 whole engagement, the Light Division suffered just 43 casualties.
Masséna's intention was for Marchand's, Mermet's, and Solignac's divisions to attack from the south only after a successful assault had been made on Fuentes de Oñoro from the east. Some two hours after daybreak, Ferey's and Drouet's divisions stormed the village, reaching the higher ground around the church before being stopped. At around midday, Conroux's and Claparéde's divisions were thrown into the attack, a move that was countered on the Allied side by the 1/45th, 1/74th and 1/88th5 joining the battle. Grattan of the 1/88th, quoted in Oman, gave a vivid description of the scenes in the village:
After sharp fighting, the French columns broke under the ferocity of the counter-attack by the 1/74th and 1/88th, and were driven back across the Dos Casas. By about 2pm, the fighting for Fuentes de Oñoro was all but over. Allied casualties on 5th May totalled 1,545, while the French losses amounted to 2,192.
Overnight, Wellington's troops dug in along the south-facing line. During the night of 7th/8th May, Masséna began to withdraw from the battlefield.
Travelling on the N620 from Ciudad Rodrigo, 500m after the 348km post (and immediately after the service station), turn left at a minor road junction onto a rough road (not signposted). Follow the road down to the edge of the village and park by the Dos Casas stream. The part of the village uphill and to the left retains much of the character of 200 years ago and is worth exploring by foot. Pass through the village to find the church and memorial to the battle near the top of the ridge.
(An alternative approach to the village over a better road surface can be made by following the N620 as far as the modern development of Fuentes de Oñoro. Turn left at the roundabout following signs to the railway station and Centro de Salud. Shortly before reaching the railway station, turn left onto the Calle Salas Pombo. Pass the Centro de Salud and drive through open countryside before reaching the village.)
Return to the N620 and cross the border into Portugal. Turn left onto the N332 to Sabugal to visit Poço Velho and Nave de Haver. 2.5km north of Nave de Haver on the N332 a rough road leads west to the village of Freineda. Adjacent to the church, the house in which Wellington stayed during the winter of 1812-3 is marked by a plaque.
"A History of the Peninsular War, Volume IV" by Sir Charles Oman, published by Greenhill Books 1996, ISBN 1853672246.
"Wellington in the Peninsula 1808-1814" by Jac Weller, published by Greenhill Books 1999, ISBN 1853673811.
© Andrew C Jackson 2004