Battles & Campaigns · 1811
Battle of Sabugal
Sabugal, Côa River, Portugal
What happened
Masséna's army was retreating from its failed invasion of Portugal. In heavy rain and fog, the British Light Division crossed the Côa River at the wrong point and struck the French flank. As the mist cleared and more British divisions advanced, the French pulled back.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the last of the fights during Masséna's retreat. With it, the French were driven out of Portugal.
What came next
Fighting moved to the border between Spain and Portugal, with sieges at Badajoz and Almeida and battles at Fuentes de Oñoro and Albuera.
Did you know?
Wellington called the Light Division's action 'one of the most glorious that British troops were ever engaged in'.
Timeline
- 14 October 1810Battle of Sobral.
- 12 March 1811Battle of Redinha.
- 15 March 1811Battle of Foz de Arouce.
- 3 April 1811Battle of Sabugal.