Background to 1813 Valladolid Campaign

Map of Western Spain 13 July 1813

In 1812 Wellington had defeated the French in western Spain at the battle of Salamanca. He had occupied Madrid and laid siege to Burgos.

Despite this setback King Joseph was able to gather a large army and drive Wellington back to Salamanca.

In January 1813 orders arrived from Napoleon to send many of the best French divisions north to rebuild the Grand Armee, which was lost in the terrible retreat from Russia. King Joseph was relieved of the command of all French armies in Spain. Marshal Soult would command in western Spain and Marshal Suchet in eastern Spain.

Marshal Soult was ordered to abandon Andalusia and march his army north to replace the troops sent to Germany. He would hold the area from Madrid to Bayonne and cooperate with Marshal Suchet in eastern Spain.

The Duke of Wellington was soon aware that the French armies in Spain had been greatly reduced in number. In January 1813 he was appointed to command all allied troops in Spain, including all Spanish armies.

In May 1813 he issued his orders for the coming campaign.

Captain-General Copons would command the four Spanish armies in the east. He would create a diversion, which would pin Suchet in the east and prevent him sending any reinforcements to Soult.

The main offensive would be in the west. He would lead his own Anglo Portuguese army back to Burgos, defeat Soult and drive him out of Spain.

Fifth French Army was widely spread throughout western Spain as follows

6^th corps at Burgos

7^th corps at Valladolid

8^th Corps at Madrid

16^th corps at Santander

Wellington has concentrated his army in and around Salamanca

1^st corps in reserve at Salamanca

2^nd corps at Avila to guard against an advance from Madrid

3^rd corps opposite Valladolid pinning 7^th French corps

4^th corps ready to cross the river Douro at Zamora

The campaign would start on 13 July 1813.