Battle of Valencia de Alcántara facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Valencia de Alcántara
Part of the Spanish invasion of Portugal
John Burgoyne, Joshua Reynolds
Date 27 August 1762 Location Valencia de Alcántara, Spain 39°25′00″N 7°14′00″W / 39.4167°N 7.2333°W / 39.4167; -7.2333 Result Anglo-Portuguese victory
Belligerents
Great Britain Portugal	Spain
Commanders and leaders
John Burgoyne	Miguel de Irunibeni
Strength
3,000 4 guns	4,000
Casualties and losses
25 killed & wounded	600 killed, wounded & captured

The Battle of Valencia de Alcántara happened in August 1762. It was a surprise attack by British and Portuguese soldiers. They were led by a British officer named John Burgoyne. Their goal was to capture the town of Valencia de Alcántara from the Spanish army.

This battle was part of the Seven Years' War. It helped defend Portugal against a Spanish invasion. The British and Portuguese forces won the battle on August 27.

Why the Battle Happened

The Spanish army was trying to take over Portugal in 1762. This was part of a bigger plan during the Seven Years' War. Spain was helping France in the war.

The Spanish army had two main groups. One group attacked Portugal from the north, near Galicia. They crossed the Douro River and aimed for Porto. The other group attacked from the south, near Ciudad Rodrigo.

Britain sent help to Portugal. About 8,000 British soldiers arrived. They were led by John Burgoyne. Their job was to stop the Spanish invasion.

Planning the Attack

On August 24, 1762, a leader named Count of Lippe made a decision. He wanted to attack Valencia de Alcántara. This Spanish town was important. It was a main place for the Spanish army to get supplies.

Count Lippe sent John Burgoyne to lead the attack. Burgoyne was a colonel. He had about 2,800 British and Portuguese soldiers. This group included 400 light cavalry (soldiers on horseback). There were also six British infantry companies and eleven Portuguese grenadier companies. They also had four cannons.

Burgoyne's troops crossed the Tagus River at Abrantes. At a place called Castelo de Vide, more Portuguese soldiers joined them. This included 100 foot soldiers, 50 irregular cavalry, and about 40 armed farmers.

The Battle and Victory

On August 27, Burgoyne's troops made a very fast march. They traveled about 45 miles. Then, they attacked Valencia de Alcántara. The Spanish defenders were completely surprised. Burgoyne's cavalry led the charge.

The British and Portuguese quickly took control of the town. They also captured many Spanish soldiers. A Spanish general was among the prisoners. Several companies of the Spanish Seville regiment were defeated. This regiment was guarding the town.

The town itself was not badly damaged. But the people of Valencia de Alcántara had to pay a ransom. This was a payment of a year's taxes in corn.

What Happened Next

This victory was small but important. It made the Portuguese people feel much better. It also slowed down the Spanish invasion. John Burgoyne was given a large diamond for his success. The Spanish flags were also captured.

This battle helped the British and Portuguese win the war that year. Two months later, Burgoyne defeated the Spanish again. This happened at the battle of Vila Velha.

See also

In Spanish: Sitio de Valencia de Alcántara para niños

• Great Britain in the Seven Years War