MEDELLIN
The battle of Medellin occurred
on March 28, 1809. Marshall Victor with 18000 men took up position
on the south of the town of Medellin with the Guadiana River in
their rear. There they awaited the attack of General Cuesta and
24000 men of the Spanish Army of Estremadura. Although outnumbered,
the French had more artillery and cavalry. Cuesta advanced along
a four mile front hoping to turn the French flanks, but the French
retreated orderly to a new position where the French commander
Victor had previously planned to make his stand. The French hussars
charged the Spanish lancers on the Spanish left wing. The Spanish
fled with other cavalry as well. Cuesta managed to barely escape
capture. French dragoons next charged and the entire Spanish army
became a mass of routed troops. Up to 10000 Spaniards were killed
or captured in the rout.
