Wellington at Bay: The Battle of Villamuriel, 25 October 1812 (From Reason to Revolution)

Having been a writer and researcher of Napoleonic actions and had several magazine articles published, I was impressed by the fact this title shows the amount of research and contradicting viewpoints and accounts that a researcher, writer or wargamer can discover and come up against. The details and history offered about the various units and characters involved, along with various extracts of the action and descriptions of the actual battlefield, provides plenty, if not all the information needed, should wargamers consider recreating this action. The title also contains extensive footnotes and Bibliography, which in turn offers the direction the reader can go should they want to access the various sources employed. The title shows that had the British failed to push the French back across the river Carrion at Viilamuriel, they may well have been in serious trouble and outflanked, considering the French had managed to cross north and south of the battlefield. The action is basically only part of the overall action and attempt by the French at stopping Wellington's retreat but shows that it was an important part and one that eventually enabled Wellington to continue his retreat. Hopefully there will be publication of more titles like this covering smaller but equally important actions.

Very detailed study of the battle with chapters covering the build up and aftermath to put it in context with the Burgos campaign. The depth of research into the units combat experience and casualties is incredible. A chapter on wargaming the actions gives three scenarios to play out, covering the entire action. Crista Hook art work , 12 maps and photographs of the battle field support the text. The 11 page bibliography shows the extent of the research conducted by the author. Finally, I enjoyed reading about 'customary battle array' - unit precedence and 'posts of honour' and the confirmation of the existence of Brigade light infantry battalions, two subjects that are not often covered.