Battle of Oporto - Definition and Overview

The Battle of Oporto took place on March 28 1809, when the French under Marshal Soult completely defeated the Portuguese under Lima and Pareiras, outside the city of Oporto. Soult followed up his success by storming the city, with horrible slaughter. It is estimated that 10,000 of the inhabitants perished in the attack. The French lost only 500 men.

Taking command of the British troops in Portugal in April, General Lord Wellesley made a surprise crossing of the Douro and on May 12 he advanced on Oporto. Soult retreated, Wellesley took the city and the French lost heavily.

See also:

• The Peninsular War