Nive, Battle of

During the Peninsular War, series of engagements culminating in a French defeat by the British commander the Duke of Wellington December 1813, along the River Nive on the Franco-Spanish border.

After Marshal Nicolas Soult's defeat on the Nivelle, he retreated to Bayonne with the Duke of Wellington in pursuit. Wellington arranged his forces on either side of the River Nive and Soult attacked 10 December but was repulsed by the British under General Sir John Hope. Minor engagements took place on the next two days, and Soult launched another powerful attack 13 December against the troops under Viscount Hill. Wellington then arrived, took command of the battle, drove the French back and occupied their lines in front of the village of Adour, whereupon Soult retreated into Bayonne. French losses amounted to some 10,000 troops, while British casualties were just over 5,000 killed and wounded.