Battle of Salamanca 22/7/1812

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Start page , North Hamptonshire Regiment (48th Regiment of Foot) , John Waddington

Once Wellington had claimed all the frontier fortresess, secured Portugal and allowed the advance into
Spain, Welllington's force was growing stronger day by day,and had gained vast experience. The French commanders began to argue amongst themselves and refused in many cases to help each other. The French army was beginning to fall apart. Napoleon was beginning to move some of his best elements to fight the war in Russia. Wellington decided to help Cadiz and strike at Marmont. Diversions were set up via amphibious landings in the north by Lord William Bentnick (1774-1839 and led by Sir John Murray(1768-1827). Wellington began his advance from Rodrigo on June the 13th 1812 . Marmont,with 50,000 men advanced forward and almost caught Wellington unawares but he then retired to Salamanca. Both the British Army and the French Army were in sight of each other as they both moved to Salamanca. One in retreat (French ) one in advance British. On the 22nd of July, Marmont mistook a dust cloud as Wellington retreating,but Wellington's entire army was on the reverse side of high ground at Arapilis. Marmont had 49,646 men and 78 guns ,Wellington 51,939 men and 60 guns....... Marmont advanced .: The 3rd division led by Edward Pakenham (1778-1815) was sent to block Marmonts advance and smash
the first of eight divisions .The next two divisions assailed by Leith's 5th Division Le Marchant's cavalry fell in the same manner, Le Marchant being killed. Marmont was wounded and command handed to Bertrand Clausel (1772-1842). A french counter attack severley mauled Lowry Cole's 4th division . The French eventually being thrust back by Spry's Portuguese brigade. As the remainder of the allied army came across the ridges, it swept the French army in their path . Only one French division allowed to retreat. This division led by Maxamilien Foy ( 1775-1825 )consisted of 20,000 men .: The French losses totaled 14,000 troops . The allied losses were 3,129 British troops, 1,627 Portuguese
troops and 6 Spaniards. It was at this battle that Pvt John Waddington (Warrington) recieved a shot to the thigh . Following this victory Wellington gathered his 65,000 strong army together and began to move to Rodrego, Sault and Joseph combinded their armies to total 80,000 men and marched to Madrid . Neither commander wished at this time to engage Wellington . They did, however, pursue Wellington's army but abandoned the pursuit when Wellington reached Rodrego. Salamanca proved to be a great allied victory.


Excerpt from Philip J. Haythornthaite's book WELLINGTON'S MILITARY MACHINE published 1995: Militery records of the 48th Regiment
The information is intended for short historical value only, far more information can be gained from the above Publication
e- mail address
bmchapman@iprimus.com.au
Last revised: April 09, 2000.