At the Point of the Bayonet

Rowland Hill was one of the Duke of Wellington's most trusted subordinates, known for caring deeply for the welfare of his men, but the battles of Arroyomolinos (1811) and Almaraz (1812) show that he was far more than just ‘Daddy Hill' and a safe pair of hands. He was also a general of considerable skill and daring. At Arroyomolinos he led his troops for days through appalling weather to out-manoeuvre and then decimate an entire French division in a perfectly conceived surprise attack. At Almaraz he advanced far from allied lines to capture and then destroy a vital French bridge, overcoming considerable logistical challenges and substantial defences, and paving the way for Wellington's victory at Salamanca.

For both actions Hill used the same two British infantry brigades, as well as Portuguese and Spanish units.