31 October 1813 – Northern Spain – End of Santiago Campaign

Start of Campaign

The Santiago campaign was the seventh campaign phase in Northern Spain, between the Fourth French Army commanded by Marshal Soult and the Anglo-Portuguese Army commanded by the Duke of Wellington.   It lasted twelve days and there were six battles.   Wellington won three and Soult also won three.

Battles Fought

The campaign started with the French advance to take Santiago.   If they are able to do so Wellington will be forced to retreat south into Portugal.

                                                      

It started badly, with the French defeat at the first battle of Corunna.   They were more successful at Lugo, where they forced Wellington to retreat to Santiago.  This was followed by a French victory at the second battle of Corunna, and they went on to occupy the town.   Guerrilla attacks on his lines of supply forced Soult to send one corps back to secure his supplies.  This allowed Wellington to counter attack and take back Corunna.   In the south the French attacked and captured Santiago.   However Wellington abandoned his lines of communications and attacked again in the south.  He defeated Soult at the battle of Ribadeo.   This forced Soult to order a general retreat.

The campaign ended in a close British victory