Battle of Arroyo dos Molinos facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Arroyo dos Molinos
Part of the Peninsular War
"Sketch of the disposition of the allies, under the command of Lieut. Genl. Hill to surprize the enemy...", by William Faden, 1812
Date 28 October 1811 Location Arroyo dos Molinos, Spain 39°11′N 6°10′W / 39.183°N 6.167°W / 39.183; -6.167 Result Coalition victory
Belligerents
France	Britain Portugual Spain
Commanders and leaders
Jean-Baptiste Girard	Rowland Hill
Strength
3,000	5,000
Casualties and losses
2,000 3 guns lost	100

The Battle of Arroyo dos Molinos was an important fight during the Peninsular War. This war took place in Spain and Portugal between 1807 and 1814. It was part of the larger Napoleonic Wars across Europe.

On October 28, 1811, a group of soldiers from Britain, Portugal, and Spain worked together. They were led by General Rowland Hill. They surprised and defeated a French army led by General Jean-Baptiste Girard. This battle was a big victory for the allied forces. It showed how a well-planned surprise attack could lead to a huge win.

How the Battle Began

In mid-October 1811, a French army division moved into northern Spain. This group was led by General Jean-Baptiste Girard. They had crossed the River Guadiana near Mérida.

General Rowland Hill learned about the French movements. He talked with his commander, Wellington. Hill got permission to chase after Girard's forces. He used his 2nd Division for this mission.

Planning the Surprise Attack

Hill found out that the French had stopped in a village called Arroyo dos Molinos. This village was close to Alcuéscar. Hill decided to march his troops very quickly for three days. The weather was bad, but he wanted to catch the French before they moved again.

By the evening of October 27, Hill's soldiers were only four miles from the French. They had managed to surround the area where the French were camped. The 71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot was sent to take over the village of Alcuéscar. This village was three miles from Arroyo.

The Attack at Dawn

During the night, a strong hail storm hit the area. The next morning, October 28, the weather was still terrible. The French guards on duty had their backs turned to the wind and rain. They were trying to get some relief from the bad weather.

This was exactly the direction from which Hill's forces attacked at dawn. The surprise was complete. The French soldiers were caught off guard.

The Battle and Its Outcome

The battle was quick and decisive. Hill's forces attacked with great speed and power. The French soldiers were not ready for such a sudden assault.

Rowland Hill, the British general who led the surprise attack.

The French 34th and 40th Regiments suffered huge losses. Many soldiers were killed or captured. However, the French were proud that their special "eagle standards" were not taken by the British. These eagles were important symbols for their army. Marshal Soult, a French leader, wrote to Emperor Napoleon: "The honor of the army is saved; the Eagles did not fall into the hands of the enemy."

The cavalry, led by Long, also played a key role. The 2nd Hussars of the King's German Legion fought especially well. They broke through the French cavalry. More than 200 French cavalry soldiers were captured. Three French cannons were also taken.

General Hill's Report

On November 5, General Hill was very happy about the victory. He wrote to his sister about the battle. He told her that his forces had completely surprised and destroyed the French group.

Hill reported that the French had about 3,000 infantry (foot soldiers) and 1,600 cavalry (horse soldiers). They also had artillery (cannons). The result of the battle was amazing. The allies captured one French general and one colonel. They also took 35 other officers and 1,400 prisoners. About 500 French soldiers were killed. The rest of the French soldiers ran away, throwing down their weapons. The allies also captured all the French cannons, baggage, and supplies.

Side-drums captured from the French 34th Infantry Regiment, now in a museum.

Even though the French "eagles" were not captured, the British 34th Regiment did capture six side-drums from the French 34th Infantry Regiment. They also took the drum-major's staff. These items are now on display in Cumbria's Museum of Military Life at Carlisle Castle.

Who Fought in the Battle

Here are some of the main groups of soldiers who fought in the Battle of Arroyo dos Molinos:

Allied Forces (Britain, Portugal, Spain)

• British Army
  • 2nd Division
    • First Brigade (Howard's)
      • 9th (East Norfolk) Regiment of Foot
      • 24th (The 2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot
      • 50th (Queen's Own) Regiment of Foot
      • One company, 5th Battalion, 60th (Royal American) Regiment of Foot
      • 71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot
      • 92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot
    • Third Brigade (Wilson's)
      • 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot
      • 2nd Battalion, 34th (Cumberland) Regiment of Foot
      • 2nd Battalion, 39th (Dorsetshire) Regiment of Foot
      • One company, 5th Battalion, 60th (Royal American) Regiment of Foot
  • Cavalry: 'D Brigade' (Long's)
    • 9th Light Dragoons
    • 13th Light Dragoons
    • 2nd Hussars King's German Legion

• Spanish Army
  • (Morillo's) Division
    • Voluntarios de la Victoria
    • Legión Extremeña
  • Penne de Villemur's Cavalry Division
    • Cazadores de Sevilla
    • Regimento de Linea Algarve
    • Lanceros de la Legión Extremeña

French Forces

• Division Girard (about 4,000 soldiers)
  • Brigade Dombrowski
    • 34th Ligne Infantry Regiment (3 battalions)
    • 40th Ligne Infantry Regiment (3 battalions)
  • Brigade Bron
    • 27th Chasseurs à Cheval (light cavalry)
    • 10th Hussars
    • 20th Dragoons
• Artillery: one 8-pounder cannon, one 4-pounder cannon, one light howitzer.

Images for kids

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  A map showing the battle, drawn in 1812.