Page 168 - Chronicle Vol 17

evidence for a French victory, but unfortunately it is not enough. His death did lit- tle to affect the control of the British forces. By the time the General was wounded and taken off the battle, the wheels were already in motion for the evacuation. The British army adapted quickly to remain successful, Leaders in the ranks stepped up to the task and the momentum in the battle was sustained. The attacking French were being held in position and the evacuation had started. The 95th Rifles saw some success in counter attacking the holding French lines. The attacking French were held, the 52nd and 95th then counter attacked as far as the French gun lines. As the day began to turn into night, a bulk of the enemy attack was also beaten back by British Cavalry. Sir John Moore died of his wounds that night, it must have been bittersweet for the General to know that death was upon him and that his army was safe. Control was truly tested, and the British had overcome it with huge success. All through the night and early into the morning the exhausted British soldiers began boarding the Royal Navy vessels that waited for them. The 95th being some of the last soldiers to board along with the prisoners. When Soult watched the following morning as the Royal navy sailed the British to safety, he felt he had succeeded in ensuring Moore’s Army were gone from Spain. We can see why the French soldiers amongst the ranks would see this as the enemy flee- ing with their tale between their legs. However, amongst the British must have been a sense of achievement, they had done what they set out to do.
As a Summary I can confidently put forward an argument that the battle of Corunna was a British success story. Although the retreat across Spain may have been a dismal affair with disorder in British ranks and desertion. The battle itself was far less bleak for the British. Looking into the statistics, all the sources I have found state the casualty rate to be far greater on the French side. Although num- bers vary of the actual casualty rate. One source in particular states that British casualties for the Battle of Corunna were 800-900 dead and wounded. Soult’s corps suffered 1,400-1,500 dead and wounded. This is rather a surprising statistic given the fact Soult commanded a greater number of both Infantry and Cavalry, not to mention the Artillery Guns. Though a battle can never be deemed a victory on casualties alone, I think it’s a key piece of information to help drive home my opinion on the subject. Soult failed in what was a clear attempt to destroy what was left of Moore’s forces. Having had the upper hand right from the start the French still failed, Soult seized the initiative and was by no means a novice in strategic warfare. He chose to attack when the odds were in his favour and yet the British Held out. This was done through excellent application of the princi- ples of a withdrawal. Security, Offensive action and control were put to the test and each time General Sir John Moore prevailed. The British Security was tested after the pushback from the hilltops but the defence in place at Elvina stood firm. Although the odds were against them the British kept a consistent offensive spirit that time and time again prevailed in holding and even pushing the French back. The initial impact on Control could have been detrimental to the British, however they remained flexible and adapted brilliantly. Sure, there is credit to be given to the Royal Navy who’s intimidating presence in the port no doubt helped deter the French from pressing further during the evacuation. Let that not take anything away from the grit, determination and fighting Spirit the British showed on that
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