Show notes
The Peninsular War series meets our battle series as we deep dive the Battle of Bussaco in the first of a two-parter on Wellington and Massena's duel in the Portuguese mountains. Graeme Callister joins us to talk about the French plan of operations, why their reconnaissance was so poor, and why Massena was so desperate to attack Wellington on his mountaintop position.Get Graeme's books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Dr-Graeme-Callister/a/4546https://www.helion.co.uk/people/graeme-callister.phpSupport the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspodTimestamps00:00 Introduction to the Battle of Basarco01:47 Strategic context of the Peninsular War in 181003:50 French and Allied army conditions and morale06:49 Terrain features and geographic challenges11:12 French plans and reconnaissance errors15:06 Wellington's defensive strategy and troop deployment20:11 French misconceptions and attack plans25:00 Terrain's impact on the battle's outcome29:56 French troop conditions and leadership issues34:59 The importance of terrain in 1810 warfare39:54 French tactical errors and missed opportunities45:07 The aftermath and significance of Basarco