Battle of Talavera
The Battle of Talavera, fought on July 27-28, 1809, was a significant military engagement during the Peninsular War, involving a combined Anglo-Spanish army under the command of Arthur Wellesley, later known as the Duke of Wellington, and Spanish General Gregorio García de la Cuesta. The allied forces positioned themselves north of Talavera, with roughly 55,000 troops facing off against around 46,000 French soldiers commanded by Joseph Bonaparte, the King of Spain. The battle saw intense fighting, particularly on the British front, as the French launched concentrated attacks, while the Spanish forces were only lightly engaged.
Despite suffering heavy casualties, with the British losing over 5,000 men and the French approximately 7,100, the battle concluded with a French withdrawal. The victory at Talavera was pivotal for British morale and led to Wellesley's promotion to Viscount Wellington. However, internal conflicts between Wellesley and Cuesta ultimately resulted in Wellesley’s decision to retreat to Portugal following the battle. The Battle of Talavera is remembered for its ferocity and its role in shaping the dynamics of the Peninsular War.
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Battle of Talavera
Type of action: Ground battle in the Peninsular War
Date: July 27-28, 1809
Location: Talavera, Spain
Combatants: 20,641 British and 34,800 Spanish vs. 46,138 French
Principal commanders:British, Lieutenant General Sir Arthur Wellesley, duke of Wellington (1769–1852); Spanish, General Gregorio García de la Cuesta (1744–1811); French, King Joseph Bonaparte (1768–1844)
Result: British victory over the French
On July 27, 1809, a combined Anglo-Spanish army commanded by Arthur Wellesley, later duke of Wellington, and Gregorio García de la Cuesta occupied positions north of Talavera. About 34,800 Spanish held the southern half of the line, with their right flank secured at Talavera, and 20,641 British held the northern half of the line, with their left flank anchored on the Cero de Medellin hill. They were faced by 46,138 French troops commanded by Joseph Bonaparte, king of Spain.
Bonaparte concentrated his attacks on the British, and throughout the battle, the Spanish were only lightly engaged. During the evening of July 27, the French attacked the Cero de Medellin and almost succeeded in breaking the British line. Throughout July 28, the French attacked the British line and were defeated only after heavy fighting. By nightfall, Bonaparte opted to discontinue the battle and withdraw. The British suffered 5,363 casualties, the Spanish 1,200, and the French 7,100.
Significance
Because of conflicts between Wellesley and Cuesta, Wellesley retreated to Portugal after the battle. Wellesley was made Viscount Wellington for his victory. Talavera, considered by Wellington to have been the most savage battle he had ever fought, boosted the British public’s morale by providing a needed victory.
Bibliography
Esdaile, Charles J. The Spanish Army in the Peninsular War. Manchester, England: Manchester University Press, 1988.
Robertson, Ian. A Guide to the Peninsular War, 1808–1814. London: Leo Cooper, 2000.
Weller, Jac. Wellington in the Peninsula. London: Greenhill Books, 1999.