The Combat of the Côa (also known as the Battle of the Côa) was a significant rearguard action fought on July 24, 1810, during the Peninsular War, which formed part of the wider Napoleonic Wars. It took place near Almeida, Portugal, between Anglo-Portuguese forces commanded by Brigadier General Robert Craufurd and French forces under Marshal André Masséna.
Context By mid-1810, French forces under Marshal Masséna were executing Napoleon's third invasion of Portugal, with the ultimate objective of capturing Lisbon. The Allied (Anglo-Portuguese) army, commanded by Sir Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington), had adopted a strategy of strategic withdrawal, aiming to draw the French deeper into Portugal while relying on fortified lines (the Lines of Torres Vedras) for a decisive defense. As part of this strategy, Craufurd's Light Division was positioned as an advanced guard, tasked with delaying the French advance and preventing them from seizing key positions without a fight. Wellington had issued explicit orders for Craufurd not to risk a major engagement with superior French forces east of the Côa River.
The Engagement Despite Wellington's orders, Brigadier General Craufurd, known for his aggressive temperament and confidence in his elite Light Division, decided to take up a strong defensive position on the right bank of the Côa River, in front of the fortified town of Almeida. He intended to hold the river crossings against the advancing French. On July 24, elements of Masséna's army, particularly Junot's VIII Corps, advanced on Craufurd's position.
The battle commenced with French cavalry and infantry attacking Craufurd's isolated division. Heavily outnumbered, Craufurd's men, particularly the 43rd (Monmouthshire Light Infantry), 52nd (Oxfordshire Light Infantry), and 95th Rifles, put up a determined and skillful resistance. The terrain was challenging, with steep banks leading down to the Côa River, which was swollen by recent rains, making crossing difficult.
The fighting was fierce, particularly around the narrow bridge over the Côa. The French made repeated attempts to outflank the British position and seize the bridge to prevent a withdrawal. Craufurd's forces, under immense pressure and suffering heavy casualties, were eventually forced to conduct a difficult retreat across the single, narrow bridge under continuous French fire. The disciplined withdrawal and the stubborn defense of the rearguard elements allowed the majority of the Light Division to cross the river, though at a significant cost.
Outcome and Significance The Combat of the Côa was a tactical victory for the French, as they succeeded in pushing back the Allied rearguard and securing their advance on Almeida. However, it was a costly victory. Craufurd's Light Division suffered approximately 360 casualties (killed, wounded, and missing), while French losses were estimated to be around 500-600, possibly more.
Wellington was reportedly furious with Craufurd for his insubordinate decision to engage the French against orders, which risked the destruction of a significant portion of his army. Despite the heavy losses and the near-disaster, the Light Division's stubborn and disciplined defense proved their exceptional combat effectiveness and resilience. The battle delayed the French siege of Almeida only marginally but highlighted the formidable challenge Masséna faced in his invasion of Portugal against a determined and well-led Allied rearguard. It served as a prelude to the subsequent Siege of Almeida and the larger Battle of Bussaco.