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BATTLE // August 21, 1808

Battle of Vimeiro

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Source · Wikipedia

Significance

The Battle of Vimeiro ended the first French invasion of Portugal. Wellesley's British force, numbering up to 20,500, inflicted over 1,600 casualties on Junot's army of 13,000–14,000 and drove it from the field near Lisbon. The defeat compelled France to abandon its initial occupation of Portugal, marking the first significant British land victory of the Peninsular War and establishing a foothold from which operations against French forces on the Iberian Peninsula would continue.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • French Empire13,000–14,000
    medium
  • United Kingdom17,000–20,500
    medium

United Kingdom fielded a 1.4 : 1 numerical advantage

Casualties

  • French Empire1,630–1,710
    medium12% loss rate

Commanders (2)

French Empire

United Kingdom

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6 sibling battles · 3 factions

Last verified June 2026
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