"The Battle of Medina de Rioseco 14th July 1808:" Topic

…Marshal Bessières' great victory

This is a book I read with pleasure. As someone interested in the Peninsular War, I found the details of the battle well-recounted, and it's one of the few that emphasizes the Spaniards' resolve to defend their homeland. It's also worthwhile to read about the qualities of Marshal Bessières, who isn't often mentioned in detail as a leader in Napoleonic history. Recomended to read.

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Armand

I have based my Spanish army in no small part on the Spanish OOB for Medina del Rioseco.

I even have the Los Colorados regiment. Ridden down by French cavalry and destroyed in this battle.

link

Great job… Congrats!…

There were two units from Buenos Aires, the other one was called "San La Muerte"…

Armand

Armand – do you know if they were also clothed and equipped by the British?

Yes they did… The unit's name stemmed from the fact that these Spaniards (not Creoles) felt deeply dishonored by their swift surrender when the locals (Creoles) were able to defeat the English on their own. They believed they deserved death and requested it be granted to them on the battlefield to cleanse their honor.

They actively participated in the war against Napoleon's troops, notably his role in the Galician counter-offensive against Marshal Ney's forces, advancing towards Puente San Payo. They were exterminated.

It was both English invasions that cemented the decision to gain independence from Spain.

Armand

Thanks Armand. That's another title to add to my never decreasing to-buy list!
I guess we should be grateful that so many books on the Napoleonic period are being brought out. It is just finding the cash to buy them and the time to read them.

Always a pleasure to thin your wallet my good friend… (smile)

Armand

TMP link