On the 26th July Soult's forces moved slowly and cautiously. d'Erlon moving south west from the Maya pass had been shaken by the flank attack. Clausel's corps only made contact with the rearguard of Cole's force at 4 pm. Cole had linked up with the Third Division under Picton and they had selected a a strong position to defend. Soult had about 25,000 men available on the morning of the 27th outnumbering the two British divisions. While considering his next action Wellington appeared only accompanied by his military secretary, on a ridge to the right flank of the French army. This theatrical gesture, which raised a great cheer from the Portugese and British, caused Soult to postpone the attack until the next day. By 12.30hrs on the 28th, when the attack started the British had been reinforced, although still outnumbered, and were better prepared to meet the French. Attacks to the front of the line and to the flanks failed and towards the end of the day Soult saw additional reinforcements joining the British lines he withdrew to his start position. [For numbers and casualties see Sorauren Part 2]

Town of Sorauren about 5 miles north east of Pamplona, Spain. (Spain)