M-Model 32119 Somosierra 30 XI 1808

The Battle of Somosierra was fought on November 30, 1808 in today's Spain, north of Madrid. In this battle, the French and the Duchy of Warsaw under Napoleon Bonaparte and Spanish under General Benito San Juan stood on one side. It is estimated that the French side had approx. 40 thousand. people, while the Spanish army numbered approx. 8 thousand. soldiers. However, the advantage of the position and the well-chosen battlefield contributed to the advantage of the Spanish side. The Spanish position was also skillfully manned by infantry and artillery, and potential attacks by the French and Polish infantry would probably have suffered considerable losses in cross-artillery fire. Such a potential course of events was confirmed by the considerable losses incurred in the course of the reconnaissance carried out in the gorge by the French infantry. Shortly after the retreat of the French infantry, the Emperor of the French gave the order to attack the 3rd Cavalry Squadron, which started the attack with a force of about 125 men, commanded by Jan Leon Kozietulski. The attack was led by the 3rd company of Captain Dziewanowski, followed by the 7th company headed by Captain Krasiński. The shock column was closed by Lieutenant Szeptycki with his sub-unit. The charge was directed to melee weapons at a gallop and led to the capture of the first Spanish battery at the very beginning, shortly later (about 5 minutes from the start of the attack) - the second battery, and finally (with significant losses) they mastered the other two Spanish batteries . At this stage, French mounted shooters and infantry had already joined the charge, driving the Spaniards out of a very strong defensive position. It is estimated that out of about 125 Cheval Legers taking part in this daring attack, 57 people were killed or injured. The daring charge, completed with full success, brought the cavalrymen great fame and well-deserved honors and orders from Napoleon.