Battles & Campaigns · 1809
Battle of Ciudad Real
Ciudad Real, Castile-La Mancha, Spain
What happened
The French had to cross a bridge over the Guadiana River held by Spanish troops. Polish lancers charged across the bridge by surprise and attacked the Spanish infantry from behind. The Spanish soldiers scattered and retreated.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a Franco-Polish victory. The Spanish commander was removed for incompetence and replaced by General Venegas.
What came next
The next day the French won another big victory at Medellín.
Did you know?
Venegas, who replaced the defeated commander, later became viceroy of New Spain.
Timeline
- 27 March 1809Battle of Ciudad Real.
- 28 March 1809Battle of Medellín.
- 11 August 1809Battle of Almonacid.