Battle of Benavente
Summary
In the context of the British retreat toward La Coruña, Lefebvre-Desnouettes's Guard chasseurs crossed the frozen Esla River to attempt a surprise attack on the British rearguard. But British hussars reacted quickly, countercharged, and inflicted a defeat on the French. Lefebvre was captured.
Historical context
Napoleon pursued Sir John Moore's British forces retreating toward the northern coast to embark. French cavalry units harassed their withdrawal, but coordination was difficult in the cold and hostile terrain.
Tactics
Lefebvre attempted a bold but isolated breakthrough. The British drew the French into an ambush and charged in coordinated fashion on both flanks. The chasseurs were encircled and forced to retreat or surrender.
Consequences
This local defeat had no major strategic impact, but marked a rare British victory in close combat against the Imperial Guard. The capture of a high-ranking French general was exploited in the British press.