Clash of Steel
for Military History & Aviation enthusiasts

Translate this Page

Search :

Nive


Battle Name : Nive

Date(s) : 09 December 1813 - 13 December 1813

Part of : The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars , The Peninsular Campaign ,

Outcome : A victory for British Peninsular Army over French Army of Spain [Soult]

Type of battle : Land

Summary

Wellington's assault on the strong French positions defending Bayonne was successful on the 9th pushing Soult further back towards Bayonne. Hope's corps was within 6 miles of the city by nightfall. The dispositions of the British was disrupted by rivers and ravines, and the nature of the countryside was very broken. Soult concentrated to make two counter attacks on the 10th. Both were held, but only just, by very determined defenders. A final French effort on the 13th faltered after initial gains because Wellington had sorted his internal lines of support, Soult withdrew.

Location

Both sides of the river Nive about 6 to 8 miles from Bayonne, south-western France. (France)

Casualty figures

French Army of Spain [Soult]

Number engaged :
65,933

Casualties :
5,947 (9.02%)

British Peninsular Army

Number engaged :
59,000

Casualties :
4,662 (7.90%)