Читать книгу Battlefields - Michael Rayner - Страница 31

Pakenham’s division struck at a time when Thomières’ division, advancing rapidly in column of battalions (one behind the other), had lost its cohesion and had outpaced its cavalry support. Appearing out of dead ground, d’Urban’s cavalry flank-charged the leading French battalion, which did not have time for a coordinated volley. It was broken and scattered. Behind the jubilant horsemen, Thomières saw Pakenham’s men bearing down upon him. He quickly deployed several battalions and guns and blasted the leading British brigade. The Allied attack faltered, but then pressed on with fixed bayonets. Some French cavalry tried to intervene, but they were driven off by Alten’s light brigade, which Wellington had sent over for just this purpose. The French took heavy casualties, Thomières himself was killed and his division broke under the pressure, having a regimental eagle and six guns taken. The survivors fell back seeking shelter within Maucune’s formation. They arrived at the same time as the Allies attacked.

Battle of Salamanca, 22 July 1812, etched by J. Clarke, coloured by M. Dubourg (aquatint) by William Heath. Wellington orders the central attack. Behind the general is the Arapil Chico, with artillery deployed upon it, while to the right of the picture we see the British heavy cavalry beginning the charge that would sweep the Allies to victory.

Leith’s division was to attack Maucune’s and Cole’s was aimed at Clausel’s.