Battle of Almenar

Battle of Almenara
Part of the War of the Spanish Succession
Date July 27, 1710 Location Almenar, near Lerida, Spain Result Allied victory
Belligerents
France Spain	Austrian British Dutch
Commanders and leaders
marquis of Villadarias	Guido Starhemberg Lord Stanhope
Strength
22,000	18,000
Casualties and losses
1,000 dead 3,000 captured	400 dead

The Battle of Almenara took place on July 27, 1710 in the War of the Spanish Succession.

Prelude

In spring 1710 the Franco-Spanish army had entered Cataluña from Aragón crossing the Segre river on March 15. On May 3, Philip V had joined the army.

The allied army was joined by archduke Charles in June.

In July General Guido Starhemberg received reinforcements and decided to attack. He crossed the Noguera river taking up positions on the hights of Almenara.

Stanhope then crossed the Segre at Balaguer (north of Lerida) marching to the bridge of Alfarras, crossing it on 27 July.

The battle

Villadarias opened the battle with a cavalry attack which was initially succesfull, but the initiative was wasted by pursuing groups of fleeing enemies.

Then the British infantry attacked the left wing which fled, taking the second line with it. Then the Austrians attacked and destroyed the right wing, where Philip V risked his life fighting and was almost captured by the allies.

Aftermath

The Franco-Spanish troops had to leave Cataluña and withdraw to Aragón, where the Battle of Saragossa took place on August 20.

Villadarias was removed of command and replaced by the Marquis de Bay.

External links

• Description of the Battles of Almenara (in Spanish)