The Battle of Salamanca took place on 22 July 1812. During this engagement, the Duke of Wellington identified a significant tactical opening against Marshal Marmont. Although the French fielded 78 cannons compared to the 62 cannons of the Allies, Wellington placed his confidence in the superior discipline and skill of the Anglo-Portuguese cavalry to break the enemy lines.
Upon observing the French army becoming strung out while attempting to flank his position, Wellington ordered an immediate attack on their overextended left wing. The British heavy cavalry and Edward Pakenham's 3rd Division initiated a series of flanking manoeuvres in oblique order. These strikes isolated the French left wing from the main body, causing a rout that forced the French to abandon Andalusia permanently.
This decisive victory enabled the Allied army to advance to and liberate Madrid for two months. The loss of the city irreparably damaged the pro-French government of King Joseph.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
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