Wellington Invades France: The Final Phase of the Peninsular War, 1813-1814 - Tapa dura

When Wellington's troops marched over the Pyrenees in the autumn of 1813, the Peninsular War was far from over. Indeed, with their French adversaries defending French soil, months of stubborn, relentless fighting were to follow. In this compelling account of the closing months of the Peninsular War, Ian Robertson details the difficult and brutal fighting which so characterised this phase of a stubborn, six-year conflict. Drawing on eyewitness accounts and official despatches, Ian Robertson outlines the nature of the war as well as tracing the complicated manoeuvering and operations of the British and French armies. He describes in detail such hard-fought actions as the Nivelle, Orthez, Toulouse and Bayonne and throws light on some less-well-known clashes, many of which were fought in the unforgiving terrain of the Pyrenees. For Wellington, as well as for his men, the campaign in France was a test of stamina and endurance. Now in hostile territory, and fighting an implacable and energetic foe, Wellington's troops fought hard to crown their victories and bring the war to a successful conclusion.

Ian Robertson is the author of Wellington at War in the Peninsula and is a respected writer on Spain, Portugal and France. He currently resides in Arles, France.