George Lake
Posted by: h_raky
N 39° 17.805 W 009° 11.580
29S E 483357 N 4349725
Monumento Funerário do Tenente-Coronel George Lake
Waymark Code: WMA38R
Location: Leiria, Portugal
Date Posted: 11/09/2010
Views: 13
On August 17Th, 1808, and as a result of the 1stFrench Invasion in Portugal, the Roliça Battle took place on these hills between the Napoleonic army, led by General Delaborde, and the Anglo-Portuguese troops, led by General Wellesley.
The Honourable Geourge Augustus Frederik Lake, Lieutenant-colonel of the British army and leader of the 29th Regiment, 3rd Brigade, led by General Major Nightingale, was surprised by the enimy in this valley being under fire from three flanks. Dispite the devastating fire, the right flank of the Regiment made it to the top of the ridge.
Part of the French troops placed in the lowest positions levels fromed a dense front of attackand rushed intensely into the rear-guardof the right flank of Lieutenant-colonel Lake's Regiment. As a result of such offensive approach, the commander himself tumbled just as 4 of his officers as well as 66 soldiers, being also wounded 315 of the 29th Regiment's effective personne. In this encounter, the Regiment's colours, 30 soldiers and 6 officers were captured. The British Regiment later retook their colours.
Lieutenant-colonel Lake's body was buried here by his troops and their contemporary English officers paid him tribute by giving instructions for the present monument to be built.
First Name: George
Last Name: Lake
Died: 08/17/1808
Born: Not listed
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