The Logistical Challenges of a Nineteenth-Century Siege (Ciudad Rodrigo 1812) by Dr Mark S Thompson
Hosted by the Society for Army Historical Research (United Kingdom).
Dr Mark S Thompson spoke to the Society about the logistical challenges of the 1812 siege of Ciudad Rodrigo on 21 July 2022. Synopsis Transport was one of the most challenging aspects of operating in the Iberian Peninsula. Poor roads, large rivers, mountains and lack of wheeled and ‘hoofed’ transport were all major constraints. This was never more apparent than when trying to move a siege train to its intended target. The challenges and complexity of preparing for a siege are not well understood. The allied siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in January 1812 is seen as a example of a well run siege. But was it? This presentation will describe the operation and show that there were many components of the preparation that were less than ideal.