The little clapper bridge crossing the stream. It was across this area, from right to left, that the French attacked. As you can see, the stone walls give perfect cover for the defender.

Another view of the stream bed (believe it or not), looking the other way.

A view towards the church bell tower.

Village square with the church in the background. The stone block in the middle is a modern memorial to the battle.

The church, in a small village square, became part hospital and mini fort, for it changed hands during the battle, which must havebeen disconcerting for the wounded.

The view southwards from the village.

The area south of the village where the 7th division was in difficulty, and Ramsay fought his way out of trouble. The Light division conducted its fighting withdrawal over this flat cavalry-favored terrain.

I could not resist this photo--the last remnants of the French cavalry?

The reason for the battle: the Portuguese fortress town of Almeida.

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