Badajoz

16 March, 1812

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More than 30,000 British troops blockaded the fortress at Badajoz, which commanded the southern route between Spain and Portugal.

The siege commenced and by 6 April the 5000 defenders were steeling themselves to be attacked through three breaches.

The night assaults began bloodily against the formidable defences and more than 40 times did the redcoats throw themselves into attack.

By midnight, two entries to the city had been forced and an hour later the defenders under General Phillipon holed up in Fort San Christobal and accepted terms later that day.

French losses were almost 1500 men, while some 3500 British troops became casualties.