Battles & Campaigns · 1808
Battle of Cardedeu
Cardedeu, Catalonia, Spain
What happened
Spanish forces were besieging the French garrison in Barcelona. Saint-Cyr's corps took mountain paths to go around the fortress of Girona, leaving most of its artillery behind. Near Cardedeu its large attack columns broke the smaller Spanish army's lines, and the Spanish withdrew.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The victory let Saint-Cyr relieve the French garrison in Barcelona.
What came next
Saint-Cyr's troops entered Barcelona the next day. On 21 December they beat the Spanish again at Molins de Rei.
Did you know?
Saint-Cyr took a big risk by leaving his guns and most supplies behind to slip past Girona.
Timeline
- 16 December 1808Battle of Cardedeu.
- 17 December 1808Saint-Cyr enters Barcelona.
- 21 December 1808Battle of Molins de Rei.