British six-pounder shell fired at the Siege of Badajoz, 1812

Badajoz was a fortress held by the French on the border between Portugal and Spain during Peninsular War (1808-1814). It was taken by the Earl of Wellington's troops after a bloody siege which lasted from 17 March to 7 April 1812. Artillery was very important in siege warfare to demolish the defences of the besieged city so that infantry could enter.