19 April 1813 – North Spain – End of Oporto Campaign

Tactical Map

The French lost the campaign because they could not secure their lines of supply and keep their men fed and supplied.   Their failure to win the final battle at Murca

Allowed Wellington to force a draw.   The lack of supplies meant the French were unable to maintain their positon and they had to retreat.

Strategic Map

The Oporto campaign was the fourth phase in Northern Spain between the Fourth French and the Anglo Portuguese armies.  It lasted 7 days and there were three battles.  The British won two and the French one.

The British won the Oporto campaign phase

The campaign started on 1 March and ended on 22 May 2016

19 April 1813 – North Spain

Having failed to take Murca, Suchet is forced to retreat.   All four of his corps are out of supply, and will lose casualties to attrition until they can be resupplied.   They have also suffered considerable battle casualties and are in urgent need of rest and reorganisation.   He orders them to retreat to Zamora.

Wellington has also suffered heavy battle casualties, but he is firmly in control of Murca.  His army is also short of supplies, but there are sufficient in the three depots under his command.   He orders the guerrilla bands to harass the French during their retreat and orders his army to halt at Murca.