The Second Battle of Oporto
12 May 1809 · The Crossing of the Douro
The Second Battle of Oporto, fought on 12 May 1809, was one of Wellington's boldest operations. British troops secretly crossed the Douro River using local wine barges, taking Marshal Soult's army completely by surprise and liberating Portugal for the second time.
Background
Marshal Soult invaded Portugal for a second time. Wellesley returned to command British forces.
The Battle
In one of Wellington's boldest operations, British troops secretly crossed the Douro River using local wine barges while Soult believed the crossing impossible. French forces were completely surprised. Soult narrowly escaped capture.
Significance
Portugal was liberated for the second time. The battle established Wellington's reputation for deception and operational surprise.
Where This Fits in the Peninsular War
The Second Battle of Oporto was fought at the opening of the campaign in Portugal (1808-1809). See where it sits in the full chronology of the campaign, from the first British landings in Portugal to the final battle at Toulouse, on the complete campaign guide.
Page last updated: July 2026