June 21st 1529 Battle of Landriano Wargame Scenario

From 1494 until 1559, the Italian wars raged across central Europe. Two major powers, France and Spain, each claimed the various Italian Kingdoms. In 1529, the French were near defeat, and the decisive engagement at Landirano ended the French efforts until 1536.

French
Comte de Saint-Pol
12,000 soldiers and cavalry

Holy Roman Empire and Spain
Antonio de Leyva
16,000 soldiers and cavalry.

Wargame.

It is tough to research to get an exact order of battle, but I would recommend using the following: the list gives you a cavalry-heavy list vs an infantry-heavy list.

French Army; 134

4 Units of Capagnie d’Ordonnance (heavy cavalry) 32
3 Units of Ordonannce Archers (lancers) 12
2 Units of Stradiots (scout cavalry) 8
2 Units of Argoulets (melee cavalry) 8
6 Units of Aventuriers (skirmishers) 18
6 Units of Bandes Francaises (Pike and Shot) 48
2 Medium Guns 8

Holy Roman Empire 133
3 Units Gentes d’armas (heavy cavalry) 24
6 Units Spitz (Traditional German Pike and Shot) 42
2 Units Jinets (scout cavalry) 10
2 Units Colunela (Spanish pike and shot) 18
2 Units Veteran Colunela 22
2 Units Spanish Arquebusiers 10
2 Medium Guns 8
1 Heavy Gun 5

Wargame Rules, Tilly’s very bad day, or Renatio Et Gloriam, or any other mass Pike and Shot wargame.

Set-Up,
8×4 Table
Up to 4 Players
The table should have two rivers that merge into a delta on one short edge. Both rivers should have multiple crossings and fords, with one main road and bridge connecting the hamlet. Between the rivers should be a large hill, where the primary fighting took place historically. The rivers should have ample vegetation along their banks.

Objective

The French Army is on the retreat, and the Holy Roman Empire forces have maneuvered to cut off their retreat to Pavia. The Holy Roman Army should be moving from the table’s edge away from Pavia, while the French should be attempting to reach it.

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