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Fought #OnThisDay 17 August 1808 The Battle of Roliça. Arthur Wellesley's first major engagement in the Peninsular War & a desperate attack up cliffs with gullies against a smaller force in a defendable position.
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#OTD
Blog post
https://bit.ly/2Cw9pN0 #OTD
Wellesley's British Expeditionary force hadn't been in Portugal long, but had to act swiftly as the French were dispersed around the country. A small force, roughly 1/3rd size of the British lay closest, attempting to join with reinforcements so Wellesley went on the ATTACK.
The plan was a classic pincer with 3 "columns" in the centre & 1 on each flank, supported by Riflemen from @5th_60th & @RiflesRegiment
The French commander saw the danger & withdrew up steep cliffs to a good secondary position away from Roliça.
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#OnThisDay
The French commander saw the danger & withdrew up steep cliffs to a good secondary position away from Roliça.
https://bit.ly/2Cw9pN0
#OnThisDay
The 29th (Worcestershire) Regiment attacked alone but found themselves surrounded, cut off & assailed on all sides from the rocky ground. There was brutal fighting & heavy casualties.
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#OnThisDay
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#OnThisDay
General Hill brought the 9th Regiment up in support, which Wellington in turn supported with a General advance. The British then swarmed up the rocks to the cliff tops. Eventually capturing it, despite the very steep terrain.
Riflemen were pinned down from French firers in 2 buildings. Initially using rocks as cover, one Private shouted "Over, boys, Over!" and the shout went up "Over, Over!" and they stormed the buildings with their sword bayonets.
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#OnThisDay
Reaching the cliff tops forced the French to retreat.
3 Cannon were captured along with hundreds of prisoners.
It cost the British 70 killed & 335 wounded. Colonel Lake, leading the 29th was killed.
(Lake's memorial from @penny_hampson 's website)
#OnThisDay
3 Cannon were captured along with hundreds of prisoners.
It cost the British 70 killed & 335 wounded. Colonel Lake, leading the 29th was killed.
(Lake's memorial from @penny_hampson 's website)
#OnThisDay
The Battle proved to be a good 1st victory. Setting the scene for the Battle of Vimeiro 4 days later.
Wellesley (later Wellington) is often remembered as a defensive General, wrongly so, many of his victories were attacks & as was Roliça.
https://bit.ly/2Cw9pN0
#OnThisDay
Wellesley (later Wellington) is often remembered as a defensive General, wrongly so, many of his victories were attacks & as was Roliça.
https://bit.ly/2Cw9pN0
#OnThisDay
