Battle of Castellón facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Castellón
Part of the Peninsular War
Date 1 January 1809 Location Castelló d'Empúries, near Girona, Catalonia, Spain 42°15′N 3°05′E / 42.250°N 3.083°E / 42.250; 3.083 Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
French Empire	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Honoré Charles Reille	Marqués de Lazán
Strength
500 regulars
Casualties and losses
300 dead or wounded, 90 captured

The Battle of Castellón was a clever surprise attack (an ambush) that happened on January 1, 1809. It took place near Girona in Catalonia, Spain. During this battle, Spanish forces successfully attacked a group of French soldiers led by General Reille. This event was part of the bigger Peninsular War, which lasted from 1807 to 1814.

The Peninsular War Begins

The Peninsular War was a long conflict between France and the allied forces of Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. It started when Napoleon of France tried to take control of the Iberian Peninsula. The war included many battles and sieges across Spain and Portugal. The Corunna campaign was a key part of this war, starting with the Battle of Cardedeu.

The Battle of Castellón

Spanish Plans for a Surprise Attack

General Lazán, a Spanish commander, planned a secret attack. He moved his troops quietly along the right side of the Fluvià River. His headquarters were set up in La Armentera, a village near where the river meets the Mediterranean Sea.

General Lazán wanted to surprise the French soldiers. These French troops were positioned on top of a ridge at Castelló d'Empúries. Because the roads were bad, a night attack wasn't possible.

The Spanish Attack

So, Lazán's forces moved early in the morning. They quickly pushed the French off the ridge. The French soldiers, led by General Reille, tried to retreat in an organized way towards Rosas.

However, the Spanish had another trick up their sleeve. A group of Spanish light infantry, called Chasseurs, led by Juan Clarós, moved ahead. They acted as the front line for General Castro's division.

French Soldiers Trapped

These Chasseurs circled around the French retreat path. They set up a position in a group of trees next to the main road. This blocked the French soldiers' escape route. The French found themselves caught in a pincer movement. This means they were attacked from two sides at once.

The Spanish forces then defeated the trapped French soldiers. Only 80 French soldiers managed to escape without injury. Another 90 French soldiers were forced to surrender to the Spanish.

What Happened Next

French Counter-Attack

When General Reille, who was based in Figueras, heard about his soldiers' defeat, he was not happy. The very next day, he set out with 3,000 French infantry and cavalry. His goal was to cut off the Spanish forces' communication lines with Girona.

Spanish Defenses Hold Strong

Despite the fast movement of the French troops, General Reille could not surprise the Spanish. General Lazán and his men were ready for them. They had built strong defenses at Castellón.

Reille tried to attack the Spanish lines in many places. But his attacks were pushed back every time. Seeing that he couldn't win, Reille decided not to continue fighting the Spanish. Lazán's forces then safely returned to Girona without any trouble from the French.

The War Continues

The Battle of Castellón was a clear victory for the Spanish. It showed that they could successfully ambush and defeat French forces. After this battle, the Corunna campaign continued with other important events, like the Battle of Mansilla.

See also

• Timeline of the Peninsular War