Battle of Zornoza 1808 • Revolution & Empire
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Battle of Zornoza

Revolution & Empire French victory
Historical significance:

Summary

Blake, poorly positioned on the heights of Zornoza, was attacked by Lefebvre with part of IV Corps. The French gained the advantage from the start thanks to superior artillery and discipline. Blake managed to withdraw but suffered heavy losses.

Historical context

Napoleon had personally taken command of the campaign in Spain. Before his arrival at Burgos, his marshals initiated the first offensives to disorganize Spanish lines in the north. Zornoza was the first French victory of this phase.

Tactics

Lefebvre attacked in several columns, fixing the front and attempting to envelop the flanks. The Spanish attempted linear defense but were outflanked. French artillery bombarded the ridges before the final assault.

Consequences

The defeat forced Blake to withdraw southward. This opened the way for Napoleon's main offensive on Madrid via Burgos. It was the beginning of a series of French victories during November–December 1808.

Location

Place : Zornoza (Zornotza), Spanish Basque Country
Coordinates : 43.2231°N, 2.7336°W

Related battles

Battle of Valmaseda

1808

As a division of Marshal Victor advanced isolated at the front, Blake succeeded in surprising it with a force attack. The French were momentarily beaten and forced to withdraw. It was a rare Spanish success during the November campaign.

Defeat

Battle of Somosierra

1808

To open the road to Madrid, Napoleon ordered an attack on Spanish redoubts defending the Somosierra pass. After several unsuccessful infantry assaults, he ordered a bold charge by the Polish Guard chasseurs. They broke enemy lines, captured the guns, and forced the Spanish to retreat. The road to the capital was cleared.

Victory

Battle of Tudela

1808

The Battle of Tudela opposed a poorly coordinated Spanish army to a French force superior in organization. Lannes attacked the Spanish center and right, breaking their line, while Moncey pressed on the left wing. The Spanish army was dislocated and in flight before nightfall.

Victory