Battle of the Nive
Nive River, near Bayonne, France
What happened
After being pushed out of Spain, Soult defended a line along the Adour and Nive rivers south of Bayonne. Wellington sent Rowland Hill across the Nive while other troops attacked on the west bank, and Soult counterattacked on both sides over several days. On 13 December Hill, cut off when a bridge washed away, held out against a much larger force until help arrived, and Soult withdrew into Bayonne.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a Coalition victory on French soil. It pushed the French back to Bayonne and carried the war into southwest France.
What came next
Storms and rain stopped fighting for about two months. In February 1814 Wellington cut off Bayonne and pursued Soult's field army.
Did you know?
Wellington told Hill afterwards, 'Hill, the day's your own.'
Timeline
- 9 December 1813Hill crosses the Nive.
- 13 December 1813Battle of St. Pierre.
- 14 December 1813The fighting ends.
- 23–27 February 1814Wellington crosses the Adour and cuts off Bayonne.