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The Battle of Casal Novo was a rear-guard action fought on March 14, 1811, during Massena's retreat from Portugal. During this retreat the French rear-guard, under command of Michel Ney, performed admirably in a series of sharp rear-guard actions. At Casal Novo, the recklessness of Sir William Erskine resulted in costly losses in the Light Division. == Background == Massena's aims were to head north and force his way through the Mondego valley. His only obstacle was the Mondego River, but the French marshal found that all the bridges had been destroyed. In addition to this, he found the area impossible to ford due to the city of Coimbra being occupied by Portuguese militia under Nicholas Trant. In an attempt to delay Wellington's advance Massena had Michel Ney command the rear guard. Ney inflicted two defeats on the allies, driving the British out of Pombal and managing an impressive victory over Wellington near the village of Redinha. He then took up a new position at Condeixa, on the Mondego river. However, the French were too slow to force their way across the Mondego river. Trant's militia held out after a failed three day attempt to secure Coimbra. With Massena in danger of being trapped, changed route. Instead of heading north, the French marshal decided to advance east, back into Spain. Ney was left at Condeixa in order to stall the allied army. Wellington's vanguard caught up with the French at Condeixa. General Montbrun defended this position and delayed the allies long enough for the French to fall back eastwards towards Miranda de Corvo. With the position at Condeixa untenable, the town was abandoned and put to the torch. The next day, the allies advanced on the French positions around Miranda de Corvo. Sir William Erskine, in command of the British Light Division, attacked the French position at Casal Novo. Ney had deployed his troops in strong positions. General Ferrey’s men took position in the village of Casal Novo. Marchand’s division was held back in a strong position on a raised ground near Chão de Lamas. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Battle of Casal Novo」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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