Batowitz.

Fought 1653 between 40,000 Poles under John II, and the Wallachians under Bogdan. The Poles, who were waiting to intercept the passage of the Wallachians, were thrown into disorder by a furious charge headed by Bogdan in person, and almost completely annihilated.

Bautzen (Campaign of Leipzic).

Fought May 20 and 21, 1813, between 150,000 French under Napoleon, and the Prussians and Russians, 100,000 strong, under Blucher and Count Wittgenstein. The allies were strongly posted in and around Bautzen, while their front was protected by the Spree. On the 20th Napoleon forced the passage of the Spree, and seized Bautzen after severe fighting, driving the allies from their first line of defence. On the 22nd he attacked the second line, while a flank march of Ney's corps drove in their right flank, and captured all their positions. The allies retired in good order, lack of cavalry preventing Napoleon from pushing his advantage. The allies lost 15,000 killed and wounded in the two days; the French, 1,300.

Bavay (Gallic War).

Fought B.C. 57 between the Romans, 50,000 strong, under Cæsar, and a large force of Gauls, drawn from the Nervii, Viromandui, Atrebates and other tribes. The Gauls attacked as the Romans were pitching their camp on the banks of the Sambre, but, although surprised, the legionaries stood their ground, and utterly routed their assailants. The Nervii, in particular, were practically annihilated.

Baylen (Peninsular War).

Fought July 19, 1808, between 15,000 Spaniards under Castaños, and 20,000 French under Dupont. The French were totally defeated with a loss of over 2,000 men, and Dupont surrendered with his whole army.

Baza (War of Granada).

This fortress, one of the outposts of Granada, was besieged by Ferdinand, with 95,000 Spaniards, in June 1489, and was defended by a strong Moorish garrison under Sidi Yahye. The town was very strong, and was gallantly defended, and the siege lasted until December, when the place was surrendered on honourable terms.