Villaviciosa, battle of

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Villaviciosa, battle of, 1710. Abandoning Madrid in November 1710, the allies retreated. The British and Dutch moved towards Aragon, the Austrians towards Navarre. Franco-Spanish forces pursued, catching the Anglo-Dutch at Brihuega on 9 December. The following day Marshal Vendôme, at the head of 21,000 French soldiers, attacked General Stahremberg's 13,600 Austrians at Villaviciosa. It was a bruising engagement—the Austrian left wing was cut to pieces, while the right and centre made some headway—but neither side was strong enough to exploit its limited success.

John Pimlott

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Villaviciosa, battle of

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