Conquest of Algeria / War against Abd el-Kader

The Battle of the Sikkak opposed French troops commanded by General Lamoricière to important force of Abd el-Kader in wooded valley southwest of Tlemcen. The emir, returning from raids near Moroccan border, attempted to surprise French columns, but they resisted effectively. Well-prepared French ambush combined with cavalry maneuver on enemy rear inflicted heavy defeat on Abd el-Kader's forces, which had to retreat southward.

The Battle of Sidi Brahim is one of the most famous episodes of the conquest of Algeria. A small French detachment led by Captain Dutertre was surprised by Abd el-Kader's greatly superior forces in an enclosed valley. Refusing surrender, the French entrenched around Sidi Brahim marabout and held out for three days against repeated assaults. Ammunition exhausted, only a few survivors managed to escape. Courage of this resistance was celebrated in the French army as legendary act of heroism.

The Battle of the Mekerra opposed French troops commanded by Colonel Cavaignac to important contingent of Abd el-Kader near Sidi Bel Abbès. Battle was triggered as French secured Mekerra valley, strategic passage toward western Tell. Thanks to fire discipline and intelligent use of terrain, French troops repulsed enemy charges and obliged Abd el-Kader to retreat toward Ouarsenis mountains.

The Battle of the Oued Sebbah saw French army commanded by General Humbert face important column of cavalry led by Emir Abd el-Kader. After ambush attempt by indigenous forces, French troops managed to reverse situation through outflanking maneuver executed by their cavalry. Favorable outcome allowed securing passage toward Saïda, strategic center coveted in western Algeria.

One year after famous siege of Sidi Brahim, French troops returned in force to this still disputed strategic region between colonial army and forces of Emir Abd el-Kader. This time French anticipated ambush. During mobile engagement in hills near marabout, they succeeded in repulsing and routing emir's cavalry thanks to decisive use of artillery and cavalry. Name of Sidi Brahim, already symbolic, was again marked by French troop tenacity.

The action at Sidi Brahim in September 1845 is one of the most famous engagements of the conquest of Algeria. A small French column, ambushed by greatly superior army of Emir Abd el-Kader, entrenched around Sidi Brahim marabout for three days of fierce siege. Despite heroic defense, survivors had to attempt bloody breakout. Their heroic resistance became symbol in French military history.

The Battle of the Ouarsenis opposed French forces commanded by General Bedeau to important body of Abd el-Kader entrenched in steep reliefs of Ouarsenis range. In outflanking and encirclement operation, French troops surprised enemy in camp and forced pitched battle in difficult access zone. French victory, though costly, contributed to reducing Abd el-Kader's hold on mountain massifs.

The Battle of Ouizert saw French troops under General Changarnier confront and disperse important force of Emir Abd el-Kader near Mostaganem. Though outnumbered, French effectively exploited terrain and mobile artillery to disorganize enemy. This victory accelerated collapse of Abd el-Kader's military authority in western Algeria.