I find it hard to believe you went there first on your first playthrough and didn't lose the majority/all of the townsfolk when you simply don't have the ability to keep them alive with heals or protect them effectively when you're own lack of equipment and skills makes it hard enough on yourself...
Oh, I'm stupid... I think I have done redcliffe lol, last night in the early hours of the morning! The first lot of enemy waves were a breeze, just laid down a fire aoe spell as they came down the path then finished them off, and the second lot of waves at the gates was pretty easy. Didn't lose anyone.
edit: can anyone tell me how far along I am in the game then?
Looks like I wasn't the only one

Go to the character sheet, click on Statistics and it shows % completed.