Henri-G PILLOT (1915-2001), Saint-Cyrien (123rd... Lot 55

Henri-G PILLOT (1915-2001), Saint-Cyrien (123rd promotion "du Soldat inconnu" 1936-38) and military history enthusiast. Superb diorama depicting an episode from the battle of Miranda-de-Coryo (Portugal) on March 14, 1811, where squadron leader MARBOT is challenged to a duel by an English officer. Scale 1/35. The diorama comes with a handwritten note by Henri-G PILLOT, explaining this episode of the battle. 24 x 13.5 x 14 cm. (Diorama of remarkable craftsmanship, in good condition). Note: During the "Iberian Peninsular War" (1801-1813), Portugal first had to contend with Spanish troops, who reversed their alliance and joined forces with France in the War of the Oranges (1801), before facing the three great French invasions decided by Napoleon I, in 1807, 1809 and 1810-1811. In 1811, as part of the 3rd French invasion of Portugal, the battle of Miranda-de-Coryo (Portugal) on March 14, 1811, was one of a series of small, delaying battles fought by the rearguard of the French army under Marshal NEY against the Anglo-Portuguese coalition commanded by WELLINGTON. In the end, the French forces retreated from the Kingdom of Spain. On March 14, 1811, squadron leader MARBOT, aide-de-camp to Marshal MASSENA, after delivering a message to Marshal NEY, was challenged to a duel and wounded in an ambush by an officer of the English outpost.