The Battle of Arlabán of 1812, also known as the Second Surprise of Arlabán, took place in the mountain pass of Arlabán,
Guipúzcoa,
Basque Country, near the border with
France
France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...
, on 9 April 1812, during the
Peninsular War
The Peninsular War (1808–1814) was fought in the Iberian Peninsula by Kingdom of Portugal, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, United Kingdom against the invading and occupying forces of the First French ...
. A Spanish force of 3,000–3,500 men led by
Francisco Espoz y Mina intercepted a great French convoy (2,000–3,000 regulars and 150 cavalry) of General of Division
Caffarelli.
The attack was a success, and after one hour, the French were completely defeated. The Spanish casualties were estimated at 30 killed and wounded, and the French lost between 600 and 700 men, and 300 captured. The Spanish also rescued 800 Spanish, British and Portuguese prisoners (five officers), and captured the valuable convoy (weapons and baggage, two colours, letters from
Joseph Bonaparte to
Napoleon
Napoleon Bonaparte (born Napoleone di Buonaparte; 15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821), later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a French general and statesman who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led Military career ...
, and a great amount of jewelry, valued between 700,000 and 800,000
francs
The franc is any of various units of currency. One franc is typically divided into 100 centimes. The name is said to derive from the Latin inscription ''francorum rex'' ( King of the Franks) used on early French coins and until the 18th centur ...
).
Joseph Bonaparte's personal secretary, Jean Deslandes, was killed in this action.
See also
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Battle of Arlabán (1811)
Notes
References
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Further reading
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External links
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Arlaban 1812
Battles of the Peninsular War involving Spain
Conflicts in 1812
Ambushes in Spain
Military history of the Basque Country (autonomous community)
1812 in Spain
April 1812
Joseph Bonaparte