Combat of Villaseca facts for kids

The Combat of Villaseca was an important battle during the Peninsular War. It happened on January 18, 1812, near the village of Vila-seca in Catalonia, Spain. In this battle, a group of over 3,000 Spanish fighters, called somatenes, surprised and defeated a French army column. This was a big victory for Spain.

What Was the Combat of Villaseca?

The Combat of Villaseca was a surprise attack by Spanish forces against French troops. It took place during the Peninsular War, which was a major conflict between France and Spain (with help from Britain and Portugal).

Who Fought in the Battle?

• On one side were French troops, led by General Jacques Mathurin Lafosse. He was the governor of a place called Tortosa.
• On the other side were over 3,000 Spanish somatenes. These were local volunteer fighters, not regular soldiers. They were led by Baron de Eroles.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

General Lafosse and his French soldiers were marching to help the city of Tarragona. They had an infantry battalion (a large group of foot soldiers) and a troop of dragoons (soldiers who rode horses). As they passed through the village of Villaseca, Baron de Eroles and his somatenes were waiting.

The Battle Unfolds

The Spanish somatenes launched a surprise attack on the French column. General Lafosse himself managed to escape to Tarragona with only 22 of his dragoons. However, most of his troops were trapped in the village.

French Resistance and Surrender

The French soldiers fought bravely for several hours inside the village. But they were greatly outnumbered by the Spanish somatenes. In the end, they were forced to surrender.

The Outcome of the Battle

• Baron de Eroles and his somatenes captured nearly 600 French prisoners.
• Over 200 French soldiers were killed in the fighting.
• The next day, General Lafosse returned to Villaseca with more soldiers from Tarragona. But it was too late to change the outcome of the battle. The Spanish had already won.

British Involvement

A British naval officer, Edward Codrington, was also present at the battle. He was a Commodore in the Royal Navy. Codrington commanded a British fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. His job was to bother French ships.

Working with Eroles

Commodore Codrington had come ashore to talk with Baron de Eroles. They often worked together on plans against the French, especially around Tarragona.

Rescuing British Prisoners

During the battle, Eroles's men also managed to free two British Royal Navy captains. These captains had been captured by Lafosse's French soldiers the day before, after landing at Cape Salou.