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Great Britain - 1809

Les Français chassés d`Oporto.

Obverse
Obverse:
Victory flying left. BY THE MERCY OF GOD.
Size:
15 mm.
Reverse
Reverse:
MAY 12 / OPORTO / 1809

Bramsen:

Bramsen - 2215
Les Français chassés d'Oporto.
Comme celui du No 835.
Rev: Inscription dans le champ.
Médaille, 15 mm. — Collection Bourgeot No 546.

BHM:

Br. 15 published by E. Thomason.
Br. N
AM.

The city of Oporto is built on steep hills with the river Douro running through a deep gorge. Despite the blowing of the bridges by the French and their belief that all boats had been destroyed, a ferry was found intact some four miles upstream. In addition, four wine barges were located by the British on the French side of the river. Together, these vessels proved sufficient to enable a number of British troops to cross the river and surprise the enemy. As a result, what was initially an orderly retreat by the French turned into a rout and the city was taken within six hours. Allied losses amounted to only 123 killed, wounded and missing whilst the French lost 300 killed and wounded plus 70 guns and 1,500 wounded abandoned in Oporto hospital.
   One of a set of medals issued in 1815 (see No. 888).
from British Historical Medals, Volume 1, p. 165