Battle of Cogorderos facts for kids

The Battle of Cogorderos was an important fight during the Peninsular War. It happened on June 23, 1811, in a place called Cogorderos in Spain. This battle was between the French army, led by General Jean-André Valletaux, and the Spanish army, led by General Francisco Taboada y Gil. After a long battle, the Spanish army won, forcing the French to retreat.

Quick facts for kids Battle of Cogorderos
Part of the Peninsular War
Date 23 June 1811 Location Near Benavides, Spain 42°32′N 5°56′W / 42.533°N 5.933°W / 42.533; -5.933 Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
French Empire	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Jean-André Valletaux  † Jean Pierre François Bonet	Francisco Taboada
Strength
3,000	6,000–7,300
Casualties and losses
500 killed, wounded or captured Hundreds of prisoners	17 killed 83 wounded

Why the Battle Happened

Brig-General Jean-André Valletaux

In June 1811, French soldiers had taken control of an area in Spain called the Páramo Leonés. The Spanish army, led by Field Marshal José María Santocildes, decided to fight back. They launched a strong attack against the French soldiers in the city of León.

The Spanish attack was successful. It forced the French commander, General Jean-Baptiste Jeanin, to leave León. Before leaving on June 19, he destroyed parts of the city's wall. On June 22, Santocildes and his troops entered León, ending 14 months of French control. However, more French soldiers were coming, so the Spanish had to leave soon after.

Meanwhile, another French general, Jean Pierre François Bonet, moved his troops to León. On the morning of June 23, General Jean-André Valletaux arrived with 5,000 French soldiers. They went to the town of Benavides to help the French soldiers there. The French fought hard and made the Spanish retreat, but the Spanish didn't lose many soldiers. After this, General Valletaux decided to attack General Francisco Taboada y Gil's Spanish troops, who were in the small town of Cogorderos.

The Battle Itself

General Valletaux decided to attack General Taboada's troops even though he didn't know much about them. He also had fewer soldiers than the Spanish. The Spanish soldiers fought very bravely for over four hours.

Then, something important happened. Brigadier General Federico Castañón arrived with three groups of soldiers from the Oviedo Regiment. These new soldiers, along with Taboada's cavalry (soldiers on horseback), attacked the French from the side. This surprise attack changed the battle.

The Spanish launched three strong attacks. They caused a lot of damage to the French army. After seven hours of fighting, the French finally gave up and ran away. They left behind many weapons and equipment. Hundreds of French soldiers were captured, including 11 officers. General Valletaux himself was killed during the first Spanish attack. The Spanish also captured three French regimental eagles, which were important flags. They chased many French soldiers as they retreated.

The French lost about 500 soldiers, either killed or wounded. Many were also captured. The Spanish, however, had much fewer losses, with only 17 soldiers killed and 83 wounded.

What Happened Next

Field Marshal José María Santocildes

Even though the Spanish won, General Taboada decided to move his troops back to Astorga. This was because General Jean Pierre François Bonet's main army was still a threat.

However, the French generals, Bonet and Marshal Bessières, decided not to send more soldiers to a different area called Extremadura. This decision actually helped the British general, Wellington, who was advancing in the south of Spain. In July, the French army in León got more soldiers when General Jean-Marie Dorsenne arrived and took over from Bessières.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Cogorderos para niños