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Almeida [French siege]
Battle Name : Almeida [French siege]
Date(s) : 25 July 1810 - 27 August 1810
Part of : The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars , The Peninsular Campaign ,
Outcome : A victory for French Forces over Portugese Garrison
Type of battle : Land, Seige
Summary
Marshalls Massena and Ney commanded the investing force [Ney's VI Corps] with Junot's VIII Corps formed the covering force some distance away. A strong fortress and a determined garrison looked to hold up the French for a much longer time. In total the French had 100 guns but the 50 siege guns did not get into operation until the 26th August. A chance shot managed to penetrate the main magazine the explosion of which gutted the town. Most of the Portugese fatalities [600] were as the result of this explosion.
Location
The fortress of Almeida about 10 miles from the Spanish border inside Portugal a little north of the latitude of Madrid. (Portugal)
Casualty figures
French Forces
- Number engaged :
- 16,000
- Casualties :
- 380 (2.38%)
Portugese Garrison
- Number engaged :
- 5,000
- Casualties :
- 5,000 (100.00%)
