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Talavera


Battle Name : Talavera

Date(s) : 27 July 1809 - 29 July 1809

Part of : The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars , The Peninsular Campaign ,

Outcome : A victory for British and Spanish combined forces over French & Allied Forces

Type of battle : Land

Summary

Famous victory over King Joseph Bonaparte's French troops, by Sir Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington. It was for this victory that he was created Viscount Wellington of Talavera. The British held a small ridge overlooking the plain and the initial French attacks were launched piecemeal against this front. Frontal attacks continued through the night and next day. On the morning of the 29th the arrival of the British Light Brigade [having marched 42 miles in 26 hours] hastened the French dis-engagement and withdrawal.

Location

Beside the river Tagus [Tajo] , about 70 miles southwest of Madrid central Spain. (Spain)

Casualty figures

French & Allied Forces

Number engaged :
46,735

Casualties :
7,268 (15.55%)

British and Spanish combined forces

Number engaged :
25,570

Casualties :
5,600 (21.90%)