Wellington's retreat towards Lisbon and the hidden lines of Torres Vedras was not closely followed by Marshall Massena. Wellington chose to fight a delaying battle near the convent of Busaco. In spite of a significant superiority in men and guns Massena, with Ney, Junot, and Reynier as Corps commanders, was unable to defeat Wellington losing 4,479 men to Wellington's 1,252. Here was a demonstration of Wellington's defensive fighting abilities which were further exercised at the lines of Torres Vedras and which bore full fruit at the battle of Waterloo.

A ridge running southwards from the convent and village of Busaco, 5 miles southeast of Mealhada, almost to the river Mondego, in central Portugal. (Portugal)

French Peninsular Army

Number engaged :

45,774

Casualties :

4,479 (9.79%)

Anglo-Portugese Army

Number engaged :

35,765

Casualties :

1,252 (3.50%)