Battle of Grijó facts for kids

The Battle of Grijó was a fight that happened on May 10-11, 1809. It was part of a bigger war called the Peninsular War. In this battle, the combined armies of Britain and Portugal, led by Sir Arthur Wellesley, won against the French army. The French were led by Marshal Nicolas Soult. This battle was important because it helped Sir Arthur Wellesley push the French out of the city of Porto the very next day.

Quick facts for kids Battle of Grijó
Part of the Peninsular War
Date 10–11 May 1809 Location Grijó, Portugal 41°01′42″N 8°34′49″W / 41.02833°N 8.58028°W / 41.02833; -8.58028 Result Anglo-Portuguese victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom Portugal	French Empire
Commanders and leaders
Sir Arthur Wellesley	Jean Soult
Strength
18,000	7,000
Casualties and losses
104	200 hundreds of prisoners

What Was the Peninsular War?

The Peninsular War was a big conflict that lasted from 1807 to 1814. It was fought in Spain and Portugal. The main sides were France, led by Emperor Napoleon, against Britain, Portugal, and Spain. This war was part of the larger Napoleonic Wars across Europe.

The Battle of Grijó

The Battle of Grijó happened during the second time France invaded Portugal. The French army was trying to take control of the country.

First Clashes

On May 10, 1809, British cavalry soldiers, led by General Sir Stapleton Cotton, met some French troops. After a short fight, the French were scattered. Both sides had only a few injuries, but many French soldiers were captured.

Main Attack

The next day, May 11, a larger French force was defending a wooded hill south of Grijó. This French force was led by General Julien Augustin Joseph Mermet. Sir Arthur Wellesley's Anglo-Portuguese army attacked them from the south.

Wellesley used a clever plan called a "double flanking manoeuvre." This means he sent parts of his army around both sides of the French position. This made the French feel trapped and forced them to retreat.

Soldiers from Different Regiments

Some of the soldiers fighting for the British were from a special group. They were called the 1st Battalion of Detachments. These soldiers were from different regiments who had been separated from their main groups. They fought bravely in this battle.

For example, light infantry companies from the 43rd, 52nd, and 29th Regiments were part of this group. They attacked the French in the afternoon. The French fought back strongly, and some of these soldiers were injured.

Wellesley then ordered other troops to help. The King's German Legion attacked the French left side. Portuguese soldiers attacked their right side. With more British troops, they attacked the middle of the French line. This combined attack made General Mermet's French forces pull back.

What Happened Next?

After the victory at Grijó, Sir Arthur Wellesley continued to push the French. The very next day, he drove them out of the important city of Porto. This was known as the Second Battle of Porto. The Battle of Grijó was a key step in this successful campaign.