almost murdered him. In contrast Córdova became the Marquis of Mendigorría and the morale of his army was improved by the victory.
It is worth having a quick look at the Google Map of Mendigorría.
According to Juanvi: Regimientos de Infantería some or all of these regiments were present:
2nd Line Infantry Regiment (Reina)
10th Line Infantry Regiment (Córdoba)
[Zumalakarregi Museum says 16 Jul 1836, but Cairns (1994a) says 16 Jul 1835. The later is more logical given Moreno was no longer in command in 1836. Zumalakarregi Museum also says the Liberals had 36,000 men and the Carlists 24,000, but these seem particularly high numbers. One of the sources mentions the Larraga bridge as the route of retreat, but that bridge was 6 or 7 km to the south through the Cristino lines, so unlikely as a route of escape, and certainly didn't lead to Cirauqui which is mentioned explicitly in Wikipedia: Batalla de Mendigorria. The plan of battle shows the nearest bridge was just behind the Carlist lines. ]
Scenario Idea: Mendigorría
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Sometime ?? Aug 1835
In early Aug 1835 Don Carlos named the Virgin Mary (Our Lady of the Sorrows) as commander-in-chief (Generalissimo) of his armies (Holt, 1967).
At this time General Córdova had 14,000 men dispersed over a wide front (Duncan, 1997). The Carlists in contrast were more concentrated. Ituralde had the Navarese at Puente la Reyna. Moreno and Don Carlos were at Orduña.
Also in Aug 1835, Cabrera won two victories (Duncan, 1997). He defeated a Cristino column under Decriff and gained another victory near Vineroz.
18 Aug 1835: Action at Segorbe
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
3rd battalion, 19th Regiment of Infantry (Fijo of Ceuta)
8 Aug 1835: Guergué Expedition
The Carlist Brigadier Guergué advanced into Aragon with 2,500 Infantry, 100 cavalry and 2 guns (Alcalá, 2006; Holt, 1967). He then proceeded to Catalonia to encourage the local chieftains. Duncan (1997) mentions a Carlist force under Elio trying to raise Aragon and Catalonia at this time, and I suspect the two forces are the same. The Cristino General Gurrea was sent in pursuit.
17 Aug 1835: French Foreign Legion - Los Argelinos
The French Foreign Legion, called Los Argelinos by the Spanish, landed at Taragona (Cairns, 1994b; Holt, 1967; Windrow, 1981). Under General Joseph Bernelle they engaged the Carlists in Catalonia and Aragon (Duncan, 1997, says 3,000 and that they arrived at the end of Oct 1835).
Around this time, another French unit called the Volunteers of Paris were recruited and dispatched to Spain (Holt, 1967). This might be the 1,000 Frenchmen that Duncan (1997) says crossed into Spain. They were disbanded within weeks due to lack of food and money.
18 Aug 1835: Rubielos de Mora
Ramón Cabrera took the small Cristino fort at Rubielos de Mora (Alcalá, 2006; Chant, 1983). The 65 surviving defenders (mostly National Guards, but some regulars) surrendered on Cabrera's word that their lives would be spared - they weren't.
30 Aug 1835: Skirmish at Hernani
Unhappy at his task of guarding San Sebastián, General Evans won the approval of Generals Alava and Jáuregui for an immediate attack on Hernani (Holt, 1967; Spiers, 1983; Duncan, 1997, says 29 Aug). At the time the Carlist forces were split, with five battalions before San Sebastián, five before Bilbao, and another five at Hernani under General Gómez. Evans led eight battalions (four British and four Spanish) against the Carlists. Gómez successfully defended his position, killing six and wounding twenty of the Legion. Several legionaries were captured and shot under the terms of the Durango Decree.
Sep 1835: Defence of Cervera
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
Two companies of the 3rd battalion, 19th Regiment of Infantry (Fijo of Ceuta)
7 Sep 1835: Los Arcos
The Cristino's defeated a Navarese force under Ituralde at Los Arcos (Duncan, 1997).
11 Sep 1835: Skirmish at Orduña
9,000 Cristinos under Generals Espeleta and Espartero marched out of Bilbao with the aim of capturing the Carlist base at Orduña (Duncan, 1997; Spiers, 1983). 3,000 men under Count Mirasol and General Evans, and including six British battalions, covered the Cristino left flank. Within hours they encountered Carlist fire, and found the main bridges and passes strongly defended. Espeleta withdrew Mirasol’s covering force, then ordered the withdrawal of the main body. This exposed Espartero’s division which was routed.
Sep 1835 - Sep 1837: Portuguese Auxiliary DivisionOn 24 Sep 1835 Portugal agreed to send an auxiliary division to Spain to help in the fight again Don Carlos (Cronologia do Liberalismo). Don Carlos's arrival back in Spain had lent energy to the First Carlist War and the Portuguese Liberals felt obligated to fulfil the obligations of the Quadruple Alliance, and return the favour to the Spanish Liberals for their help during the recent Liberal War in Portugal (Vieira, 2004). As a result a Portuguese Auxiliary Division was sent to Spain to fight the Carlists (Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha). This three brigade force eventually contained 6,000 foot and 750 horse (Cairns, 1994b; Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha). The division was recruited from the best regular units, although one unit, the “Caçadores do Porto”, was said to have been made up of adventurers of all nations left over from Portugal’s recent civil war. Included at least one regiment of well-equipped lancers. The division fought along the Ebro and near Vitoria for two years, finally returning in Sep 1837 (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). |
24 Sep 1835: Portuguese Auxiliary Division
Queen Regent Cristina Maria of Spain (on behalf of her infant daughter Isabel II), and D. Maria II of Portugal, signed a treaty to guarantee Portuguese military aid against Don Carlos in Spain, in accordance with the Treaty of the Quadruple Alliance (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
The exiled Portuguese absolutists also wanted to continue the fight for what they believed in and supported by their leader, Dom Miguel, joined Don Carlos forces (Vieira, 2004). This way, many Portuguese came from Portugal (where absolutist guerrillas were still active), England, France and Italy to join the Carlist ranks. The Portuguese in the Carlist Army even formed a Company commanded by the captain António Teles Jordão. Besides many soldiers there were also several Portuguese officers loyal to Dom Miguel in the Carlist Army.
Sometime ?? Oct 1835
The Count of Casa Eguía superseded General Moreno as commander of the Carlist Army of the North (Holt, 1967).
By this time Mina had been appointed Cristino Captain-General in Catalonia (Duncan, 1997).
18 Oct 1835
Brigadier General Baron Das Antas led the vanguard of the Portuguese Auxiliary Division into Spain. (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). Once the rest of the division joined them the vanguard became the 3rd Brigade (Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha). Brigadier General Santa Marta, Baron do Vale, commanded the division as a whole (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas; Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha).
Oct 1835 – Jan 1836: Offensive of Arlabán
The Cristinos (General Córdova) conducted a less than totally successful winter offensive at Arlabán supported by British Auxiliary Legion (??).
25 Oct 1835: Angües
The French Foreign Legion is not able to stop Guergué at Angües (Alcalá, 2006).
26 Oct 1835: Aoiz
The Cristinos total overcome the Carlist Cavalry at Aoiz (Alcalá, 2006).
27 Oct 1835: Guevara
Carlists under the Count de Casa Eguia defeat a liberal army at Guevara (Alcalá, 2006).
29 Oct – 7 Nov 1835
General Córdova ordered General Evans and the Legion into the interior to support his blockade of the Carlists (Holt, 1967; Spiers, 1983). Córdova directed Evans to march his troops via the Durango road to a new base at Vitoria. Evans refused to obey as this route lay through the Carlist heartland. Instead Evans took a longer route skirting the enemy held areas, going via Portugalette, Castro, Limpias, Frias, Briviesca and Miranda de Ebro a distance of nearly 240 km.
Sometime ?? Nov 1835
The Portuguese Auxiliary Division entered Spain (Duncan, 1997). A single brigade entered first, followed by two others (Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha). In total there were 6,000 foot and 750 horse (Cairns, 1994b; Duncan, 1997, says they had 8,000 men).
10 Nov 1835
In Portugal Saldanha punished the officers who refused to join the Portuguese Auxiliary Division in Spain (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
11 Nov 1835: Action at Cabanes
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
3rd battalion, 19th Regiment of Infantry (Fijo of Ceuta)
Also on 11 Nov 1835 Don Carlos appointed Ramón Cabrera (acting) Carlist Commandant-General in lower Aragon (Alcalá, 2006; Duncan, 1997; Chant, 1983; Holt, 1967). Chant says this was because of Cabrera's earlier destruction of a Cristino division at Ulldecona, close to Tortosa. [Actually Chant says Cabrera became Marichal de Campo as a result of his victory at Ulldecona, effectively making him field commander in Aragon; but Chant doesn't mention a date.]
17 Nov 1835
The cavalry of the Portuguese Auxiliary Division left Lisbon for Spain (Cronologia do Liberalismo). A group of about 200 officers congregated in Alcântara and asked the queen to cancel the punishment of the officers who had refused to go to Spain. This uprising led to the fall of the government.
29 Nov 1835
Llauder replaced Espoz Mina in Catalonia (Alcalá, 2006).
Late Nov – 3 Dec 1835: Brits to Vitoria
After a three-week rest, and to cover a move by Córdova in the direction of Aragon, General Evans took the British Auxiliary Legion to Vitoria (Holt, 1967). The advance guard arrived on 3 Dec. Many of the Legion died in the period since Oct due to cold, inadequate food, and sickness (Spiers, 1983).
12 Dec 1835: Decimation of the Chapelgorris
General Espartero had 10 randomly selected Chapelgorris (literally Red Caps, but more formally known as the Volunteers of Guipuzcoa) shot supposedly in retaliation for some misbehaviour committed previously by the unit, but really to engender favour at court (??).
Dec 1835
At this point Cabrera had 3,416 infantry and 218 cavalry under his command (Duncan, 1997). He won a victory near Catalayud.
Early Jan 1836
In early Jan 1836 Carlists ambushed and destroyed a Cristino regiment and a company of National Militia escorting mail from Barcelona to Madrid (Holt, 1967).
9 Jan 1836: Action at The Jana
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
1st battalion, 2nd Line Infantry Regiment (Reina)
Sometime ?? Jan 1836
In Jan 1836 Cabrera surprised a Cristino force near Tortosa and inflicted heavy casualties, then defeated them again a few days later (Duncan, 1997).
Also in Jan 1836 the French Foreign Legion transferred to the Basque country to operate in conjunction with the British Auxiliary Legion (Duncan, 1997).
6 Jan 1836
107 Carlist prisoners were massacred at Barcelona in revenge for some 170 Cristino prisoners killed earlier (Chant, 1983; Holt, 1967).
Around this time the Carlists had 20 Battalions at Guebarra Castle and around Salvatierra (Duncan, 1997).
15-19 Jan 1836: First Battle of ArlabánIn a fresh advance in Navarre, the Liberal General Córdova marched northeast from Vitoria against the Carlists on the heights of Arlaban (Holt, 1967; Duncan, 1997; Saiz, 1999; Spiers, 1983; Somerville, 1995; Zumalakarregi Museum). This was the largest engagement over the winter and was largely inconclusive. Egia commanded the Carlist troops, aided by Brigadier Bruno de Villarreal. The Cristino army advanced in three columns:
After two days of tough fighting (16-17 Jan) the situation was largely unchanged (Zumalakarregi Museum). The Liberals had taken Legutiano and Alto de Arlabán but retuned to Vitoria on 18 Jan. There were 300 casualties in Carlist lines and 600 on the Liberal side. [I'm a little unclear on the chronology of this battle. Zumalakarregi Museum says the fighting took place on 16-17 Jan, but other authors mention fighting over a longer period of time.] |
15 Jan 1836: First Battle of Arlabán
General Córdova's force encountered Carlists on a Venta 800 m beyond Ulibarri Gamboa on the road to France, and tried to dislodge them (Duncan, 1997). The forces engaged started small, but rapidly escalated as reinforcements joined the battle. Soon Córdova had committed his entire available force: a Spanish Brigade of three battalions and two battalions of the French Foreign Legion. The Cristinos pushed over a succession of wooded ridges until they took the highest point after midnight (Somerville, 1995). [Note: Somerville puts this action on 15 Jan but Duncan puts it a day later.]
General Evans advanced in the direction of Salvatierra and encountered four Carlist battalions including one occupying the village of Mendijur (Somerville, 1995). The British drove the defenders out of the village but eventually Evan's recalled his troops. The Carlists responded by pushing forward half a battalion of skirmishers in a wood, however the Grenadier company of the British 3rd Regiment drove them out at the point of the bayonet. Night put an end to the contest.
The British 2nd Lancers - attached to a Cristino Brigade - found themselves surrounded by Carlist cavalry, artillery and infantry (Somerville, 1995). The Lancers twice charged the Carlist Infantry, and on their third charge broke a unit of Carlist cavalry and rode through the disordered infantry behind. Not content with evading the trap, the Lancers then reformed and charged back to capture an artillery piece. Following this some Cristino battalions moved up and the Carlists withdrew.
Meanwhile General Espartero advanced on the Bilbao road and although engaged countered little opposition (Somerville, 1995).
16 Jan 1836: First Battle of Arlabán
The Carlists facing Córdova's force had been reinforced over night and attacked his five battalions, attempting to gain some advantage before Espartero moved up (Duncan, 1997). Espartero, however, managed to reach the embattled force, and as evening approached the Carlists began to withdraw to Oñate. On the night of 16-17 Jan Córdova withdrew his own and Espartero's force. Unfortunately the massager he sent General Evans failed to get through.
The British 3rd Regiment had a "sharp" fight with a battalion of Carlists (Somerville, 1995). A running guerilla fight for some hours, with both side firing heavily and the 3rd conducting 2 or 3 charges. Although other units were available, General Evans declined to commit more than one regiment to face this body of Carlists. By night fall the Carlists had been driven off and the 3rd were withdrawn back to the main British positions.
19 Jan 1836: First Battle of Arlabán
After some days of snow, frost, and hunger the Cristinos withdrew to their original positions near Vitoria (??). The Carlist General Villareal followed them up and retook Mendijur. Losses on both sides had been about 300 (Duncan, 1997). Duncan says the British Auxiliary Legion fought well, and singles out the rifles and an unspecified Scottish regiment for praise.
23 Jan 1836: Bridge of Alcance
Cabrera wins at the bridge of Alcance (Alcalá, 2006).
29 Jan - 4 Feb 1836
In an attempt to block supplies into Alava, General Córdova, with the French Foreign Legion, set out for Pamploma (arrived 4 Feb) (Duncan, 1997). General Evans was sent to Trurino and General Espartero to Pena Cerrada.
Meanwhile the Carlists captured a number of small Cristino garrisons along the coast, including Balmaseda, Mercadillo, Plencia, and Lequitio (Duncan, 1997).
Sometime ?? Feb 1836: British merge regiments
2nd English and 5th Scottish Regiments of the British Auxiliary Legion were merged into other units due to losses (Holt, 1967; Somerville, 1995). These were not necessarily combat losses, as 4,706 men of the 7,000 men in the Legion were admitted to hospital during their stay in Vitoria over the previous winter (Spiers, 1983).
Feb 1836
The Portuguese Auxiliary Division was reorganised into two columns (Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha). Brigadier General Baron Das Antas commanded the first column of 3,000 men (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas)
9 Feb 1836: Carlist Winter Offensive
9 Feb saw the start of the Carlists Winter offensive (Alcalá, 2006). Balmaceda fell.
15 Feb 1836: Cabrera's mother shot
Ramón Cabrera's mother was executed in Tortosa (Chant, 1983; Alcalá, 2006, says 11 Feb 1836).
End of Feb 1836
General Córdova appointed General Evans to command the left wing of the army of operations (Duncan, 1997). This included 14 battalions under Espartero, four battalions under Espeleta, and the British Auxliary Legion itself. 12,000 infantry and 500 cavalry in total.
Mar 1836: Garrison of Segorbe
Order of Battle from Aula Militar: Un siglo de presencia militar en nuestra provincia (1833-1936):
19th Regiment of Infantry (Fijo of Ceuta)
21st Provincial Regiment (Santiago)
Mar 1836
General Bernelle formed a battery and 3 squadrons of lancers from existing personnel of the French Foreign Legion (Windrow, 1981).
5 Mar 1836: Battle of Orduña
Campaigning northwest from Vitoria in Navarre, Spanish Liberal commander Baldomero Espartero advanced on Orduña where he was met by Carlist forces under Generals Joaquín Elío and Simon de La Torre (??; Alcalá, 2006; Cairns, 1994a). In heavy fighting on the plains the Carlists suffered a decisive defeat and retreated northeast towards Bilbao, but a snow-storm prevented Espartero marching in pursuit (Cairns describes this victory as "elegant").
12 Mar 1836
The Portuguese Auxiliary Division, or possibly just the column under Baron Das Antas, took part in the taking of Valmacela, and in the action of Castle of Pedra and Venda Mal Abugro (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). For his part in these actions Das Antas was awarded the cross of S.Fernando by the Spanish government.
24 Mar 1836: First Battle of Zubiri
Sent to support the Spanish Government, the French Foreign Legion under General Bernelle attacked Carlists threatening the garrison at Zubiri, northeast of Pamplona near Larrasoaña (Saiz, 1999). Fighting in heavy snow the Carlists were driven off with over 100 casualties, and 30 prisoners executed as a reprisal.
12 Apr 1836
The British Auxiliary Legion sallied from San Sebastian, killing the Carlist general Sagastibelza (Alcalá, 2006). The Carlists raises the blockade of the city. I assume this was an advance guard of the British, given Somerville, 1995, claims the majority arrived in San Sebastian in the period 19-21 Apr 1836.
15 Apr 1836
Lord John Hay, the Commodore of the Naval Squadron assigned to support the Spanish government, landed the first regular British forces in Spain (Duncan, 1997; Holt, 1967). 143 marines and 5 men from the Royal Marine Artillery Marines were assigned to garrison Portugalete. Hay's land force was later expanded to include a full Royal Marine Battalion (under Major John Owen), more Royal Marine artillery, and small detachments of Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers.
Early 1836: Batanero's raid
The renegade priest Batanero led 260 well equipped Carlist cavalry from Vizcaya across the Ebro into Old Castile (Holt, 1967; Chant says 250 men). Despite the Cristino troops sent to intercept him, he got within striking distance of Segovia and La Granja before returning to Vizcaya.
Sometime ?? Summer 1836
The first battalion from the second French Foreign Legion arrived in Spain as reinforcements for the old Legion (Windrow, 1981).
19-21 Apr 1836
The majority of the British Auxiliary Legion arrived in San Sebastián (from Vitoria) (Somerville, 1995).
25 Apr 1836: Battle of Tirapegui
Recovering from a repulse at Zubiri, Spanish Carlists resumed their assault on the French Foreign Legion garrison at nearby Larrasoaña (Saiz, 1999; Windrow). In 5-6 hours of action on the overlooking heights of Tirapegui, the French 4th and 5th battalions inflicted costly losses on a greatly superior Carlist force (possibly five times their size), before withdrawing into Larrasoaña. [Windrow says 26 Apr.]
Sometime ?? May 1836
Carlists under Cabrera's subordinate Quilez defeated a Cristino force under Valdez near Bañon (Duncan, 1997). The captured Cristino officers where shot and 1,500 other prisoners joined Cabrera.
5 May 1836: Battle of Ayetta / Hernani
General Evans’ army of 4,500-5,000 British and 1,500-3,600 Spanish attacked the Carlist positions outside San Sebastián; Evans' aim was to lift the siege, thus allowing operations against Hernani (Holt, 1967; Saiz, 1999; Somerville, 1995; Spiers, 1983; Zumalakarregi Museum). Evan's fielded the British Auxiliary Legion less the entire 4th Regiment of the British Auxiliary Legion and six companies of the 8th who were still in transit from Santander. The Spanish included the Zaragosa regiment (12th Line Infantry Regiment; Aula Militar), the Segovia and Oviedo Provincial Regiments (the latter under Colonel Don Belloso), the Chapelgorris, and a company of National Guards.
Some 3-7,000 Carlists with at least 5 pieces of artillery under General Segastibelza were established in three lines of fortifications around San Sebastián (Somerville, 1995). The Carlist positions extended from the river Urimea just to the east of San Sebastián to 3 km westward of the city where a deep valley opened into the sea. The first line of fortifications was about 800 m from the city and the other two were on the San Bartolomeo heights above with Fort Lugariz being the final bastion of the Carlist defences. The Carlists positions linked natural defences (primarily steep hills and ditches) with stone walls, barricades, breastworks, and several fortified buildings and villages. The main road to Hernani - which went through the Carlist positions - was barricaded in several places.
Evans assaulted in three columns, before daybreak (4 am) in wet and muddy conditions due to a weeks rain (Somerville, 1995). Shaw and his Irish Brigade (7th, 9th, and 10th) attacked the Carlist centre. The Light Brigade under Brigadier-General Reid (Rifles, 3rd, 6th and Chapelgorris; Zaragosa and Oviedo Regiments, National Guards) was on the left/east, attacking toward the Urumea River. Brigadier-General Chichester’s Brigade (1st, two companies of the 8th, plus 800 Spaniards including the Segovia Provincial Regiment) was on the right/west; they were to march along the shore and turn the enemies left flank.
Evan's had ordered the men not to fire and the Carlist front line fell quickly to the bayonets of the Light and Irish Brigades (Somerville, 1995). Carlists, who retreated to Lugaritz, Munto and Puio (Zumalakarregi Museum). The 7th Irish