Pan Corbo

31 October, 1808

Spanish Battle Tour Guides

As Napoleon Bonaparte was trying to catch Spain's General Joachim Blake, bring him to battle and destroy him, Marshal Lefebvre ruined the plan by launching an attack before all was ready.

But while the French were not fully positioned, neither was Blake who seemed shaken by sudden appearance of Fench attack columns.

For some reason he sent the bulk of his cannons to the rear before the battle had been joined.

Against an enemy with little artillery support, Lefebvre's 21,000-strong corps quickly defeated Blake's 19,000 troops.

Suffering 600 casualties - twice that of the French - Blake retreated quickly to Valmaceda where he scored a notable victory.