The Siege and Sack of San Sebastián…
September 1813 CE
The Siege and Sack of San Sebastián (July 7 – September 9, 1813) – Wellington’s Final Blow in Spain
As Marshal Soult’s army retreated into France, Wellington pressed the offensive, targeting San Sebastián, one of the last remaining French-held fortresses in Spain. After a prolonged siege, the city fell to the British-led Allied forces in early September 1813—but its capture was followed by widespread looting and destruction.
The Siege of San Sebastián (July 7 – September 9, 1813)
- San Sebastián, a fortified coastal city, was heavily defended by a French garrison under General Louis Emmanuel Rey.
- The British and Portuguese forces began the siege on July 7, 1813, while Wellington pursued Soult’s retreating army across northern Spain.
- The first assault on the city’s defenses (July 25) failed, as the French held firm behind their fortifications.
The Final Assault and Capture of San Sebastián (August 31 – September 9, 1813)
- On August 31, 1813, Wellington launched a massive assault on the breached walls of San Sebastián.
- The fierce fighting resulted in heavy casualties, but after intense hand-to-hand combat, Allied troops broke into the city.
- The French forces retreated to the castle, where they held out until September 9, when they finally surrendered.
The Sack and Burning of San Sebastián
- Following the storming of the city, discipline among the Allied troops broke down, leading to a brutal sack of San Sebastián.
- Looting, destruction, and atrocities occurred, with much of the city set on fire.
- Many civilians were killed or assaulted, and San Sebastián suffered massive damage, becoming one of the most infamous Allied excesses of the Peninsular War.
Aftermath – The Last French Stronghold Falls
- The loss of San Sebastián ended French control of any significant Spanish territory, ensuring Spain was fully liberated from Napoleonic rule.
- The sack of the city became a dark episode in Wellington’s otherwise disciplined campaign, tarnishing the victory.
- With Spain secured, Wellington turned his full attention to invading France, marking the final phase of the Peninsular War.
Conclusion – Spain Fully Liberated, France Now the Battlefield
The fall of San Sebastián marked the last major French defeat in Spain. While its capture was a key Allied victory, the sack and destruction of the city cast a shadow over the triumph. With the French fully expelled from Spain, the Allied armies now prepared to march into France, bringing the fight directly to Napoleon’s empire.