The bridge of Croix d’Orade, previously secured by a bold attack of the 18th hussars, enabled Beresford and Frere to move up the left bank of the Garonne, and occupy ground in front of the heights preparatory to the grand attack. The sixth division was in the centre, with the Spaniards on the right, and the fourth British on the left. The cavalry of Sir Stapleton Cotton and Lord Edward Somerset were formed in support of the left and centre; and Arentchild, now in command of Vivian’s brigade, was attached to the left flank, while Ponsonby protected the right. The light division occupied the vacant ground between the river Garonne and the road to Croix d’Orade; its left abutting on the division under Frere; and the third--its right resting on the river--communicated with Hill’s corps upon the left by means of the pontoon bridge. These divisions--those of Hill, Picton, and Alten--were ordered to attack the enemy’s intrenchments in front of their respective corps, simultaneously with the grand assault upon the heights. The fourth and sixth divisions moved obliquely against the enemy’s right, carried the heights, and seized a redoubt on the flank of the position; while the fourth Spanish corps, directed against the ridge above the road to Croix d’Orade, advanced with confidence, and succeeded in mounting the brow of the hill. But the heavy fire of the French batteries arrested their onward movement. They recoiled-- became confused--and sought shelter from the fury of the cannonade in a hollow way in front of the enemy’s position.[273] The French, perceiving their disorder, advanced and vigorously charged. Frere vainly endeavoured to rally his broken troops and lead them on again; they were driven back confusedly on the Ers, and their déroute appeared inevitable. Lord Wellington saw and remedied this reverse. Personally, he rallied a Spanish regiment, and bringing up a part of the light division, arrested the French pursuit, and allowed the broken regiments time to be re-organized. The bridge across the Ers was saved--Frere reformed his battalions, and the fugitives rejoined their colours. Beresford immediately resumed the attack--two redoubts were carried-- and the sixth division dislodged the enemy, and occupied the centre of their position. The contest here was exceedingly severe--Pack, in leading the attack, was wounded--and in an attempt to recover the heights by the French, Taupin, who commanded the division, was killed. Every succeeding effort failed--and the British held the ground their gallantry had won.