Battles & Campaigns · 1811
Battle of the Gebora
Gebora River, near Badajoz, Spain
What happened
The Spanish army was camped on heights outside Badajoz. Mortier's smaller French force crossed the Gebora in fog and attacked. French cavalry reached the flanks, artillery broke the Spanish squares, and many Spanish soldiers surrendered.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The Spanish Army of Extremadura was nearly destroyed. Wellington called it 'the greatest misfortune' the Allies had yet suffered.
What came next
Badajoz fell to the French on 11 March 1811. The armies later met at Albuera in May.
Did you know?
Mendizábal had ignored Wellington's advice to dig in on the heights and post a cavalry screen.
Timeline
- 19 February 1811Battle of the Gebora.
- 11 March 1811Badajoz falls to the French.
- 25 March 1811Combat of Campo Maior.
- 16 May 1811Battle of Albuera.