Battle of Almenara

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Battle of Almenar


caption=
partof=the War of the Spanish Succession
date=July 27, 1710
place=hills of Almenar, near Balaguer (Catalonia), Spain
result=Allied victory
combatant1=flagicon|Spain|1701 Kingdom of Spain
combatant2=flagicon|Habsburg Monarchy Habsburg Austria
flagicon|UK|1606 Great Britain
flagicon|Netherlands|pri United Provinces
commander1=flagicon|Spain|1701 Francisco de Villadarias
commander2=flagicon|Habsburg Monarchy Guido Starhemberg
flagicon|UK|1606 Lord Stanhope
strength1=22,000Lynn, p. 339]
strength2=24,000
casualties1=1,000 dead
3,000 captured
casualties2=400 dead

The Battle of Almenar took place on July 27, 1710 in the War of the Spanish Succession.

Prelude

In spring 1710 the Spanish army had entered Catalonia from Aragón crossing the Segre river on March 15.On May 3, Philip V had joined the army.

The allied army was joined by archduke Charles in June.

In July General Guido Starhemberg received reinforcements and decided to attack. He crossed the Noguera river taking up positions on the hights of Almenar.

Stanhope then crossed the Segre at Balaguer (north of Lerida) marching to the bridge of Alfarras, crossing it on 27 July.

The battle

Villadarias opened the battle with a cavalry attack which was initially successful, but the initiative was wasted by pursuing groups of fleeing enemies.

Then the British infantry attacked the left wing which fled, taking the second line with it.Then the Austrians attacked and destroyed the right wing, where Philip V risked his life fighting and was almost captured by the allies.

Aftermath

The Spanish troops had to leave Catalonia and withdraw to Aragón, where the Battle of Saragossa took place on August 20.

Villadarias was removed of command and replaced by the Marquis de Bay.

Notes

References

* Lynn, John A. "The Wars of Louis XIV, 1667–1714." Longman, (1999). ISBN 0-582-05629-2

External links

* [http://www.ingenierosdelrey.com/guerras/1702_sucesion/1710_almenara.htm Description of the Battle of Almenara (in Spanish)]