MAIDA
In June 1806 the British landed
an expeditionary force in southern Italy. They soon left Messina,
Sicily on June 27 and three days later on June 30 they anchored
in the Gulf of Euphemia. The French commander, General Reynier
quickly marched towards the 5000 British troops with 5000 infantry
and 1000 cavalry. The British commander was General John Stuart.
The two forces clashed near the village of Maida on July 6. Reynier
advanced in column formation across a river onto the open plain.
Stuart's infantry deployed in line formation two deep along a
low ridge. The British held their fire and advanced firing at
point blank range. They then followed up charging with the light
infantry. The French left flank soon routed with the British in
pursuit. Reynier lost 700 killed, 1000 wounded, and 1000 prisoners
while Stuart lost only 330 men. This action proved that British
tactics were more than a match for the French column.
