Battle of Arroyo dos Molinos
Arroyomolinos, Extremadura, Spain
What happened
Girard's French division was campaigning in northern Extremadura. Hill marched his troops for three days in bad weather and surrounded the French at Arroyo dos Molinos by nightfall. At dawn they attacked while the French sentries had turned their backs to the wind and rain, and Allied cavalry broke the French cavalry.
Why it matters
Why it matters: A whole French infantry division and a cavalry brigade could no longer fight, and Napoleon dismissed Girard. The French commander Soult was relieved only that the regiments' eagle standards had not been captured.
What came next
Hill was made a Knight of the Bath in February 1812. In May 1812 he led another raid that destroyed the French bridge at Almaraz.
Did you know?
A drum-major's staff and six drums captured by a British sergeant are on display at the Museum of Military Life in Carlisle Castle.
Timeline
- 27 October 1811Hill's troops surround the French.
- 28 October 1811Battle of Arroyo dos Molinos.
- 22 February 1812Hill made a Knight of the Bath.
- 19 May 1812Battle of Almaraz.