Summary
This fourth volume in Charles Oman's authoritative series continues the narrative of the Peninsular War, focusing on the critical year from December 1810 to December 1811. During this time, the war saw both strategic stalemates and bold offensives across the Iberian Peninsula.
Major highlights include:
The French retreat from Portugal after failing to overcome Wellington’s Lines of Torres Vedras
The Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro (May 1811), a hard-fought British victory against Marshal Masséna
The siege and relief of Almeida
The Battle of Albuera (May 1811), one of the bloodiest confrontations involving British, Spanish, Portuguese, and French troops
The French high command’s transition from Masséna to Marmont, reflecting a shift in strategy
The political tensions and disunity among the Spanish juntas
Guerrilla warfare and its increasing impact on French communications and supply lines
Oman’s detailed accounts are drawn from extensive archival research, including British, Spanish, Portuguese, and French sources, providing a nuanced and comprehensive military history.