Battle of the Baztan Valley facts for kids

The Battle of the Baztan Valley was an important fight during the French Revolutionary War. It happened between July 23 and August 1, 1794. In this battle, French soldiers from the Army of the Western Pyrenees, led by General Bon-Adrien Jeannot de Moncey, fought against Spanish forces led by Don Ventura Caro. The French army pushed the Spanish out of their strong positions. Then, they followed the valley all the way to the Atlantic coast. The Spanish soldiers guarding the coast had to give up or run away.

Quick facts for kids Battle of the Baztan Valley
Part of the War of the Pyrenees
Doneztebe-Santesteban near the Baztan valley
Date 23 July – 1 August 1794 Location Baztan Valley, Spain Result French victory
Belligerents
France	Spain French Émigrés
Commanders and leaders
Jacques Muller Bon-Adrien Moncey	Don Ventura Caro Marquis Saint-Simon Col. Gabriel de Mendizábal Iraeta
Strength
3 divisions	Not known
Casualties and losses
Over 600	Over 2,000, 300 cannons

Background to the Battle

Early Skirmishes

In October 1793, Jacques Léonard Muller became the leader of the French Army of the Western Pyrenees. That year, there weren't any huge battles in this area. However, there were many small fights between French and Spanish soldiers.

In February 1794, a Spanish general named José Urrutia y de las Casas attacked a strong position near Hendaye. This fight was called the Battle of Sans Culottes Camp. The Spanish had about 13,000 soldiers, but they lost the battle. About 335 Spanish soldiers were hurt or killed, while the French lost 235.

June Fights

On June 3, 1794, a French group of 2,300 soldiers, led by Lavictoire, attacked a place called Casa Fuorte. This spot was at the Izpegi Pass, which is a mountain pass. About 1,000 Spanish soldiers were defending it. The French won, and many Spanish soldiers were captured or became casualties. Other Spanish defenses in the area were also taken over that day.

Later in June, Don Ventura Caro, a Spanish general, tried to attack Mont Calvaire with 8,000 soldiers. But his attack was not successful. The Spanish lost about 500 soldiers, while the French lost fewer.

The Battle of Baztan Valley

Fighting at Monte Argintzo

The fighting in June helped the French army get a strong position in the Baztan Valley. General Muller told General Moncey to attack the Spanish positions there. On July 10, Antoine Digonet and 4,000 French soldiers attacked Monte Argintzo. This mountain is located south of Elizondo in the Baztan Valley.

The Spanish soldiers defending Monte Argintzo were outnumbered. They fought hard, but many were hurt or captured.

French Divisions Attack

A map showing the War of the Pyrenees in the Western area.

General Moncey led his own group of soldiers and two other groups during the battle.

• General Bon-Adrien Jeannot de Moncey had 13 groups of foot soldiers, 800 horse soldiers, and 18 cannons.
• General Henri Delaborde had 9 groups of foot soldiers.
• General Jean Henri Guy Nicolas de Frégeville had 9 groups of foot soldiers and some light horse soldiers.

Starting on July 23, Moncey's groups attacked the Spanish defenses in the Baztan Valley. The valley includes towns like Elizondo and Doneztebe. By the end of July, the French had broken through the Spanish defenses. Moncey then turned his soldiers north to follow the Bidasoa River towards the Atlantic coast.

We don't know exactly how many French and Spanish soldiers were hurt or killed in this part of the battle. However, the French captured 200 Spanish soldiers and four cannons.

On August 1, Moncey's 12,000 soldiers surprised the Spanish defenses along the coast. They attacked from the side and behind. The French captured the San Marcial heights near Irun and Hondarribia. Because of this clever move, Don Vicente de los Reyes, a Spanish commander, had to surrender. He gave up with 2,000 Spanish soldiers, 300 cannons, and five flags. The French lost about 600 soldiers in total during this offensive.

What Happened Next

Moncey's attack completely broke the Spanish defenses along the Bidasoa River. The French continued to win, taking the port of Pasaia on August 2. An even bigger victory came on August 3 when San Sebastián surrendered to the French. They captured 1,700 Spanish soldiers and 90 cannons there. The French lost very few soldiers in these victories. Soon after, the town of Tolosa also fell to Moncey's army.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla del Valle de Baztán para niños