The Lines of Torres Vedras: The Cornerstone of Wellington's Strategy in the Peninsular War 1809-12

by John Grehan

Overview

This is the first book to examine in detail the role of one of the most important fortifications in military history, the Lines of Torres Vedras in the Peninsular War. In 1809 the French armies controlled almost every Spanish province and only Wellington's small force in Portugal stood between Napoleon and the conquest of Iberia. The French invaded Portugal but found their way blocked by the greatest range of field fortifications the world had ever seen—the Lines of Torres Vedras. Unable to penetrate the Lines, the French were driven back into Spain having suffered the heaviest defeat yet experienced by Napoleon's armies. From the security of the Lines, Wellington was then able to mount the offensive campaigns which ultimately brought him victory in the Peninsula. This is an account of the planning, construction, and occupation of the Lines and of the battles, sieges, and horrors of the French invasion. It is also a challenging new study of Wellington's strategy during the crucial years of the Peninsular War.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781473852754
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Limited
Publication date:	01/31/2020
Series:	The Napoleonic Library
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	19 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

JOHN GREHAN has written, edited or contributed to more than 300 books and magazine articles covering a wide span of military history from the Iron Age to the recent conflict in Afghanistan. John has also appeared on local and national radio and television to advise on military history topics. He was employed as the Assistant Editor of Britain at War Magazine from its inception until 2014. John now devotes his time to writing and editing books.

Table of Contents

List of Maps vi

Acknowledgements vii

Introduction ix

Chapter 1 "The Ramparts of Lisbon" 1

Chapter 2 "A Design of Terrible Energy" 14

Chapter 3 "Persevering Labour" 42

Chapter 4 "Masséna of the Flashing Eyes" 65

Chapter 5 "Bursting of a Volcano" 85

Chapter 6 "The Glittering of Steel" 106

Chapter 7 "Dug in to the Teeth" 130

Chapter 8 "The Land they had Beggared" 149

Chapter 9 "Europe will not be lost" 166

Appendix I The allied army within the Lines of Torres Vedras, 1 November 1810 187

Appendix II Works comprising the Lines of Torres Vedras 191

Appendix III A Visitor's Guide to the Lines of Torres Vedras 205

References and notes 207

Selected bibliography and source information 219

Index 223