Author:
J. W. Chambers
Report:
9
Page:
39
Year:
1982
Subject Matter:
Peninsular War
Excerpt:
The history of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance embraces numerous treaties signed over the centuries, but the two outstanding events which further united the two nations were the Royal marriages of 1387 and 1662. Not all marriages improved relations between the two countries and, in this particular case, if the bride's mother had had her way, the Alliance would never have survived 610 years.
Following the victorious battle of Salamanca on 22 July 1812 and the subsequent triumphant entry into Madrid, the presence in Spain of a superior French army induced Lord Wellington to order the Allied army back into Portugal.
Severe weather, an overabundance of newly fermented wine, and lack of discipline, transformed what should have been an orderly retreat into an orgy of drunkenness and plunder; a period best forgotten in the history of the regiments present.
Read the full article here
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
BHSP BROCHURE
