Battle of Villarrobledo explained

Conflict:Battle of Villarrobledo
Partof:First Carlist War
Date:20 September 1836
Place:Villarrobledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Result:Liberal victory
Combatant1:Carlists supporting
Infante Carlos of Spain
Combatant2:Liberals (Isabelinos or Cristinos) supporting
Isabella II of Spain and her regent mother Maria Christina
Commander1:Miguel Gómez Damas
Ramón Cabrera y Griñó
Commander2:Isidro de Alaix Fábregas
Diego de León y Navarrete
Strength1:4,000 (Gómez’s forces)
Strength2:~10,000
Casualties1:200 dead and wounded, 500 prisoners[1]
Casualties2:Unknown

The Battle of Villarrobledo took place during the First Carlist War on September 20, 1836, south of Villarrobledo at a campground called Vega de San Cristóbal, which lies near a hermitage of the same name. However, there were also casualties reported in Villarrobledo proper. The battle was a major defeat for the Carlist general Miguel Gómez Damas, and his forces suffered large casualties, as well as the loss of large amounts of munitions. For his victory, Isidro de Alaix Fábregas was given the title of Viscount of Villarrobledo (Vizconde de Villarrobledo) and was awarded the Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand (Cruz Laureada de San Fernando).

Order of Battle

Liberals

3rd Division: Gen. Alaix- I and II bat. Principe- I and II bat. Cordova- I and II bat. Almansa- 4 Guides coys.Cavalry: D. Diego de Leon- Princess Hussars (150 troopers)- 1st and 5th Light Cavalry (200 troopers)Total: 4,000 infantry and 350 cavalry

Carlists

Gen. Goméz: 5 battalions5 squadrons

Aragón Division: Cabrera

Aragonese Brigade: D. José Marín, "el Serrador"- 3 BattalionsValencian Brigade: D. Joaquín Quilez- 2 BattalionsCavalry:- 580 troopers (6 squadrons)

References

39.2667°N -2.6°W

Notes and References

  1. HUGHES, J. M., Revelations of Spain in 1845 by an English Resident, vol I, p. 305. Londres, Henry Colburn Pb, 1845.