Fleurus, 29 August 1622

The Spanish Army

CinC: Cordoba

Mansfeld’s Army

CinC: Mansfeld

The Objective

During the siege, by the Spanish of the fortress of Bergen-op-Zoom Mansfeld’s army was hired by the Dutch to try and drive off the Spanish. Cordoba was dispatched to intercept the approaching mercenaries.

The Outcome

After a long and bloody battle in which many Germans were killed trying to break through, Brunswick’s cavalry finally managed to push back the Spanish cavalry allowing Mansfeld’s battered army to push past Cordoba’s force.

A view of the Spanish battle line, Gauchier’s command can be seen in the foreground, supported by detached shot in the fields. Tercio’s and artillery provide the main battle line with one in reserve.

A view of Mansfeld’s army. Infantry and artillery make up the main battle line with large cavalry forces on each wing, Brunswick’s cavalry can be seen in the foreground.

Brunswick ’s cavalry starts to make its attack, Mansfeld’s infantry marching up in support. However there are already gaps opening up in the line and the infantries flanks look dangerously exposed.

The first wave of German horse breaks into Gauchier’s cavalry wing sending several units recoiling back, however, the German horse is not well supported and are unable to exploit the advantage.

De Sylva’s Walloon cavalry makes a dramatic attack against Mansfeld’s exposed flank routing off one infantry regiment and compelling others to consider the threat from this new direction.

De Sylva’s cavalry is contacted whilst reforming after its attack by units of German horse from Steiff’s command which have responded rapidly to this threat. The Walloon cavalry have been wrong footed and suffer considerable damage from the enemy pistol fire.

Despite fierce pressure Gauchier’s horse superbly supported by nearby shot detachments manage to drive off the first wave of Brunswick’s horse.

Unable to return to the safety of their own lines De Sylva’s cavalry routs off with large bodies of German horse from Steiff’s command in pursuit, the Spanish have lost their right wing.

On the Spanish left wing, more of Brunswick’s cavalry can be seen preparing to launch another attack, this time supported by Mansfeld’s foot. The central battle line of the Spanish remains largely unengaged, but the Spanish right has been lost. The Battle of Fleurus is over, the Spanish withdraw to allow the Mansfeld’s battered force through.

RETURN TO BATTLES