Battle of Somosierra

Battle of Somosierra
Arc de Triomphe: SOMOSIERRA


November 30, 1808

Napoleon and his army were advancing on Madrid when a Spanish force under General San Juan stood in their way at the pass of Somosierra. Impatient, Napoleon ordered the Polish light cavalry to charge the guns and take the position. The first charge failed, but a second charge with the Poles and the Chasseurs à Cheval of the Imperial Guard successfully took the position and earned them a place in history.


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Updated March 2017

© Nathan D. Jensen