ORDER OF BATTLE // June 7, 1809
Battle of Ponte Sampaio
Estimated force strength by side, with confidence labels per surviving record.
Forces engaged
2 sides catalogued · combined 19,200 estimated
French Empire
9,200
Medium-confidence figure
Spain
10,000
Medium-confidence figure
Battle context
The Battle of Ponte Sampaio, fought at the bridge of San Payo in Pontevedra over three days in June 1809, resulted in a Spanish victory that halted French Marshal Michel Ney's advance. Colonel Pablo Morillo successfully defended a strong riverside position against a French force of approximately 9,200 men, inflicting casualties of 300–600 while sustaining only 111 of his own. The repulse of Ney's attempt to dislodge the Spanish defenders preserved Spanish control of the position and checked French operational momentum in Galicia during the broader Peninsular War.
‹ Full battle dossierSources (6)
Monograph
The Napoleonic Wars Data Book
Monograph