Battle of Albuera

Soult attempted to raise the siege of Badajoz by attacking the allied army at Albuera. The French frontal assault, directed by Godinot then Girard, initially succeeded. But a fierce counterattack by British infantry and the tenacity of Spanish troops broke the French momentum. Both sides suffered heavy losses without a decisive victory.

Soult sought to relieve the French garrison of Badajoz, besieged by the Anglo-Portuguese. He engaged his troops in a frontal battle, hoping to disorganize enemy lines before the arrival of Spanish reinforcements. The engagement took place in difficult weather conditions (rain, muddy ground).

Soult simulated a frontal attack before launching a powerful turning maneuver on the allied right flank. Girard's troops crushed the first British lines. But allied infantry, particularly Colborne's brigade, mounted a fierce counterattack and stabilized the line.

Although the French retreated, the allied army was too weakened to pursue. The siege of Badajoz was temporarily lifted. Albuera was one of the bloodiest battles of the Peninsular War. Beresford's reputation was damaged, but the Allies held the field.