Great Britain - 1812

The town of Ciudad Rodrigo was comparatively small, oval in shape, and measured 700 by roughly 550 yards; it occupied the top of a flat hill north of the river Agueda. The town itself had thick masonry walls and had been additionally fortified by a series of earthworks. These fortifications were such that the siege by the Allies that began on the 8th January lasted twelve days. The battle was characterized by the bad behaviour of the Allied forces after the fall of the town. Some drank themselves into insubordinate intoxication and drowned in the brandy casks that they found there; looting also took place. This engagement was also noteworthy for the death in action of General Robert Crauford.

   One of a set of medals issued in 1815 (see No. 888).