Welcome to British Battles (britishbattles.com)
Captain Unett leading the ‘Greys’ Squadron of the 3rd King’s Own Light Dragoons at the Battle of Chillianwallah on 13th January 1849 during the Second Sikh War
Welcome to Britishbattles.com the site that gives you the battles fought by Britain and its Empire forces, illustrated and mapped.
Click on the battle you wish to view in the left margin list. The battles are listed chronologically by war.
Our most recently posted battles are:
The recapture of Delhi from the Mutineers during the Indian Mutiny of 1857/8
The Battle of Worcester fought between the Parliamentarian army of Oliver Cromwell and the Royalist and Scottish army of King Charles II; final battle of the English Civil War fought on 3rd September 1651.
Cromwell’s overwhelming defeat of the Scottish Covenanters fighting for King Charles II on 3rd September 1650 in the English Civil War.
Cromwell at the Battle of Dunbar on 3rd September 1650: picture by Andrew Carrick Gow
The Battle on 9th August 1332 in the Scottish Wars of Independence in which the army of the ‘Disinherited’ overwhelmed a much larger Scottish army with the first use in battle of massed longbowmen.
The victory of the English over the Scots in the ‘War of the Rough Wooing’ on 10th September 1547
Fight for the Standard at the Battle of Pinkie on 10th September 1547 in the ‘War of the Rough Wooing’
The battle around the sacred standard, comprising the banners of St Peter of York, St Wilfred of Ripon and St John of Beverley, between the English and the Scots on 22nd August 1138.
The ‘Standard’ with the English army at the Battle of the Standard on 22nd August 1138: picture by John Gilbert
The Battle in the North of England on 25th September 1066 where King Harold crushed the attempt of Harold Hardrada, King of Norway, to take the throne of England with the aid of Harold’s brother Tostig and a Viking army.
Battle of Stamford Bridge on 25th September 1066: picture by Alfred Pearse
The battle on 4th August 1265 seeing the defeat and death of Simon de Montfort in the Second Barons’ War.
‘No quarter to traitors’: Battle of Evesham on 4th August 1265 in the Second Barons’ War
The Battle of Lewes on 14th May 1264 between Simon de Montfort and King Henry III in the Barons’ War.
Prince Edward attacking Adam Gourdon commander of the baggage guard at the Battle of Lewes on 14th May 1264 in the Second Barons’ War: illustration by F. Philippoteaux
The English capture of the port of Harfleur in the Hundred Years War that gave King Henry V the base he needed for his invasion of France in August 1415.
English men-at-arms: Siege of Harfleur 17th August 1415 to 22nd September 1415 in the Hundred Years War
King Edward I’s resounding defeat of William Wallace’s Scots army on 22nd July 1298.
The Bishop of Durham at the Battle of Falkirk on 22n July 1298 in the Scottish Wars of Independence
The battle won by William Wallace over the English invaders on 11th September 1297.
Battle of Stirling Bridge fought by William Wallace against the English on 11th September 1297 in the Scottish Wars of Independence
The English siege of Calais between 4th September 1346 and 3rd August 1347 in the Hundred Years War and its capture leading to an English occupation of the town for 200 years.
Six Burghers of Calais: Siege of Calais from 4th September 1346 to 3rd August 1347 in the Hundred Years War
The English capture of the French town of Caen on 26th July 1346 in the Hundred Years War at the beginning of King Edward III’s invasion of France.
Map of the Battle of Caen on 26th July 1346 in the Hundred Years War: battle map by John Fawkes
The battle in Normandy on 16th May 1364 during the Hundred Years War between armies led by the Captal de Buch and Bertrand du Guescelin.
Du Guescelin and the captured Captal de Buch at the Battle of Cocherel on 16th May 1364 in the Hundred Years War: picture by Charles-Philippe Larivière
King Edward III’s naval victory over a Castilian fleet commanded by Charles of Spain off the coast of Southern England on 29th August 1350 during the Hundred Years War.
The cog ‘Thomas’: Battle of Winchelsea on 29th August 1350 in the Hundred Years War
The naval battle on 22nd June 1372 in the Hundred Years War between the English and the Castilians which saw the complete destruction of the English fleet and of England’s plans for the defence of Gascony against the French
Map of the Battle of La Rochelle on 22nd June 1372 in the Hundred Years War: battle map by John Fawkes
The battle on 14th August 1352 in the Hundred Years War at which 89 members of the French King John II’s new order of chivalry the ‘Order of the Star’ were killed by the Anglo-Bretons
The French King John II with knights of his chivalrous ‘Order of the Star’: Battle of Mauron on 14th August 1352 in the Hundred Years War
The death of the English commander John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury and the defeat of his Anglo-Gascon army by the French artillery general Jean Bureau on 17th July 1453 in the battle that ended English dominion over Gascony and brought the Hundred Years War between England and France to a close
Death of Talbot and his son Lord de L’Isle at the Battle of Castillon on 17th July 1453 in the Hundred Years War: picture by Sir John Gilbert RA
The French victory over the English on 15th April 1450 in the Hundred Years War that destroyed the last English army in Normandy
Battle of Formigny on 15th April 1450 in the Hundred Years War: pictcure by Prosper Lafaye
The French victory over the English on 18th June 1429 in the Hundred Years War inspired by Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc at the Battle of Patay on 18th June 1429 in the Hundred Years War
The unsuccessful English siege of Orléans between October 1428 and May 1429 that saw the dramatic emergence of Joan of Arc and the beginning of the end of the English invasion of France and the Hundred Years War
Joan of Arc at the Siege of Orleans October 1428 to May 1429 in the Hundred Years War: picture by Lenepveu
The successful defence of a supply column bringing Lenten fare to the army of the Earl of Salisbury besieging Orleans on 11th February 1429 in the Hundred Years War
Battle of the Herrings on 11th February 1429 in the Hundred Years War
The defeat of a French and Scots army on 31st July 1423 by the Earl of Salisbury near Auxerre in the Hundred Years War
Town of Cravant: Battle of Cravant on 31st July 1423 in the Hundred Years War
The devastating defeat by the Duke of Bedford’s English army of the French army of the Dauphin and his Scots allies and mercenaries from Lombardy and Castile on 17th August 1424 in the Hundred Years War; a battle described by the French as a ‘Second Agincourt’
Battle of Verneuil on 17th August 1424 in the Hundred Years War
The defeat of the Duke of Clarence and his English army by the Scots and French army of the Dauphin of France on 22nd March 1421 in the Hundred Years War
Battle of Baugé 22nd March 1421 in the Hundred Years War
The Black Prince’s victory over Henry of Trastamara, King of Castile, on 3rd April 1367, described as his most successful battle militarily and disastrous politically
The Black Prince’s army marches through the Gorge of Roncevalles before the Battle of Najera fought on 3rd April 1367 in the Hundred Years War
The battle on 29th September 1364 in the Hundred Years War that ended the Breton Civil War in favour of the English supported candidate John de Montfort
Battle of Auray on 29th September 1364 in the Hundred Years War
The savage battle on 21st July 1403 that abruptly ended Harry Hotspur’s attempt to wrest the throne of England from King Henry IV
Death of Harry ‘Hotspur’ at the Battle of Shrewsbury on 21st July 1403
The border battle of 1402 in which the Scots lost a generation of chiefs to the English archers
Battle of Homildon Hill on 7th May 1402
The Scots Earl of Douglas’s defeat of his long standing English rival, Sir Henry ‘Hotspur’ Percy, Earl of Northumberland, on the England/Scotland Border in the summer of 1388
Battle of Otterburn in August 1388: picture by J. Macfarlane (the use of tartan and the basket hilted sword came some centuries after Otterburn)
the Battle of La Roche-Derrien
The savage fight between the English force of Sir Thomas Dagworth and the Breton/French army of Charles of Blois outside the besieged Breton town of La Roche-Derrien on 20th June 1347 in the Hundred Years War.
Battle of La Roche-Derrien on 20th June 1347 in the Hundred Years War showing the capture of Charles of Blois
The first land battle between the English and the French of the Hundred Years War fought in Brittany on 30th September 1342.
Map of the Battle of Morlaix 30th September 1342 in the Hundred Years War: map by John Fawkes
The heavy defeat of the Scots outside Berwick on 19th July 1333 by the English army of King Edward III, one of the first uses of massed longbows by the English.
Battle of Halidon Hill on 19th July 1333 in the Scottish War of Independence
The crushing defeat on 17th October 1346 of David II, son of Robert the Bruce and King of Scotland, whose capture and the loss of several of Scotland’s military leaders left Scotland helpless for many years.
Battle of Neville’s Cross on 17th October 1346
The extensive operation in the Tirah to the south of the Khyber Pass that followed the attacks by the Afridi tribes in the Khyber Pass and the attacks by the Orakzais on the Samana Range forts, part of the risings that engulfed the North-West Frontier of British India in 1897
Piper Findlater and Gordon Highlanders storming the heights at Dargai, Tirah on 20th October 1897 North-West Frontier of India: picture by Richard Caton-Woodville
Battle of Maida
General Stuart’s victory over the French army of General Reynier in Southern Italy on 4th July 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars
Battle of Maida on 4th July 1806 in the Napoleonic Wars: picture by J.J. Jenkins
Battle of Alexandria
The British victory in Egypt, 8th to 21st March 1801, over Napoleon Buonaparte’s vaunted veterans of the Army of Italy
42nd Highlanders rescuing General Sir Ralph Abercromby at the Battle-of Alexandria on 21st March 1801 in the French Revolutionary War
73. Podcast on the Battle of Alexandria: the British victory in Egypt, fought between 8th and 21st March 1801 during the French Revolutionary War, over Napoleon Buonaparte’s vaunted veterans of the Army of Italy: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
72. Podcast on the Battle of Flodden:the defeat on 9th September 1513 at the hands of the English that annihilated a generation of Scottish aristocracy including the Scots king, King James IV: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
71.Podcast on the Siege of Ladysmith: The siege in Natal during the Boer War that ensnared a British army from 2ndNovember 1899 to 27thFebruary1900, but blocked the Boer invasion of the colony: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
70.Podcast on the Siege of Kimberley: the diamond-mining town in the north of Cape Colony in Southern Africa, between 14thOctober 1899 and 15thFebruary 1900 in the Boer War, whose relief dominated the strategy of the western British forces: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
69. Podcast on the Siege of Mafeking from 14thOctober 1899 to 16thMay 1900 in the Boer War: the siege of the railway town on the border between Bechuanaland and the Transvaal that fired British imagination with its resourceful defence by Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
68. Podcast on the Battle of Paardeberg: the close fought battle in the Boer War between 18th and 27th February 1900 that ended with the surrender of Cronje’s Boer army to the British: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
67.Podcast on the Battles of Val Krantz and Pietersfought between 5th and 28th February 1900 in the Boer War: The third unsuccessful attempt by Buller to push across the Tugela River followed by the fourth, final and successful crossing of the Tugela, leading to the relief of Ladysmith: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
66. Podcast on the Battle of Spion Kop fought on 24thJanuary 1900 in the Boer War: the iconic British defeat, during Buller’s second and disastrous attempt to cross the Tugela River and relieve Ladysmith: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
65. Podcast on the Battle of Colenso: fought on 15thDecember 1899 in the Boer War: Buller’s disastrous first attempt to cross the Tugela River in Natal and relieve Ladysmith, the last of the three battles of ‘Black Week’: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
64 .Podcast on the Battle of Magersfontein: Lord Methuen’s disastrous defeat at the hands of Cronje’s Boers on 11th December 1899 in the Boer War; the Highland Brigade suffering severe loss: the second battle of ‘Black Week’: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
63. Podcast on the Battle of Stormberg: General Gatacre’s disastrous defeat in Northern Cape Colony, fought on 9th/10th December 1899 in the Boer War; the first battle of ‘Black Week’:John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
62. Podcast of the Battle of Modder River fought on 28thNovember 1899 in the Boer War as Lord Methuen’s British force advanced to relieve Kimberley: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
61. Podcast on the Battle of Graspan (also known as Enslin) fought on 25thNovember 1899 in the Great Boer War leading to the British advance to the disastrous battles of Modder River and Magersfontein: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
60. Podcast on the Battle of Belmont fought on 23rd November 1899 in the Boer War, beginning the British advance to relieve Kimberley, besieged by the Boers: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
59.Podcast on the Battle of Ladysmith fought on 29th October 1899 in the Boer War, also known as Lombard’s Kop and Nicholson’s Nek, the first defeat for the British in the war, leading to the Siege of Ladysmith: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
58. Podcast on the Battle of Elandslaagtefought on 21st October 1899 in the Great Boer War with the devastating charge by the British 5th Dragoon Guards and 5th Lancers:John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
57. Podcast on the Battle of Talana Hill: the first battle of the Great Boer War, also known as the Battle of Dundee, fought in Northern Natal on 20th October 1899:John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
56.Podcast on the Battle of Ulundi: the final battle of the Zulu War, fought on 4th July 1879; Lord Chelmsford’s troops destroying the army of the Zulu King Cetshwayo: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
55.Podcast on the Battle of Gingindlovu: fought on 2nd April 1879 in the Zulu War, Lord Chelmsford defeating a Zulu army on his route to Ulundi:John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
54.Podcast on the Battle of Khambulaon 29th March 1879 in the Zulu War: the defeat by Colonel Evelyn Wood VC of a Zulu army in the opening stages of the war: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
53.Podcast on the Battle of Rorke’s Drift in the Zulu War: the iconic defence on 22nd January 1879 of the mission station in Natal by a small force of British and colonial troops; winning a record number of Victoria Crosses and inspiring Victorian Britain: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
52.Podcast on the Battle of Isandlwanafought on 22nd January 1879 in the Zulu War; where the Zulus wiped out a substantial British force rocking British Victorian society:John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
51.Podcast on the Sortie from Bayonne: the terrible night-time clash outside Bayonne on 14th April 1814, that marked the end of the Peninsular War, but occurred after the abdication of the Emperor Napoleon on 4th April 1814: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
50. Podcast on the Battle of Toulouse fought on 10th April 1814 by Wellington against Marshal Soult outside the French City of Toulouse in Southern France; the last battle fought by Wellington in the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
49. Podcast on the Battle of Tarbes: fought by Wellington against Marshal Soult on 20th March 1814 in Southern France during the Peninsular War; where the three Battalions of the 95th Rifles distinguished themselves:John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
48. Podcast on the Battle of Orthez: fought on 2nd February 1814 during the Peninsular War in the south-west of France; with Wellington pushing Marshal Soult’s Army of the Pyrenees back across the River Adour: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
47. Podcast on the Battle of St Pierre: fought on 13th December 1813 in the Peninsular War, the last day of the crossing of the River Nive by Wellington’s army; described as some of the fiercest fighting of the war: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
46. Podcast on the Battle of the Nive: fought between 9th and 13th December 1813 in the Peninsular War with Wellington’s army crossing the River Nive and moving further into France; a battle with some of the fiercest fighting of the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
45. Podcast on the Battle of the Nivelle: fought on 10th November 1813, during the Peninsular War; Wellington’s army crossing the River Nivelle and moving from the Pyrenees Mountains into the plains of France: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
44. Podcast on the Battle of the Bidassoa: fought on 7th October 1813 during the Peninsular War with Wellington’s army crossing the River Bidassoa into France:John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
43. Podcast on the Battle of San Marcial: fought on 31st August and 1st September 1813 along the French border, during the Peninsular War; with Spanish troops decisively repelling the French attack: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
42. Podcast on the Battle of the Pyrenees: the battles fought between 25th July and 2nd August 1813 in the western Pyrenees Mountains, during the Peninsular War; Wellington decisively repelling Marshal Soult’s incursion across the border to relieve the French garrisons in Pamplona and San Sebastian: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
41. Podcast on the Storming of San Sebastian: the hard-fought struggle to capture the city port on the north-east coast of Spain near the French border between 11th July and 9th September 1813 in the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
40. Podcast on the Battle of San Millan and Osma:the clash in the mountains of Northern Spain on 18th June 1813 between the van of Wellington’s advancing army and General Reille’s French ‘Army of Portugal’, as it withdrew to Vitoria: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
39. Podcast on the Battle of Morales de Toro: The successful cavalry action fought by the British Hussar Brigade against the French 16th and 21st Dragoons on 1st June 1813 in the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
38. Podcast on the Retreat from Burgos:Wellington’s retreat to Ciudad Rodrigo following the unsuccessful attack on Burgos in the Autumn of 1812 in the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
37. Podcast on the Attack on Burgos between 19th September and 25th October 1812 in the Peninsular War: Wellington’s unsuccessful assault on the Spanish City following the Battle of Salamanca: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
36. 
Podcast on the Battle of Majadahonda: the engagement on 11th August 1812 in the Peninsular War between Wellington’s advanced guard and Joseph Buonaparte’s cavalry rear-guard: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
35. Podcast on the Battle of Garcia Hernandez fought on 23rd July 1812 in the Peninsular War, the second day of the Battle of Salamanca, when King’s German Legion Dragoons overwhelmed French infantry squares during the French retreat: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
34. Podcast on the Capture of Havana: The capture of the Spanish port of Havana on the island of Cuba on 14th August 1762 in the Seven Years War by the Royal Navy and the British Army in a notably successful combined operation: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
33. Podcast on the Battle of Laswaree: The triumph of British and Bengal light cavalry in General Lake’s defeat of the Gwalior Mahrattas on 1st November 1803, after capturing Delhi, the future capital city of British-ruled India: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
Capture of Havana in 1762
The capture of the Spanish port of Havana on the island of Cuba on 14th August 1762 in the Seven Year War by the Royal Navy and the British Army, a notably successful combined operation
Royal Navy Bombardment of El Morro Castle on 1st July 1762 during the Capture of Havana in 1762: a British picture
32. Podcast on the Storming of Siringapatam: The capture on 4th May 1799 of Tipu Sultan’s palace fortress: A key battle in the conquest of South India by the British: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
31. Podcast on the Battle of Almaraz:Rowland Hill’s resourceful destruction of the fortified French bridge of boats at Almaraz over the River Tagus on 19th May 1812 during the Peninsular War:John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
30. Podcast of the Battle of Villagarcia: The successful cavalry action fought by the British against the French on 11thApril 1812 during the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
29. Podcast of the Battle of Salamanca: Wellington’s victory on 22nd July 1812 over the French army of Marshal Marmont, during the Peninsular War, leading to the re-capture of Madrid; also known as the Battle of Los Arapiles or Les Arapiles: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
92nd Highland Regiment: Battle of Almaraz on 19th May 1812 in the Peninsular War: picture by Richard Simkin
Rowland Hill’s resourceful destruction of the fortified French bridge of boats at Almaraz over the River Tagus on 19th May 1812, during the Peninsular War
28. 
Podcast of the Battle of Vitoria: Wellington’s decisive defeat of Joseph Bonaparte’s French army on 21st June 1813 in the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
27.Podcast of the Storming of Badajoz: Wellington’s capture, on 6th April 1812, of the second French base on the Portuguese border, the southern gateway for the British invasion of Spain, during the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
26. Podcast of the Storming of Ciudad Rodrigo: The sudden capture by Wellington on 19th January 1812 of Marmont’s ‘base of operations’ for the intended third French invasion of Portugal during the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
25. Podcast of the Battle of Arroyo Molinos: the spectacular destruction of Girard’s French Division by General Rowland Hill on 28thOctober 1811 in the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
24. Podcast of the Battle of El Bodon: The successful rear-guard actions fought on 25th September 1811 in the Peninsular War by Wellington’s troops against French cavalry: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
23. Podcast of the Battle of Usagre: The brisk battle fought on 25th May 1811 in the Peninsular War, where a powerful force of French dragoons was overwhelmed by the British 3rd Dragoon Guards and 4thDragoons with their Spanish and Portuguese allies: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
Battle of Albuera (re-write)
Battle of Albuera on 16th May 1811 in the Peninsular War: picture by J.J. Jenkins
Marshal Beresford’s hard-fought battle against Marshal Soult on 16th May 1811 during the Peninsular War, with his army of British, Portuguese and Spanish troops.
22. Podcast of the Battle of Albuera: Marshal Beresford’s hard-fought battle against Marshal Soult on 16thMay 1811 during the Peninsular War, with his army of British, Portuguese and Spanish troops: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro (re-write)
79th Cameron Highlanders attacking the village of Fuentes de Oñoro during the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro on 3rd May 1811 in the Peninsular War
Wellington’s hard-fought battle to prevent Massena relieving the fortress of Almeida on 3rd to 5th May 1811 in the Peninsular War
21.Podcast of the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro: Wellington’s hard-fought battle to prevent the French Army of Portugal under Marshal Massena relieving the fortress of Almeida on 3rd to 5th May 1811 in the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcasts
Battle of Redinha or Pombal fought on 12th March 1811 in the Peninsular War: picture by J.J. Jenkins
The indecisive battle fought on 12th March 1811 in Western Central Portugal during Massena’s retreat from the Lines of Torres Vedras to the River Mondego, following the unsuccessful French attempt to capture Lisbon during the Peninsular War
19. Podcast of the Battle of Redinha or Pombal fought on 12th March 1811 during the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcast
18. Podcast of the Battle of Campo Maior: fought on 25th March 1811 in the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com Pod
Battle of Barossa (re-write):
Battle of Barossa or Chiclana fought on 5th March 1811 in the Peninsular War: picture by Baron Lejeune
General Graham’s notable victory, also known as the Battle of Chiclana, over the French during the march to Cadiz on 5th March 1811 in the Peninsular War
17. Podcast of the Battle of Barossa: fought on 5th March 1811 during the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcast
15. Podcast of the Battle of Waterloo: the battle fought on 18th June 1815 that ended the dominance of the French Emperor Napoleon over Europe and saw the end of an epoch. John Mackenzie’s Britishbattles.com podcast.
British and Portuguese infantry drive the French back down the hill at the Battle of Busaco on 27th September 1810 in the Peninsular War
Wellington’s highly successful holding battle fought on 27th September 1810 in Western Portugal against Marshal Massena’s invading French army, as the British and Portuguese withdrew to Lisbon and the Lines of Torres Vedras, during the Peninsular War.
Podcast of the Battle of Busaco: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcast.
British Light Division defending the bridge at the Battle of the River Coa on 24th July 1810 in the Peninsular War: picture by Christa Hook
The British Light Division’s fierce battle to escape from Marshal Ney’s French corps across the River Coa on 24th July 1810 in the Peninsular War.
Podcast of the Battle of the River Coa: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcast.
12. Podcast of The Great Siege of Gibraltar, between 8th July 1779 and 2nd February 1783, whose defence under General Eliott so inspired Great Britain at a time of defeat in the American Revolutionary War: John Mackenzie’s Britishbattles.com podcast.
11. Podcast of Braddock’s Defeat Part 1: The account of General Braddock’s expedition to Fort Duquesne in 1755: The origins of General Braddock’s expedition: John Mackenzie’s britishbattles.com podcast
10. Podcast: Introduction to the American War of the Revolution, 1775–1783:
John Mackenzie’s Britishbattles.com podcast.
9. Podcast of the Battle of Talavera: The British victory south of Madrid on 28th July 1809 over Joseph Bonaparte, the King imposed on Spain by Napoleon, and his French army in the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s Britishbattles.com podcast.
8. Podcast of the Battle of the Crossing of the Douro: The battle, also known as the Second Battle of Oporto, that saw Sir Arthur Wellesley’s (later the Duke of Wellington) successful passage of the River Douro at Oporto in Portugal, on 12th May 1809 during the Peninsular War, forcing Marshal Soult’s French army into headlong and disastrous retreat to Spain: John Mackenzie’s Britishbattles.com podcast.
7. Podcast of the Battle of Corunna: The battle, also known as the Battle of Elviña, that ensured the escape of the British army from Spain on 16thJanuary 1809, during the Peninsular War, with the death of Sir John Moore at the moment of success: John Mackenzie’s Britishbattles.com podcast.
6. Podcast of the Battle of Cacabelos: The battle fought at Cacabelos bridge on 3rd January 1809 during Sir John Moore’s retreat to Corunna in the Peninsular War:John Mackenzie’s Britishbattles.com podcast.
5.
Podcast of the Battle of Benavente: The second cavalry battle, fought on 29th December 1808, establishing the early predominance of British cavalry over French in the Peninsular War: John Mackenzie’s Britishbattles.com podcast.
4. Podcast of the Battle of Sahagun: The dawn attack by the British 15th Hussars, on 21st December 1808 in the snow, that routed a French cavalry brigade and set the standard for British cavalry in the Peninsular War; ‘Success to the Fifteenth; and ‘God Save the King’: John Mackenzie’s Britishbattles.com podcast on the battle.
3. Podcast of the Battle of Vimeiro: Sir Arthur Wellesley’s victory over the French army of Marshal Junot in Portugal on 21st August 1808, his first major victory in the Peninsular War, which nearly ruined his military career: John Mackenzie’s Britishbattles.com podcast on the battle.
2. Podcast of the Battle of Roliça: The first battle fought by the British in the Peninsular War, on 17th August 1808; also, the first of the string of victories over the French won by Sir Arthur Wellesley, later the Duke of Wellington: John Mackenzie’s Britishbattles.com podcast on the battle.
Battle of Talavera (an extensive re-write)
43rd Regiment collecting the dead after the Battle of Talavera on 28th July 1809 in the Peninsular War: picture by Lady Butler
The British victory south of Madrid on 28th July 1809 over Joseph Bonaparte, the King imposed on Spain by Napoleon, and his French army in the Peninsular War.
Battle of the Douro (a full re-write)
Battle of Grijo: Battle of the Passage of the Douro on 16th May 1809 in the Peninsular War: picture by JJ Jenkins
This battle, also known as the Second Battle of Oporto, saw Sir Arthur Wellesley’s (later the Duke of Wellington) successful Passage of the River Douro at Oporto in Portugal, on 12th May 1809 during the Peninsular War, forcing Marshal Soult’s French army into headlong and disastrous retreat to Spain.
Battle of Corunna (a full re-write)
Sir John Moore and the British army at the Battle of Corunna on 16th January 1809 in the Peninsular War: picture by R. Granville Baker
The battle, also known as the Battle of Elviña, that ensured the escape of the British army from Spain on 16th January 1809, during the Peninsular War, with the death of Sir John Moore at the moment of success.
Battle of Cacabelos
British 95th Rifles confronting the French 4th Light Infantry at the Battle of Cacabelos on 3rd January 1809 in the Peninsular War: picture by Richard Simkin
The battle fought at Cacabelos bridge on 3rd January 1809 during Sir John Moore’s retreat to Corunna in the Peninsular War.
Battle of Benavente
Chasseurs à Cheval of the Imperial Guard crossing the River Esla at Castro-Gonzalo in the Battle of Benevente on 29th December 1808 in the Peninsular War
The second cavalry battle, fought on 29th December 1808, establishing the early predominance of British cavalry over French in the Peninsular War.
Battle of Sahagun
British 15th Hussars charging the French cavalry at the Battle of Sahagun on 21st December 1808 in the Peninsular War
The dawn attack by the British 15th Hussars, on 21st December 1808 in the snow, that routed a French cavalry brigade and set the standard for British cavalry in the Peninsular War; ‘Success to the Fifteenth; and ‘God Save the King’.
Battle of Vimeiro (a comprehensive re-write)
71st Highland Light Infantry at the Battle of Vimeiro on 21st August 1808 in the Peninsular War
Sir Arthur Wellesley’s (later the Duke of Wellington) victory over the French army of Marshal Junot in Portugal on 21st August 1808, in the opening stages of the Peninsular War; a battle that nearly ruined Wellesley’s military career.
Battle of Roliça
Sergeant, Officer, Soldier and Drummer of British infantry: Battle of Roliça on 17th August 1808 in the Peninsular War
The first battle fought by the British in the Peninsular War, on 17th August 1808; also, the first of the string of victories over the French won by Sir Arthur Wellesley, later the Duke of Wellington.
Sortie from Bayonne
General Pierre Thouvenot, French Governor of Bayonne at the Sortie from Bayonne on 14th April 1814 in the Peninsular War: picture by Denis Dighton
The terrible night-time clash outside Bayonne on 14th April 1814, that marked the end of the Peninsular War, but occurred after the abdication of the Emperor Napoleon on 4th April 1814.
Battle of Toulouse
British 27th Regiment at the Battle of Toulouse on 10th April 1814 in the Peninsular War: picture by Richard Simkin
The Battle fought by Wellington against Marshal Soult on 10th April 1814 outside the French City of Toulouse in Southern France; the last battle fought by Wellington in the Peninsular War.
Battle of Tarbes
95th Rifles in action at the Battle of Tarbes on 20th March 1814 in the Peninsular War: picture by Richard Simkin
The Action fought by Wellington against Marshal Soult on 20th March 1814 in Southern France; where the three Battalions of the 95th Rifles distinguished themselves
Battle of Orthez:
Lord Wellington with British Hussars: Battle of Orthez on 27th February 1814 in the Peninsular War
The Battle fought on 2nd February 1814 in the south-west of France that saw Wellington push Marshal Soult’s Army of the Pyrenees back across the River Adour
Battle of St Pierre:
Battle of St Pierre on 13th December 1813 during the Battle of the Nive, fought from 9th to 13th December 1813 in the Peninsular War: picture by J.J. Jenkins
The Battle fought on the last day of the crossing of the River Nive by Wellington’s army, on 13th December 1813; described as some of the fiercest fighting of the Peninsular War.
Storming of Seringapatam:
British troops attacking the breach at the Storming of Seringapatam on 4th May 1799 in the Fourth Mysore War
The Storming on 4th May 1799 of Tipu Sultan’s palace fortress, leading to the death of Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore: A key battles in the conquest of South India by the British and one of the Duke of Wellington’s early actions.
Battle of the Nive:
The Battle fought between 9th and 13th December 1813; Wellington’s army crossing the River Nive and moving further into France; a battle with some of the fiercest fighting of the Peninsular War.
Lieutenant General Sir Rowland Hill: Battle of the Nive fought between 9th and 13th December 1813 and the Battle of St Pierre in the Peninsular War
Battle of the Nivelle:
The Battle fought on 10th November 1813, during the Peninsular War; Wellington’s army crossing the River Nivelle and moving from the Pyrenees Mountains into the plains of France.
Battle of the Nivelle on 10th November 1813 during the Peninsular War: picture by J.J. Jenkins
Battle of the Bidassoa:
The Battle fought on 7th October 1813, during the Peninsular War, when Wellington’s army crossed the River Bidassoa into France.
British column crossing the Bidassoa Estuary in the Battle of the Bidassoa on 7th October 1813 during the Peninsular War: picture by J.P. Beadle
Battle of San Marcial
The Battle fought on 31st August and 1st September 1813 along the French border, during the Peninsular War; with Spanish troops decisively repelling the French attack.
Spanish troops defending Mount San Marcial at the Battle of San Marcial on 31st August 1813 in the Peninsular War: picture by Augusto Ferrer Dalmau
Battle of the Pyrenees
The Battle fought between 25th July and 2nd August 1813 in the western Pyrenees Mountains, during the Peninsular War; Wellington decisively repelling Marshal Soult’s incursion across the border, intended to re-establish French occupation of Spain
Wellington and Somerset at the Bridge in Sorauren on 27th July 1813: Battle of the Pyrenees fought between 25th July and 2nd August 1813 in the western Pyrenees Mountains, during the Peninsular War: picture by Thomas Jones Barker
Storming of San Sebastian
The hard-fought struggle to capture San Sebastian, the small city port on the north-east coast of Spain near the French border, between 11th July and 9th September 1813 in the Peninsular War
Second Attack on 31st August 1813 in the Storming of San Sebastian between 11th July and 9th September 1813 in the Peninsular War
The Retreat from Burgos
Wellington’s retreat to Ciudad Rodrigo following the unsuccessful Attack on Burgos in the autumn of 1812 in the Peninsular War
Capture of General Paget by French Dragoons on 17th November 1812 during the Retreat from Burgos in the Peninsular War
The Battle of Vitoria in the Peninsular (a comprehensive re-write)
Wellington’s decisive defeat of Joseph Bonaparte’s French army on 21stJune 1813 in North-Eastern Spain in the Peninsular War
4th, 47th and 69th Regiments storming Gamarra Mayor at the Battle of Vitoria on 21st June 1813 in the Peninsular War: picture by JP Beadle
Map of the Battle of Vitoria on 21st June 1813 during the Peninsular War: map by John Fawkes
British troops in action in the mountains: Battle of San Millan and Osma on 18th June 1813 in the Peninsular War: picture by Richard Simkin
The clash in the mountains of Northern Spain on 18th June 1813 between the van of Wellington’s advancing army and General Reille’s French ‘Army of Portugal’, withdrawing on Vitoria.
Battle of Morales de Toro on 2nd June 1813: picture by William Heath
The Battle of Morales de Toro fought in the Peninsular War:
The successful cavalry action fought by the British Hussar Brigade against the French 16th and 21st Dragoons on 1st June 1813.
Attack on Burgos Castle between 19th September and 25th October 1812 in the Peninsular War
The Attack on the City of Burgos in the Peninsular War:
Wellington’s unsuccessful assault on the Spanish City of Burgos between 19th September and 25th October 1812, following the Battle of Salamanca.
British and Indian Army on the march in Abyssinia: Battle of Magdala on 13th April 1868 in the Abyssinian War
The Battle of Magdala in the Abyssinian War:
Sir Robert Napier’s capture, on 13th April 1868, of the Fortress of Magdala, stronghold of the Emperor Theodore III of Abyssinia.
5th Dragoon Guards at the Battle of Salamanca on 22nd July 1812 during the Peninsular War, also known as the Battle of Los Arapiles or Les Arapiles
The Battle of Salamanca in the Peninsular War:
Wellington’s victory on 22nd July 1812 over the French army of Marshal Marmont, leading to the re-capture of Madrid; also known as the Battle of Los Arapiles or Les Arapiles.
Map of the Battle of Salamanca on 22nd July 1812 during the Peninsular War, also known as the Battle of Los Arapiles or Les Arapiles: map by John Fawkes
Grenadiers of the 1st, Coldstream and 3rd Foot Guards in1751: picture by David Morier: Death of General Edward Braddock on the Monongahela River on 9th July 1755 in the French and Indian War
A war recently chronicled on British Battles is the ‘Wars of the Roses’.
Yorkists and Lancastrians taking white and red roses in the Inner Temple Garden: First Battle of St Albans, fought on 22nd May 1455 in the Wars of the Roses: allegorical picture from William Shakespeare by Henry Arthur Payne
First Battle of St Albans, fought on 22nd May 1455 in the Wars of the Roses: picture by Graham Turner
British Battles has published battles of the English Civil War:
The Battle of Edgehill is the first important battle.
The fight for the Royal Standard at the Battle of Edgehill on 23rd October 1642 at the Battle of Edgehill in the English Civil War
20th Regiment and Foot Guards returning from the Battle of Inkerman on 5th November 1854 in the Crimean War: picture by Lady Butler
We have on our site a long list of battles with descriptions of what took place and other essential information. Most of our pages have a map of the battle designed and drafted by our own Military Cartographer, John Fawkes
While our battles are primarily British battles there are many other battles of interest including all the important battles fought by Frederick the Great, King of Prussia in the Mid-18th Century.
All the battles are extensively illustrated with pictures both well-known and more obscure. Prints of many of these pictures can be purchased through the site as can the maps.
General George Washington crossing the Delaware at the Battle of Trenton on Christmas night 1776 by Emmanuel Leutze
Map of the Battle of Minden fought on 1st August 1759 by the Prussians, Hanoverians, Hessians and the British against the French; at which the British infantry made their famous advance against the French cavalry with roses in their hats, an episode celebrated every year by the “Minden Regiments”
Our most recent additions are:
- The British capture of Manila in 1762
- The North-West Frontier of India in the late 19th Century: Black Mountain 1888, Black Mountain 1891, Waziristan 1904, Siege and Relief of Chitral 1895, Malakand Rising 1897, Malakand Field Force 1897 (in which Winston Churchill fought) and the Mohmand Field Force 1897.
- Bannockburn 1314
Robert de Bruce strikes and kills Sir Henry de Bohun with his axe in single combat before the Battle of Bannockburn on 23rd June 1314: picture by John Hassall
- The battles of Frederick the Great:
First Silesian War: Mollwitz, Chotusitz
Second Silesian War: Hohenfriedburg, Soor, Kesselsdorf,
Seven Years War: Lobositz, Prague, Kolin, Rossbach, Leuthen, Zorndorf, Hochkirch, Kunersdorf, Liegnitz, Torgau and Burkersdorf).
Among the other battles and wars on the site are:
- Waterloo
Battle of Waterloo 18th June 1815 : Order of Battle at the Outset of the Battle
Map 1 of 3 by John Fawkes.