British Troops land at Figueira da Foz

The landings take from the 1st to the 8th of August 1808 to conduct.

The troops commander Lieutennant-General Sir Arthur Wellesley takes over active field command of the troops he has sailed with from Cork, departing on July 12, 1808; and in time further forces sailing from Gibraltar and Siciliy.

By the 8th of August some 14,000 British troops would be in Portugal, along with 24 guns. The Portugese were present with 26,000 more of their militia and regulars mustering in the north. The Portugese had initiated a blockade of Almeida, thus securing the left flank of the British force in advance of an anticipated march south. These militia and regulars lacked all military supplies including food, though not (yet) an effective fighting force here they were to strike a blow at the French and thus save 'their' Portugal.


With such displays as Carnaval Buarcos, we here 200 years later are glad they did!