Battles & Campaigns · 1806
Battle of Maida
Near Maida, Calabria, southern Italy
What happened
A British force under General John Stuart fought a French army under General Jean Reynier. During the Napoleonic Wars, a British force landed in Calabria to support a local revolt against French rule and protect Sicily. Near Maida, British infantry fired steady volleys that broke the attacking French troops within about fifteen minutes. The French army was defeated and retreated.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It stopped a French invasion of Sicily and kept the Calabrian revolt going until 1807.
What came next
The British went on to capture several French-held towns in Calabria, including Reggio.
Did you know?
The London district of Maida Vale is named after the battle, through a pub called 'The Hero of Maida'.
Timeline
- 4 July 1806The British win at Maida.
- 9 July 1806Reggio Calabria surrenders.
- 18 July 1806Gaeta falls to the French.
- 1820sMaida Vale in London is developed and named.