Reynier's corps, holding the French left at Sabugal, was 7 miles from the nearest of Ney's troops and 10 miles from Junot's corps. In this isolated position he was attacked by the British under Erskine whose poor management almost threw away the leading brigade of the Light Division. The heavy mist aided the British, because what the French thought was the main attack coming on their flank was only the Light Division. When the mist lifted it revealed the main British attack, four divisions, coming against the French front which had been denuded of troops to face the imagined threat. The centre of the French line was outnumbered by 3 to 1. Although they fought a splendid rearguard action the position was lost.
Wellington's view of the Light Division's action was 'one of the most glorious British troops have ever been engaged in.'

A small town in central Portugal about 24 miles southeast of Guarda (Portugal)

French Peninsular Army [Reynier]

Number engaged :

12,000

Casualties :

760 (6.33%)

British Peninsular Army [Anglo-Portugese]

Number engaged :

8,000

Casualties :

162 (2.03%)