Battle of Vila Velha facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Vila Velha
Part of Spanish invasion of Portugal
A trooper of the 16th light Dragoons, also known as Burgoyne's Light Horse.
Date 5 October 1762 Location Vila Velha de Ródão, Portugal 39°39′00″N 7°40′12″W / 39.6500°N 7.6700°W / 39.6500; -7.6700 Result Anglo-Portuguese victory
Belligerents
Great Britain Kingdom of Portugal	Spain
Commanders and leaders
John Burgoyne Charles Lee	Unknown
Strength
200 line infantry 50 dragoons (Great Britain) 100 grenadiers (Portugal)	200 grenadiers 100 cavalry 8 guns
Casualties and losses
1 killed 10 wounded	100 killed or wounded 150 captured 6 guns captured 60 mules captured

The Battle of Vila Velha happened in October 1762. It was a fight where British and Portuguese soldiers worked together. They were led by John Burgoyne and Charles Lee. They surprised and took back the town of Vila Velha de Ródão from Spanish invaders. This battle was part of the Seven Years' War and the Spanish invasion of Portugal.

Two months before, Burgoyne had captured a Spanish base. He then moved his troops to stop Spanish forces from crossing the Tagus River.

The Battle of Vila Velha

Why the Battle Happened

In October 1762, the Spanish army planned to attack a Portuguese headquarters. To stop them, a leader named Count of Lippe told George Townshend to move his soldiers. Townshend's troops marched through tough conditions. They successfully attacked a French group carrying supplies. This helped to cut off the Spanish supply lines.

The Surprise Attack

On October 3, the Spanish army took over Vila Velha. They left eight cannons there, guarded by 200 grenadiers and 100 horsemen. General Burgoyne was in charge of defending the south side of the Tagus River. He noticed that only a small group was guarding the Spanish cannons at Vila Velha.

Burgoyne ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Lee to lead a special team. This team included 100 Portuguese grenadiers, 200 British soldiers, and 50 light cavalry. Their mission was to cross the Tagus River and attack the Spanish position. A brave Portuguese grenadier helped them cross the river with a rope, but he lost his life doing so.

On October 7, Lee's team launched a surprise night attack. They caught the Spanish camp at Vila Velha off guard. Even though the Spanish were in a strong position, the British and Portuguese managed to defeat them. They scattered the Spanish horsemen and foot soldiers.

The battle resulted in many Spanish soldiers being killed, wounded, or captured. The British and Portuguese also took 6 cannons and 60 mules. Lee's main goal was to destroy the Spanish artillery supplies. Most of these supplies were burned, and some were taken. The British and Portuguese only lost 1 soldier and had 10 wounded. The town was held, and more British and Portuguese soldiers arrived the next day. This victory at Vila Velha effectively ended the Spanish and French invasion.

What Happened After

By mid-October, the Spanish and French armies decided to go back to Spain. The Portuguese and British forces chased after them. The Spanish had to leave their sick soldiers behind. By October 24, the Spanish and French armies were back in Spain.

There were a few small fights along the border as both sides settled into their winter camps. The Spanish tried to attack again in November at Olivença, Marvão, and Ouguela. But they were pushed back each time. On November 22, the Spanish commander suggested a truce, which ended the fighting for the campaign.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Vila Velha para niños

• Great Britain in the Seven Years' War