Trant's raid facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Trant's Raid
Part of the Peninsular War
Coimbra
Date 6 October 1810 Location Coimbra, Portugal 40°12′N 8°25′W / 40.200°N 8.417°W / 40.200; -8.417 Result Portuguese victory
Belligerents
Portugal	French Empire
Commanders and leaders
Nicholas Trant	André Masséna
Strength
4,000 Portuguese militia	Unknown

Trant's Raid was an important event during the Peninsular War. On October 6, 1810, Portuguese forces took back the city of Coimbra from the French army. This attack was led by Colonel Nicholas Trant, an Irish officer working with the British Army, and his Portuguese militia.

The Battle for Coimbra

Before Trant's Raid, the French army, led by Marshal André Masséna, had taken control of Coimbra. They used the city as a supply base.

On October 7, 1810, Colonel Trant and his 4,000 Portuguese militia launched their attack. They successfully recaptured the city from the French. The French army suffered significant losses. Eight French soldiers were killed, and about 400 healthy soldiers were captured. In addition, around 3,500 sick and wounded French soldiers, along with hundreds of medical staff, also surrendered. The Portuguese forces had very few losses. Only 3 of Trant's men were killed, and 26 were wounded.

What Happened Next

After this victory, Colonel Trant became the new governor of Coimbra. He kept control of the city throughout the winter. During this time, the French army was busy trying to break through the Lines of Torres Vedras. These were strong defensive lines that protected Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The French efforts to get past these lines were unsuccessful.