After capturing the famous university city of Salamanca from the French in June, 1812, Wellington embarked on a difficult month of maneuvering against an enemy force under Marshal Marmont. The great River Tormes was crossed and re-crossed on a number of occasions by both sides. Finally, on the morning of 22 July the two armies faced each other a thousand yards distant 7kms south of Salamanca around the village of Arapiles. The two hills that dominate the country-side the Grande, occupied by Marmont and the Chico, Wellington’s observation point were just 800 yards apart. In the afternoon Marmont extended his left, thinking he had only a strong rear-guard facing him. It was a dreadful mistake. Wellington launched a full scale attack with cavalry brigades and infantry divisions. By nightfall Marmont’s Army, what was left of it was fleeing over the Tormes at Alba de Tormes.

THE SOCIETY'S TOUR

A morning refreshment in the city's famed Plaza Mayor under the bust of Lord Wellington! Then off to the battlefield and with telescopes aimed at Wellington's first position we stand where Marmont was on the morning of the battle at the chapel of Calverasa de Ariba. Decsision time for the Marshal! We visit the newly opened battle museum and see amongest many other things the donations made by the Society and a chance to actually hold a 'Brown Bess' musket. The walk up the Granda will be invigorating and will afford a magnificent view of the entire battlefield as seen by Marmont. Lunch will be in our favourite tavern in Arapiles and later a visit to see the Mayor and a very famous Wellingtonian standard.