Battle of Castelo Rodrigo

Battle of Castelo Rodrigo
Part of Portuguese Restoration War
Date July 7, 1664
Location Near Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal
Result Portuguese victory[1]
Belligerents
 Portugal  Spain
Commanders and leaders
Pedro Jacques de Magalhães Duke of Osuna
John of Austria the Younger
Strength
3,000[2] 7,000 [3]
9 cannons[4]
Casualties and losses
1 killed[5] 2,000 killed[6]
500 prisioners[7]
All the artillery captured[8]
 
São Filipe - Cape St. Vincent - Montijo – 1st Elvas - Talavera la Real – Vilanova – Lapela – Salvatierra de Miño – Olivença – Mourão – 1st Badajoz – Évora – Lines of Elvas – Monção - 2nd Badajoz – Arronches – Ameixial – Évora – Valência de Alcântara – Castelo Rodrigo – Montes Claros - Berlengas

The Battle of Castelo Rodrigo, was fought on July 7, 1664, near Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, between Spanish and Portuguese as part of the Portuguese Restoration War.

After a number of skirmishes, the Duke of Osuna attacked the castle of Castelo Rodrigo with 7,000 men and 9 pieces of artillery. The castle was only defended by 150 Portuguese.

The military commander of the province, Pedro Jacques de Magalhães, rallied 3,000 men and moved to the rescue of Castelo Rodrigo.

A battle took place near the village of Salgadela which was won by the Portuguese. After an initial Spanish attack was repelled, the Portuguese counter-attack proved decisive. Many prisoners were taken and artillery pieces captured.[9] It is told that Osuna and John of Austria the Younger, escaped disguised as monks.[10]

A memorial stone was placed on the site of the battlefield. The battle is also known as the Battle of Salgadela.

Reflist

  1. ^ Ângelo Ribeiro, p. 96
  2. ^ Ângelo Ribeiro, p. 96
  3. ^ Dunlop, p.626
  4. ^ Dunlop, p.627
  5. ^ http://www.areamilitar.net/HistBCR.aspx?N=59
  6. ^ Dunlop, p.627
  7. ^ Dunlop, p.627
  8. ^ Dunlop, p.627
  9. ^ Ângelo Ribeiro, p. 96
  10. ^ John Murray, p.148