The
Battle of The Villa Matador
A fictional action during the Napoleonic
Spanish Peninsular War |
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The year is 1813 in the Basque region
of Northern Spain close to the French border.
Wellington has been doing what he does best in winning battles against the
French army in Spain, which as a consequence of those defeats is now on
the verge of being kicked out of the country.
With France's grip on Spain loosening the numerous Spanish Guerilleros or
"land Corsairs" as the French called them, have become more emboldened
and launch ever more attacks on the French army. |
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The much feared Francisco Espoz y Mina or the
"King of Navarre" leads a large group of Guerilleros in the area
and has assembled his men for an attack on a French supply column.
They rendezvous at the Villa Matador to await the column which was due to
pass nearby later in the day. Little do they know that the French have heard
word about the attack and the 1st battalion of the 45th Regiment had been
sent to turn the tables on the Spanish. |
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The first three pictures
show the 1st Battalions Voltigeur company advancing to clear the Wolf's
mountain pass. The Fusilier companies, the battalions Major Trebuchet and
the Regiments Colonel Calvet watch their progress. |
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A small group of Guerilleros posted to watch
the Wolfs Pass inflict some causalities on the Voltigeur's but urged on
by their commanding officer Captain Challon, the French manage to push on
through. The Spanish hold out as long as they can but are forced back, although
they manage to send word back to the Villa to alert Francisco of the impending
attack. |
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Pictures 3 - 6 show the
action in the Wolfs mountain pass with Captain Challon urging on his men. |
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Back at the Villa Francisco organizes his men
to meet the imminent French attack, whilst priests and monks give fervent
encouragement to one and all. |
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The Voltigeur company as ever in the fore, makes
good use of the cover provided by the many hay stacks close to the Villa
walls. Despite the heavy fire of the Spanish, which cuts down several of
them, the number of Spanish able to fire is severally restricted, as only
a few of them can fire over the Villa's high walls. |
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Sensing that one charge is all that is needed
to break into the Villa, Colonel Calvet spurs forward and cries out 'Vive
L Empereur' and orders a charge. The Voltigeur's launch into a ragged run
right up to the gatehouse on the Villa. A dozen muskets aim and fire at
the Colonel who is seated on his large grey stallion, but remarkably none
find their mark. With the other 5 companies of the battalion following up
behind the Voltigeur's, Francisco senses further defense would be futile
and just lead to the loss of all his command, so he calls out for his men
to disperse. |
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The Guerilleros did not expect to have to fight
a full blooded action against the French and were ill prepared to do so.
They have however lived to fight another day and will no doubt have their
revenge. Colonel Calvet and Major Trebuchet can be well pleased as they
have scored a rare victory against the hated, yet feared 'Land Corsairs'. |
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Spare a last thought for the unfortunate owners
of the Villa Matador, Don Sierra and his wife, who look on whilst the French
parade in their home. |
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