Battle of Maida

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The Battle of Maida was a battle in the Napoleonic Wars between England and France fought on 4 July, 1806 outside the town of San Pietro di Maida in Calabria, Italy.

The British, 5100 strong and commanded by Major-General Sir John Stuart defeated the French, 6440 strong and commanded by General Reynier (or Regnier) in a day of skirmishes. The British deployed in a line while the French attacked in columns, allowing the British to fire full strength volleys into the French columns, while only the first two ranks of the French could fire, similar to Crossing the T in naval combat. The British fired volleys then charged with the bayonet, and the French, though veterans, failing to withstand the onslaught, broke and fled, losing heavily in the pursuit.

The names Maida Hill and Maida Vale in London are derived from this battle. A table top re-enactment of the battle is to be held in Maida Vale Library to mark its 200th anniversary.

See also:

External link

http://www.btinternet.com/~the35thfootproject/maida.html

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