The journal of an Army surgeon during the Peninsular War / [by Charles Boutflower].

  • Boutflower, Charles, 1782-1844.
Date:
[1912]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The journal of an Army surgeon during the Peninsular War / [by Charles Boutflower]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    150/192 (page 146)
    [1812] [July] 21 St On the Evening of the i6th we received a sudden order to march to Villa Verde, a village about a Mile in rear of Medina del Campo; this movement was occasioned by the Enemy having in the Afternoon crossed the Douro on our left. On reaching Villa Verde we were directed to proceed near three leagues further to a place called Castrejon, on the Salamanca Road, which we did not reach till after daylight of the 17th. We remained there the whole of that day, and the enemy advanced as far as Nava del Rey, about five miles from us. Early on the i8th skirmishing commenced, & about six o clock the French appeared in great force. As our Army was not concentrated we fell back upon the Divisions in our rear, and as was understood into the neighbourhood of a position Lord Wellington meant to meet them in. During the day there were several severe skirmishes, and amongst others some most furious charges of Cavalry ; the enemy had two opportunities of cannonading, which they availed themselves of most vigorously, but happily our loss was but little. I was myself very nearly being one of the Victims, a Cannon Shot passing within a few inches of my head. The enemy pressed us in a manner, and with a spirit, we were never before accustomed to. At length, a favorable opportunity occurring. Lord W. directed the 4th Division to attack their advanced guard ; as the Attack was made by the Division left in front, it fell to the 27th & 40th Regts composing the left Brigade to bear the brunt of the affair. These two regiments, on approaching the Enemy, advanced to the charge in the most undaunted manner, notwithstanding the force opposed to them was near three times their number; the French presented a firm front, till our People arrived within about twenty paces of them, when they fired a volley, and flew in the utmost confusion. Unfortunately, the assailants were so much exhausted from a long previous march, and the great heat of the weather fwhich was so excessive that several men and officers actually died on the march), that they were unable to follow them up