Who commanded the Polish charge at the Battle of Somosierra?
Jan Kozietulski commanded the 3rd Squadron during the charge. He led the attack until he lost his horse after taking the first battery.
Questions about Battle of Somosierra
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Napoleon order the Polish cavalry to charge at the Battle of Somosierra?
Napoleon ordered the charge on the morning of the 30th of November 1808. French patrols reached Madrid on the 1st of December following this engagement.
How many men were in the Polish Chevaux-Légers squadron that charged at the Battle of Somosierra?
The initial squadron consisted of 125 men under Jan Kozietulski. Other squadrons joined later, bringing the total number of participants to approximately 450 men.
Where was the Spanish artillery positioned relative to the pass at the Battle of Somosierra?
Benito de San Juan placed 16 cannons in four batteries across the terrain. The first battery defended the entrance while the next two covered the angles and the fourth stood by the heights.
Why did Napoleon order a cavalry charge over difficult terrain at the Battle of Somosierra?
Napoleon ordered the charge because Spanish forces could not be easily outflanked by infantry movement. The terrain initially worked in favor of the defenders but required a direct assault to break their line.