Battle of Arlabán (1812)

The Battle of Arlabán of 1812, also known as the Second Surprise of Arlabán, took place in the mountain pass of Arlabán, Guipúzcoa, Basque Country, near the border with France, on 9 April 1812, during the Peninsular War.[1][4] A Spanish force of 3,000–3,500 men led by Francisco Espoz y Mina intercepted a great French convoy (2,000–3,000 regulars and 150 cavalry) of General of Division Caffarelli.[4]

Battle of Arlabán (1812)
Part of the Peninsular War
Date 9 April 1812 Location Arlabán, Spain 42°50.67′N 2°45.62′W Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
French Empire	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Marie-François de Caffarelli	Francisco Espoz y Mina
Strength
2,000–3,000[1] 150 cavalry[1]	3,000–3,500[1]
Casualties and losses
600–700 killed or wounded[1][2] 300 captured[2] 800 prisoners released[1][3]	30 killed, wounded or captured[1]

The attack was a success, and after one hour, the French were completely defeated.[2] The Spanish casualties were estimated at 30 killed and wounded, and the French lost between 600 and 700 men, and 300 captured.[1][2] The Spanish also rescued 800 Spanish, British and Portuguese prisoners (five officers), and captured the valuable convoy (weapons and baggage, two colours, letters from Joseph Bonaparte to Napoleon, and a great amount of jewelry, valued between 700,000 and 800,000 francs).[1][3] Joseph Bonaparte's personal secretary, Jean Deslandes, was killed in this action.[1][2]