Francisco de Longa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francisco Tomás de Anchia Longa
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| Born | 1783 Longa de Mallabia |
| Died | 1842 (aged 64) |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Battles/wars | War of the Pyrenees Peninsular War |
Francisco Tomás de Anchia Longa (born 10 April 1783 – died 1831) was a brave Spanish general. He was also known as Francisco de Longa. He got this name because he was a strong leader from the village of Longa, in Mallabia, Spain. Longa played a very important part in fighting against the French during the Peninsular War.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Francisco Tomás de Anchia Longa was born in the village of Longa. Before he became a famous general, he worked as a blacksmith. This means he made and fixed things out of metal.
Becoming a Guerrilla Leader
In 1809, Longa became a Spanish guerrilla. A guerrilla is a fighter who is part of a small group. They use surprise attacks and quick movements instead of large battles. Longa started with only a few followers.
These small groups, called partidas, were supported by the Spanish army. They received weapons and supplies. Longa's groups were very good at attacking the French army's communication lines. This made it hard for the French to send messages and supplies.
Leading Larger Forces
By 1811, Longa had become a lieutenant colonel. He led a battalion of 700 men. A battalion is a large group of soldiers. In 1812, he was promoted to colonel. He was then given command of the Iberian Division. He led his forces in the Cantabrian mountains for four years.
Longa helped the British and Portuguese armies led by Duke of Wellington in 1813. He became the commander of Spain's 4th Army. By 1814, he was a brigadier general. He became a lieutenant general in 1815, and later a field marshal. These are very high ranks in the army.
He and 100 of his men fought the French using guerrilla tactics. They attacked French communication lines around Pancorbo, Orduña, and Valdeajos. His actions helped to disrupt the French army.
The Battle of Vitoria
Longa's division played a key role in the Battle of Vitoria. This was a very important battle in 1813. His forces were part of Sir Thomas Graham's column. They moved through the mountains to the north. Their main goal was to stop the French from escaping east from Vitoria.
Longa's division fought the French Army of Portugal. This French army was trying to protect their escape routes. Longa's forces fought in the eastern area of Gamarra Mayor. They faced tough fighting and had many casualties. However, Longa's forces managed to cut off the main French retreat path. This helped Wellington's forces win a great victory.
Longa's guerrilla fighters were very important. They stopped the French from getting information. Instead, they gave Wellington important details about where the French were. Longa's actions also caused a lot of problems for the French. Their communication and supplies were disrupted. This lowered the French soldiers' morale and discipline.
The Battle of Vitoria was a huge success for the allied forces. The French had about 8,000 casualties, while the allies had about 5,000. The allies also captured almost all of the French cannons and ammunition chests. Many people believe that without the help of forces like Longa's guerrillas, the French would not have been defeated. Within a month, most French forces had left Spain. This practically ended French rule in the country.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco de Longa y Anchía para niños
