BATTLE // January 3, 1809

Battle of Cacabelos

Name: Battle of Cacabelos
Start: 1809-01-03
End: 1809-01-03
Location: Battle of Cacabelos

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Significance

The Battle of Cacabelos occurred during the British retreat to A Coruña under Sir John Moore, fought at the bridge outside the village of Cacabelos in the Province of León. British rearguard units were overwhelmed by Soult's advance guard and forced into a hurried withdrawal across the bridge, yet the engagement produced a decisive check on French pursuit. Heavy French casualties, including the death of Brigadier General Colbert-Chabanais, caused Soult's forces to halt their advance. That delay allowed Moore's army to continue its retreat with its forces largely intact, preserving the main British force for the eventual evacuation at A Coruña and sustaining British operational presence in the Peninsular campaign.

Tactics

The battle was fought at the bridge just outside the village of Cacabelos, where British forces conducted a rearguard action against the French advance guard. Pressed and overwhelmed, British units executed a withdrawal across the bridge. French forces engaged in pursuit but suffered heavy casualties in doing so, which ultimately caused them to suspend their advance.