Albuera 16 May 1811 (continued 2)

Colburne's brigade were inflicting damage on the french infantry but they were exposed. Disaster struck when they were caught by surprise by a polish lancer cavalry charge. We are behind Colburne's brigade looking south east from where the attack came. The slaughter took place on the ground in this photo. From 1600 men of the 1/3rd, 2/31st, 2/48th and 2/66th batalions some 1300 were casualties.


The 4th Division in reserve (Cole) advanced without orders in a long line and managed to drive off the polish lancers. These forces linked up with the survivors and further enveloped the french infantry columns still engaged in a heavy firefight with the centre and left of the allied line.

This photo is taken from the same position as the previous but we are now looking south. The french had managed to position artillery on the low hill in the middle ground. The 1/7th, 2/7th and 1/23rd fusiler batalions charged across the foreground (of this photo) at the shaken french infantry columns. They were however hit heavily by canister fire from the afore mentioned artillery.


A view from the left side of the french infantry assault but looking to the rear (south). The attack came up this gentle slope. It was the largest infantry attack of the peninsula war (some 8,400 men). Eventually, in heavy rain, the french turned and routed.


A small monument to the bravery shown on that day at the left side of the allied line (Abercrombie).


Back in Albuera a poem "Oh Albuera, glorious field of grief" by Lord Byron.
"In rows, just like
they fought, they lay
like the hay in the
open countryside when
the night falls and the
mower falls silent, that
is how they were slain."