On the 22nd of July 1812 at Salamanca, 4 years after Wellington had taken charge of the British Forces in the Peninsula, he felt he was in the position to launch an all out attack on the main French Army in Spain. The result was a devastating victory that led to ultimate victory in the Peninsula and the overthrow of Napoleon in 1814.

Wellington, who had built up his reputation as a careful but risk averse general in India, Spain and Portugal, had waited for this moment. Unlike Napoleon’s generals who had built their reputations on battles with high casualties, Wellington working within a democracy, knew he had to achieve lasting success with the army he had. His handling of the Allied Army both in the build up to the battle and during the battle it’s self was masterful. He utilised the strengths and weaknesses of both the allies and French to his best advantage.

The Battle was fought to the south and west of Salamanca over an area of 10/12 miles by 5. Most of the battlefield is intact although a motorway will in time cut through a portion to the south west. The battlefield consists of an area of rolling countryside with some deep ravines and small hills of tactical importance dotted with small villages. All the major arms of both armies were able to operate in the open countryside.

The city of Salamanca only 15 mins drive from the battlefield is one of the most beautiful university towns in Spain with a rich historical heritage, well worth a couple of days visit. It has numerous high quality hotels and is within a few hours of Madrid and Valladolid airports. It is also close to many of the other Peninsula war battles in particular Talavera, Albuera, Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz.

Salamanca and the battle are worth a 4 day visit but 10 days to two weeks can be sustained visiting the area.

Written by  Lt Col Andrew Duff.

Add comment

Comments, reviews and questions

There are no posts. Why not be the first to have your say?

Add a comment, review or question

Make a comment Ask a question Write a review

Review title

Your comment

Your rating

Choose rating... Don't go Go Must go

Your name

Your email address