Battles & Campaigns · 1811
Battle of Foz de Arouce
Foz de Arouce, Portugal
What happened
The French had not taken strong positions, so Wellington attacked at once. British riflemen reached the village centre near the bridge, and heavy fighting followed. A French counterattack pushed them back, but the French then crossed the bridge in disorder and blew it up at nightfall.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was an Anglo-Portuguese victory during Masséna's retreat from Portugal. The page calls it Ney's last battle in Portugal.
What came next
The French tried to hold the Alva River, but Wellington outmanoeuvred them and they had to retreat in a hurry.
Did you know?
The French 39th Regiment lost its eagle standard in the battle.
Timeline
- 12 March 1811Battle of Redinha.
- 14 March 1811Battle of Casal Novo.
- 15 March 1811Battle of Foz de Arouce.
- 3 April 1811Battle of Sabugal.