Famous victory over King Joseph Bonaparte's French troops, by Sir Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington. It was for this victory that he was created Viscount Wellington of Talavera. The British held a small ridge overlooking the plain and the initial French attacks were launched piecemeal against this front. Frontal attacks continued through the night and next day. On the morning of the 29th the arrival of the British Light Brigade [having marched 42 miles in 26 hours] hastened the French dis-engagement and withdrawal.

Beside the river Tagus [Tajo] , about 70 miles southwest of Madrid central Spain. (Spain)

French & Allied Forces

Number engaged :

46,735

Casualties :

7,268 (15.55%)

British and Spanish combined forces

Number engaged :

25,570

Casualties :

5,600 (21.90%)