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The Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro: A Pivotal Clash in the Peninsular War

Edison Mitchell

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Published in Sharpe S Battle: The Battle Of Fuentes De Onoro May 1811

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The Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro was fought on May 3-5, 1811, during the Peninsular War. The battle was between the British Army, commanded by Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, and the French Army, commanded by André Masséna. The battle was a strategic victory for the British, and it helped to turn the tide of the war in their favor.

Background

The Peninsular War began in 1808 when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Portugal. The British Army came to the aid of the Portuguese, and the two armies fought a series of inconclusive battles against the French. In 1810, Masséna invaded Portugal with a large army, and Wellington fell back to the Lines of Torres Vedras, a series of fortifications that protected Lisbon.

Sharpe's Battle: The Battle of Fuentes de Onoro, May 1811

by Bernard Cornwell

4.7 out of 5

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In March 1811, Masséna withdrew from Portugal and marched into Spain. Wellington pursued him, and the two armies met at Fuentes de Oñoro on May 3.

The Battle

The Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro was a complex and bloody affair. The French attacked the British positions on the morning of May 3, but they were unable to break through. The British held their ground, and the battle raged for two days. On May 5, the French launched a final attack, but it was again repulsed.

The French finally retreated, and the British were victorious. The battle was a strategic victory for the British, and it helped to turn the tide of the war in their favor.

Tactics

The Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro was a classic example of the British defensive tactics that would later be used to great effect at the Battle of Waterloo. The British deployed their infantry in a series of squares, which were proof against cavalry charges. The British also used their artillery to great effect, and they were able to inflict heavy casualties on the French.

The French, on the other hand, used their cavalry to great effect. The French cavalry was able to break through the British lines on several occasions, but they were unable to exploit their advantage. The French also used their artillery, but they were unable to match the accuracy of the British guns.

Strategies

Wellington's strategy at Fuentes de Oñoro was to defend his positions and wait for the French to make a mistake. Masséna's strategy was to attack the British positions with overwhelming force and break through their lines. However, Wellington's defensive tactics proved to be too strong for the French, and Masséna was unable to achieve his objectives.

Impact

The Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro was a significant turning point in the Peninsular War. The British victory boosted morale and gave the British a new sense of confidence. The French defeat, on the other hand, sapped morale and weakened their hold on Spain. The battle also helped to secure Portugal for the British, and it paved the way for Wellington's eventual victory at the Battle of Salamanca.

Legacy

The Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro is still studied today by military historians. The battle is a classic example of the British defensive tactics that would later be used to great effect at the Battle of Waterloo. The battle also helped to turn the tide of the Peninsular War in favor of the British.

Sharpe's Battle: The Battle of Fuentes de Onoro, May 1811

by Bernard Cornwell

4.7 out of 5