Coruña [La]

Battle Name : Coruña [La]

Date(s) : 16 January 1809

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

Outcome : A victory for British Army over French Peninsular Army

Type of battle : Land

Summary

The retreat of the British forces under Sir John Moore began at Sahagun on the 23 December 1808. Once Napoleon realised that he could not surround the British he left the chase to Soult expanding his corps to 36,000 men. The British offered battle at Lugo but this was declined. Although Soult attacked in strength dogged British defence held them off until all stores were destroyed and all troops were safely embarked.
Although the British were driven out the bulk of their army was intact and valuable battle experience had been gained.

Location

A port in Galacia, northwestern Spain, on the Atlantic coast. (Spain)

More details

The British army, after retreating on Corunna attempted to embark onboard transports waiting to take them off the penninsular. When it became obvious that this would not be finished before Soult's division arrived, Sir John Moore organised a spirited rear-guard action to defend the port.