Combat of Mesas de Ibor facts for kids

The Combat of Mesas de Ibor was a battle that happened on March 17, 1809. It was part of the Peninsular War, a big conflict in Europe. In this battle, French forces won against Spanish troops.

The Spanish army was led by General Duke del Parque. The French side was led by General Leval. His soldiers were mainly German battalions fighting for France.

Where the Battle Took Place

The battle happened in a deep valley near the Ibor river. This river flows into the Tagus river. The area is close to a town called Mesas de Ibor. This town is located in the province of Cáceres, which is in the Extremadura region of Spain.

Why the Battle Started

This battle was part of the larger Peninsular War. This war was fought between France and its allies, and Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. It took place on the Iberian Peninsula.

Napoleon's Orders

General Victor was a French commander. He was based in Salamanca, Spain. Even though he didn't want to, he had to follow direct orders from Napoleon. Napoleon told him to move his army into the Extremadura region.

Victor's Army

So, on March 14, General Victor began his march. His army was very large. It included about 15,000 foot soldiers (infantry) and 5,500 horse soldiers (cavalry). They also had sixty cannons with 1,600 artillerymen.

His army was divided into several groups:

• Ruffin's group had nine battalions.
• Villatte's group had twelve battalions.
• Leval's group had eight battalions. This group also included a cavalry regiment from Westphalia.
• Victor also had his own two cavalry regiments.
• Latour-Maubourg led six regiments of dragoons (horse soldiers).
• Lasalle led three regiments of light cavalry.

How the Battle Unfolded

The Spanish General Duke del Parque had a strong position. His 5,000 troops and six cannons were on high ground. This was on the other side of the Ibor river valley.

However, General Leval's eight German battalions were the first part of Victor's army to arrive. They managed to cross the river. Then, they climbed up the steep sides of the valley.

Spanish Retreat

Even with his strong position, Duke del Parque was forced to retreat. As his troops pulled back, they pushed their cannons over the edge of the cliff. This was to stop the French from capturing them.

What Happened After

After the defeat, Duke del Parque and his remaining troops retreated. They went to the headquarters of another Spanish general, Cuesta. Cuesta's headquarters were located in a town called Deleitosa.

See also

• Timeline of the Peninsular War