In the spring of 1812, the British army under Sir
Arthur Wellesley, Earl of Wellington, has driven the
French from Portugal. With Napoleon obsessed by the
invasion of Russia, Wellington turns toward Spain. The
way is barred by two fortresses, Ciudad Rodrigo and
Badajoz. When Ciudad Rodrigo collapses after a short
siege, Wellington prepares to break the fortress of
Badajoz, the most formidable stronghold in Europe and
commanded by the seasoned warrior, Baron Armand
Philippon. Despite a shortage of engineers and
equipment, Wellington must seize Badajoz if he is to
have any chance of driving into Spain. When he learns
that an army under Marshal Soult is en route to relieve
Badajoz, Wellington risks being caught between Soult and
Philippon and must execute the attack on Badajoz
immediately. If he fails, the British will be trapped
between two armies and lose everything for which they
and their allies have fought for the past three years.
Lieutenant James Webster is in mourning following the
loss of his wife, and he volunteers to command the small
group that will lead the assault. Second in command is
Sergeant Thomas Davis; recently diagnosed with a fatal
illness, he prefers a valiant death in battle. Breaches
have been blown into the walls of the southern bastions,
Trinidad and Santa Maria, and here Wellington will
unleash the 4th and Light Divisions, while launching
diversionary assaults on the northern San Vincente
bastion, as well as the Badajoz castle. Together with
one hundred volunteers, the Forlorn Hope, Webster and
Davis will storm into the breach. |
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