Battle of Talavera from "Sharpe's Eagle"

[VashDraven]

That American guy also was the main char in my fav Tales from the Crypt episode. Was so pleased to see him in this xD

[XVIIcorpsgroup]

7 people are the Frenchmen who lost the eagle.

[JPH1138]

@expertstrategy Not really, Wellesly had no choice but to retreat after the battle due to a lack of a support, but he chose to fight it because he knew he could win. So it can't be said to be a strategic loss on his part, more like a triumph for morale.

Humourously the French generals pretended that they had won the tactical battle to Napoleon - until he started asking how Victor had managed to win a battle AND lose all his cannon.

[Kotassium]

GIVE THE FRENCH A DAMN GOOD THRASHING!

[USCSoundCheck]

Napoleon controlled most of Europe, including Spain, Italy, Germany and Austria, from 1804-1814. The Battle of Talavera constitutes one of the first victories of the Spanish forces allied with Great Britain against Napoleon.

Napoleón Bonaparte controló la mayoría de Europa, incluyendo España, Italia, Alemania y Austria, entre 1804 y 1814. La Batalla de Talavera, en La Mancha, contituyó una de las primeras victorias de las fuerzas españolas aliadas con las de Gran Bretaña contra Napoleon.

[lakamas11]

For Frodo!

[Totalwarbest]

I love this Eagle

[expertstrategy]

In reality the French won this battle, it was a strategic victory which is far more important than a tactical victory.

[BudgetAirsoftReviews]

I like how they had to change the British firing drill in this because the extras weren't as good as the real red coats ;)

[ancalites]

I wonder if there's chocolate inside?

[MrMorg19]

Yes 60% of the this coalition army was Spanish; though the British go first...

[rinck17]

Is the mounted officer giving the order to fire an American? He sounds like he's from the South. It's been over ten years since I've seen this and I don't remember much.

[BudgetAirsoftReviews]

@rinck17 Yep - he's a loyallist American who fled the US during the revolution.

[clonehero1]

sharpe eagles is 1 of the best sharpe made

[sixlotties]

Shape rules!

Awesome battle, sends shivers down my spine!

[slitheen]

Even back then the Frogs didn't like British beef. LOL :)

[ross79745]

good battle

[gonesparta]

yo vi la recreacion de esta batalla en 2009 en talavera de la reina

[009radix]

what would've been a nice touch is to have Sharpe use the Eagle to fend off soldiers trying to recover it like in the book, and to have him look up at it with its bloody and crooked wing

[Shadowstrom]

does anyone else notice that the Chosen Men have swords but they never use them when they close with the french

intresting fact about Sharpe is that only 3 Chosen Men are ever shown to be killed

[cooneyification]

the "swords" you are refering to are actually bayonetts for the rilfemen they were longer than the regular 18inch and looked more like swords than bayonetts but they still went on the end of the gun. and the books are much better than the tv series and the chosen men start dying off near to the end of the series.

[RetardedPickle]

u know they can be called swords since they are 'sword bayonets' -.- and its called a rifle for a reason not a gun. muskets are guns cos there smoothboore. rifles are rifled obviously. so why act like u know shit when u just own urself to sumone who does know something.

[cooneyification]

So I wasn't a 100% perfect in my reply, it doesn't mean I don't know anything about that era I'm sure you've made a mistake once or twice about something...

[RetardedPickle]

i kno least u like to spread the knowledge so carry on. hav u read all the books there better dan the movies xP

[cooneyification]

yes read them all, very good reads but the tv series is just brilliantly bad

[RetardedPickle]

brilliantly bad? lmao well dats one way of putting it :P xD

[chopinandliszt]

The battle scene can't be more unrealistic

[Sanzo84]

Well, they had a limited budget I guess...

[Infantryman123]

Which actor that played Wellington in this series is better?

David Troughton, who only played in the first two episodes, or Hugh Fraser who played in the rest of the series.

[neverfearchrisishere]

Hard to say, not much between them - but the first Hogan is far far far better than the later one.

[MaxRWF]

The French shouting "Vive l'Empereur! Vive l'Empereur!" like zombies sound weird and stupid. That would be much more realistic if they were singing the "chanson de l'oignon" song : /watch?v=rl3qC3qEU6g

[neverfearchrisishere]

The British people watching are simple folk that need reminding repeatedly that the bad guys are French, and their led by an evil emporer and wouldn't understand anything as complicated as a traditional french military song.... Got to love TV producers.

[ICe4563]

actually i think you will find that they only said "vive le emperur" so this is historically accurate

[chopinandliszt]

In 1809 at Talavera, British II/87th and I/88th Regiment of Foot became so disordered and frightened after French attack that they fired at each other. Both regiments then took cover behind the 45th and 60th Regiment of Foot, reformed and the British division retreated, covered by cavalry. The British lost 440 men (incl. 100 who surrendered) while the French lost less than 100.

[chopinandliszt]

The soldier's senses were overloaded by what was going on around him, he was anxious as all men are, no matter how poor or excellent troops they are. (I am talking about real combat and real soldiers and not about armchair generals' wargaming.) Stress does funny things to humans, stomachs knot and arses twitch. :-) Watch the video of many soccer players shooting on their own goal posts...

[neverfearchrisishere]

The fact that nearly 100,000 men fought at Talavera and these casualties says alot about how the battle went. Essentially both sides attempted to out maneuver the other, but neither succeeded. After a few skirmishes the Brits gained the advantage.... only for the French to withdraw from the field.

The Alliance with spain weakened after and the Brits were forced to withdraw from the threat of facing the French without the Spaniards backing them up.

[convertiblejones1]

Certainly a great victory by the French you mention, surprising and attacking guys lying down resting.

BTW both battalions proved to be were excellent fighting units. Im sure you know the 87th was the first to actually capture an imperial eagle, not Mr Bean.

[blaisejones]

Sharpie loves showing off his chest.

[sudburylawyer]

at least he lives thru the series...he dies in every movie he's in lol

[bigderekkeene]

except ronin

[sudburylawyer]

touche but he will always be Boromir to me :)

[BVargas78]

speaking of this period, has anyone here checked out empire total war on the pc yet? its an awesome game.

[kingsman565]

Was playing it just there great game if it wasn't so bugged.

[BVargas78]

yeah, it is a bit rough around the edges. But i like the new features, and its cool that the green jackets are in it! Can't wait for the forthcoming multiplayer campaign, it'll probably take ages to do, but will be a good way to keep in contact with my dad whose also a total war fan :)

[Bangell99]

How unrealistic - the French would have run away long before that. :P

Another great scene from Sharpe!

[AmersfoortTristan]

British or Germans wouldn't.

Remember that those were French :P

[aceous99]

Lulz

[fox70to2009]

who are these nit pickers ? the french lost

[24michiganironbrigad]

This is based on the 2 BN 44th Foot at Salamana, where they captured the eagle of the French 62nd Line. Look at it the Regimental colors are the same as the 44th's. And the 44th is also known as the EAST ESSEX

[JohanRegus12]

Actually it was a strategic French victory, and a small force like that would simply be mauled by such an attacking force, that's for sure.

[Jord1511]

yea but you cant say you dont like sharpe and the way it always seems to work for him lol lmao  but the sharpe series is absoultly brilliant dont you think????

go sean bean he great

[JohanRegus12]

This "thin red line" is a myth, together with its invincibility over the column. The French used the line for fire combat, and their artillery and light infantry were much better than showed. Also, how come the french never reach the British? The line would have crumbled if the first or second volley failed, prolonged bayonet fighting was very rare. And Talavera was indecisive, proving to be a French strategic victory, which Wellington admitted himself.

[nobbz93]

your such a TWAT its a TV programme tht sum of us happen to like we dont all have history degrees - geez man give us a break

[IForgottenHopeI]

Strategic in that Wellington withdrew AFTER the battle. Overall it was a major tactical, if indecisive and costly, British victory (5,300 British casualties clearly illustrates who did the lions share of the fighting).

You do bring up good points though Regus. The Thin Red Line is largely a myth. In fact one of the majour mistakes that military theorists made after the Nap wars was to concentrate solely on the British tactics viewing them as the main reason for unbroken success in battle.

[IForgottenHopeI]

As I quote

"The qualities that made the British Infantry, according to William Napier, were not superiour tactics or better armament but endurance and discipline"

The great French military theorist Jomini made similar conclusions. Nonetheless it was all too easy to explain the british success focusing solely on tactics and not on the morale and the unmatched standard of training and discipline (with a few exceptions) which the British army almost alone in Europe recieved.

[IForgottenHopeI]

The French when under competent leadership and successfully deployed in Lines 3 deep or the famous mixed order attacks were able to put up on occassion some very fierce and spirited fights (such as Albuera, Salamanca, and Vitoria)

It should also be noted that on several instances it wasnt the Shallow french attack columns that Wellington defeated so often but the larger and largely combat ineffective maneuver columns (Bussaco for example)

[IQ40000]

"Although the French army under King Joseph Bonaparte withdrew from the field, the British under Sir Arthur Wellesley (subsequently Duke of Wellington) soon withdrew from Spain, leaving their wounded to the Spanish General Gregorio de la Cuesta, who in turn left them to the French. This reduced trust between the British and the Spanish for the remainder of the Peninsular War." Although the allies were tactically successful, the French were strategically successful.

[andrew881thebest]

good battle

[blaisejones]

funny that they get u thinking they'd get another person on the chosen rifle team but this is the last time u see the whole original team.

[nathan0896]

Spartancjl learn ur history the brits killed nopoleons armys in almost every battle with help form the spanish e.t.c but most of the soilders were british

[tomtensben]

Well that depends, the French won some battles against the british, and the spanish contributed quite much, at Talavera for example there were many more Spanish fighting on the allied side than british.

[blaisejones]

i don't know if that really looks like a bunched up french column...

[majortuff]

Pfft... french... pfft.

[Kronstadtsuperior]

Pfft...you...Pfft

[bassboi666]

Pfft

[willmage222]

You would know that Sharpe, (Sean Bean) gave Harper (The Irish guy whos name escapes me) the 6, not 7 barreled rifle as a gift, in Sharpes Eagle. Yes, it was not used by the Rifle Divisions, but because Sharpe saved Wellington's life, he does not mind what Sharpe does, and lets him do such things. Besides, leter on Harper becomes a Sergeant Major, an officer, and is allowed to use what ever weapon he likes. Donw.. *sigh of relief*

[aaronharms123456]

Harper was played by a man called Daragh Omalley

[Ichcann]

He was also in a docudrama about the crusades

[commando552]

Actualy it was 7 barelled. There are 6 barrels surrounding a central barrel, with vents conecting the barrels so when the priming charge on the central one is fired, all 7 barrels fire simultaneously. Harper was one of the only people strong enough not to risk breaking his shoulder when firing it.

[Octavius0]

@commando552

It's called a Nock Gun.

[chaos574]

@Octavius0 its a volly gun made by mr nock of london

[BudgetAirsoftReviews]

@willmage222 Sergeant Major is a Warant Officer, which is as much of an Officer as a Lance Corporal (a Non COmmisioned Officer). It's 7 barrels normally used by the Navy.

[OW41N]

@BudgetAirsoftReviews that is true it was to clear the gun decks of enemy marines and sailors

[Birkbecks]

@willmage222 the gun is a nock volly gun 7 barrels issued to the navy but was never likes as the recoil was so bad it often broke the shoulder of the firer

[MartynT1974]

@willmage222 Sergeant Major is not an officer's rank :-s

[DavBlc7]

@MartynT1974 that's correct - it is a NCO's rank although soldiers called Sergeant Major a "Sir" instead of called Sarge-Major! At that time he had four stripes but nowadays he had royal coat of Arms on bottom of his sleeve or in hot weather - wearing a watch style badge.

[MartynT1974]

@DavBlc7 I'm well aware of that - but if I remember correctly I was replying to someone who said that Harper carried the 7 barrel gun because he's an officer, which he isn't ;-)

[BVargas78]

Today is the anniversary of Talavera!

[Camilo83]

I may look into it if i get the time, i havent really posted a video on youtube before so not really sure how to go about it. If i get the chance i might put the episode Sharpes battle which is one my faves :)

[carolethecatlover]

I am REALLY impressed as to how many history buffs are out there.

Funny Story: I went to Ciudad Rodrigo, and in the Tourist Office met up with 4 British Guys, teachers, history buffs, my age, and ....OK men, but single, not gay....(important point when you are from Sydney,Australia.) and MY AGE ...I will be going to a few more historical warsites/reenactments.....LOL

[mngler]

oh yeah, we owned the frenchys

[Camilo83]

Awesome series! I'm really glad i own them all!

[DIRTYTORQUE]

put on here then ...

please

[carolethecatlover]

i thought they chanted 'vive le emperor!'

[NuStrikeFreedom]

I think They're saying "Vive L'Emperor"

[carolethecatlover]

Sorry, bad French.

[cleggie]

omg watch the video and listen between 0.43 and 0.48

What a kick ass remark !

Tell that to the french

[CollyFlower13]

i'm sure wellington would have told him

[CollyFlower13]

The only thing the french have ever been good at is running away

[pandapop999]

Tell that to Napoleon

[Talbot6832]

He was Corsican.

[teenmodeltara]

france had europe in thier hands, no one could defeat them untill welington came along but they basicly owned europe

[xylaphonemaster]

Before they ran away, they ran victorious all over Europe. While Britain can claim to have stood against them and won, few other could boast that. The script at the start of one episode is along the lines of "1809: Napoleon is master of all Europe...", and he was. The French Conquered and Conquered until they came up against Wellington's armies. Even Sir John Moore's offensive (and subsequent retreat) went more than a bit wrong. Of course, this all just makes beating them more of an achievement.

[LDD86]

The russian winter and subsequent treachery of austria, prussia and the confederation of the rhine (bavaria, saxony and wurttenberg), plus the abandonment of murat (naples) and the other marshals are what finally proved the downfall of the french empire in 1813-14. the british were a pesky distraction from the west- though they too aided in the downfall.

[Spartancjl]

Napoleon wasn't beat by the Brits. Learn your history. Never once did Napoleon lose to an army that was composed mostly of British soldiers.

[lopido]

surprised the french didnt surrender

[Talbot6832]

A French General after Waterloo attributed 3 points to Napoleons inability to break the Allied army before the Prussians arrived and one of those were the British soldiers (specifically the Guardsmen). French General Chambray commented on the British as such, "orderliness, impetus and resolution to fight with the bayonet.".

[chopinandliszt]

In waterloo, the Prussians arrived long before the battle ended. Napoleon had to use his Young Guard/Old Guard against them. How can you say the Allied force was (only)British when only 24000 of the entire army, 67000, were British? Wellington admitted that Napoleon was worth 50000men. He even admitted he had "an infamous army, very weak and ill-equipped, and a very inexperienced Staff".

[JohanRegus12]

I agree. If the Prussians had been late, Wellington had been smashed to smithereens by the Guard and Lobau.

[JohanRegus12]

The British lines were crumbling, not standing firm at all, when D'Erlon attacked, and they were only saved by Uxbridge's cavalry. The first Prussians arrived at one o'clock, BEFORE the first french attack.

[IForgottenHopeI]

Far greater detail is possible, but basically

Biljiants brigade after a spirited and brave defense broke and pulled back

The French infantry were able to pressure Kempt and Packs British/German Infantry brigades but Pictons 5th Division (4,000) was successfully able to slow the French advance to a crawl and all the while Heavily pressured by some 16,000 French troops were in conjuction with Uxbridges cavalry, able to shatte 3 of 4 French divisions and repulse Napoleons first great attack.

[IForgottenHopeI]

The British and KGL infantry at Waterloo stood firm, there is no doubt about it. It was perhaps best summed up by a French officer afterwards on their performance that "the British infantry are the finest in the world; fortunately there aren't many of them"

[IQ40000]

Prussians arrived early in the battle and started firing on French reserves, and Napoleon had already divided his forces between him and Grouchy. Wellington, when asked who was the greatest general of the day, answered: "In this age, in past ages, in any age, Napoleon."

[IForgottenHopeI]

Wellington also privately expressed some critisism on Napoleon militarily in later years.

[MrMorg19]

@Spartancjl Except Waterloo. And Toulousse...

[JohanRegus12]

But not at any time during the Peninsula War did the British and their allies actually confront the Master of Europe himself. The Prussians, Russians and Austrians constantly faced Napoleon in person, that's why they lost.

[xylaphonemaster]

Not until Waterloo, which was an allied victory. Although throughout the day, inspite of having superior numbers until the Prussians arrived, he still didn't break the redcoats. He had all day to do it as well. It's also the first time the Imperial guard retreated too. it's a very intresting scenario, but I don't think it's a forgone conclusion that Napoleon could've turned around all of France's defeats in the Peninsular war. It could just as easily have been then that he was first beaten.

[JohanRegus12]

All day...? The French attacks began at noon, with the first Prussians (of Bülows corps) arriving at one o'clock. D'erlons corps wasn't deployed until the late morning, and mud delayed Napoleon. In all, he had about two hours to break the allied lines, not a full day.

[LtcolSharpe]

well its his own fault that he didn't attack sooner. Well he wouldn't have his cannons but the british couldn't use then. The least he could do was deploying his troops en boney didn't do that so. and bulow arived at 4 'clock not 1

[JohanRegus12]

His advanced troops did arrive at 1, shorly before D'Erlon was sent towards the allied lines. He could have attacked sooner, but only with grave difficulties for his troops and artillery. Having sent Grouchy away, it seemed to be ample time to break the enemy, but there wasn't.

[convertiblejones1]

Cavalry = horses loaded with equipment and a rifer (also often loaded with equipment) supported by four small hoofs. They sink in mud easily, get slowed or bogged town, it was a major factor in the ineffectiveness in the cavalry charges that day

[convertiblejones1]

Actually Napoleon was superior in numbers of cavalry, artillery inferior in infantry. it was wet terrain terrible for artillery an cavalry especially.Napoleon's numbers were not a lot more except in artillery, certainly not to easily overcome a strong position.

[JohanRegus12]

Except conquering most of Europe in a couple of years I suppose...

[Poejoy]

It's actually a pretty cool show. Bear in mind that it didn't have a huge budget or anything.

[IForgottenHopeI]

Of the 45-50 thousand French soldiers, the Main force of some 40,000 were concentrated on the 20,000 British soldiers so not a 3 to 1 margin but still outnumbering the British

Many of the Spanish soldiers never even took part in the fighting (several days before, more than 10,000 Spanish troops fled)

The Casualties show who suffered the most in the battle with 5,500 British casualties to 1,000-1,200 Spanish.

[IForgottenHopeI]

and I partially agree

It is a somewhat lame program

I like Hornblower better!

[LDD86]

umm.. can someone tell me why the sappers marched with the column when the French army attacked? aren't they only armed with like axes, and wouldn't their loss be hard felt since they're the army's engineers? if they're supposed to protect the eagle, shouldn't they be better armed, instead of looking so conspicuous with their white aprons... an easy target for the Rifles?

[xylaphonemaster]

Because a musket takes some time to reload; when you're attacking in column you fire it off and then you're essentially left with a bayonet attatched to a blunt instrument since you won't have time to reload. A weapon designed for hand to hand fighting is going to be far more effective than a firearm with a bayonet on the end, and if anyone is close enough to threaten the eagle then odds are hand to hand combat has been joined already.

[LDD86]

well, still, in this scene the sappers just look silly standing stoically there just waiting to get bayoneted-- they should've been armed with harper's seven barrel musket!!!

[Camilo83]

do you mean the french grenadier guards with the long coats? they're not just standing there, its that the column is faltering and while most troops are breaking ranks they are holding ground because as the regimental elite they shouldnt flee like the others and have to stand by the eagle to protect it.

[JohanRegus12]

They are not grenadier guards. Napoleon's Imperial Guard wasn't on the Peninsula.

[britishpatriot01]

the seven barrel musket was a royal marine weapon

[willmage222]

If you had actually read the books, then you would know something.

[britishpatriot01]

yer i know sharpe gave it him as a gift im only saying it was a rayal marine weapon

[TroupeDeMarine]

LAME MOVIE! Such a small force would, in reality(or a good movie), have been crush to dust by those battle hardened French Grenadiers!!!!

[frequentflyer1984]

Sean Bean will kick you in the balls for saying that about such an awesome movie.

[xylaphonemaster]

This merely shows how few extras could be afforded on the budget. If you read the novels the account of the battle is accurate numericly, and in most ways too.

[130759]

Vive la France.

[PunxDrunns]

Sharpe's Eagle the book is well good, you should read it and that guy who posted "the French did NOT outnumber the British three to one as the video claims." should read the historical note at the back of the book

[JohanRegus12]

But it's true all the same. I don't like when people play around with history like this.

[IForgottenHopeI]

It's just a cheesy low budget tv show.

The Hornblower Tv series is far better.

(on the contrary I find the Sharpe books superiour to the Hornblower novels)

[jbird909]

poor denny

[chopinandliszt]

the cannon shots look so unrealistic and the soldiers act like 10 year-olds. What a lame movie..

[JohanRegus12]

Great video! However, the French did NOT outnumber the British three to one as the video claims. Doesn't matter really, just like to mention it.

[villarreal8]

i adore the series thanks, there are some people with no clue about the napoleonic wars leaving messages on this video which is a shame.

[villarreal8]

thanks its great

[villarreal8]

thanks its great

[Mayzee1964]

What a bunch of stupid arguments. It's an entertainment series. It's not "Military Documentaries Tonight". Man... some people have no lives... it scares me.

[KnightofLionel]

God save the Queen!

[Spartancjl]

Everyone like's feeling that their nation's history is full of super-men, It's exactly like the patriot.

[IForgottenHopeI]

The show was intended for ENTERTAINMENT

not propaganda.

[Spartancjl]

And did he get the training for it ? Hell, even if he did the fact that he is constantly shown going on killing sprees while barely being touched is propaganda in itself.

[ajferet]

Propaganda for what? The Nap. Wars ended a while ago

[IForgottenHopeI]

barely being touched? well it appears that he apparently got his arm sliced open by a French soldier so that eliminates that argument and you are taking this show way too seriously. It was not intended as propaganda.

[Talbot6832]

Thats rich coming from a Yank. The 95th were a very successful military unit in the Peninsula campaign.

[xylaphonemaster]

Sharpe gets wounded quite a lot actually. The miracle is that inspite of being wounded so often, he never died of infection or complications from the wounds. Still, it's not as blatant as Star Wars or kung fu films, just enjoy it!

[Spartancjl]

The Spanish regulars could fight just as well as the British, the Problem was A) they're commanders were usually terrible, and B) Poor organization made them rely on hastily assembled militia.

[Talbot6832]

That usually constitutes poor fighting prowess.

[Spartancjl]

The British and Spanish were just as good each other.

[IForgottenHopeI]

Disagree. The Spanish army was incomparable to the British, who had some of the finest trained troops, in terms of training and equipment. They were extremely brave and did their duty(victories such as Baillen) but were very ineffective compared to the British, French, and other great European powers. The state of the Spanish army was redeemed by the crucial contribution the Guerilla's.

[convertiblejones1]

Not really, existing units were very effective but Spain's infantry were often recent recruits or militia like most of America's regulars of 1812.

[DonMeaker]

I think it was Lundy's Lane Where the British army was attacked by US forces wearing grey uniforms, commanded by Winfield Scott. They brits were at first contemptuous, as grey meant militia. Eventually the US closed on them and used the bayonet, and the Brit commanded said "These are Regulars by God!"

[Joebobzilla]

Nice vid!

[Spartancjl]

This whole show is ridiculous too, Theres no way a man in a Skirmisher regiment could take down a Grenadier who was A) much more proficent in the use of the Bayonet, and B) Much larger and Physically stronger.

[commando552]

Firstly, they arent meant to be normal riflemen, but a group of elite soldiers(Chosen Men). Also, grenadiers were not necessarily any bigger than normal soldiers at this point. In the past it was true that grenadiers were chosen for their physical strength and size, but by the time of the Napoleonic wars this was an anachronism and soldiers were instead selected based on experience and skill.

[Spartancjl]

Umm, yes they were. French grenadiers were chosen to serve as Grenadiers because they had already served in 2 campaigns, they were brave, and they were tall and strong. Short men did not go into grenadier units, they went into the Voltigeur units.

Secod of all, either way Bayonet or just using your rifle, Grenadiers were superior in close combat.

[jtptst]

unfortunatly if you would have actualy read the stories, sharpe who was fighting against the grenadier was originaly inteded to be in the british grenadier squad, therefore making your point useless

[wulfsragar]

indeed youre right smaller men did get into the voltigeur units because they could move faster and hide better

[convertiblejones1]

not from sources I've seen

[commando552]

The point about greater bayonet training is true, in that riflmen didnt use a bayonet as grenadiers did. Instead they carried a sword bayonet, which was never attached as it was quicker and easier to use by itself. Regardless, it was far more comman for the bayonet to not be used, and instead the musket used as a club. This was a much quicker and more instinctive, particularly in close quarters when the lines were broken.

[convertiblejones1]

I remember seeing tjat UK line troops often were contemptuous of ligt infantry because of rarely being in close combat, sort of siimilar to US infantry's contempt for US cavalry in early years of America's civil war

[BudgetAirsoftReviews]

@convertiblejones1 The light Infantry were the Elite of the line infantry. A Battalion (Or Regiment, in those days very few Regiments had second battalions) was made up of 10 companies, 8 normal companies and 2 Flank Companies called the Grenadier Battalion and the Light Infantry Battalion, the Grenadiers were the tallest and the strongest, and the Light Infantry the cleverest and most independent minded, the green jacketed Rifle battalions were the elite of the light infantry.

[Spartancjl]

Ummm, at Talavera the Allies outnumbered the French by 10,000 men first of all. Second of all, the Majority of the Army was made up of Spanish soldiers, Not british.

[IForgottenHopeI]

The size of the armies during the battle stood at 20,000 British and 30,000 Spanish(50,000) vs 46,000 French

[xylaphonemaster]

True, but you've got to consider that the day before the Spanish refused to fight because it was a Sunday. The following night, 10,000 soldiers ran scared from their own musket volley fired out of range at French cavalry, and that after the battle the so called "allies" refused to provide the British with the food they promised (necessitating the withdrawal) and handed the wounded over to our enemies, who treated them far better. Spain's honour in that war is saved only by the guerillas.

[utbr01]

Great clip...thanks for the post!

[kangaroomc]

If you actually read sharpe the Portugese and spanish arn't forgotten at all, both are credited for their important roles. The portugese are portrayed as tough, sturdy and good allies, whilst the spanish regulars are portrayed as brave and patriotic but poorly equipped and led and with little espirit d'corps. The Spanish guerillas however are portrayed as tough, brave, brutal and patriotic and a bigger danger to the french than the british! dont critise unless you have some background knowledge.

[Den365]

The Brits always forget Portuguese and Spanish. BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES DISHONESTS AND BUFFONS!

[villarreal8]

brilliant thanks

[IForgottenHopeI]

Great video and a Costly but impressive British victory

[Waid24]

nice video thanks for uploading it :)