El Bodon

25 September, 1811

Spanish Battle Tour Guides

General Thomas Picton's 3rd Division was surprised at El Bodon by a strong French cavalry force of about 2500 men under General Montbrun.

Picton's force included some 1000 infantry, half as many cavalry and two Portuguese foot batteries.

Despite being caught napping, the British recovered quickly and staged a fighting withdrawal holding off the assaults for more than 10 kilometres.

The British cavalry performed heroics - most notably the 1st Hussars of the King's German Legion - and the 5th Foot at one stage had to charge French cavalry in order to regain the cannons.

French losses have been put at about 200, while Picton's troops suffered about 150 casualties.