As part of Soult's last attempt to attack back into Spain the southern wing of his two pronged advance consisted of four division under General Clausel. At dawn on the 31st they crossed the river at Vera The Light Division blocked his path and Dalhousie's division were close at hand. By mid-afternoon Clausel had made little progress and from San Marcial [see separate entry] Soult called off the operation. The following morning the only crossing place available to the French was the narrow bridge at Vera. This was held, with great gallantry, by 80 British riflemen until mid-afternoon when they were ordered to withdraw. Poor British generalship allowed Clausel to extract his force. The British commander responsible, General Skerrett, was sent home in disgrace.

Vera is on the river Bidossa, on the French side of the Pyrenees, about nine miles from the Biscay coast. (Spain)

French Army of Spain [Soult]

Number engaged :

22,100

Casualties :

6,479 (29.32%)

Anglo-Portugese Forces

Number engaged :

14,200

Casualties :

927 (6.53%)