untrained recruits typically broke ranks when assaulted by the French regulars, "accusing their commanders of treason and leaving the few [Spanish] regulars involved to fend for themselves as best they could. Having run away, meanwhile, the levies invariably exposed themselves to the French cavalry, which were unleashed amongst them with terrible effect, sabring them unmercifully and taking hundreds of them prisoner." Wellington, as allied commander, would inherit this "Bailén syndrome" and attempt to restrain the ardour of the Spanish under his command: Battle of Bailén in literature F. L. Lucas's novel The English Agent – A Tale of the Peninsular War (1969), the account of a British Army officer gathering information before the first British landings, is about the Battle of Bailén and its aftermath. Duque De Rivas wrote a poem about the battle titled "Bailén" Notes References Further reading External links Maps and information about the Battle of Bailén The Cruel War in Spain - Armies, Battles, Skirmishes Battle of Bailén. Spanish Source Bicentenario de la Batalla de Bailen Battles involving Spain Battles of the Peninsular War Battles in Andalusia Battle of Bailen Battle of Bailen July 1808 events