Effects
The Anglo-Portuguese Army was forced to retreat to the lines after the Battle of Buçaco. The French (under Marshal André Masséna) discovered upon their arrival at the lines a barren land (under the scorched earth policy) and an enemy behind an impenetrable defensive position. Masséna's forces arrived at the lines on 11 October and shortly afterwards stormed Sobral de Monte Agraço. They were repulsed in an attempt to assault Forte de Alqueidão (Alqueidão Fort), a bigger and better equipped redoubt.
After attempting to wait out the enemy, Masséna was forced to order a French retreat to Spain, starting on the night of 15 November 1810, to re-supply and reinforce his army. Marshal Masséna began his campaign with his army (l'Armée de Portugal) at 65,000 strong. By the time he reached Torres Vedras, he had 61,000 men (after losing 4,000 at the Battle of Buçaco). When he reached Spain, he had lost 25,000 men (including those lost at Buçaco). One of the coldest winters the area had ever seen hit Portugal and killed many of the French forces. They were also hit by severe illness and disease killing the soldiers in the thousands. The human cost was great for the population, because of the privations they endured. It is estimated that between October 1810 and March 1811 about 50,000 Portuguese died of hunger or disease.
The Allies were reinforced by fresh British troops in 1811 and renewed their offensive. They left the lines and did not return for the rest of the Peninsular War.
Read more about this topic: Lines Of Torres Vedras
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