Battle of Mollet facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Mollet
Part of the Peninsular War
Date 21 January 1810 Location Mollet del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain 41°32′22″N 2°12′48″E / 41.5394°N 2.2133°E / 41.5394; 2.2133 Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
French Empire	Kingdom of Spain
Commanders and leaders
Guillaume Philibert Duhesme	Marquess of Campoverde
Strength
2,160	3,000
Casualties and losses
700 dead or wounded 640 captured 2 cannons	Unknown

The Battle of Mollet was an important fight during the Peninsular War. This war was part of the larger Napoleonic Wars that swept across Europe. The battle happened on January 21, 1810, in a town called Mollet del Vallès, which is close to Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain.

This battle was a clash between French soldiers and Spanish forces. It showed how determined the Spanish were to fight against the French army.

What Happened at Mollet?

The battle involved about 2,160 French soldiers. They were led by General Guillaume Philibert Duhesme. On the other side, there were 3,000 Spanish soldiers. Their leader was Luis González Torres de Navarra, Marquess of Campoverde.

The First Clash

The Spanish army, specifically a group called the Llobregat Division, first met a smaller group of French soldiers. This French group was the "vanguard," meaning the first part of their army. The Spanish attacked them at Santa Perpètua de Mogoda. They managed to defeat these 500 French soldiers.

The Main Battle

After their first victory, the Spanish forces marched to Mollet. There, they faced the main French army. This group had about 1,500 regular soldiers, 160 cuirassiers (soldiers with heavy armor), and two cannons.

The Spanish army surrounded the French. The French soldiers fought hard to defend themselves. But in the end, they had to give up.

Spanish Victory

The Spanish won the Battle of Mollet. They captured 500 French soldiers and 140 cuirassiers. They also took the two cannons and all the French supplies.

General Duhesme and the remaining French soldiers managed to escape. They fled to Granollers. They were saved from another Spanish attack when a large French force arrived. This force had 9,000 men and was led by Marshal Pierre Augereau.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Battle of Mollet was a clear victory for the Spanish. It showed that the Spanish forces could defeat the French. This battle was a small but significant part of the long and difficult Peninsular War. It helped boost the morale of the Spanish people.