The stand of the Fusiliers, Battle of Albuera, 16 May 1811, Peninsular War, Napoleonic Wars
Image details
Contributor:
Historical Images Archive / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
M8KH93File size:
47.5 MB (5.8 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
3465 x 4787 px | 29.3 x 40.5 cm | 11.6 x 16 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
1912More information:
This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.
1890 Illustration by William Barnes Wollen (1857–1936) from a history of England published circa 1912. Info from wiki: The sight of the approaching Allied line forced Soult's hand—if Cole's division was not stopped, defeat was certain. He sent four regiments of Latour-Maubourg's dragoons to charge the Portuguese section of Cole's line, and committed the whole of Werlé's reserve to protect V Corps' flank.[99] The dragoons swept down on Harvey's Portuguese brigade fully expecting to destroy it as they had Colborne's. The inexperienced Portuguese, however, stood firm and drove away the cavalry without even forming square.[100] Having once been repulsed, Latour-Maubourg's dragoons made no further attack on Cole's division, and the Allied line marched on. The Fusilier brigade and Lusitanian Legion on the division's left soon encountered Werlé's brigade, which outnumbered them two to one.[101] Despite his advantage in numbers, Werlé had formed his nine battalions into three columns of regiments, and could not bring as many muskets to bear as the Allies. Three separate regimental musket duels ensued, as the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers and the two battalions of the 7th Fusiliers each took on a column.[99] During the fire-fight the French tried once more to extend into line, but as before the concentrated Allied fire prevented their deployment. After 20–30 minutes of bitter conflict they finally broke and ran.[101] The Fusiliers had lost more than half their numbers, mainly to artillery fire, while Werlé's brigade had suffered 1, 800 casualties.