On 22 July 1812 Wellington's Anglo-Portuguese army defeated the French Army of Portugal under Marshal Marmont at Arapiles, south of Salamanca. Wellington exploited Marmont's error of separating his left wing, and the French abandoned Andalusia.
Marmont's error
Attacks on the over-extended French left wing, including a flanking move by Pakenham's 3rd Division, broke it. Marmont and General Bonnet were wounded early in the fighting, and command confusion followed.1
Allied losses were about 5,200 killed, wounded and missing, and French losses about 14,000 killed, wounded or captured.
Madrid
The victory established Wellington as an offensive general, and his army entered Madrid on 12 August.
Also on this day
1921: Battle of Annual. Near Annual in northeastern Morocco, a Spanish army was overwhelmed by Riffian fighters during the Rif War.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the Battle of Salamanca?
It was fought on 22 July 1812 at the Arapiles hills, south of Salamanca in Spain, during the Peninsular War.
Who won the Battle of Salamanca?
The Anglo-Portuguese army under Wellington defeated the French Army of Portugal under Marshal Marmont.
What happened to Marmont?
He was wounded early in the fighting, and command confusion followed.
Notes
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