The Unforgettable Wellington Peninsular Victories: Busaco, Salamanca, Vitoria, Nivelle

Wellington Peninsular Campaign is a remarkable chapter in the annals of military history. It witnessed a series of decisive victories that propelled the Duke of Wellington and his British forces to triumph against Napoleon Bonaparte's French army. Among these victories, the battles of Busaco, Salamanca, Vitoria, and Nivelle hold a prominent place. Let's delve into the thrilling details of these remarkable clashes that shaped the destiny of nations.

The Breathtaking Battle of Busaco

In 1810, the rugged slopes of the Busaco mountain range seemed like a natural fortress, perfect for Wellington's strategic defense. As the French advanced, they were confronted by Wellington's well-prepared forces engaging in a fierce battle that lasted for hours. The steep terrain combined with Wellington's skilled leadership produced a magnificent victory which halted the French advance. The battle of Busaco proved a turning point, showcasing Wellington's brilliance and the courage of his men against the seemingly invincible French.

The stunning British defensive positions, the agility of the Light Division, and the precise musket fire by the 59th Foot Regiment were instrumental in the victory. The battle of Busaco emboldened Wellington's forces, painting a clear picture that the French were defeatable, and that victory was possible.

Wellington’s Peninsular Victories: Busaco, Salamanca, Vitoria, Nivelle

by Michael Glover(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11476 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	263 pages

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The Electrifying Battle of Salamanca

Salamanca, a city in western Spain, witnessed one of the most electrifying battles of the Peninsular Campaign. It marked a turning point in the war and established Wellington as one of the greatest military commanders of his era. The battle of Salamanca took place on July 22, 1812, and unleashed crushing blows upon the French army.

Wellington outmaneuvered his French counterpart, Marshal Marmont, using an innovative plan that exploited the divisions within the enemy ranks. Through a coordinated attack, Wellington's forces executed a series of daring flank maneuvers, breaking the French lines and driving them into retreat. The battle ended in a resounding British victory, shifting the balance of power and signaling the beginning of the end for Napoleon Bonaparte's control over Spain.

The Glorious Battle of Vitoria

Vitoria, a picturesque town in northern Spain, witnessed an epic clash on June 21, 1813, that would forever be etched in history as one of Wellington's most glorious triumphs. The battle of Vitoria was a culmination of Wellington's Peninsular Campaign, showcasing his tactical brilliance and the fighting spirit of his troops.

Wellington's forces consisted of a multinational coalition, including British, Portuguese, and Spanish troops. Facing them was King Joseph Bonaparte's French army. Wellington expertly positioned his troops, leading to the defeat of the French in a series of hard-fought engagements. The battle ended with the French army in full retreat, abandoning large amounts of artillery, supplies, and loot obtained from their occupation of Spain.

The Momentous Battle of Nivelle

The battle of Nivelle unfolded on November 10, 1813, in the French Pyrenees, as part of Wellington's push to liberate France from Napoleon's clutches. Despite facing daunting terrain and fierce French resistance, Wellington orchestrated a decisive victory that would accelerate the end of the Napoleonic era.

The battle commenced with a relentless assault by the British, Portuguese, and Spanish troops, modifying traditional military tactics to adapt to the mountainous battleground. The French had fortified their positions but proved no match for Wellington's ingenious flanking maneuvers, resulting in their retreat in disarray. The victory at Nivelle dealt a severe blow to Napoleon's weakening empire, igniting a chain of events that ultimately led to his abdication in 1814.

The Wellington Peninsular victories at Busaco, Salamanca, Vitoria, and Nivelle not only showcased the brilliance of the Duke of Wellington as a military strategist but also marked a turning point in the struggle against Napoleon's might. These battles reinforced the morale of Wellington's forces, broke the myth of French invincibility, and paved the way for future victories that culminated in the decisive Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The legacy of these battles lives on as a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination of the British, Portuguese, and Spanish troops who fought side by side to defeat one of history's most formidable military powers. Wellington's triumphs in the Peninsular Campaign will forever be a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Wellington’s Peninsular Victories: Busaco, Salamanca, Vitoria, Nivelle

by Michael Glover(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11476 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	263 pages

FREE

First published in 1963, this book concentrates on four great military victories of the Peninsular War (1807-1814): the Battle of Busaco of September 27, 1810; the Battle of Salamanca of July 22, 1812; the Battle of Vitoria of June 21, 1913; and the Battle of Nivelle of November 10, 1913.

Richly illustrates throughout with photos, maps and plans.

“You have sent me...the staff of a French Marshal, and I send you in return that of England.”—HRH The Prince Regent to Viscount Wellington after Vitoria

“A lucid and absorbing account of the five years of arduous campaigning that brought the Allies to Toulouse in April, 1814...quotes freely from many fascinating eyewitness descriptions”—The Soldier

“Concentrates attention on four of Wellington’s greatest triumphs—Busaco, Salamanca, Vitoria, and the Nivelle...which routed the finest soldiery in Europe and sent four of its most famous Marshals cringing back to Napoleon in disgrace”—The Daily Telegraph

“Michael Glover’s book is a brilliant success, like the campaign which inspired it”—The Times Literary Supplement