Vimeiro 1808: Wellesley's first victory in the Peninsular (Campaign)

About this book

Ospreys examination of the first of Sir Arthur Wellesleys string of victories in the Peninsular War (1807-1814). On 2 August 1808 a British army of 14 000 men began landing north of Lisbon under the command of Sir Arthur Wellesley the future Duke of Wellington. They were coming to assist the Portuguese Britains oldest ally to liberate their country from its French occupiers. Within a month Wellesley was to win two victories over the French at the battles of Rolia and Vimeiro. General Andoche Junot the French commander was forced to surrender and evacuate Portugal.