ALBUERA

---

In May 1811 Marshall Soult was in the process of moving troops to relieve Badajoz which was under seige. Marshall Beresford moved 35000 troops to intercept Soult's advance. Beresford took up position at the river crossings near the village of Albuera which was located along the Albuera River. He then waited for the French to attack. Soult had only 24260 men and 48 artillery pieces. He sent a strong force of infantry against the bridge and village. In addition he sent his cavalry and more infantry farther to the south to cross the fords there. The French force of 4000 Cavalry and 19 infantry battalions scattered the weaker Spanish troops holding this area of the battlefield. The French were threatening to roll up the Allied line. Beresford ordered General Blake to form a defensive right flank, but he maneuvered only four battalions against two French divisions. The Spanish forces gallantly held off the French columns giving time for General Stewart's 2nd division to reinforce. Colbourne's brigade suffered 60% casualties against the French when charged in the flank by Polish Lancers. The Spanish line still held. The French attacked again in a huge column with close artillery support. The Spanish Houghton's brigade lost 80% of their force. Sir Henry Hardinge and General Lowry Cole brought up an additional 4000 men on their own initiative and helped repulse the French attack. A charge by the Fusilier Brigade routed the French. After the French were cleared out of Albuera, the battle was over. In just four hours the French had lost 8000 men, while the Allies lost 6000.

---