Battles & Campaigns · 1811
Battle of El Bodón
El Bodón, Salamanca, Spain
What happened
Marshal Marmont's French army advanced to relieve Ciudad Rodrigo, which Wellington was blockading. The French pushed back the Allied outposts and briefly captured some Portuguese guns, which British troops retook. Colville's men then held for about three hours and withdrew in squares that the French cavalry could not break.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a French tactical victory, and Ciudad Rodrigo was relieved. But the French were short of supplies and could not follow up.
What came next
The French soon withdrew, and Wellington's army took back its old ground. In January 1812 Wellington besieged and took Ciudad Rodrigo.
Did you know?
Wellington issued an order praising the rearguard for holding firm in squares against repeated cavalry charges.
Timeline
- 25 September 1811Battle of El Bodón.
- 2 October 1811Wellington's order praises the rearguard.
- 7–20 January 1812Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo.