Battle of Almonacid de Toledo, 11 August 1809

Background. Following the Battle of Talavera, King Joseph Bonaparte retreated to Toledo. He ordered General Sébastiani to engage the Spanish Army of La Mancha, which threatened Madrid. Sébastiani initially failed at Aranjuez due to limited crossings but subsequently maneuvered west, crossing the Tagus at Toledo to flank the Spanish forces, setting the stage for the engagement at Almonacid.

Command and Maneuver. General Venegas commanded the Spanish troops, deciding to attack on 12 August to rest his forces. However, the French anticipated this move. Sébastiani deployed 14,000 troops of the IV Corps at half past five on 11 August, attacking immediately without waiting for the reserve under Dessolles and King Joseph Bonaparte to come up.

Outcome and Commemoration. The battle resulted in a French victory, notably through the decisive charges of Polish uhlans. The Spanish forces were forced to retreat, with some divisions taking refuge on the Castillo hill. The engagement is recorded on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and a military medal was later created in 1816 to commemorate the feat.