This is a Liberators HOTT scenario for the Battle of Tucuman 24-25 September 1812; the deciding battle in the War of Argentine Independence.
Historical Situation
Setting: San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina; 24-25 September 1812
The Royalists are trying to destroy a smaller and dejected Patriot army retreating in front of them. This will open the road to Buenos Aires and enable the restoration of royal authority throughout the Viceroyalty. Unexpectedly the Patriot general, Belgrano, decides to make a stand at San Miguel de Tucumán. The Royalist general, Tristan, choses to outflank Tucuman and approach from the south-west. Belgrano spots the manoeuvre in time and manages to redeploy just in the nick of time. The battle is fought just outside the city.
See also my full description of the Historical Battle.
Map/Terrain
The table is 4′ x 4′ with Big Bases and 2′ x 2′ with small bases. This is Map 1b of the three options from my notes on Wargaming the Battle of Tucuman.
The key features are:
- The edge of the city of Tucuman. Tucuman is the defender’s Stronghold in HOTT terms.
- The Campo de las Carreras. This was an area of “rough and uneven terrain” but seemed to have no effect on the battle so I would only represent it for visual effect.
- Two dirt roads leading to the city.
Patriots (Defending)
Deploys first and takes second turn.
Objective
Destroy the Royalists.
Forces Available
Patriot Order of Battle
- 1 x General @ 0 (General Manuel Belgrano)
- 3 x Infantry/Shooters @ 2 (Pardos & Morenos Battalion; 6th Regiment; Cazadores Battalion)
- 4 x Cavalry/Riders @ 2 (Militia; Tucuman; 2 x Patria Drogoons)
- 1 x Artillery @ 4 (4 x 4 lb)
- 1 x Stronghold @ 0 (the city of Tucuman)
- AP = 16; Break Point = 8
Deployment
Deploy first in the blue box.
Reinforcements
None.
Royalists (Attacking)
Deploy second and takes first turn.
Objective
Destroy the Patriots.
Forces Available
Royalist Order of Battle
- 1 x General @ 0 (Brigadier General Domingo Pio Tristan)
- 5 x Infantry/Shooter @ 2 (Abancay Battalion; Cotabamba Battalion; Royal Lima Battaion; Paruro Battalion; Fernando VII and Chicas Militia)
- 2 x Cavalry/Riders @ 2
- 1 x Artillery @ 4 (A fraction of the 13 x 4 lb with the supply train)
- 1 x Mob/Horde @ 1 (Supply Train)
- AP = 18; Break Point = 8
Deployment
Deploy second in the red box.
Reinforcements
None.
Victory Conditions
First side to destroy enemy 8 AP or the enemy general wins.
The onus is on the Royalists to attack. So if neither side destroys the enemy army, then the Patriots win.
Scenario Specific Rules
Use my Liberators HOTT Rules including “Straight HOTT” and these recommended house rules:
- Better artillery
- Infantry column
- Infantry square
- Dead hordes are dead
- Attachable Generals – which is why they are not given a HOTT troop type
In addition the Royalist Supply Train is simulated by a Horde and comes with some special rules
- Although Hordes are normally only 1 AP to buy the Supply Train is 2 AP to reflect the distress if lost
- “Defeat” in combat by the Supply Train does not indicate the enemy is recoiled or destroyed, merely that they are occupied in looting so other wise unavailable.
Notes
Historically the Patriots looted the Royalist supply train so I thought it worth including some special rules to cover this.
The Royalists were tired when they reached the field of battle. I’ve simulated this, slightly, by making the Royalist and Patriot breakpoints equal despite the fact the Royalist army is marginally bigger.
The Campo de las Carreras was an area of “rough and uneven terrain”. I’ve opted to include this solely for visual effect. But if you want to give it a game effect then this area has to be “Bad Going” in HOTT terms. Note: Baggage train and artillery should not be able to move in bad going unless along a road.
Alternative Map
Originally I thought of fighting the battle without Tucuman on-table. So if you’d prefer that option here is the map.
References
Fletcher, J. (2005). Liberators! Volume 1: The War in the South. Grenadier Productions.