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Vera, Second Battle


Battle Name : Vera, Second Battle

Date(s) : 07 October 1813 - 08 October 1813

Part of : The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars , The Peninsular Campaign ,

Outcome : A victory for British Peninsular Army over French Army of Spain [Soult]

Type of battle : Land

Summary

Wellington mounted a double attack against Soult's line holding the north-western Pyrenees. The main attack was at Irun. The secondary attack at Vera was carried out by the British Light Division and two Spanish Divisions. Heavily out numbered, fighting their way up steep slopes against strong fortifications around the hill called Le Grande Rhune. The French were driven back across the whole sector, losing their artillery. The next day the garrison of Le Grande Rhune, now left isolated, surrendered.

Location

Vera is on the river Bidossa, on the French side of the north-western Pyrenees, about 9 miles from the Biscay coast. (France)

Casualty figures

French Army of Spain [Soult]

Number engaged :
15,000

Casualties :
1,300 (8.67%)

British Peninsular Army

Number engaged :
10,000

Casualties :
850 (8.50%)