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Maya Pass


Battle Name : Maya Pass

Date(s) : 25 July 1813

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

Outcome : A victory for French Army of Spain [Soult] over British Peninsular Army

Type of battle : Land

Summary

Wellington had spread his forces to cover the passes through the Pyrenees [see Roncesvalles]. At Maya General Stewart had two brigades of the Second Division about 4,500 men. Soult sent d'Erlon's corps of 20,000 to force the pass. Stewart, not expecting an attack did not prepare for one and sent half his troops three to four miles to the rear. Although the troops fought valiantly, and those at the rear came up as quickly as possible, up hill in full marching gear, the battle would have ended in a rout but for the timely intervention of Barne's brigade of the Seventh Division [about 1500 men] which charged the French flank and threw them back.
The British pulled back to Elizondo at nightfall.

Location

Pass through the Pyrenees on the direct route from Bayonne, France to Pamplona, Spain. The pass is about 16 miles south of the Biscay coast. (Spain)

Casualty figures

French Army of Spain [Soult]

Number engaged :
20,900

Casualties :
2,100 (10.05%)

British Peninsular Army

Number engaged :
6,000

Casualties :
1,610 (26.83%)