Battle of Cacabelos

Pursuing retreating British forces, French cavalry reached the bridge at Cacabelos defended by the British rearguard. An attack was launched without coordination with French infantry. The British, well posted, inflicted losses and killed General Colbert with a sharpshooter's shot. The French fell back awaiting reinforcements.

After the Battle of Benavente, the British army continued its retreat toward the coast. Napoleon sent his marshals to press the fugitives. The haste of the French vanguard led to uncoordinated fighting.

The British positioned themselves on high ground behind a narrow bridge. Artillery and skirmishers of the 95th Rifles covered the approach. French cavalry attempted a frontal attack, repelled by heavy fire from the defenders. Colbert charged without waiting for infantry; Merle and La Houssaye then tried a ford crossing and a bayonet assault, but darkness around 4 p.m. and Colbert's death halted the pursuit.

The delay imposed on the French allowed the British to continue their retreat under better conditions. The death of General Colbert, close to Napoleon, was a symbolic blow for the imperial army. The French lost about 200 men; Soult's advance guard surprise attack at the start of the action had already taken some fifty British prisoners.