Battle of Ocana

In the Peninsular War, the Battle of Ocana was fought on November 19, 1809 and resulted in a victory of the French under Marshall Soult against the Spanish under General Don Juan de Arizagua . It was the Spanish army's greatest single defeat during the entire conflict. They lost, combining prisoners, killed and wounded, and deserters, nearly 28 000 troops from an army of 51 000, mostly due to the superb French use of their cavalry. The strategic consequences were also devastating, as it destroyed the only force capable of defending southern spain, and the area was overrun over the winter.

External links

• Napoleonic Guide description