Talavera 1809 by Rene Chartrand

Author:Rene Chartrand
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Talavera 1809: Wellington’s Lightning Strike into Spain
ISBN: 9781780961828
Publisher: Osprey Publishing

The Cerro de Medellin hill where Wellesley deployed some of his troops that were unseen by the French and their artillery. It is situated north of the motorway and is now a private estate with a swimming pool occupying the ground where the British troops were situated. Nearby, the modest-sized obelisk put on the site in 1909 to commemorate the battle’s centennial, is visible as a small dart against the sky in the centre. (Author’s photo)

THE BRITISH SECURE THE CERRO DE MEDELLIN (PP. 50–51)

On the evening of 27 July, Marshall Victor, whose 1st Corps first arrived opposite the Anglo-Spanish army, resolved to attack the British at once, having perceived the weakness of the northern flank of the allied army’s position; the Cerro de Medellin – the highest hill to the north – had not yet been secured. It was very fortunate for Gen. Wellesley that two out of three of the attacking regiments lost their way in the dark and were not engaged. The one that did was 9th Light Infantry (1) whose three battalions turned out to be quite a match. They overran two battalions of the King’s German Legion and ascended towards the top of the Cerro de Medellin. Fortunately for the British, generals Sherbrooke and Hill reacted efficiently to bring up troops to oppose the French. There now occurred a desperate battle in the dark lit only by musket flashes. At last, the 29th Foot (2) reached the summit and planted its colours on the highest point. The French finally retreated. The British had secured the Cerro de Medellin after a very hard fight and did not pursue. It may have been the most important engagement of the battle of Talavera. Had the British lost it, it is likely the Anglo-Spanish army would have had to withdraw.

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