Battle of Barrosa

Background. Cádiz had been besieged by French troops since early 1810, serving as the effective seat of Spanish government. In January 1811, the besieging force under Marshal Victor began to deteriorate due to reinforcements being diverted to Soult. This reduction in strength provided the Allied garrison, consisting of British, Spanish, and Portuguese troops, an opportunity to lift the siege through a relief attempt.

Allied Movement. Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Graham commanded an Anglo-Portuguese division that sailed from Cádiz on 21 February 1811. The force, including approximately 11,000 soldiers with 7,000 Spanish troops under General La Pena, assembled at Tarifa. They marched northward, arriving at the hills of Barrosa on the morning of 5 March, positioning themselves south of the French lines.

Battle Outcome. During the engagement, Victor placed one division to block the Allied line of march while his remaining two divisions attacked Graham's single rearguard division. Graham's forces defeated the French and captured a regimental eagle. However, the victory had little strategic effect, as the siege of Cádiz remained in force until 24 August 1812, allowing Victor to claim a French victory.