South West of Almeida.
At first the French attack went well, the first French wave formed line of attack with two battalions and advanced across the open ground. The 95th Rifles met the advance and opened a withering fire to gnaw away at the lines. Following a strong firefight and charge to contact, the French left wing started to falter. In the centre a similar outcome was approaching; the Cacadores and British skirmishers all the while inflicting slow but mounting casualties on the lead French column, so by the time they made contact, the toll was heavy.
Several rounds of hand to hand finally finished the French first line of attack centre and left, the Portuguese still embroiled but holding their own.
By the time all routs had finished, only one French battalion had rallied with very low morale, the second wave of attack was heading for disaster and the cavalry reserve although on the field of battle could not engage due to the routs across the board.
Craufurd sensing the time was right, (turn 15 had arrived), he ordered the withdrawal, and not a moment too soon - the British centre was one point away from rout and the Portuguese were considering their options. Eventually the centre battalion's morale collapsed but by this time the British were well on their way off board.
British Victory. A successful rearguard action that could have gone badly wrong due to Craufurd's delay in withdrawing.
Casualties.
British; 178 men deserted, 362 wounded, 290 men died.
French; 378 men deserted, 847 wounded, 508 men died.
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| Initial dispositions |
Several rounds of hand to hand finally finished the French first line of attack centre and left, the Portuguese still embroiled but holding their own.
By the time all routs had finished, only one French battalion had rallied with very low morale, the second wave of attack was heading for disaster and the cavalry reserve although on the field of battle could not engage due to the routs across the board.
Craufurd sensing the time was right, (turn 15 had arrived), he ordered the withdrawal, and not a moment too soon - the British centre was one point away from rout and the Portuguese were considering their options. Eventually the centre battalion's morale collapsed but by this time the British were well on their way off board.
British Victory. A successful rearguard action that could have gone badly wrong due to Craufurd's delay in withdrawing.
Casualties.
British; 178 men deserted, 362 wounded, 290 men died.
French; 378 men deserted, 847 wounded, 508 men died.
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