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Somosierra
Battle Name : Somosierra
Date(s) : 29 November 1808 - 30 November 1808
Part of : The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars , The Peninsular Campaign ,
Outcome : A victory for French Army of Spain [Napoleon] over Spanish Army [San Juan]
Type of battle : Land
Summary
San Juan's force were sent to hold up the French approach to Madrid by blocking the Somosierra Pass. On the 29th San Juan's forward positions in the village of Sepulveda were over run. On the 30th troops fron Victor's corps were working their way round the Spanish position when Napoleon ordered his personal escort cavalry to charge straight up the pass. They almost succeeded but 60 of the 80 were killed. A more coordinated attack of infantry supported by guns and in the later stages heavy cavalry eventually won the day. San Juan was killed by his own men when he attempted to stem their flight.
Location
About 50 miles north of Madrid, Spain. (Spain)
Casualty figures
French Army of Spain [Napoleon]
- Number engaged :
- 11,000
- Casualties :
- 300 (2.73%)
Spanish Army [San Juan]
- Number engaged :
- 7,800
- Casualties :
- 200 (2.56%)
