Napoleonic Wars

[Antonio]

When I researched my family history I found my ancestors had fought in the 19th Century in the Opium Wars in China, the East Indies, the Crimean War and the Napoleonic wars.

There was a battle in Spain near Cadiz in southern Spain, and it happened on 5th March 1811. The British and Spanish were protecting the advance by the French on Cadiz. The Spanish army headed by La Peña decided not to join the British that day – probably a local fiesta!

There were 3,500 French casualties in the battle and 1,200 British. My ancestor was shot in the shoulder.

Our commander was furious at the failure of La Peña to support him and the way in which the Spanish general had acted. The Spanish Cortes (Parliament) awarded our commander the position of Grandee of the First Class which he refused, resigning his post as commander of the British and Portuguese forces in Cadiz and returning to the main army in Portugal. Typical British upper lip!

Lots of Google references but http://www.britishbattles.com/peninsula ... arossa.htm is quite good

Anyway as we live in Spain I decided that we should go to see this battle site. We live about 700 kms away. Eventually found it and took photos. The only people there were a few French tourists. We decided that we wouldn’t talk to them in case one of their ancestors was killed there!

I’m still upset as I always thought I was the first Henderson to be in Spain. This guy beat me by 200 years

Antonio