Battles & Campaigns · 1808
Battle of Roliça
Roliça, Bombarral, Portugal
What happened
Wellesley tried to get around the French position near the village of Roliça with columns on each side. The French pulled back to a hilltop, and after repeated British attacks they retreated.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first battle fought by the British army in the Peninsular War. It was an Anglo-Portuguese victory.
What came next
Wellesley moved to protect the landing of more British troops, and four days later he won again at Vimeiro.
Did you know?
Roliça was the last battle in which the British army wore its hair tied back in pigtails, or 'queues'.
Timeline
- 17 August 1808Battle of Roliça.
- 21 August 1808Battle of Vimeiro.
- 1808 CEConvention of Cintra.