Battles & Campaigns · 1813
Battle of the Bidassoa
Bidassoa River, France–Spain border
What happened
The Allies crossed the Bidassoa river mouth at a low tide they had learned about from local Basque fishermen. They took the ridge on the French side and, after hard fighting, the La Bayonette redoubt. Spanish attacks on La Rhune were held off at first, but the French gave it up the next day.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first time the Allies gained a foothold on French soil. It lowered the morale of Soult's army.
What came next
The next major battle was at the Nivelle on 10 November 1813.
Did you know?
The French never suspected that the river could be forded at low tide, where it was only about 4 feet deep.
Timeline
- 7 October 1813Battle of the Bidassoa.
- 8 October 1813French abandon La Rhune.
- 10 November 1813Battle of the Nivelle.