Battle of Lubino (Valutino) : 19th August 1812

This week saw another ‘big’ Napoleonic battle out in the shed with the French facing off against the Russians. After a little research I came across the Battle of Lubino which neatly fit our collections and gave a potentially interesting tactical battle. 

In a nut shell the french are chasing the Russians, Ney attempts to pin them but Barclay De Tolly takes up an excellent defensive position. If Junot had bothered to enter the battle the french May have secured a significant win but without them Ney struggled to outnumber or out manoeuvre the Russians who held their position long enough to get away.

A number of helpful maps can be located on the web and there is a useful scenario with some OB which can be adapted.

Our set up, very much historical with the Russian division on the ridge with reserves being brought forward to defend the position. You’ll note I reduced the streams down by one given the space needed in 28mm. One key feature of the battle seems to be the marshy ground meant that the significantly superior french cavalry couldn’t really make an impact. To give a feel of this the marshy areas and woods are difficult terrain for the cavalry which also can’t reform in those areas bringing down their effectiveness. the french objective is the tow which would block any further retreat for the Russians.

No point hanging about Ney pushes forward his leading infantry knowing that he will need space to bring on reserves and it will only get harder to take the ridge.

The Russians defenders open up on the attackers and start to bring up reserves across the stream

French light cavalry face off against Cossacks across the marshy ground

Ney brings forward his first wave of reserves, whilst the leading French start to move up onto the ridge

French dragoons arrive but are also forced to move to the right where the marshy ground will restrict them

The french infantry now assault across the ridge and start to drive the defenders back

The light cavalry clashes across the boggy ground, eventually the Cossacks get the best of it

The spectacle of the french infantry advancing to battle

The thin Russian line starts to break up, but there is not enough space for the french to bring their superior numbers to bear

The french start to drive over the ridge, the Russians bring some light Uhlans forward to hold the flank, the Russians have also managed after several delays to bring forward their final reserves into Lubino, they are just in time

French heavy cavalry from Murats corps arrive and move onto the ridge

The dragoons now seek revenge agains the Cossacks in the marsh

The Russian reserves take up a defensive position on the second ridge

They watch their compatriots being driven back into the stream

The french heavies see off the Uhlans but then fail to make any further progress failing to activate !

The french are still pushing forward with a number of regiments now crossing the second stream

The battle is finely balanced……..

The final Russians in the valley are chased off but the assault up to the village will be a tough business

The leading French make a final drive up the hill but are beaten back by the Grenadiers, the defensive position is now too strong for the remaining french in the time they have

On the right flank the french cavalry has finally made it through the marsh but it is too late and with the french heavy cavalry stubbornly refusing to move off the hill, we called the battle as a win for the Russians as they had held out long enough.

A fun battle and the scenario played out really well giving both sides lots of challenges. We may try this one again in the future ?

Not much painting but I have finished a couple of basic buildings which I picked up off eBay.

A second barn as well

Another day walking out in the Lakes

That’s it for now…..thanks as always for checking in

Matt❤️