The Eve of Bussaco 1810 - Peninsular War

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/4546 https://www.helion.co.uk/people/graeme-callister.php Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Battle of Basarco 01:47 Strategic context of the Peninsular War in 1810 03:50 French and Allied army conditions and morale 06:49 Terrain features and geographic challenges 11:12 French plans and reconnaissance errors 15:06 Wellington's defensive strategy and troop deployment 20:11 French misconceptions and attack plans 25:00 Terrain's impact on the battle's outcome 29:56 French troop conditions and leadership issues 34:59 The importance of terrain in 1810 warfare 39:54 French tactical errors and missed opportunities 45:07 The aftermath and significance of Basarco