Battle of Almenara

The Battle of Almenar took place on 27 July 1710 in the War of the Spanish Succession. In spring 1710 the Spanish army had entered Catalonia from Aragón crossing the Segre river on March 15. On May 3, Philip V, the Bourbon claimant to the throne, joined the army. The opposing allied army, consisting of Austrian, British, and Dutch troops, was joined by Archduke Charles of Austria, the Habsburg claimant, in June. In July General Guido Starhemberg ... more

The Battle of Almenar took place on 27 July 1710 in the War of the Spanish Succession. In spring 1710 the Spanish army had entered Catalonia from Aragón crossing the Segre river on March 15. On May 3, Philip V, the Bourbon claimant to the throne, joined the army. The opposing allied army, consisting of Austrian, British, and Dutch troops, was joined by Archduke Charles of Austria, the Habsburg claimant, in June. In July General Guido Starhemberg received reinforcements and decided to attack. He crossed the Noguera river taking up positions on the hights of Almenar. Stanhope then crossed the Segre at Balaguer (north of Lerida) marching to the bridge of Alfarras, crossing it on 27 July. Villadarias opened the battle with a cavalry attack which was initially successful, but the initiative was wasted by pursuing groups of fleeing enemies. Then the British infantry attacked the left wing which fled, taking the second line with it. Then the Austrians attacked and destroyed the right wing,... less