Battle of Carpio facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Carpio
Part of the Peninsular War
Date 23 November 1809 Location El Carpio, Valladolid, near Medina del Campo, Spain 41°13′N 5°6′W / 41.217°N 5.100°W / 41.217; -5.100 Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
French Empire	Kingdom of Spain
Commanders and leaders
François Étienne de Kellermann	Duke del Parque
Strength
11,700	19,000
Casualties and losses
1,100 dead or wounded	60 dead and 88 wounded

The Battle of Carpio was an important fight during the Peninsular War. It happened on November 23, 1809, in a place called El Carpio, near Medina del Campo in Spain. This battle was fought between Spanish soldiers and French soldiers.

The Spanish army, led by Lieutenant-General Duke del Parque, had about 19,000 men. The French army, led by General François Étienne de Kellermann, had about 11,700 soldiers. The Spanish army won this battle, forcing the French to retreat from the town. Sadly, two brave Spanish leaders, Salvador de Molina and Colonel Juan Drimgold, lost their lives in this struggle.

What Led to the Battle?

The Battle of Carpio was part of a bigger conflict called the Peninsular War. This war involved France, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, fighting against Spain, Portugal, and Great Britain. The fighting in Spain in late 1809 began with the Battle of Talavera.

The Spanish army, led by Duke del Parque, planned to attack Madrid. This was a big goal for the Spanish forces. At first, they had some success. Duke del Parque's army pushed back a French group at the Battle of Tamames.

However, another Spanish army in the south faced a huge defeat at the Battle of Ocaña. This loss changed everything.

French Retreat and Spanish Plans

After the defeat at Ocaña, the French General Jean Gabriel Marchand left Salamanca. He moved back to the Douro River area. There, he met up with General Kellermann's special mobile army at Medina del Campo.

Duke del Parque learned about the big Spanish loss at Ocaña. He realized that the French forces could now focus all their attention on his army. To avoid being trapped, he quickly decided to retreat. He moved his army back towards the safety of the mountains, known as the sierras.

What Happened Next?

The Peninsular War continued after the Battle of Carpio. Just a few days later, on November 26, 1809, the French generals Kellermann and Marchand caught up with Duke del Parque's army. This led to the Battle of Alba de Tormes. In this battle, the Spanish army suffered a difficult defeat.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Carpio para niños