Although Lord Wellington rated his subordinate, General Beresford (especially for his hard work in reorganizing the Portuguese Army), there were many critics of his within the British Army at the time. In May, 1811, Beresford was in charge of besieging French held Badajoz when news reached him that Marshal Soult was marching on him from the south. Beresford abandoned the siege and placed his allied force of British, Spanish and Portuguese at the town of Albuera to offer battle. On the morning of 16th may, Soult caught the allies completely off guard with a flanking movement and ferocious attack. Three British infantry battalions were destroyed in minutes by enemy cavalry, volleys were fired at each other from twenty paces. The slaughter continued and just when all seemed lost the general Cole's Fusiler Brigade advanced and saved the day. When Wellington read Beresford's dispatch he exclaimed, "This will not do. Write me down a victory!"

THE SOCIETY'S TOUR

From Badajoz we take the short trip south to the town of Albuera where we shall meet the Mayor and visit the town's small museum. In the Plaza Mayor we have a photo session by the impressive plaque which the Society donated on the 175th anniversary of the battle. Because we have good friends who own the land where most of the battle was fought we are permitted to roam at will over the positions held by the British regiments. We will hear why the 57th of Foot were nicknamed the 'Die Hards!' during the fighting and many other stories of great bravery. depending on weather we offer a picnic lunch with wine or else we dine in Albuera at a friend's delightful restaurant.