29 October 1813 – Santiago Campaign – Day 11

8^th French corps occupy Santiago

Ourense is now the main British depot.

9^th militia ransack Astorga

Sanabria is now the main French depot

5^th militia attack and destroy 10 brigade who are in rout having lost Astorga

The French infantry surrender and are all killed.      

1^st and 3^rd British corps attack 7^th and 16^th French corps at Ribadeo

Both French corps are reduced to two days supplies, and would prefer not to fight

However Soult decides to risk everything on this battle

Both armies start the battle with casualties and brittle morale

Wellington takes command of both corps artillery

Holding his infantry and cavalry in reserve he pounds the french right wing

All three French brigades have battle casualties

27 Infantry brigade receives artillery casualties and is shaken

28 Infantry brigade to receive casualties breaks and routs

27 infantry brigade fail their morale and join the rout

7 dragoon brigade also fail their morale and rout

With his right wing in retreat, Soult orders the rest of his army to retreat

The French suffer 900 casualties

The British receive no casualties