BATTLE // December 29, 1811
Battle of Navas de Membrillo
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
The combat of Navas de Membrillo near Mérida on 29 December 1811 resulted in a setback for British light cavalry under General Rowland Hill, who failed to overcome a French Imperial force of approximately 400 men led by Captain Neveux. Historian Ian Fletcher has characterized the engagement as one of the more disappointing cavalry episodes of the Peninsular War, suggesting it reflected poorly on British cavalry performance in a period when such operations were critical to Hill's operations in Extremadura.
Tactics
The French force, heavily outnumbered in the broader operational context, formed square in response to the British light cavalry assault. The square formation proved effective, enabling the French under Captain Neveux to repulse the British horsemen and inflict what the overview describes as a sharp defeat on the attacking cavalry.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- Empire français400medium
Commanders (1)
United Kingdom
Rowland Hillgeneral
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