Portugal 1808 : Wellington's first peninsular campaign

Saunders, Tim, 1956-2024

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Summary

When Napoleon overreached himself by usurping the Burbon throne of Spain in early 1808, the resulting Spanish resentment & the brutal suppression of the Dos di Mayo Rebellion in Madrid turned Spain, a long-term enemy of Britain, into an ally. Sir Arthur Wellesley's expedition to South America was promptly cancelled & redirected to the Peninsular. Eventually landing in Portugal at the mouth of the Rio Mondego, the army found itself with little transport, but by keeping close to the coast & with logistical support from the Royal Navy, Wellesley set off south to confront Marshal Junot & liberate Lisbon. The first clash of arms was at Obidos &, days later, at the Combat of Roliȧ, Wellesley achieved his first victory in battle against the wily General Delaborde. With word that reinforcements were expected to arrive at Maceira Bay, the army was deployed at Vimiero to protect their landing.