Battles of the Bruch

Battles of El Bruc

Montserrat mountains viewed from the Bruc.

Date	6 June and 14 June 1808
Location	El Bruc, near Barcelona, Spain
Result	1st: Spanish victory 2nd: Spanish victory

Belligerents

French Empire

Kingdom of Spain

Commanders and leaders

François de Schwarz

Joseph Chabran

Antoni Franch i Estalella

Joan Baiget

Strength

3,800–5,000 regulars

2,000 regulars and militia

Casualties and losses

6 June:
360 dead
800 wounded
60 captured
1 gun captured
Total: 1,220
14 June:
83 dead
274 wounded
Total: 357
Grand total: 1,577

6 June:
20 dead
80 wounded
Total: 100
14 June:
15 dead
50 wounded
Total: 65
Grand total: 165

The two Battles of the Bruch (Catalan: El Bruc) were engagements fought successively between a French columns commanded by Brigadier General François de Schwarz and General of Division Joseph Chabran, and a body of Catalan volunteers and mercenaries led by General Antoni Franch i Estalella and Joan de la Creu Baiget, during the Peninsular War. The result of these battles and actions fought at El Bruc, near Barcelona, Catalonia, between 6–14 June 1808 was a Spanish victory. The Spanish also captured a French Imperial Eagle, adding to defeat a humiliation for the French army.

The French detachment of 3,800 soldiers under General of Brigade François Xavier de Schwarz emerged from Barcelona on June 4, advancing in the direction of Saragossa–Lleida. A rainstorm that day slowed their march considerably; the delay gave time for local Spanish forces, composed of militia from the neighboring villages, Catalan volunteers (sometent), and Swiss and Walloon soldiers from the Barcelona garrison (2,000 men), to mobilize for action. The Catalans were led by General Antoni Franch i Estalella and deployed along Bruch Pass.

The resulting stand was a success, and the French under General Schwarz were turned back to Barcelona with the loss of 360 dead, 800 wounded, 60 prisoners, and one gun captured. The Partisans also captured an Imperial Eagle, adding to defeat a humiliation for the French army.

...
Wikipedia