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Battles of the Napoleonic Wars

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Page Last Updated: 2025-03-26

Battles of the Napoleonic Wars

Battles of the Napoleonic Wars
© Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier

The Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) were a series of conflicts between France, under the leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte, and shifting coalitions of European powers. Rooted in the upheaval of the French Revolution (1789-1799) and the earlier French Revolutionary Wars, the Napoleonic Wars saw France dominate much of Europe before ultimately being defeated. The wars are often categorized into seven major conflicts, including coalition wars and campaigns in specific regions like the Peninsular War and the French invasion of Russia.

The conflict began in 1803 when Britain declared war on France. Early victories, such as Napoleon's triumph over Austria and Russia at Austerlitz in 1805, established French dominance. Napoleon crushed the Fourth Coalition in battles like Jena-Auerstedt and Friedland, bringing temporary peace. However, tensions reignited in 1809 during the War of the Fifth Coalition, with Napoleon defeating Austria at Wagram after a costly campaign.

Napoleon's Continental System, an economic blockade intended to isolate Britain, led to the Peninsular War (1807-1814) when French forces invaded Portugal and Spain. The brutal conflict saw widespread resistance from Spanish and Portuguese forces, bolstered by British troops under Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington), ultimately expelling the French from the Iberian Peninsula by 1814.

Meanwhile, Napoleon's ill-fated invasion of Russia in 1812 marked a turning point. Unable to sustain his forces through the harsh winter and Russian scorched-earth tactics, Napoleon suffered catastrophic losses. This defeat encouraged the formation of the Sixth Coalition, including Britain, Austria, Prussia, Sweden, and Russia. Coalition forces decisively defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Leipzig (1813) and invaded France, capturing Paris in 1814. Napoleon abdicated and was exiled to Elba, while the Bourbon monarchy was restored.

In 1815, Napoleon escaped exile and regained power during the Hundred Days, but his comeback ended with his defeat at Waterloo in June. He was exiled to Saint Helena, where he died in 1821.

The wars had lasting global impacts, including the spread of nationalism and liberalism, the decline of the Spanish and Portuguese Empires, and Britain's rise as the dominant naval and economic power. The Congress of Vienna redrew European borders and established a balance of power that maintained relative peace until the mid-19th century. The wars also revolutionized military strategy and governance, leaving a legacy that shaped modern Europe and the wider world.

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  • 1
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    War of the First Coalition

    1792 Apr
    Western Europe
    Video

    Relations between revolutionary France and neighboring monarchies deteriorated significantly after the Declaration of Pillnitz in August 1791. Following a vote by the Legislative Assembly, France declared war on Austria on 20 April 1792, prompting Prussia to join Austria in June. An army led by Duke of Brunswick invaded France in July, capturing the fortresses of Longwy and Verdun. The French army, initially disorganized, faced a critical moment at the Battle of Valmy on 20 September 1792, where they achieved a tactical draw against the Prussians, bolstering French morale and allowing the National Convention to proclaim the French Republic shortly thereafter.

    In 1793, the revolutionary government executed Louis XVI, uniting various European powers against France, leading to the formation of the First Coalition. France declared war on Britain and the Netherlands on 1 February 1793, followed by Spain and other nations. The French implemented mass conscription, known as levée en masse, to bolster their military. Despite suffering defeats, such as at the Battle of Neerwinden on 18 March, the French forces began to turn the tide, achieving victories at Wattignies and Wissembourg. By 1794, the French secured a decisive victory at the Battle of Fleurus, gaining control of the Austrian Netherlands and further weakening the Coalition.

    In 1795, France established the Batavian Republic and concluded peace with Prussia and Spain, effectively dismantling the Coalition. The French military continued to advance, with Napoleon Bonaparte leading successful campaigns in Italy. By 2 February 1797, Napoleon captured Mantua, forcing Austria to seek peace. The Treaty of Campo Formio, signed in October 1797, ceded Belgium to France and recognized its control over the Rhineland and parts of Italy, marking the end of the War of the First Coalition, although hostilities with Britain persisted.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 2
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Capture of Porrentruy

    1792 Apr 28
    Western Europe
    © Joseph-Désiré Court

    On 20 April 1792, France declared war on Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor, following an ultimatum regarding the Alsace princes presented to Louis XVI. In response, Nicolas Luckner, commander of the Armée du Rhin, initiated an offensive against the Austrian-held stronghold of Porrentruy to prevent a potential invasion. Luckner assembled a force of 12,000 troops and tasked Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine, with leading an advance into the province of Porrentruy, which was under the jurisdiction of the Prince-Bishopric of Basel.

    Custine, accompanied by Colonel Charles Grangier de La Ferriere, commanded a contingent of 2,000 men, including three infantry battalions, an artillery company, and around 300 dragoons. On 28 April 1792, they approached Porrentruy and demanded the town's surrender. The garrison, consisting of 400 Austrian soldiers, did not resist the siege, as the Prince-Bishop opted to relocate the troops to Bienne. Consequently, Custine captured Porrentruy without facing any opposition, allowing him to fortify his position on Laumont mountain, thereby securing the valleys of Fribourg, Bienne, Basel, and Solothurn.

    This engagement marked the beginning of the War of the First Coalition, highlighting the strategic importance of Porrentruy in the broader conflict. The successful capture of the town demonstrated the effectiveness of the French forces in their initial military operations against Austria.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 3
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Quiévrain (1792)

    1792 Apr 28 - 1792 Apr 30
    Western Europe
    © Georges Rouget

    The Battle of Quiévrain consisted of two skirmishes between the Archduchy of Austria and the Kingdom of France in late April 1792, during the War of the First Coalition. The first skirmish occurred on 28 April, when French forces under General Armand-Louis de Gontaut Biron engaged Austrian troops near Quiévrain, located just across the Franco-Belgian border. The French achieved a minor victory, prompting Biron to consider advancing towards the city of Mons and potentially Brussels. However, he assessed that his forces were insufficiently strong for such an operation and opted to retreat.

    On 30 April, as Biron's troops were passing through Quiévrain again, a false alarm regarding an impending Austrian attack led to widespread panic among the soldiers. This resulted in a disorganized retreat back to Valenciennes. Concurrently, on 29 April, Biron's ally Théobald Dillon faced a more severe situation during the Battle of Marquain, approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Quiévrain, where his forces encountered significant challenges.

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    Result/Victory

    French / Austrian victoryFrench / Austrian
  • 4
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Marquain

    1792 Apr 29
    Western Europe
    © Felician Myrbach

    The Battle of Marquain occurred on 29 April 1792, during the War of the First Coalition, marking a significant engagement between the French forces and the Austrian army. The French, under the command of maréchal du camp Théobald Dillon, aimed to execute a strategic invasion of the Austrian Netherlands. Dillon led a contingent of approximately 10 squadrons, 6 battalions, and 6 artillery pieces, while the Austrian forces, commanded by major-general Louis-François de Civalart, numbered around 3,000 troops positioned on the heights above Marquain. The French army was plagued by issues of morale, equipment, and leadership, with many soldiers being untrained volunteers who harbored distrust towards their aristocratic officers.

    As Dillon attempted to execute a feint towards Tournai to distract the Austrians, he encountered Civalart's forces. Despite orders to avoid a pitched battle, Dillon's troops were engaged by Austrian skirmishers, prompting him to retreat. The retreat quickly devolved into chaos when the cavalry, fearing betrayal, panicked and fled, shouting 'Sauve qui peut, nous sommes trahis.' This disorder led to a complete breakdown of the French lines, with soldiers abandoning their baggage and munitions. Dillon, attempting to rally his men, was shot by one of his own troops and subsequently bayoneted. His body was desecrated and displayed as a warning, reflecting the severe disarray within the French ranks.

    The aftermath of the battle saw Dillon's second-in-command, engineer colonel Pierre-François Berthois, executed by the soldiers, further illustrating the collapse of command. The defeat at Marquain resulted in the resignation of Rochambeau and the cancellation of further assaults on key targets such as Namur and Liège. The failure of the Belgian invasion was a significant embarrassment for the French Legislative Assembly, leading to accusations of conspiracy against the royal family and intensifying the radical sentiments within the revolutionary factions.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 5
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Insurrection of 10 August 1792

    1792 Aug 10 - 1792 Aug 10
    Western Europe
    Depiction of the storming of the Tuileries Palace on 10 august 1792. © Jacques Bertaux

    On 10 August 1792, armed revolutionaries in Paris launched an insurrection against King Louis XVI, culminating in the storming of the Tuileries Palace. Tensions had escalated following the Brunswick Manifesto issued on 1 August by the commander of the allied Prussian and Austrian armies, which threatened severe reprisals against Paris if the royal family was harmed. The National Guard of the Paris Commune, along with fédérés from Marseille and Brittany, initiated the assault on the palace, which was defended by approximately 900 Swiss Guards. The conflict resulted in heavy casualties, with estimates suggesting around 800 fatalities among the King's forces, including about 300 Swiss Guards who survived the initial fighting but later succumbed to their wounds or were killed during subsequent reprisals.

    The insurrection began in earnest after the Paris sections declared their intent to act if the monarchy was not abolished by midnight on 8 August. On the night of 9 August, a new revolutionary Paris Commune took control of the Hôtel de Ville, setting the stage for the attack on the Tuileries. As the fighting erupted, King Louis XVI ordered the Swiss Guards to lay down their arms, but the order was not immediately followed. The Swiss Guards, facing dwindling ammunition and increasing casualties, retreated through the palace and into the Tuileries Garden, where they were overwhelmed. Many sought refuge in the Legislative Assembly but were captured and executed by the mob at the Hôtel de Ville.

    The aftermath of the insurrection saw the royal family take shelter with the Legislative Assembly, while the revolutionary forces solidified their control over Paris. The massacre of the Swiss Guards included not only the soldiers but also courtiers and palace staff, with reports indicating that female members of the court were spared from violence. The insurrection marked a pivotal moment in the French Revolution, leading to the eventual abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the First French Republic on 22 September 1792.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 6
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Thionville (1792)

    1792 Aug 24 - 1792 Oct 16
    Western Europe
    Thionville (57) - Siège de 1792. © Anonymous

    The siege of Thionville commenced on 24 August 1792, during the War of the First Coalition. A coalition force comprising 20,000 Austrian troops and 16,000 French Royalists, commanded by Friedrich Wilhelm, Fürst zu Hohenlohe-Kirchberg, aimed to capture the town, which was defended by Georges Félix de Wimpffen. The siege involved intense fighting as the coalition forces attempted to breach the town's defenses, but despite their numerical superiority, they were unable to secure a decisive victory. The siege continued for nearly two months, marked by skirmishes and artillery exchanges, until the coalition forces ultimately raised the siege on 16 October 1792, having failed to take the town.

    During the siege, notable figures included François-René de Chateaubriand, a member of the French Royalist troops, who sustained injuries in the conflict. The French defenders managed to hold their ground against the coalition forces, which contributed to the eventual withdrawal of the besieging army. The siege was characterized by the strategic use of fortifications and the resilience of the defenders, which played a crucial role in thwarting the coalition's objectives.

    The outcome of the siege was significant for the French forces, as it demonstrated their ability to withstand a concerted attack from a larger coalition army. The National Convention later recognized the efforts of the defenders, declaring that Thionville had 'deserved well of the fatherland.' This recognition led to the naming of Place de Thionville and Rue de Thionville in Paris in honor of the town's defense during the siege.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 7
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Verdun (1792)

    1792 Aug 29 - 1792 Sep 2
    Western Europe
    Colonel Beaurepaire's body leaving Verdun after the capitulation of the city. © Jean-Jacques Scherrer

    The first Battle of Verdun occurred from 29 August to 2 September 1792, involving French Revolutionary forces and a Prussian army during the early stages of the War of the First Coalition. The Prussian forces, under the command of General Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand, aimed to advance towards Paris, while the French defenders, led by Colonel Nicolas-Joseph Beaurepaire, sought to protect the strategic town of Verdun. The Prussian army, numbering approximately 30,000 troops, engaged the French forces, which were significantly outnumbered, with estimates of around 10,000 defenders in Verdun.

    Throughout the battle, the Prussians employed superior artillery and tactical maneuvers to gain the upper hand. The fighting was intense, with both sides suffering casualties, though specific numbers remain unclear. The Prussian forces successfully breached the French defenses, leading to the eventual encirclement of Verdun. Faced with the imminent capture of the town and the potential dishonor of surrender, Colonel Beaurepaire chose to take his own life on 2 September, marking a significant moment in the battle.

    The Prussian victory at Verdun opened a clear path westward towards Paris, contributing to the broader objectives of the coalition forces against Revolutionary France. The battle underscored the challenges faced by the French military in the early stages of the conflict and set the stage for subsequent engagements in the War of the First Coalition.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 8
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Siège de Longwy (1792)

    1792 Sep 20
    Western Europe
    The siege of Lille in 1792 by the Austrian army. © Louis Joseph Watteau

    During the siege of Longwy from 24 August to 2 September 1792, French revolutionary forces faced an assault by the Prussian army, which was part of a coalition seeking to suppress the French Revolution. The Prussian contingent, commanded by Duke Friedrich Wilhelm of Brunswick, consisted of approximately 30,000 troops, supported by artillery and cavalry units. The French garrison, under the command of General Jean-Antoine Sérurier, comprised around 6,000 soldiers, who were tasked with defending the fortified town of Longwy, located in the northeastern region of France.

    The siege commenced on 24 August when the Prussian forces encircled Longwy, initiating bombardments that targeted the town's defenses. The French defenders, despite being outnumbered, mounted a determined resistance, utilizing the fortifications to their advantage. However, the Prussian artillery proved effective, and by 1 September, significant breaches had been made in the walls. The situation for the French garrison became increasingly dire as supplies dwindled and morale weakened under the relentless pressure of the siege.

    On 2 September, after enduring heavy bombardment and recognizing the untenable position, General Sérurier ordered the surrender of Longwy. The French forces suffered approximately 1,000 casualties during the siege, while the Prussians reported around 500 casualties. The fall of Longwy marked a significant victory for the Prussian forces and demonstrated the challenges faced by the French military in the early stages of the Revolutionary Wars.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 9
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Valmy

    1792 Sep 20
    Western Europe
    The Battle of Valmy, September 20th, 1792. © Horace Vernet
    Video

    The Battle of Valmy occurred on 20 September 1792, as Prussian forces under the Duke of Brunswick advanced toward Paris during the War of the First Coalition. Brunswick's army, numbering approximately 84,000 troops, included seasoned Prussian and Austrian soldiers, along with Hessians and émigrés from the French royalist Army of Condé. In response, French Generals François Kellermann and Charles Dumouriez assembled around 54,000 troops, primarily composed of regulars from the old Royal Army and enthusiastic volunteers. The French forces positioned themselves near the village of Valmy, with Kellermann establishing a strong defensive position on the slopes between Sainte-Menehould and Valmy, utilizing the terrain to their advantage and preparing for the impending confrontation.

    As the Prussian army advanced through heavy rain, they engaged the French in a long-range artillery duel. The French artillery, positioned effectively on the ridge, proved superior, inflicting damage on the advancing Prussian infantry, which hesitated to cross the open ground. A critical moment arose when Kellermann rallied his troops with the cry of 'Vive la Nation,' which resonated throughout the French lines, bolstering their morale. The French soldiers responded by singing revolutionary songs, further demoralizing the Prussian forces. Despite being nearly equal in numbers—Kellermann commanding about 36,000 troops and 40 cannons against Brunswick's 34,000 and 54 cannons—the Prussians unexpectedly withdrew from the battlefield, retreating eastward after suffering approximately 200 casualties compared to the French losses of around 300.

    The reasons for the Prussian retreat remain debated among historians, with factors such as the strong French defensive position, the growing number of reinforcements, and the unexpected resolve of the French troops contributing to Brunswick's decision. The battle marked a significant turning point in the campaign, as the Prussian forces faced food shortages and disease during their retreat. The engagement at Valmy not only halted the Prussian advance but also served as a psychological victory for the French Revolution, leading to the establishment of the French Republic shortly thereafter.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 10
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Lille (1792)

    1792 Sep 25 - 1792 Oct 8
    Western Europe
    Painting of general-in-chief Thomas-Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie (1762-1806), he played a pivotal role in the French Revolutionary Wars. © Olivier Pichat

    The Siege of Lille occurred from 25 September to 8 October 1792, as a Republican French garrison, commanded by Jean-Baptiste André Ruault de La Bonnerie, defended the city against an Austrian force led by Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen. The Austrian army, numbering approximately 15,000 men and equipped with 50 artillery pieces, began the siege after pushing back French outposts on 24 September. The French garrison initially consisted of 3,000 regular infantry, which was quickly reinforced to about 10,000 troops. The Austrians commenced their bombardment on 29 September, causing significant damage to the city, but the French defenders managed to maintain their positions and received additional reinforcements, swelling their numbers to around 25,000 by 3 October.

    Throughout the siege, Ruault conducted nightly sorties to disrupt the Austrian siege works, although these efforts were largely ineffective against the ongoing construction of trenches and artillery positions. By 3 October, the intensity of the Austrian bombardment began to decline, coinciding with reports of Duke Brunswick's retreat from France following the French victory at Valmy on 20 September. On 6 October, Saxe-Teschen ordered the removal of heavy siege guns, recognizing the untenable situation as the French forces continued to grow. The Austrians ultimately abandoned the siege on 8 October, retreating without significant pursuit from the French, who were led by Félix Marie Pierre Chesnon de Champmorin.

    The siege resulted in an estimated 100 to 200 French casualties, while Austrian losses included 43 dead and 161 wounded. The bombardment caused extensive damage to Lille, with reports indicating that one-fourth of the houses were burned, and significant destruction was noted in the Church of Saint-Étienne. The successful defense of Lille bolstered French morale and contributed to the recruitment of additional soldiers for the Revolutionary Army, setting the stage for future military engagements, including the Battle of Jemappes in November 1792.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 11
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Capture of Nice

    1792 Sep 28
    Southern Europe
    © Felician Myrbach

    The Capture of Nice took place on September 28, 1792, during the French Revolutionary Wars, involving the First French Republic and the Kingdom of Sardinia. General Jacques Bernard d'Anselme commanded the French forces, tasked with occupying the County of Nice. The operation proceeded without resistance, as Sardinian forces, estimated to number between 35,000 and 40,000, chose to evacuate rather than engage. General de Courten, the Sardinian commander, received intelligence from spies indicating the French were crossing the Var River with a similar number of troops. Fearing a potential attack from the French Navy, which had begun to appear off the coast, de Courten ordered a retreat, leaving behind garrisons at Fort Mont Alban and in Villefranche.

    Following the Sardinian withdrawal, Anselme's troops crossed the Var River, seizing the opportunity to advance into Villefranche. The remaining Sardinian garrisons at Fort Mont Alban surrendered shortly thereafter, facilitating the French capture of Villefranche on September 30, 1792. This swift series of events allowed Anselme to secure the County of Nice with minimal conflict. Concurrently, General de Montesquiou led the French forces into the Duchy of Savoy, which also fell without resistance.

    The successful capture of both the County of Nice and the Duchy of Savoy marked a significant territorial gain for France during the Italian Campaign of the French Revolutionary Wars. These regions remained under French control until 1814, when they were returned to Sardinia following the defeat of Napoleon I by the Sixth Coalition.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 12
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Mainz (1792)

    1792 Oct 18 - 1792 Oct 21
    Central Europe
    © Felician Myrbach

    The Siege of Mainz commenced on October 18, 1792, when the French Army of the Vosges, commanded by General Adam Philippe de Custine, encircled the city, which was a stronghold of counter-revolutionary sentiment. The French forces, numbering approximately 13,000, established positions around Mainz, with their right flank anchored in Hechtsheim and their left along the Rhine. The French artillery began bombardment on the fortifications, but initial attempts to breach the defenses with field guns proved ineffective against the extensive fortifications surrounding the city. The garrison, composed of around 5,000 volunteers, was insufficient to defend against the besieging forces, especially after the evacuation of the Duke of Nassau's regiments on October 5, which had caused widespread panic among the civilian population.

    As the siege progressed, the situation within Mainz deteriorated. On October 20, a military and civilian council convened to discuss the defense of the city. Despite some calls for resistance, the council ultimately decided to surrender, recognizing the futility of further defense against the overwhelming French forces. The capitulation was formalized on October 21, 1792, allowing the French to enter the city without a fight. The occupation force, which exceeded the city's original population of 25,000, sought to promote revolutionary ideals among the citizens, although immediate concerns revolved around the logistics of supplying such a large contingent.

    General Custine, who took residence in the Castle of the Prince Electors, issued directives to protect local institutions, including the university and the archbishop's premises. The French presence was met with mixed reactions; while some citizens viewed the French as liberators from their former rulers, others were preoccupied with the challenges posed by the occupation. The swift capture of Mainz marked a significant moment in the early stages of the War of the First Coalition, altering the dynamics between France and the Holy Roman Empire.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 13
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Jemappes

    1792 Nov 6
    Western Europe
    The Parisian battalions and the 19th regiment of Flanders led by Dampierre at the Battle of Jemmapes, 6 November 1792. © Raymond Desvarreux-Larpenteur

    The Battle of Jemappes occurred on 6 November 1792 near the town of Jemappes in the Austrian Netherlands, now Belgium, during the War of the First Coalition. French General Charles François Dumouriez commanded an army of approximately 36,000 troops, including 32,000 infantry and 3,800 cavalry, supported by 100 artillery pieces. Opposing him was the Austrian army led by Field Marshal Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen, which consisted of around 11,600 infantry, 2,170 cavalry, and 56 guns, positioned along the Cuesmes Ridge. The French forces, outnumbering the Austrians by about three-to-one, launched a series of attacks against the Austrian defenses, which were organized into three main sectors under the command of Franz Freiherr von Lilien on the right, Count of Clerfayt in the center, and Johann Peter Freiherr von Beaulieu on the left.

    The battle commenced at dawn with the French executing uncoordinated assaults throughout the morning. As the attacks stalled, Dumouriez ordered a renewed offensive at noon, leading to a concentrated assault by the Duke of Chartres at the center of the ridge. This maneuver allowed the French to gain a foothold, which the Austrians could not dislodge. Concurrently, French forces began to envelop the Austrian right flank, prompting Saxe-Teschen to withdraw his right and center towards Mons. The French forces continued their advance, effectively threatening the Austrian rear and forcing a retreat.

    Casualty reports indicated that the French suffered approximately 650 dead and 1,300 wounded, while the Austrians reported 305 dead and 513 wounded, in addition to 423 captured along with five guns. The battle resulted in a French victory, leading to the capture of Mons the following day and the eventual fall of Brussels on 14 November. This engagement marked a significant moment for the French Revolutionary forces, demonstrating their ability to achieve victory against a regular army despite the inexperience of many of their troops.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 14
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Limburg (1792)

    1792 Nov 9
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Limburg, also known as the Battle of Friedberg, occurred on 9 November 1792 at Limburg an der Lahn during the War of the First Coalition, part of the French Revolutionary Wars. The engagement involved French Revolutionary forces under General Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine, and Prussian troops commanded by Field Marshal Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. The Prussians, having recently retreated from France, were positioned in and around Limburg, believing their defenses to be adequate against any French advance.

    On 8 November, Custine ordered Colonel Jean Nicolas Houchard to gather his detachments and launch an assault on the Prussian forces in Limburg. Houchard's troops executed a surprise attack, taking advantage of the Prussians' minimal defenses. The French artillery was set up before the Prussians could mount a significant defense, leading to initial confusion among the Prussian ranks. Despite a brief counterattack, the Prussian forces were unable to withstand the French artillery fire, which forced them to retreat from the city.

    The battle lasted approximately 90 minutes, resulting in a decisive French victory. Following their expulsion from Limburg, the Prussians retreated to Montabaur, while the French consolidated their positions in the captured city. The engagement underscored the vulnerability of the Prussian forces and marked a significant moment in the early stages of the conflict.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 15
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Anderlecht

    1792 Nov 13
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Anderlecht occurred on 13 November 1792, near Brussels, Belgium, during the French Revolutionary Wars. Following the French victory at Jemappes, the Habsburg monarchy sought to impede the advance of the French Republic's forces. The Austrian rear guard, commanded by Duke Ferdinand Frédéric Auguste of Württemberg, encountered a French avant-garde led by Generals Harville, Stengel, Rosières, and Thouvenot at Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. This engagement was soon followed by the main French army under General Dumouriez, who pursued the Austrians to the heights of Anderlecht.

    The French forces, initially numbering 3,000 volunteers, launched an assault against the Austrian positions, which were defended by approximately 20,000 troops. After a six-hour engagement characterized by intense cannon fire and infantry clashes, the French reinforcements, which swelled their numbers to 35,000, successfully overwhelmed the Austrian lines. The Imperial army was forced to retreat in disarray towards Brussels, crossing back during the night.

    The Austrians suffered around 500 casualties and lost several pieces of artillery during the battle. Their cavalry, commanded by Maximilian Latour, managed to delay the French pursuit, mitigating further losses. On 14 November 1792, General Dumouriez entered Brussels, where he was welcomed by the local populace, and a number of Walloon soldiers joined the French ranks.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 16
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Namur (1792)

    1792 Nov 21 - 1792 Dec 2
    Western Europe
    Siege and capture of the castles of Namur, 2 December 1792. © Clément Boulanger

    The Siege of Namur occurred from 21 November to 2 December 1792, during the Flanders campaign of the War of the First Coalition. The French Army of the Ardennes, commanded by Count of Valence, initiated the siege after capturing the town, which was part of the Austrian Netherlands. Following the Battle of Jemappes, Valence divided his forces, dispatching 35,000 troops towards the Meuse, with a detachment entering Liège on 28 November. The remaining forces were tasked with besieging Namur, while the Austrian army under Johann Peter Beaulieu retreated towards the Aische Forest to avoid confrontation.

    On 21 November, the main town of Namur surrendered, but the citadel remained under the control of 2,300 Austrian troops. The French forces, consisting of three brigades, established a camp around the citadel and awaited artillery reinforcements from the Fortress of Charlemont near Givet. The trench was opened on 27 November, and bombardment commenced with the newly arrived artillery. The French bombardment intensified over the following days, leading to the eventual capitulation of the citadel on 2 December.

    Upon surrender, the French forces, under Valence's command, took the Austrian garrison prisoner. The successful siege marked a significant achievement for the French Army of the Ardennes, although it was noted that a more rapid advance could have potentially trapped Beaulieu's entire force, which managed to escape during the operation.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 17
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    French expedition to Sardinia

    1792 Dec 21 - 1793 May 25
    Naval
    Contemporary print of the French bombardment of Cagliari in 1793, during the French expedition to Sardinia. © Anonymous

    The French expedition to Sardinia commenced in December 1792, led by Contre-amiral Laurent Truguet, with the objective of capturing the strategically significant island during the War of the First Coalition. The French Mediterranean Fleet, consisting of 36 vessels, arrived off Cagliari on 21 December 1792. However, a severe storm disrupted the operation, scattering the fleet and causing the loss of several troop transports. Despite this setback, Truguet managed to land troops on the islands of San Pietro and Sant'Antioco without resistance. The Sardinian forces, having prepared for the French assault, numbered over 10,000, including 4,000 infantry and 6,000 cavalry, and were ready to defend their territory.

    On 22 January 1793, Truguet attempted to demand the surrender of Cagliari, but the Sardinians opened fire, resulting in the deaths of 17 French soldiers. Following this, Truguet ordered a bombardment of the town on 25 January, but the French fleet suffered significant damage from the Sardinian shore batteries. A subsequent landing at Quartu Sant'Elena on 11 February involved 1,200 French troops, who were initially pushed back by Sardinian cavalry. Despite regrouping and increasing their numbers to 5,000, the French assaults on 15 February were repelled, leading to a withdrawal with 300 French casualties and 100 prisoners taken by the Sardinians. Truguet's fleet faced another storm, further diminishing its strength, and he ultimately abandoned the operation.

    Simultaneously, a second French force, primarily composed of Corsican volunteers, aimed to capture La Maddalena under the command of Colonna Cesari, with Napoleon Bonaparte serving as a subordinate officer. Delayed by storms, they reached La Maddalena on 22 February 1793. An initial assault captured Santo Stefano, but a reported mutiny led to a retreat, abandoning the attack. By 25 May, a Spanish fleet recaptured the islands of San Pietro and Sant'Antioco, marking the end of French control in the region. The expedition's failure had significant repercussions, including civil unrest in Sardinia and political turmoil in Corsica, ultimately contributing to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte in the subsequent years.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 18
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Breda (1793)

    1793 Feb 21 - 1793 Feb 27
    Western Europe
    © Rijksmuseum

    The Siege of Breda occurred from 21 to 27 February 1793 during the Flanders Campaign of the War of the First Coalition. Following the French Revolutionary Armée du Nord's victory at the Battle of Jemappes on 6 November 1792, the French forces, led by General Charles-François Dumouriez, advanced into the Austrian Netherlands and aimed to capture key locations, including Breda, a significant fortress in Staats-Brabant. On 10 February 1793, stadtholder William V, Prince of Orange, ordered Commander Alexander van Bylandt to defend the city at all costs, emphasizing the importance of the barony to the House of Orange-Nassau.

    The Armée du Nord crossed the border on 16 February and began establishing a presence near Breda. On 21 February, skirmishes commenced, and by 23 February, the French, numbering approximately 3,800 under François Joseph Westermann, had constructed siege works and positioned artillery, including four mortars and four howitzers. The bombardment began, resulting in the destruction of around 60 houses and several fires, though casualties were minimal. On 24 February, after a final demand for surrender was issued by Colonel Philippe Devaux de Vautray, the Dutch garrison accepted the terms, which allowed for their withdrawal with full military honors. The French forces occupied the Bossche Poort the following day, and on 27 February, they entered Breda as the Dutch troops exited.

    Quint Ondaatje witnessed the occupation by the French forces, who were poorly equipped. Shortly after the siege, Dumouriez arrived in Breda, where a liberty tree was planted in front of the town hall. However, the French forces were soon ordered to return to Brussels rather than advance further into Holland. The city was later returned to the States without conflict after negotiations in March 1793, following Dumouriez's defeat at the Battle of Neerwinden. In January 1795, as the political landscape shifted with the Batavian Revolution, Breda surrendered without resistance to the French, marking a significant change in control in the region.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 19
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Aldenhoven (1793)

    1793 Mar 1
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Aldenhoven occurred on 1 March 1793, when the Habsburg Austrian army, led by Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, launched an attack against a Republican French force commanded by René Joseph de Lanoue. The Austrians successfully crossed the Roer River and initiated a decisive cavalry charge under Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen, which resulted in the rout of the French forces. The battle took place near Aldenhoven, located approximately 55 kilometers west of Cologne, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

    At the time of the engagement, Lanoue commanded around 9,000 troops, organized into seven battalions, six squadrons, and equipped with 12 artillery pieces. His forces included the 3rd and 4th Grenadier Battalions, the Liège Battalion, the 14th Light Infantry Battalion, the 2nd Battalion of the Paris National Guard, two battalions of the 29th Line Infantry Regiment, and the 6th and 12th Chasseurs à Cheval. The Austrian cavalry, comprising the Latour Dragoon Regiment Nr. 31 and the Esterhazy Hussar Regiment Nr. 32, played a crucial role in the battle's outcome.

    The Coalition forces incurred approximately 50 casualties, while the French suffered around 2,000 losses. Additionally, the Austrians captured 300 French soldiers, seven field pieces, and two colors, one of which belonged to the 29th Line. This defeat forced the French to abandon the siege of Maastricht. Following the battle, Henri Christian Michel de Stengel, one of Lanoue's subordinates, was initially unaccounted for but later reappeared at Namur with a squadron of the 12th Chasseurs and the army's military pay chest. On 9 March, three French armies regrouped at Leuven under Francisco de Miranda's command, comprising the Army of the North, the Army of Belgium, and the Army of the Ardennes.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 20
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Maastricht (1793)

    1793 Mar 2 - 1793 Mar 2
    Western Europe
    View of the Siege of Maastricht by the French revolutionary army led by general De Miranda in 1793. © Jacobus Buys

    The Siege of Maastricht occurred from 6 February to 2 March 1793, as the French First Republic attempted to capture the city during the War of the First Coalition. The French forces, led by General Francisco de Miranda, numbered approximately 15,000 troops and aimed to take the heavily fortified city, defended by a garrison of 4,500 Dutch soldiers under Prince Frederick of Hesse-Kassel. Additionally, around 1,200 French Royalists, including 300 officers commanded by Jean Thérèse de Beaumont d'Autichamp, supported the defense. The siege began after Miranda completed the circumvallation of Maastricht and Wyck on 6 February, followed by two weeks of sapping and ten days of intense bombardment that resulted in the destruction of over 800 buildings.

    As the siege progressed, internal tensions arose within the French command. Jean-Marat criticized both John Skey Eustace and Miranda for the siege's lack of success, leading to plans for Eustace to be summoned to Paris for accountability. However, Eustace evaded this order by claiming illness and retreating to Tongerlo Abbey. The situation deteriorated further for the French when, on 1 March, the Austrians achieved victory at the nearby Battle of Aldenhoven, prompting a counter-siege of the French lines by 50,000 Austrian and 20,000 Prussian troops under Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld.

    Faced with overwhelming odds, Miranda ordered a retreat on 2 March, which some described as a 'flight.' Following the French withdrawal, the city was celebrated by the Austrians, with Prince Coburg making a triumphant entrance on 4 September, culminating in a Te Deum at the Church of Saint Servatius. The siege marked the end of the French campaign in the region until Maastricht was eventually captured by Jean-Baptiste Kléber in 1794, after which it remained under French control for two decades.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 21
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Neerwinden (1793)

    1793 Mar 18
    Western Europe
    The Battle of Neerwinden (1793). © Johann Nepomuk Geiger

    The Battle of Neerwinden occurred on 18 March 1793, when a Republican French army under General Charles François Dumouriez engaged a Coalition force led by Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. The Coalition army, comprising approximately 43,000 troops, including a significant cavalry advantage, took a defensive position at Neerwinden, located 57 kilometers east of Brussels. Dumouriez's forces, numbering between 40,000 and 45,000, launched an attack in the morning, organizing eight columns to assault the Coalition's left flank. The French initially captured several villages, including Racour and Oberwinden, but faced fierce resistance and counterattacks from the Coalition forces, which were bolstered by effective cavalry charges that exploited the open terrain between the settlements.

    As the battle progressed, the Coalition troops, under the command of Clerfayt and supported by Archduke Charles, managed to recapture the villages after intense fighting. By noon, the French had failed to secure the critical Mittelwinden hill, and their attacks began to falter. Despite Dumouriez's attempts to regroup and launch a final assault, the Coalition's resilience and superior cavalry led to a decisive French retreat. The French suffered significant casualties, with estimates of around 4,000 killed and wounded, and 1,000 captured, while Coalition losses were reported at approximately 2,600. The defeat resulted in mass desertions among the French troops, further weakening Dumouriez's command.

    Following the battle, Dumouriez negotiated a withdrawal of his forces in exchange for the surrender of Belgian territory, marking a significant setback for the French in the War of the First Coalition. The French army, once numbering over 120,000 in the Low Countries, was reduced to about 20,000 as soldiers deserted in large numbers. Dumouriez's subsequent political maneuvers, including attempts to negotiate with the Austrians and his eventual defection, contributed to the chaos within the French military and the rise of radical political control over the army.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 22
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Condé (1793)

    1793 Apr 8 - 1793 Jul 12
    Western Europe

    On 8 April 1793, a Coalition force of approximately 6,000 troops, led by Duke Ferdinand Frederick Augustus of Württemberg, began the siege of Condé-sur-l'Escaut, a strategically significant fortress near the French-Belgian border. The Coalition's composition included Habsburg Austrians and French Royalists, with units such as the Infantry Regiments d'Alton and Joseph Colloredo, as well as various composite battalions and cavalry squadrons. The French garrison, commanded by General Jean Nestor de Chancel, consisted of around 4,300 soldiers organized into four battalions, four independent companies, and eight squadrons. The siege followed the French defeat at the Battle of Neerwinden in March, which had severely weakened French morale and military organization.

    Throughout the siege, the French attempted to relieve the fortress. On 1 May, General Auguste Marie Henri Picot de Dampierre led an assault against the Coalition forces, but despite fierce fighting, the French cavalry faltered, resulting in a failed attack. The situation deteriorated further when Dampierre was mortally wounded in the Battle of Raismes on 8 May, leading to a loss of leadership and cohesion among the French forces. The Coalition continued to press their advantage, defeating the French at the Battle of Famars on 23 May, which resulted in significant French casualties and the loss of artillery and supplies. Communication between the isolated garrison and the French armies was maintained through balloon messages, but one such message fell into Coalition hands, revealing the dire state of the defenders.

    After enduring a prolonged blockade, the French garrison at Condé surrendered on 12 July 1793, yielding the fortress along with 103 artillery pieces. The Coalition's losses during the siege remain unrecorded. The fall of Condé marked a significant setback for the French, contributing to the broader challenges faced by the Revolutionary government as it struggled to maintain control over its territories amidst internal and external threats.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 23
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Mainz (1793)

    1793 Apr 14 - 1793 Jul 23
    Western Europe

    The Siege of Mainz occurred from 14 April to 23 July 1793, when a coalition of Prussia, Austria, and other German states besieged the city, which was held by revolutionary French forces. Initial attempts at negotiation by the allies, particularly the Prussians, were unsuccessful, leading to the commencement of bombardment on the night of 17 June. The siege created significant tension within the city, where the French war council had been in control since 2 April. By 13 July, the city administration was displaced, further intensifying the resolve of the remaining population. With no relief army in sight, the war council initiated negotiations with the besieging forces on 17 July, culminating in the surrender of the French troops on 23 July.

    Approximately 19,000 French soldiers capitulated at the end of the siege but were permitted to return to France under the condition that they would not engage in combat against the allies for one year. This agreement allowed them to be redeployed to fight French royalists in the Vendée region. The surrender was marked by the troops leaving the city while singing 'La Marseillaise.' The siege resulted in the dissolution of the Republic of Mainz, the first democratic state on what is now German territory, and the city was placed under Prussian command. The bombardment caused extensive damage to the urban landscape, destroying numerous civil buildings and aristocratic palaces, including the electoral pleasure palace Favorite and the cathedral, which suffered significant structural damage.

    The siege and subsequent occupation marked the end of Mainz's role in the imperial electoral structure, effectively concluding its status as an electoral residence and ending the era referred to as Aurea Moguntia, or 'Golden Mainz.' The events of 1793 drew considerable attention across Europe, with many spectators gathering to witness the siege. Notably, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was present, assisting Duke Carl August of Saxe-Weimar, and later documented the siege in his writings.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 24
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Saorgio

    1793 Apr 14
    Southern Europe
    Armand Louis de Gontaut (1747-1793), Duke of Biron © Joseph-Désiré Court

    The First Battle of Saorgio occurred on 24 April 1793, as part of the French Revolutionary Wars. French forces, numbering approximately 4,000 troops under General Antoine Masséna, engaged a coalition of around 3,000 Piedmontese soldiers commanded by General Giovanni Battista Baldissera. The battle took place near the town of Saorge, located in the Alpes-Maritimes region of France. The French aimed to secure the area against the advancing Piedmontese, who sought to reclaim territories lost during earlier conflicts. The engagement was marked by intense fighting, with the French utilizing their superior artillery to gain an advantage. The battle concluded with a French victory, resulting in significant casualties for the Piedmontese, estimated at around 1,000, while French losses were reported to be approximately 600.

    The Second Battle of Saorgio took place on 24 April 1794, as part of the ongoing conflict between French and coalition forces. This time, the French forces, led by General Jean-Antoine Sérurier, consisted of about 5,000 troops, while the opposing Piedmontese army, under General Baldissera, fielded around 4,000 soldiers. The strategic objective for the French was to maintain control over the region and prevent further incursions by the Piedmontese. The battle unfolded with fierce combat, characterized by the use of both infantry and artillery. The French successfully repelled the Piedmontese attacks, inflicting heavy casualties, with estimates suggesting around 1,200 Piedmontese soldiers were killed or wounded, while French losses were significantly lower, at approximately 400.

    Both battles at Saorgio were pivotal in establishing French dominance in the region during the Revolutionary Wars. The engagements demonstrated the effectiveness of French military tactics and the ability to mobilize forces quickly in response to threats. The outcomes contributed to the broader context of the conflict, influencing subsequent military strategies and territorial control in the area.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 25
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Raismes (1793)

    1793 May 8 - 1793 May 9
    Western Europe
    Portrait of Frederick, Duke of York (1763-1827). © Anonymous

    The Battle of Raismes, also referred to as the Battle of Condé or St. Amand, occurred on 8 May 1793 during the Flanders Campaign of the War of the First Coalition. The French Republican army, commanded by General Auguste Marie Henri Picot de Dampierre, aimed to relieve the siege of Condé-sur-l'Escaut, which was under blockade by an Allied Coalition army led by Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. The French forces numbered approximately 30,000 troops, while the Coalition had around 60,000 soldiers, including significant contingents from Austria, Britain, and Prussia. The battle commenced with a concentrated French assault on the Allied positions at Raismes and Saint-Amand, with Dampierre leading a frontal attack from Anzin. Despite initial successes, including the capture of Raismes, the French faced fierce resistance and were ultimately repelled after Dampierre was mortally wounded by a cannonball.

    On 1 May, prior to the main engagement, the French had launched an attack along the Allied front, which resulted in heavy losses for both sides but revealed weaknesses in the Allied right flank. Following this, the Coalition adjusted their defenses, with the Duke of York tasked to hold Maulde. On 8 May, Dampierre's forces executed a coordinated assault, with La Marlière's troops advancing in three columns. The French managed to capture parts of Raismes but were unable to secure the village itself. As the battle progressed, Dampierre was severely injured, leading to a loss of morale among the French troops. Lamarche, who took command after Dampierre's injury, ordered a withdrawal as the situation deteriorated.

    The arrival of British reinforcements under the Duke of York at 5:00 PM marked a turning point, as they engaged the French positions but suffered significant casualties due to a lack of reconnaissance regarding the French defenses. The battle concluded with the French suffering approximately 1,500 casualties, while the Allies incurred around 600 losses. Following the battle, the Coalition forces recaptured the lost ground two days later, and Dampierre succumbed to his wounds on 9 May. His death led to a change in command within the French army, while the siege of Condé continued until its eventual surrender on 12 July 1793.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 26
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Mas Deu

    1793 May 17 - 1793 May 19
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Mas Deu, fought on 19 May 1793, involved the French Revolutionary Army of the Eastern Pyrenees, commanded by General Louis-Charles de Flers, and the Bourbon Spanish Army of Catalonia, led by Captain General Antonio Ricardos. The Spanish forces, numbering approximately 12,000 infantry, 3,000 cavalry, and 24 cannons, advanced against the French, who were outnumbered with only 5,000 foot soldiers, 300 horsemen, and 15 cannons. The battle commenced early in the morning with a heavy bombardment from Spanish artillery, which continued until 9:00 AM, forcing the French to take cover in nearby ravines.

    On 18 May, Ricardos reorganized his forces and prepared for a decisive assault. The following day, the French left wing, led by Pierre François Sauret, suffered a setback when Sauret was wounded, leading to a retreat that Ricardos exploited. The Spanish right wing, commanded by Pedro Téllez-Girón, 9th Duke of Osuna, launched a coordinated attack supported by artillery fire. Despite attempts by the French to counterattack, including reinforcements from the right flank, the disciplined Spanish troops overwhelmed the French positions. The French began to abandon their camp, and General de Flers attempted to rally his troops but was ultimately unsuccessful.

    The battle resulted in significant casualties, with French losses estimated at 150 killed and 280 wounded, while Spanish forces reported 34 killed. The Spanish captured three cannons and six ammunition wagons. Following the battle, Ricardos chose to lay siege to the Fort de Bellegarde, which began on 23 May and lasted until 24 June, while de Flers regrouped his remaining forces in Perpignan. The engagement at Mas Deu marked a critical moment in the War of the Pyrenees, part of the broader War of the First Coalition.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 27
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Famars

    1793 May 23
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Famars took place on 23 May 1793 during the Flanders Campaign of the War of the First Coalition, where an Allied army composed of Austrian, Hanoverian, and British forces, commanded by Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, engaged the French Army of the North led by François Joseph Drouot de Lamarche. The battle unfolded near the village of Famars, approximately five kilometers south of Valenciennes. The French forces, numbering around 27,000, were in a weakened state due to previous defeats and the loss of their commander, Augustin-Marie Picot de Dampierre. Lamarche had retreated to an entrenched position at Famars, anticipating an assault from the Allies, who aimed to besiege Valenciennes.

    The Allied forces, bolstered by the Duke of York's Anglo-Hanoverian contingent, initiated their attack with a two-pronged strategy. The 1st Main Column, led by the Duke of York, comprised 16 battalions and 18 squadrons, while the 2nd Main Column, under Feldzeugmeister Joseph de Ferraris, included 12 battalions and 12 squadrons. The assault began early in the morning, but thick fog delayed the advance until 7:00 am. Upon reaching the Rhonelle River, the Allies encountered heavy resistance from French infantry and artillery. After sustaining a wound, Mack's command fell to the Duke of York, who opted to reposition his forces. By 3:00 pm, the British cavalry successfully penetrated the French defenses, while Ferraris's column breached the eastern entrenchments, forcing the French to retreat westward.

    Despite initial successes, the Duke of York was advised to postpone a full assault until the following morning due to troop fatigue. Recognizing the precarious situation, Lamarche withdrew his forces during the night towards Bouchain and other locations, leaving the Allies to occupy the camp at Famars unopposed the next day. The French suffered approximately 3,000 casualties, while the Allies incurred around 1,100 losses, primarily among the Austrians. The battle resulted in the capture of 300 French soldiers, 17 artillery pieces, and several ammunition wagons, allowing the Allies to proceed with the Siege of Valenciennes.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 28
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Bellegarde (1793)

    1793 May 23 - 1793 Jun 24
    Western Europe

    The siege of Bellegarde began on 23 May 1793 when Spanish General Antonio Ricardos initiated operations against the French garrison of 1,536 soldiers, commanded by Colonel Boisbrulé. The fort, strategically located on a height overlooking the border town of Le Perthus, was critical for controlling the main supply route through the Pyrenees. Ricardos, having previously defeated French forces at Céret and the Battle of Mas Deu, positioned his army of approximately 7,000 troops around Bellegarde. The Spanish artillery commenced bombardment, targeting the fort's defenses, which included at least 41 cannons and seven mortars. Over the course of the siege, the Spanish artillery inflicted significant damage, dismounting 42 of the French artillery pieces and creating a breach in the fort's main wall.

    As the siege progressed, the French garrison faced mounting pressure. By early June, the Spanish had also captured nearby Fort les Bains and Fort de la Garde, further isolating Bellegarde. The relentless bombardment continued until the situation became untenable for Boisbrulé. On 24 June, after weeks of siege and with his defenses compromised, Boisbrulé formally surrendered the fort. The remaining French soldiers marched into captivity, with the French suffering losses of 30 killed, 56 wounded, and approximately 1,450 captured during the siege. The exact casualties for the Spanish forces remain unknown.

    The successful capture of Fort de Bellegarde allowed the Spanish army to utilize the Col de La Pertus as a vital supply route. Following the siege, Ricardos attempted to advance towards the capital of Roussillon but faced a significant setback at the Battle of Perpignan on 17 July, where the French forces, under General of Division Louis-Charles de Flers, inflicted heavy casualties on the Spanish. The siege of Bellegarde thus marked a pivotal moment in the War of the Pyrenees, demonstrating the strategic importance of the fort in the broader conflict between revolutionary France and Spain.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 29
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Valenciennes (1793)

    1793 May 25 - 1793 Jul 28
    Western Europe
    The Grand Attack on Valenciennes. © Philip James de Loutherbourg

    The siege of Valenciennes commenced on 13 June 1793 and concluded on 28 July 1793, during the Flanders Campaign of the War of the First Coalition. The French garrison, commanded by Jean Henri Becays Ferrand, was encircled by an Allied force led by Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, with the Duke of York overseeing the siege operations. The Allied forces, numbering approximately 25,000 men, were supported by a covering army of 30,000. The siege began after a fortnight of preparations, during which heavy artillery was brought into position. The French defenders included two battalions of the 29th Line Infantry Regiment and various volunteer units, totaling around 5,000 troops, along with additional support personnel.

    As the siege progressed, the Allied forces faced challenges in their operations, particularly due to the slow pace of the Austrians, which frustrated the Duke of York. On 26 July, a significant assault was launched against the main hornworks on the eastern side of the fortress, involving three columns, including British troops. The successful capture of the hornwork was pivotal, as it allowed the Allies to gain a strategic advantage. Despite orders from General Ferraris to abandon the position, York's staff, supported by Colonel Moncrieff, defied these orders, leading to the retention of the hornwork until the siege's conclusion.

    Valenciennes ultimately surrendered on 28 July 1793, with the French garrison permitted to leave under the conditions of the honours of war, although they were required to relinquish their weapons and munitions. The siege resulted in an Allied victory, marking a significant moment in the campaign, as the French forces had suffered considerable losses and were unable to mount a successful relief effort during the siege.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 30
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Saorgio (1793)

    1793 Jun 8 - 1793 Jun 12
    Southern Europe
    © Marie-Guillemine Benoist

    The First Battle of Saorgio occurred from 8 to 12 June 1793, involving a French army under the command of Gaspard Jean-Baptiste Brunet and the combined forces of Sardinia-Piedmont and Austria led by Joseph Nikolaus De Vins. The Sardinian contingent, commanded locally by Charles-François Thaon, Count of Saint-André, consisted of approximately 10,000 to 12,000 troops. The French Army of Italy, which had a field strength of about 21,728 men, initiated its offensive on 8 June, targeting the fortified positions around Saorgio, located in what was then Piedmont, now part of France. The French forces included notable commanders such as André Masséna and Jean-Mathieu-Philibert Sérurier, who led a successful initial assault capturing the entrenched camp of Linieras and Mangiabo. However, subsequent attacks on the Col de Raus and the artillery positions on the Massif de l'Authion met with fierce resistance and resulted in significant French casualties.

    On 12 June, Brunet ordered a direct assault on the artillery battery at Authion, with Sérurier leading the charge primarily composed of grenadiers. Despite multiple attempts to breach the defenses, the French forces were repelled by a well-coordinated counterattack from the Austro-Sardinian troops. The French suffered heavy losses, with 280 killed and 1,252 wounded, while the exact casualties for the Austro-Sardinian forces remain unrecorded. The French faced challenges due to poor coordination among their commanders and the political pressure from representatives demanding aggressive tactics, which ultimately led to a disorganized retreat after the failure of the assault.

    The Austro-Sardinian forces, while initially successful in defending their positions, struggled with command issues, particularly between Saint-André and his Austrian counterpart, Colli. The battle highlighted the difficulties faced by both sides in mountain warfare, with the French army's attempts to mount a coordinated offensive against well-entrenched defenders proving costly and ineffective. The engagement at Saorgio was part of the broader War of the First Coalition, which saw ongoing conflicts between revolutionary France and its monarchist adversaries.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 31
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Arlon (1793)

    1793 Jun 9
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Arlon occurred on 9 June 1793, involving a French Republican force commanded by General Amable Henri Delaage and an Austrian contingent led by Feldmarschall-Leutnant Gottfried von Schröder. The Austrian forces numbered approximately 6,000 troops, organized into seven battalions and eight squadrons, including units from the Infantry Regiments Franz Kinsky, Murray, Alton, Devins, and Johann Jellacic. The French, totaling around 8,500 infantry and 1,000 cavalry from the Army of the Moselle, advanced towards Arlon, which was defended by 8,000 Austrians and 30 artillery pieces positioned on the heights surrounding the town.

    As the battle commenced, the French columns charged while shouting 'Vive la République!' despite being under fire from the Austrian artillery, which was more effective due to the inferior caliber of the French guns. The Austrian cavalry attempted to exploit the exposed right flank of the French, but the center and artillery units provided support, successfully repelling the attack. Notably, Lieutenant Claude François Duprès distinguished himself by capturing an entire Austrian company. Concurrently, Pierre Raphaël Paillot de Beauregard's forces advanced from the right, seizing the heights and launching an attack on a square of 1,500 Austrians, which was ultimately routed by the carabiniers after a devastating grapeshot volley.

    The battle concluded with the French securing Arlon, although the victory did not aid the besieged troops in Mainz. French casualties amounted to 900 killed and wounded, while Austrian losses were reported at 600 killed, wounded, and captured. The French also captured five artillery pieces and four ammunition wagons. Captain Jean-Barthélemot Sorbier's horse artillery company executed a series of effective artillery charges, progressively closing the distance to deliver destructive fire against the enemy.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 32
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Perpignan

    1793 Jul 17
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Perpignan, also known as the Battle of Niel, occurred on 17 July 1793 during the War of the Pyrenees, part of the War of the First Coalition. The French Army of the Eastern Pyrenees, commanded by Louis-Charles de Flers, faced an offensive from the Spanish Army of Catalonia, led by Captain General Antonio Ricardos. Ricardos deployed approximately 15,000 troops, organizing them into five columns aimed at encircling Perpignan. The first column advanced towards Cabestany, the second, under Jerónimo Girón-Moctezuma, moved through Canohès and Nyls towards Orles, while the third column aimed to capture Pézilla-la-Rivière. The fourth and fifth columns were tasked with crossing the Têt River at Millas, with the fourth targeting Saint-Estève and the fifth, under Luis Firmín de Carvajal, aiming for a strategic bridge near Rivesaltes.

    Initially, the Spanish columns made headway, with the third column capturing key hills near Orles. However, the second column encountered delays, preventing it from providing necessary support. Seizing the opportunity, de Flers launched a counterattack against the isolated third column, successfully driving it back. The Conde de la Unión's column attempted to stabilize the situation but was ultimately unable to prevent further French advances. The French forces, numbering around 12,000, managed to rout the Spanish troops, who suffered significant disarray due to the lack of coordination among their columns.

    The French casualties amounted to approximately 800 killed and wounded, while the Spanish reported around 1,000 total casualties, including 31 killed and 131 wounded near Nyls. The Spanish forces captured one French gun during the engagement. Despite the French victory, two battalions of the National Guard were disbanded for attempting to surrender, and 600 soldiers deserted during the battle, highlighting the challenges faced by the French army in maintaining morale and discipline amidst the conflict.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 33
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Caesar's Camp

    1793 Aug 7 - 1793 Aug 8
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Caesar's Camp occurred from 7 to 8 August 1793, near Cambrai, France, as the Coalition army, led by Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, sought to encircle the French Republican forces commanded by Charles Edward Jennings de Kilmaine. The Coalition, comprising Habsburg Austrian, British, and Hanoverian troops, aimed to exploit their numerical superiority against the French, who had approximately 35,000 soldiers stationed in the fortified Camp de César. On 6 August, the Coalition forces mobilized, with the Duke of York leading 22,000 men toward Villers-en-Cauchies, while additional columns under Wenzel Joseph von Colloredo and François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt, advanced to cross the Scheldt River north of Cambrai.

    On 7 August, the heat took a toll on the troops, and while York's column successfully crossed the Scheldt at Crèvecœur and Masnières, Kilmaine executed a series of feint attacks with his cavalry to delay the Coalition's advance. Despite these efforts, Kilmaine recognized the encirclement and convened a council of war. He ultimately decided to retreat westward toward Arras rather than engage in a potentially disastrous confrontation. The French withdrawal commenced that night, and by dawn on 8 August, Kilmaine's forces had vacated their position, leaving York's column to pursue them. Upon reaching Marquion, York found the French had set fire to the village and destroyed the bridge over the Agache River to hinder the Coalition's pursuit.

    York attempted to regroup his cavalry to cross the Agache, but faced difficulties. Meanwhile, Kilmaine's cavalry intervened, allowing two French battalions to escape from a precarious situation. The retreating French army experienced a stampede, but Kilmaine's timely actions prevented a complete disaster. The Coalition forces managed to capture only a few French soldiers and artillery pieces, while Kilmaine's army successfully retreated to a more defensible position behind the Scarpe River. The battle concluded with the Coalition unable to decisively engage the French, allowing Kilmaine to regroup despite later being dismissed and arrested for his actions during the retreat.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 34
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Lincelles

    1793 Aug 17
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Lincelles occurred on 17 August 1793 during the Flanders Campaign of the War of the First Coalition, involving French forces commanded by Jean-Baptiste Jourdan and Antoine Anne Lecourt de Béru against British and Dutch troops led by Frederick Augustus, Duke of York and Albany, and the Hereditary Prince of Orange. The Allied forces, numbering approximately 10,000 Dutch troops, aimed to secure a position at Lincelles while supporting the advance of the Duke of York towards Dunkirk. In response to the Allied attack, Jourdan mobilized 5,000 French troops to reclaim the village, successfully retaking Lincelles and capturing seven cannons at La Blaton, where Jacques MacDonald’s brigade surprised the Dutch forces.

    As the battle progressed, the Prince of Orange requested reinforcements from the Duke of York, leading to the dispatch of Gerard Lake's brigade, which consisted of 1,122 men. Lake arrived at the battlefield around 6:00 PM and, despite the disarray among the Dutch troops, decided to launch an attack on the French positions, which were fortified with two large redoubts and additional defenses. Under heavy artillery fire, Lake's troops, including the 1st Guards, Coldstream Guards, and 3rd Guards, executed a series of musket volleys before charging the French earthworks, successfully storming the position and capturing ten guns. The French forces, under pressure, retreated in disarray, prompting Jourdan to describe the situation as a rout.

    Following the engagement, Lake maintained control of the captured position until nightfall, supported by two Dutch battalions, before being relieved by Hessian and British reinforcements. The battle resulted in the capture of twelve guns, seventy prisoners, and a color, with British casualties reported as thirty-nine dead and one hundred thirty-nine wounded, including Captain-Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Bosville. The French forces subsequently retreated to Lille, while the Duke of York continued his advance towards Ypres and Furnes, setting the stage for the Siege of Dunkirk.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 35
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    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Landau (1793)

    1793 Aug 20 - 1793 Dec 23
    Western Europe
    Liberation of Landau by the French 24th December 1793. © Frédéric Régamey

    The Siege of Landau commenced on 20 August 1793 when a Prussian corps, commanded by Frederick Louis, Prince of Hohenlohe-Ingelfingen, surrounded the city, which was defended by a French Republican garrison of 3,800 troops led by Joseph Marie Tennet de Laubadère. The French forces included one battalion each from the 3rd and 55th Line Infantry Regiments, the 2nd Battalion of the Seine-et-Marne National Guard, and two squadrons each from the 22nd Cavalry and 3rd Hussar Regiments. Hohenlohe's forces comprised 25 battalions supported by 40 6-pounder field cannons, including multiple infantry regiments and artillery batteries. Lacking siege artillery, the Prussians opted for a blockade strategy to starve the defenders into submission.

    Throughout the siege, the French garrison held out against the blockade, which lasted until late December. During this period, the Coalition forces achieved a significant victory at the First Battle of Wissembourg, pushing the French Army of the Rhine back into Alsace. In response, the French government prioritized the relief of Landau, prompting General Jean-Charles Pichegru to launch an offensive against the Coalition army led by Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser at the Battle of Haguenau. Concurrently, General Lazare Hoche's forces maneuvered to outflank Wurmser, culminating in the French victory at the Battle of Froeschwiller.

    The combined efforts of the French armies resulted in the Second Battle of Wissembourg in late December, where they defeated Wurmser and Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. This series of victories forced the Prussian forces to abandon the siege of Landau on 23 December 1793, ending the prolonged standoff and allowing the French garrison to remain intact.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 36
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Dunkirk (1793)

    1793 Aug 24 - 1793 Sep 8
    Western Europe

    The Siege of Dunkirk commenced in late August 1793, when British, Hanoverian, Austrian, and Hesse-Kassel troops, numbering approximately 20,000 and commanded by Prince Frederick, Duke of York, advanced on the fortified French port of Dunkirk as part of the Flanders campaign during the French Revolutionary Wars. On 22 August, York's forces moved from Veurne (Furnes) and engaged French advance posts, driving them back to an entrenched camp at Ghyvelde and capturing 11 artillery pieces. The French defenders, under General Jean Nicolas Houchard, were initially caught off guard, as Dunkirk's defenses were in poor condition. However, the situation changed when the French government dispatched reinforcements, ultimately bolstering the garrison to nearly 8,000 troops by 24 August, including 2,500 men under General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan.

    On 24 August, York's reserve column, led by Austrian Feldmarschall-Lieutenant Graf Eduard d'Alton, captured the suburb of Rosenthal, forcing the French back into the town. Despite initial successes, York's forces suffered significant casualties, with estimates of around 400 men lost, including d'Alton, who was killed. The siege was hampered by a lack of heavy artillery and adverse weather conditions, which inundated the surrounding fields and created a swampy environment that led to illness among the troops. By early September, the situation deteriorated further as French forces launched a counteroffensive at the Battle of Hondshoote, compelling York to reconsider his position. On 8 September, after a council of war, York ordered the withdrawal of his forces, abandoning heavy artillery and retreating to Veurne.

    The Coalition forces faced considerable losses during the siege, with estimates of 2,000 killed and wounded, alongside many more succumbing to disease. The French garrison suffered approximately 1,000 casualties, including the loss of 14 guns. The siege ultimately ended in failure for the Coalition, as they were unable to capture Dunkirk, which remained a strategic stronghold for the French. The operation highlighted the challenges of coordinating military efforts and the impact of logistical shortcomings on the outcome of military campaigns during this period.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 37
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Le Quesnoy (1793)

    1793 Aug 28 - 1793 Sep 13
    Western Europe

    The siege of Le Quesnoy occurred from 28 August to 13 September 1793, involving a Coalition force of approximately 18,000 troops led by François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt. This force comprised 24 battalions and 10 squadrons, including five grenadier battalions and various line infantry regiments such as Archduke Charles Nr. 3 and Deutschmeister Nr. 4. The Coalition's cavalry included squadrons from the Latour Chevau-léger and Barco Hussar regiments. The French Republican garrison, commanded by François Goullus, consisted of about 5,000 troops, including Royalist cavalry units from the Bérchény and Saxe Hussars.

    Following the successful sieges of Condé and Valenciennes, the Coalition divided its forces, with one army besieging Le Quesnoy while another advanced towards Dunkirk. On 11 September, two French columns attempted to relieve the siege; however, the column from Cambrai was defeated at the Battle of Avesnes-le-Sec, and the column from Maubeuge was also repelled. The siege continued for two and a half weeks, during which the French garrison suffered significant casualties, ultimately leading to their capitulation on 13 September.

    The Coalition reported 208 casualties, including killed and wounded, while the French losses were approximately 1,000 killed, with the remaining 4,000 troops taken as prisoners of war. Following the fall of Le Quesnoy, the Austrian forces proceeded to lay siege to Maubeuge, setting the stage for the Battle of Wattignies in mid-October.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 38
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Toulon

    1793 Aug 29 - 1793 Dec 19
    Western Europe
    Gravure du Siège de Toulon (1793). © Forand A
    Video

    The Siege of Toulon, which lasted from 29 August to 19 December 1793, was a significant military engagement during the French Revolutionary Wars, involving the French Republic's forces against Royalist rebels supported by an Anglo-Spanish fleet. Following the expulsion of the Jacobin Club by Royalists in Toulon, the city declared loyalty to the monarchy, prompting the British and Spanish commanders, Admiral Sir Samuel Hood and Admiral Juan de Lángara, to send 13,000 troops to support the Royalists. The French Republic, recognizing the strategic importance of Toulon as a naval base housing 26 ships of the line, mobilized forces under General Jean François Carteaux, who arrived on 8 September, and General Jean François Cornu de La Poype, who commanded an additional 6,000 men. The siege began in earnest as the French sought to capture key fortifications around the city, including Mont Faron and the forts of l'Éguillette and Balaguier.

    Napoleon Bonaparte, initially appointed as an artillery officer, played a crucial role in the siege's operations. He organized artillery units and requisitioned additional guns, ultimately assembling a force of 100 cannons. Despite initial setbacks, including a failed assault on 22 September, Bonaparte's strategic planning led to the establishment of a series of batteries that effectively targeted the British positions. After a change in command from Carteaux to General Jacques François Dugommier, the French forces intensified their bombardment. On 16 December, a coordinated assault was launched, resulting in the capture of the critical position known as Little Gibraltar. This success forced the Anglo-Spanish forces to evacuate, leading to the destruction of the French fleet in the harbor as the Allies retreated.

    The evacuation of Toulon was marked by chaos, with the British fleet rescuing approximately 14,877 Royalist civilians and soldiers. The operation included the destruction of French ships and munitions to prevent them from falling into Republican hands. The final withdrawal occurred on 19 December, with the British successfully extracting their forces without casualties. The siege concluded with the French troops entering Toulon, marking a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary Wars and establishing Bonaparte's reputation as a military leader.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 39
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Hondschoote

    1793 Sep 6 - 1793 Sep 8
    Western Europe
    The Battle of Hondschoote 1793. © Boussod & Valadon

    The Battle of Hondschoote occurred from 6 to 8 September 1793 during the Flanders Campaign of the French Revolutionary Wars. French forces, commanded by Generals Jean Nicolas Houchard and Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, engaged the Anglo-Hanoverian corps led by Marshal Freytag, which was part of the Duke of York's command. The French army, numbering approximately 51,000, faced around 35,000 Anglo-Hanoverian troops. On 6 September, Houchard launched an offensive against Freytag's dispersed forces, achieving initial successes by capturing key positions such as Poperinge and Houtkerque. Despite facing fierce resistance, the French managed to push the Hanoverians back, culminating in the capture of Bambecque and Rexpoede, where Freytag was wounded and taken prisoner.

    On 8 September, Houchard attempted to renew the assault on Hondschoote, deploying a three-pronged attack with columns led by Leclaire, Vandamme, and Jourdan. The French forces, totaling around 22,000, engaged Freytag's remaining troops, who had retreated to a strong defensive position. The fighting was intense, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Ultimately, the Hanoverians, unable to withstand the French onslaught and running low on ammunition, were forced to withdraw to Furnes. The French claimed victory, capturing six flags and the Duke of York's siege artillery, while the Anglo-Hanoverian forces suffered approximately 2,331 casualties, including the Hessian General Cochenhausen.

    Despite the French victory, Houchard's failure to pursue the retreating enemy led to his later arrest and execution. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of the French forces in exploiting their numerical superiority and the weaknesses in the Anglo-Hanoverian command structure. The engagement at Hondschoote marked a significant moment in the Flanders Campaign, showcasing the shifting dynamics of power during the Revolutionary Wars.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 40
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Avesnes-le-Sec

    1793 Sep 12
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Avesnes-le-Sec occurred on 12 September 1793 during the Flanders Campaign of the French Revolutionary Wars, involving French forces led by General Nicolas Declaye and Imperial Austrian troops commanded by Prince of Hohenlohe-Kirchberg. The French Army of the North, under Jean Nicolas Houchard, aimed to relieve the besieged town of Le Quesnoy. On the evening of 11 September, two columns were mobilized to confront the Austrian forces. The first column, led by Jean Alexander Ihler, consisted of 14,000 men but was repelled in disarray. The second column, under Declaye, began with 4,663 troops, including 2,500 infantry, 240 cavalry, and 120 gunners, and departed Cambrai at 1:00 AM, bolstered by reinforcements from Bouchain.

    As Declaye's forces advanced through Avesnes-le-Sec towards the Austrian camp at Solesmes, they encountered Hohenlohe's 2,000 cavalry. Attempting to retreat, Declaye's troops were quickly overwhelmed by the Austrian cavalry, which charged and dispersed the Republican cavalry, forcing them to flee towards Bouchain. Declaye's infantry formed a defensive square outside Avesnes, but the inexperienced soldiers were unable to withstand the assault from the Austrian cavalry, including the émigré Royal-Allemand regiment. The Austrians inflicted approximately 2,000 casualties on the French, while suffering only 69 losses themselves. Additionally, the Austrians captured 2,000 French soldiers and 18 artillery pieces during the engagement.

    Following the battle, Declaye faced arrest for his leadership during the defeat but avoided punishment due to his political connections and strong republican stance. The Austrians, despite their victory, chose to focus on besieging Maubeuge rather than pursuing the weakened French forces, which left Cambrai and Bouchain vulnerable.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 41
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Menin (1793)

    1793 Sep 12 - 1793 Sep 13
    Western Europe
    © Rijksmuseum

    The Battle of Wervik and Menin occurred on 12 and 13 September 1793, involving approximately 30,000 French troops from the Army of the North, commanded by General Jean Nicolas Houchard, against 13,000 Coalition forces, primarily Dutch under the Hereditary Prince of Orange and supported by Austrian cavalry led by Pál Kray. The French forces advanced from two directions: 27,000 troops moved north from Lille and east along the Leie River. On 12 September, the Dutch defenders managed to hold their positions, but the following day, Houchard launched a coordinated three-pronged attack that overwhelmed the Dutch defenses, forcing them to retreat toward Deinze.

    On 13 September, the French assault began early, with columns under Generals Hédouville, Béru, and Dumesny attacking Dutch positions. The Dutch, despite being outnumbered, initially resisted, but confusion ensued when Prince Frederick was wounded during a counterattack. His injury led to a breakdown in command, prompting a general retreat among the Dutch forces. The French artillery inflicted significant casualties, and by 11 AM, the Dutch were compelled to abandon their positions as French troops captured Menen, further splitting the Dutch forces. The Hereditary Prince ultimately ordered a strategic retreat toward Kortrijk, where he regrouped his remaining troops.

    The battle resulted in substantial losses for the Dutch, with estimates of 97 officers and 1,394 men killed or wounded, alongside the loss of 40 guns. French casualties were reported at around 600. The Dutch forces, despite their retreat, managed to withdraw in an organized manner, avoiding total destruction. The aftermath saw the French briefly occupy Menen, but the Coalition forces regrouped for future engagements in the region.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 42
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Pirmasens

    1793 Sep 14
    Central Europe

    The Battle of Pirmasens occurred on 14 September 1793, during the War of the First Coalition, when French Republican forces under General Jean René Moreaux engaged a Prussian army commanded by Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. The Prussian contingent, numbering approximately 8,000 troops, was organized into two wings. The right wing, led by General-Leutnant Ludwig Karl von Kalckstein, comprised the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Garde zu Fuss Infantry Regiment Nr. 15, along with three battalions each from the Infantry Regiments Brunswick Nr. 19 and Prinz Heinrich Nr. 35. The left wing, under General-major Prince Charles Louis of Baden, included the 1st Battalions of the Infantry Regiments Schladen Nr. 41 and Borch Nr. 49, the 2nd Battalion of Infantry Regiment Wolframsdorf Nr. 37, and various cavalry units, supported by 58 artillery pieces.

    Moreaux's French forces were divided into three columns. The Right Column, led by Paul Guillaume, consisted of the 1st Battalion of the 30th Line Infantry Demi Brigade, the 2nd Battalion of the 8th Line, the 4th Battalion of the Haute-Saône Volunteers, and 270 men from the Guillaume Company. The Center Column, directed by François Xavier Jacob Freytag, included multiple battalions from various line and volunteer regiments, as well as three squadrons of the 4th Cavalry Regiment. The Left Column, commanded by Louis Lequoy, comprised six squadrons from the 9th Chasseurs à Cheval and 14th Dragoon Regiments. The French forces were equipped with 36 artillery pieces.

    As the battle commenced, the Prussian troops, positioned advantageously, executed a coordinated attack that caught the French forces in a crossfire, leading to significant casualties and forcing a withdrawal of Moreaux's troops. The engagement highlighted the tactical superiority of the Prussian forces, which effectively utilized their prepared positions and artillery support against the advancing French columns.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 43
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Courtrai (1793)

    1793 Sep 15
    Western Europe

    The 1st Battle of Courtrai occurred on 15 September 1793, near Courtrai, Belgium, during the Flanders Campaign of the French Revolutionary Wars. The battle involved a division of the French Republican Army of the North, commanded by Joseph de Hédouville, and an Austrian force led by Johann Beaulieu, supported by British troops under the Duke of York. Following the recent defeat of the Dutch at Menin, Hédouville aimed to advance towards Lille with approximately 20,000 men, while Beaulieu, with 6 battalions and 6 squadrons, occupied Courtrai. On the evening of 14 September, York's forces reached Thorout, planning an attack on Menin, while Hédouville dispatched Demars’ brigade of 3,000 men to threaten Courtrai.

    On 15 September, as York moved against Menin, Demars approached Courtrai but was met with resistance from Beaulieu, who drove the French back. Hédouville attempted to reinforce Demars, but these efforts were also repelled, leading to a retreat. The situation deteriorated for the French as panic spread, resulting in the abandonment of Menin, where many soldiers drowned in the river while trying to escape. The Anglo-Austrian forces, including General Erbach's command, pursued the fleeing French, inflicting significant casualties. The French suffered approximately 500 killed and wounded, 200 captured, and lost 2 guns, while the Allies maintained their positions.

    The battle concluded with an Allied victory, effectively ending Houchard's campaign and leading to his dismissal and subsequent execution. The rapid withdrawal of the Republican forces prevented a more significant disaster, as they narrowly avoided being trapped by the combined forces of York, Beaulieu, and the main Imperial army. Hédouville and Dumesny were arrested but avoided execution, while Houchard was guillotined in Paris on 17 November 1793.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 44
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Epierre

    1793 Sep 15
    Western Europe
    © Pugin, Augustus

    The Battle of Épierre occurred on 15 September 1793 during the War of the First Coalition, involving a Republican French army led by General François Christophe de Kellermann and a Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont army commanded by Prince Maurizio, Duke of Montferrat. The Piedmontese forces, numbering approximately 6,000, had launched an offensive in mid-August to reclaim the Duchy of Savoy, taking advantage of the French army's preoccupation with the Siege of Lyon. By mid-September, the French, bolstered by around 8,000 troops, were positioned to counter the Piedmontese advance. The French forces included General Jean-Denis Le Doyen's brigade, which was tasked with defending the Maurienne Valley against the advancing Piedmontese under the Marquis of Cordon.

    On the day of the battle, Cordon's troops encountered Le Doyen's forces, who were setting up an artillery battery. The French managed to inflict significant casualties, with estimates of 500 French losses compared to 1,000 Piedmontese casualties. The French artillery, having been repositioned to a strategic vantage point at Saint-Alban-d'Hurtières, opened fire unexpectedly on the Piedmontese, causing disarray among their ranks. The lack of timely reinforcements from Montferrat further exacerbated the situation for the Sardinians, leading to their retreat to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne the following day.

    Following the battle, operations were halted due to snowfall until late September. Kellermann capitalized on the momentum gained at Épierre, advancing his forces into the Maurienne Valley and capturing key positions, including Beaufort and the southern exit of the Col de la Madeleine. By 8 October, Kellermann's forces had successfully driven the Piedmontese out of Savoy, inflicting a total of 2,000 casualties while sustaining only 500 losses. Despite this military success, Kellermann faced political repercussions in Paris, leading to his arrest in October 1793, although he would later be acquitted and reinstated in his military command.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 45
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Peyrestortes

    1793 Sep 17
    Western Europe
    Battle of Peyrestortes, 17 September 1793. © Charles-Caïus Renoux

    The Battle of Peyrestortes occurred on 17 September 1793 during the War of the Pyrenees, where forces of the First French Republic engaged a Spanish army led by General Antonio Ricardos. The Spanish had previously occupied parts of Roussillon and attempted to capture the fortress of Perpignan in July 1793. Following an initial Spanish success, French army commander Hilarion Paul Puget de Barbantane fled the area, leading to the assumption of command by Eustache Charles d'Aoust and Jacques Gilles Henri Goguet. The Spanish forces, comprising approximately 12,000 troops, had established a fortified camp at Peyrestortes and launched an attack on the French positions at Rivesaltes, achieving some initial success.

    At 2:00 am on 17 September, Spanish artillery began bombarding Perpignan, while Ricardos deployed 6,000 troops to support the assault. In response, d'Aoust launched a surprise attack on the Spanish division under Juan de Courten at Vernet, employing four columns of French troops. After fierce fighting, the French captured the Spanish artillery. By 10:30 am, d'Aoust hesitated, concerned about a potential Spanish counterattack on Perpignan, but was urged by local citizens and representatives to continue the assault. At 5:00 pm, d'Aoust attacked Peyrestortes with 4,000 men but was initially repelled. Goguet's division, delayed but eventually joining the fight, exploited a gap in the Spanish defenses, leading to a hand-to-hand combat situation that favored the French. By 10:00 pm, the French forces had broken through the Spanish positions, forcing a retreat.

    Casualty estimates vary, but historian Ramsay Weston Phipps noted that the French captured 500 Spanish soldiers, 43 guns, and seven colors, while Spanish losses were reported as 52 officers and 1,150 rank and file killed, wounded, or missing. French casualties numbered around 200 out of 8,000 engaged. The battle marked a significant French victory, halting the Spanish advance into Roussillon and restoring French control over the region. The engagement at Peyrestortes was a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, demonstrating the shifting dynamics of military leadership and strategy during the Revolutionary Wars.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 46
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Méribel

    1793 Sep 28
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Méribel occurred on 28 September 1793 in the village of Méribel, near Sallanches, during the War of the First Coalition. The French Revolutionary Army, under the command of Charles Verdelin and Philibert Simond, engaged a Sardinian force of approximately 1,000 men. Prior to this confrontation, the Sardinians had successfully retaken several towns, including Cluses and Bonneville, following a battle at the Saint-Martin bridge on 21 August. However, the French forces aimed to reclaim these territories, leading to a series of assaults on the Sardinian positions.

    On 27 September, the French army launched a renewed attack on Sallanches, focusing on the strategically significant Méribel redoubt, which was defended by Sardinian chasseurs. The redoubt was located about 1 kilometer downstream from Saint-Martin-sur-Arve. The French forces faced initial resistance but ultimately succeeded in capturing the redoubt on 29 September. Following this victory, Verdelin and Simond's troops entered Sallanches in the evening, taking 540 Sardinian soldiers prisoner. Reports indicate that some local peasants were executed by firing squad during this operation, and the Sardinian forces retreated to the Bonhomme pass.

    The battle marked a significant moment in the conflict, as it demonstrated the French Revolutionary Army's ability to reclaim lost territories and assert control over the region. The engagement at Méribel was part of a broader campaign that saw fluctuating control between the French and Sardinian forces in the Alpine region.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 47
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    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Maubeuge (1793)

    1793 Sep 30 - 1793 Oct 16
    Western Europe

    The siege of Maubeuge occurred from 30 September to 16 October 1793, when an Austro-Dutch force of 60,000 troops, commanded by Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, besieged the city. The French garrison, consisting of 24,000 soldiers under Generals Desjardin and Mayer, defended the city amid a challenging supply situation. The siege aimed to secure a pathway for the Austro-Dutch forces towards Paris, as the Republican forces were consolidating their positions in Dunkirk and the surrounding northern frontier.

    As the siege progressed, the Austrian commander, recognizing the threat posed by the approaching armée de la Moselle, decided to leave a contingent of 33,000 men under Count Clerfayt to maintain the siege while he repositioned his main forces to the Wattignies plateau. The situation escalated into a confrontation at Wattignies, where fighting lasted for two days. On 16 October, following a Republican victory at Wattignies and the realization that the armée de la Moselle was advancing, Prince Josias ordered a general retreat, effectively raising the siege of Maubeuge.

    During the siege, the French representative on mission, Jean-Baptiste Drouet, was captured by the Austrians. He remained a prisoner until December 1795, when he was exchanged and returned to France. The failure to capture Maubeuge forced the British and Austrian forces to withdraw northward, temporarily halting their plans to advance on Paris.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 48
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    First Battle of Wissembourg (1793)

    1793 Oct 13
    Western Europe

    On 13 October 1793, the First Battle of Wissembourg took place as an Allied army led by General der Kavallerie Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser attacked the French Army of the Rhine, commanded by General of Division Jean Carlenc. The French forces, numbering approximately 45,312 infantry and 6,278 cavalry, were positioned along the fortified Lines of Weissenburg, which extended from Wissembourg to the Rhine River. The Allied army, consisting of around 33,599 infantry and 9,635 cavalry, launched a coordinated assault that breached the French defenses, compelling them to retreat southward toward Hagenau.

    The battle resulted in significant casualties, with the French suffering approximately 2,000 killed and wounded, alongside the loss of 1,000 soldiers, 31 artillery pieces, and 12 colors. The Allies incurred around 1,800 casualties during the engagement. Following the battle, an Allied contingent under Franz von Lauer initiated a siege on Fort-Louis, which ultimately surrendered on 14 November 1793, with a garrison of 4,500 French troops. The French command structure was further destabilized as Carlenc was arrested and replaced by Jean-Charles Pichegru, who was tasked with launching counterattacks to reclaim lost territory.

    This battle was part of the broader War of the First Coalition, which saw the French Republic facing a coalition of monarchies. The chaotic command structure of the French Army of the Rhine, exacerbated by the recent arrests of its leaders, contributed to the defeat at Wissembourg. The subsequent military actions led to the Second Battle of Wissembourg in December 1793, as the French government sought to reinforce their positions in the region.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 49
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Fort-Louis (1793)

    1793 Oct 14 - 1793 Nov 14
    Western Europe

    The siege of Fort-Louis took place from 14 October to 14 November 1793, during the War of the First Coalition. A combined force of Habsburg Austrians, Hessians, and Bavarians, numbering approximately 4,700 troops and led by General-major Franz von Lauer, surrounded the fort, which was defended by a Republican French garrison of 4,500 men under General of Brigade Michel Durand. The French forces included the 1st Battalions of the 4th Light, 37th Line, and 40th Line Infantry Demi Brigades, as well as the Strasbourg Volunteers, the 3rd Battalions of the Gard and Saône-et-Loire Volunteers, and the 12th Battalion of the Vosges Volunteers. The fort was equipped with 111 artillery pieces, while the besieging force brought a siege train of 55 guns.

    Throughout the month-long siege, the defenders, under the technical supervision of Dominique-André de Chambarlhac, faced continuous bombardment and assaults from the besieging forces. The Austrian and Hessian troops utilized their numerical advantage and artillery to gradually weaken the fortifications. Despite the determined defense by Durand's garrison, the sustained pressure and the effective use of siege tactics by Lauer's forces ultimately led to the French capitulation.

    The siege concluded on 14 November 1793, when the French garrison surrendered after a month of intense fighting. The fall of Fort-Louis marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict of the French Revolutionary Wars, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated siege operations by the coalition forces against the French Republic.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 50
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Wattignies

    1793 Oct 15 - 1793 Oct 16
    Western Europe
    © Eugène Lami

    The Battle of Wattignies occurred from 15 to 16 October 1793, involving a French army led by General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan against a Coalition force commanded by Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. The Coalition army, numbering approximately 22,000 Austrians under Count François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt, was positioned to encircle 25,000 French troops besieged in Maubeuge. On the first day, the French launched an attack with around 45,000 soldiers, but their efforts were largely repelled, except for a brief success near Wattignies. The French forces regrouped, and on the second day, Jourdan concentrated his troops at Wattignies, where they engaged in fierce combat, ultimately forcing the Coalition to retreat.

    On 15 October, the Coalition's defensive positions included approximately 5,000 troops on the right flank under Count Heinrich von Bellegarde, 9,200 in the center under Clerfayt, and 4,000 on the left under Ludwig von Terzi. The French divisions, led by Beauregard and Duquesnoy, attempted to seize control of Wattignies but faced stiff resistance. Despite initial setbacks, the French managed to push into the village, only to be counterattacked. The fighting continued into the night, with heavy casualties on both sides. By the end of the day, French losses were estimated between 1,200 and 1,500, while Coalition casualties totaled around 2,487.

    The following day, 16 October, the French launched a renewed assault on Wattignies, supported by artillery. After overcoming initial resistance, they captured the village, leading to a retreat by Terzi's division. Meanwhile, Beauregard's division faced a counteroffensive at Obrechies, resulting in further French losses. The Coalition, believing they were outnumbered, began to withdraw across the Sambre River, effectively lifting the siege of Maubeuge. The battle concluded with significant casualties, with estimates of French losses ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 and Coalition losses around 2,500, including both killed and wounded.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 51
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Biesingen

    1793 Nov 17
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Biesingen occurred on 17 November 1793 during the War of the First Coalition, involving a Prussian force led by General Friedrich Adolf von Kalckreuth and a French contingent under General Louis-Lazare Hoche. The French Army of the Moselle advanced from its camp on the Saar in three columns, with the strongest column directed towards Biesingen, where von Kalckreuth had established a defensive position blocking the route to Blieskastel. The battle commenced with intense French artillery fire targeting the Prussian center on the Hilscheider heights, while 800 French infantry attempted to flank the Prussian right by crossing the Blies at Blieskastel. This maneuver was thwarted by a Prussian patrol, allowing the defenders to hold their position until reinforcements arrived, compelling the French to retreat.

    General Lombard then led a French assault aimed at breaching the Prussian left flank through the Hilscheider forest. Following an initial musket volley, the Prussians and their allies launched a bayonet charge, resulting in the capture of Lombard and several other French officers. A subsequent French cavalry attack, comprising approximately 3,000 troops, managed to penetrate the Prussian lines after two unsuccessful attempts, briefly capturing several cannons. However, the Prussian forces quickly regrouped and repelled the French, who were forced to retreat under heavy musket fire and the threat of fixed bayonets. A final French assault on the right wing also failed, leading to a complete withdrawal by the French forces by evening.

    Despite the tactical success achieved by Kalckreuth with a smaller force, he recognized the precariousness of his position and withdrew to Homburg on the morning of 18 November. This maneuver allowed General Hoche to report a victory to the Directory in Paris on 19 November. In the following days, the Prussians retreated to establish defensive lines at Kaiserslautern.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 52
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Haguenau (1793)

    1793 Nov 18 - 1793 Dec 22
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Haguenau, fought from 18 November to 22 December 1793, involved a Republican French army under the command of General Jean-Charles Pichegru engaging a Coalition force led by Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser during the War of the First Coalition. Following the Coalition's initial success in the First Battle of Wissembourg on 13 October, where they defeated the French Army of the Rhine, Wurmser's forces advanced into Alsace, reaching the Zorn River. In response to the deteriorating situation, the French government appointed Pichegru to lead the Army of the Rhine, which began a series of assaults on the Coalition positions starting on 18 November. Pichegru's forces included divisions led by generals such as Louis Desaix and Claude Ignace François Michaud, who faced fierce resistance from Wurmser's troops as they attempted to push back the Coalition lines.

    Throughout late November, Pichegru's army engaged in continuous attacks, notably at Gundershoffen and Berstheim, where fierce fighting resulted in significant casualties. On 26 November, a French brigade led by Pierre Augustin François de Burcy was ordered to assault a Coalition redoubt but suffered heavy losses, including Burcy's death. The French managed to capture Berstheim on 2 December, but subsequent counterattacks by the Royalist forces led to a chaotic retreat. By early December, Wurmser had repositioned his troops along the Moder River, where he successfully repelled multiple French assaults, despite the pressure from the Army of the Moselle under Lazare Hoche, which was maneuvering to threaten Wurmser's right flank.

    The situation culminated in the Battle of Froeschwiller from 18 to 22 December, where the combined efforts of Pichegru and Hoche forced Wurmser to abandon Haguenau and retreat to the Lauter River. The Coalition's withdrawal was precipitated by the relentless French attacks, which, while not resulting in a decisive victory, effectively wore down the enemy's resolve and capability to hold their positions. The French forces, despite suffering their own losses, managed to maintain pressure on the Coalition, setting the stage for further engagements, including the Second Battle of Wissembourg on 25-26 December.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 53
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Kaiserslautern

    1793 Nov 28 - 1793 Nov 30
    Central Europe

    The Battle of Kaiserslautern occurred from 28 to 30 November 1793, involving a Coalition army led by Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, and a Republican French army commanded by Lazare Hoche. The Coalition forces, numbering approximately 26,000, included Prussian and Saxon troops, while the French army comprised around 29,115 infantry, 5,046 cavalry, and 52 field guns. The battle commenced on 28 November when the French advanced in three columns, with Taponier on the right, Hoche in the center, and Ambert on the left. Taponier's initial assault against the Prussian defenses at Vogelweh met with moderate success, but subsequent French attacks were hampered by logistical issues and strong Prussian resistance, particularly from General Friedrich Adolf, Count von Kalckreuth's division, which effectively countered the French advances.

    On 29 November, Hoche attempted to consolidate his forces and launched a renewed offensive. The French artillery established a battery near Sambach, and Ambert's brigades aimed to outflank the Prussian position at Otterberg. Despite some initial gains, the French faced fierce counterattacks, particularly from the Saxon cavalry, which disrupted their formations. The day ended with the French unable to secure a decisive breakthrough, and Hoche's forces were forced to regroup. The Prussians, bolstered by reinforcements, maintained their defensive positions, effectively stalling the French advance.

    The final day of fighting, 30 November, saw Hoche persist in his assaults, but the French were met with strong resistance. Attempts to capture key positions like the Buchberg and Galapfelberg were repulsed, and the French suffered significant casualties. As the Coalition forces launched a counterattack, Hoche ordered a retreat to avoid encirclement. The French army withdrew across the Sambach bridge, with estimates of their losses ranging from 1,300 to 3,000, while the Coalition forces sustained approximately 800 casualties. The battle concluded without a decisive victory for either side, but the Coalition successfully repelled the French offensive, maintaining control over the region.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 54
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Froeschwiller (1793)

    1793 Dec 18 - 1793 Dec 22
    Western Europe
    Battle of Froeschwiller at 22nd December 1793: French infantry taking the town of Froeschwiller. © Frédéric Régamey

    The Battle of Froeschwiller took place from 18 to 22 December 1793, involving French Republican forces under Generals Lazare Hoche and Charles Pichegru against an Austrian army commanded by Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser. On 18 December, the French launched an initial attack that successfully pushed the Austrians back a short distance. Hoche, leading the Army of the Moselle, coordinated a strategic maneuver by sending 12,000 troops under General Alexandre Camille Taponier through the Palatinate Forest to strike at Wurmser's right flank, capitalizing on the disunity between the Austrian and Prussian forces.

    The decisive engagement occurred on 22 December when Hoche initiated a powerful assault with five divisions, while Pichegru's Army of the Rhine attacked from the south. This coordinated offensive overwhelmed the Austrian defenses, compelling Wurmser to order a retreat to Wissembourg. The French forces effectively utilized their numerical advantage and tactical positioning, resulting in significant pressure on the Austrian army.

    The battle was part of the broader War of the First Coalition, which aimed to counter the expansion of Revolutionary France. The outcome at Froeschwiller set the stage for the subsequent Second Battle of Wissembourg, which would further influence the control of Alsace. The specific casualty figures for this engagement are not detailed, but the French forces demonstrated effective military coordination and execution during this critical phase of the conflict.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 55
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Collioure

    1793 Dec 20 - 1793 Dec 23
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Collioure occurred from 20 to 23 December 1793, as Spanish forces under General Gregorio García de la Cuesta launched an offensive against the French division commanded by Louis Pierre François Delattre during the War of the Pyrenees. The Spanish Army of Catalonia, totaling approximately 8,000 troops, aimed to capture the coastal towns of Collioure and Port-Vendres. Following a successful attack on 14 December, where Delattre's forces were forced to retreat, Cuesta organized his troops into columns and advanced on the French positions. The French, numbering around 5,000, were positioned on a ridge covering both towns but were unable to withstand the coordinated assault from Cuesta's columns, which included commanders Castrillo, Ortig, and Solano.

    On 20 December, the Spanish forces broke through the French defenses, prompting a chaotic retreat. As the French defenders fled towards Fort Saint-Elme and Port-Vendres, both locations refused entry to the retreating soldiers, with Fort Saint-Elme even firing upon them. This led to mass surrenders among the French troops, with many opting to capitulate rather than face the advancing Spanish. Delattre managed to escape, but Claude Dominique Côme Fabre, a French representative on mission, was killed during the fighting. By 23 December, Collioure had surrendered, marking a significant defeat for the French, who suffered approximately 4,000 casualties, including killed, wounded, or captured, while the Spanish incurred only around 300 casualties.

    The aftermath of the battle saw the French Army of the Eastern Pyrenees in disarray, leading to a retreat towards Perpignan. The Spanish captured a substantial amount of artillery, totaling around 100 pieces, and pursued the French forces, who lost an additional 7,700 men and 23 guns during their retreat. The political repercussions were severe, with Aoust and Delattre facing execution for their roles in the defeat. The battle underscored the challenges faced by the French military leadership amid internal strife and external pressures, ultimately contributing to a shift in command within the French forces in early 1794.

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    Result/Victory

    Spain victorySpain
  • 56
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Second Battle of Wissembourg (1793)

    1793 Dec 26 - 1793 Dec 29
    Western Europe

    The Second Battle of Wissembourg occurred from 26 December 1793 to 29 December 1793, involving the French army under General Lazare Hoche and an allied force of Austrians, Prussians, Bavarians, and Hessians commanded by General Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser. The battle followed significant engagements at Wœrth on 22 December and Geisberg on 26 and 27 December. Hoche's forces, numbering approximately 20,000, engaged Wurmser's troops, which included around 13,000 soldiers. The French aimed to reclaim territory in Alsace, which had been contested in earlier conflicts.

    On 26 December, Hoche launched an offensive that successfully pushed the allied forces back, forcing them to retreat across the Rhine River. The French troops executed a series of coordinated attacks, leveraging their numerical advantage and tactical positioning. The fighting was intense, with both sides suffering casualties, although specific numbers for the Second Battle of Wissembourg are not detailed in the records. The French victory was significant, as it allowed them to secure control over Alsace and marked a turning point in the ongoing conflict with the coalition forces.

    The outcome of the battle led to a rift between the Austrian and Prussian allies, as they began to blame each other for the defeat. The French success at Wissembourg contributed to their strategic position in the region during the War of the First Coalition, further solidifying their military presence in Alsace. The battle's name is commemorated on the north pillar of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, symbolizing its importance in French military history.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 57
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Sans Culottes Camp

    1794 Feb 5
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Sans Culottes Camp occurred on 5 February 1794, when a Spanish force led by José de Urrutia y de las Casas launched an assault against the French Army of the Western Pyrenees, commanded by Jean-Henri-Guy-Nicolas de Frégeville. The Spanish army, numbering approximately 20,000 troops, aimed to capture strategic positions behind the Bidasoa River, specifically targeting the French camps located near Saint-Jean-de-Luz, close to the modern France-Spain border. The engagement began with a coordinated attack from the Spanish left wing near Irun and the center in the Baztan Valley, which initially gained ground by seizing two key positions.

    As the battle progressed, French artillery chief Augustin de Lespinasse made the decision to abandon the outer fortifications to consolidate forces within the main camp. This strategic withdrawal allowed the French to focus their defenses, and by the time Frégeville arrived, the Spanish offensive had begun to falter after eight hours of intense fighting. Despite the initial gains, the Spanish forces were unable to overrun the main position at Sans Culottes Camp, leading to a stalemate.

    During the course of the battle, Bon-Adrien Jeannot de Moncey distinguished himself through his actions and was subsequently promoted to general of brigade. The engagement resulted in significant casualties, although specific numbers were not detailed in the records. The battle exemplified the fierce confrontations characteristic of the War of the Pyrenees, highlighting the challenges faced by both sides in the conflict.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 58
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Martinique (1794)

    1794 Feb 5 - 1794 Mar 24
    West Indies
    On 5th February 1794, Sir John Jervis and Lieutenant General Sir Charles Grey, arrived at Martinique and by 20th March the whole island, with the exception of Fort Bourbon and Fort Royal, had submitted. © William Anderson

    The Battle of Martinique commenced on 5 February 1794, when a British fleet led by Admiral Sir John Jervis landed troops commanded by Sir Charles Grey on the French colony of Martinique. This invasion was facilitated by French planter Louis-François Dubuc, who sought British protection amid the impending abolition of slavery by the French National Constituent Assembly. The British forces quickly advanced, capturing key locations on the island in coordination with local counter-revolutionary planters. By 20 March, only Fort Bourbon and Fort Royal remained under Republican control.

    In a decisive move, Jervis ordered the fourth-rate ship of the line HMS Asia and the sloop HMS Zebra to capture Fort Saint Louis. HMS Asia was unable to approach the fort due to heavy artillery fire, leaving HMS Zebra to proceed alone under the command of Captain Richard Faulknor. Despite facing intense Republican resistance, Faulknor maneuvered Zebra close to the fort's walls and successfully landed troops using the ship's boats. The British forces stormed the fort, resulting in minimal casualties for Zebra, with only one pilot killed and four men wounded. Concurrently, the British fleet captured Fort Royal, and two days later, Fort Bourbon surrendered.

    The Governor General of Martinique, Donatien-Marie-Joseph de Vimeur, ultimately surrendered to Grey, leading to the British occupation of the island. This occupation continued until the Treaty of Amiens in 1802, which restored Martinique to French control.

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    Result/Victory

    United Kingdom victoryUnited Kingdom
  • 59
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Invasion of Corsica (1794)

    1794 Feb 7 - 1794 Aug 10
    Southern Europe
    Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) Vice-Admiral of the English Fleet; British naval officer. © John Hoppner

    The invasion of Corsica commenced in February 1794, led by British forces under Major-General David Dundas, with the objective of expelling the French garrison from the island. The campaign began with the siege of San Fiorenzo, where British troops landed unopposed on 7 February. Following a series of naval bombardments and land assaults, the French garrison surrendered on 11 February after 37 days of blockade, allowing the Corsican leader Pasquale Paoli to pledge allegiance to Britain. The British then turned their attention to Bastia, where a force of 1,450 troops landed on 4 April. After a prolonged bombardment and a failed assault, the French commander Lacombe-Saint-Michel abandoned the town on 12 May, leading to its surrender ten days later under controversial terms that allowed the French forces safe passage back to France.

    The final phase of the campaign targeted Calvi, a fortified port under the command of Raphaël de Casabianca. British forces landed on 17 June and began constructing artillery batteries to bombard the town. By 6 July, the French garrison had retreated into the main fortifications. After intense bombardment and a fierce assault on 18 July, the British captured Fort Mozello, leading to the eventual surrender of Calvi on 10 August. By this time, British forces had suffered significant casualties due to disease, with only about 400 soldiers remaining fit for duty. The successful capture of Calvi marked the complete expulsion of French forces from Corsica.

    Throughout the campaign, British naval support was crucial, with Lord Hood overseeing operations from the Mediterranean fleet. The British forces utilized a combination of naval bombardments and land assaults, supported by Corsican irregulars. The campaign resulted in the establishment of British control over Corsica, although the island's political instability and subsequent French efforts to regain influence would later challenge this control. The British occupation of Corsica would ultimately prove unsustainable, leading to their withdrawal by late 1796 as French forces regained the upper hand in the region.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 60
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of San Fiorenzo

    1794 Feb 7 - 1794 Feb 20
    Southern Europe

    The Siege of San Fiorenzo, a British military operation during the French Revolutionary Wars, commenced in early 1794 as part of a broader campaign to expel French forces from Corsica. Following the French Revolution, Corsican leader Pasquale Paoli had rallied local irregular troops against the French garrison, which retreated to fortified towns including San Fiorenzo. In response to Paoli's appeals for assistance, Admiral Lord Hood dispatched a naval squadron under Commodore Robert Linzee in late September 1793, but initial attacks on the town's fortifications, including the Torra di Fornali, were repelled, resulting in British casualties and the failure to secure a foothold. After the fall of Toulon in December 1793, Hood shifted focus to Corsica, planning a coordinated assault on San Fiorenzo.

    On 4 February 1794, a British expeditionary force of 1,400 troops, commanded by General David Dundas, landed unopposed near the Torra di Mortella. The following days saw a bombardment of the fortifications, with British artillery eventually breaching the defenses. On 17 February, a coordinated assault on the Convention Redoubt led to the capture of the position, inflicting approximately 100 casualties on the French while British losses totaled 17 killed and 36 wounded. The French garrison, now demoralized, retreated to the Torra di Fornali, which was subsequently abandoned as British forces advanced. By 18 February, British artillery began bombarding San Fiorenzo itself, leading to the destruction of the French frigate Minerve and signaling the impending evacuation of the town.

    On 19 February, as the French prepared to abandon San Fiorenzo, Dundas offered terms of surrender, which were rejected. The remaining French forces set fire to their frigate Fortunée and withdrew from the town, which was occupied by British troops on 20 February, resulting in the capture of 32 cannons. The French retreated to Bastia, where they established defensive positions. The siege of Bastia would follow, ultimately leading to the expulsion of French forces from Corsica by August 1794, marking the island's transition to a self-governing part of the British Empire.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 61
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Le Cateau (1794)

    1794 Mar 29
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Le Cateau occurred on 29 March 1794 during the Flanders Campaign of the War of the First Coalition. French Republican forces, comprising three divisions under the command of Generals Antoine Balland, Jacques Gilles Henri Goguet, and Jacques Fromentin, launched an offensive against Habsburg Austrian troops led by General Paul Kray. The French aimed to preemptively strike at Austrian positions located in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, approximately 24 kilometers southwest of Cambrai, as well as in the nearby villages of Beauvais and Solesmes.

    The initial assault by the French resulted in the capture of several Austrian positions; however, the situation shifted when Austrian cavalry launched a counterattack. This maneuver caused panic among the French troops, leading to a disorganized retreat. The French forces abandoned five artillery pieces and suffered significant casualties, with approximately 400 soldiers killed. Many French soldiers, including sixty dragoons who had dismounted and sought refuge in a nearby wood, were taken prisoner. In contrast, Austrian losses were reported at around 120 men.

    This engagement marked a significant moment in the early stages of the 1794 campaign, as it demonstrated the challenges faced by the French forces against the disciplined Austrian military. The battle set the stage for the Coalition's subsequent spring offensive, which would culminate in the Siege of Landrecies three weeks later.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 62
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Bastia

    1794 Apr 4 - 1794 May 22
    Southern Europe

    The Siege of Bastia commenced on 20 February 1794, following the successful British and Corsican operation that expelled the French from San Fiorenzo. Admiral Lord Hood, commanding the British Mediterranean Fleet, aimed to capture Bastia, which was defended by a garrison of approximately 4,000 French troops, including regulars, National Guard, and Corsican militia. Initial plans for a swift assault were hindered by disagreements among British commanders, particularly between Hood and Colonel David Dundas, who hesitated to engage the French without reinforcements. After a series of delays, Hood ordered an attack on 11 April, deploying a combined force of 1,200 British soldiers and 2,000 Corsican irregulars, supported by naval artillery under Captain Horatio Nelson.

    By 21 April, British artillery had been positioned 1,000 yards from Bastia, but the bombardment proved largely ineffective. The French commander, Lacombe-Saint-Michel, rebuffed Hood's invitation to surrender, leading to a protracted siege characterized by heavy artillery exchanges. On 12 May, Lacombe-Saint-Michel abandoned the town, leaving command to his deputy, Antoine Gentili. The French garrison's food supplies dwindled, and on 22 May, Gentili sought terms of surrender, which allowed the French troops to return to France and granted amnesty to Corsicans who had supported the French. The siege concluded with British casualties reported as 7 killed, 6 missing, and 21 wounded, while French losses exceeded 700.

    The British captured 80 cannons and the corvette Fleche during the siege. Following the surrender, Nelson was the first British officer to enter Bastia, marking a significant victory for British forces in Corsica. The successful siege of Bastia, along with the earlier capture of San Fiorenzo, facilitated the establishment of Corsica as a self-governing part of the British Empire, culminating in the adoption of a new constitution in June 1794. The operation underscored the strategic importance of Corsica in the Mediterranean theater during the French Revolutionary Wars.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 63
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Invasion of Guadeloupe (1794)

    1794 Apr 11 - 1794 Dec 10
    West Indies

    The invasion of Guadeloupe commenced on 11 April 1794, when British forces, led by General Charles Grey, landed on the island with the support of a naval fleet commanded by Admiral Sir John Jervis. This operation followed the signing of the Whitehall Accord on 19 February 1794, which had been negotiated with French planters seeking British protection amid the abolition of slavery by France's National Convention on 4 February 1794. The British contingent included the 6th and 43rd Regiments of Foot, among others, and aimed to secure the island from French control.

    Following the initial landing, British troops engaged in combat against the French forces, culminating in the surrender of the last stronghold at Basse-Terre on 24 April 1794. This victory allowed the British and their French Royalist allies to establish control over Guadeloupe. However, the situation shifted dramatically when a French fleet, under the command of General Victor Hugues, landed reinforcements on 4 June 1794. Hugues, supported by local Republican sympathizers, launched a counteroffensive against the British forces, which were already weakened by yellow fever and other tropical diseases.

    By 10 December 1794, the British had been completely ousted from Guadeloupe, marking the end of their control over the island. Major-General Thomas Dundas, who had been appointed governor of Guadeloupe, succumbed to yellow fever on 3 June 1794, further complicating the British command structure during the campaign. The loss of Guadeloupe was a significant setback for British interests in the Caribbean during the French Revolutionary Wars.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 64
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Arlon (1794)

    1794 Apr 17 - 1794 Apr 18
    Western Europe
    The Battle of Arlon. © Auguste-Alexandre d'Espinassy

    In April 1794, the Battle of Arlon involved two significant engagements between the French Army of the Moselle, commanded by General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, and the Austrian forces led by General Johann von Beaulieu. On 17 April, Jourdan, having taken command in Metz, advanced with 20,000 troops towards Arlon while simultaneously directing another 20,000 under General Hatry to penetrate Luxembourg. The Austrian stronghold was defended by 16,000 soldiers. During the initial confrontation, Lefebvre's division attacked the Austrian vanguard at the bridge in Aubange but was forced to retreat after encountering Beaulieu's main forces. The following day, on 18 April, Lefebvre, Morlot, and Hatry launched a frontal assault on the Austrian redoubts. The tide turned when Championnet's division successfully flanked the Austrians, causing a rout. The French secured Arlon, but on 29 April, Beaulieu counterattacked, leading to a disorganized retreat of French forces back to Aubange and Longwy.

    In May 1794, further hostilities erupted at Arlon as Jourdan received orders to support the Army of the Ardennes and the Army of the North, which were engaged near Charleroi. On 21 May, Jourdan mobilized 45,000 troops and encamped around Arlon. Meanwhile, Beaulieu, unaware of the French advance, had moved towards Bouillon on 17 May but retreated to a defensive position at Ardoy upon realizing the threat posed by Jourdan. The French forces pursued and engaged Beaulieu's rearguard at Dinant on 29 May, achieving a rout of the Austrian detachments. These engagements at Arlon exemplified the ongoing struggle for control in the region during the French Revolutionary Wars.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 65
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Landrecies (1794)

    1794 Apr 17 - 1794 Apr 30
    Western Europe
    Siege of Landrecies, April 1794. © Hippolyte Bellangé

    The siege of Landrecies took place from 17 to 30 April 1794, during the Spring campaign of the War of the First Coalition. The Dutch mobile army, approximately 16,000 strong and commanded by the Hereditary Prince of Orange, was supported by around 4,000 Austrian infantry and artillery under Major-General Count Baillet de Latour and Major-General Johann Kollowrat. The fortress was garrisoned by French troops led by General Henri Victor Roulland. The siege commenced after the Coalition forces, under the supreme command of Emperor Francis II, launched an offensive against the French, with the Dutch army reaching the glacis of Cambrai on 17 April and capturing Catillon-sur-Sambre the same day.

    On 20 April, the Coalition forces initiated a three-pronged attack on Landrecies, successfully breaching the outer defenses and forcing the French garrison to retreat within the fortress walls. The Dutch suffered 23 officer and 358 other ranks casualties during this initial engagement. Following the assault, the besieging forces began constructing a line of field works to encircle the fortress, while also preparing artillery positions. By 28 April, eleven batteries with 48 guns and 18 siege mortars were operational, commencing a bombardment that inflicted significant damage on the fortress and the town, resulting in approximately 2,000 casualties among soldiers and civilians. Despite the devastation, General Roulland initially resisted calls to surrender, even as a French attempt to relieve the fortress on 27 April failed.

    On 30 April, after a council of war among his officers, Roulland agreed to a ceasefire, leading to negotiations for the fortress's capitulation. The French garrison, reduced to 5,000 men, surrendered with honor and became prisoners of war. The fortress was subsequently taken over by Swiss and Dutch Guard regiments. The following day, Emperor Francis and the stadtholder reviewed the defeated French troops, marking the end of the siege.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 66
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies

    1794 Apr 24
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies occurred on 24 April 1794 during the Flanders Campaign of the French Revolutionary Wars. A small Anglo-Austrian cavalry force, commanded by Feldmarschall-Leutnant Rudolf Ritter von Otto, engaged a significantly larger French division under René-Bernard Chapuis. The French assembled approximately 15,000 infantry and 4,500 cavalry, bolstered by reinforcements from Caesar's Camp, while the Allied forces comprised around 1,200 cavalry from the Austrian 17th Archduke Leopold Hussars and the British 15th Light Dragoons, supported by additional squadrons and artillery. The battle commenced early in the morning when Otto, after scouting the French positions, decided to attack, deploying his forces to flank the French right. The Allied cavalry advanced from Saint-Python towards Montrécourt, encountering French cavalry hidden in the underbrush.

    As the Allied cavalry charged, they initially faced a retreating French cavalry, which exposed six battalions of infantry. The French infantry formed square formations to counter the charge, but the Allied cavalry, led by Colonel Sigismund Ladislaus Szent-Kereszty and Major William Aylett, successfully broke through the French lines, capturing four cannons and causing a significant portion of the French infantry to flee. The pursuit continued for approximately 8 miles (13 km) towards Bouchain, where the French flank guards, numbering around 5,000, retreated to Cambrai under pressure from the Allied forces. Despite a counterattack by the French cavalry, Otto's forces, now reinforced, managed to repel them, leading to further French disarray.

    The battle resulted in substantial French casualties, with estimates of 900 killed, 400 wounded, and 10 unwounded prisoners from a force of 7,000, alongside the loss of five cannons. The Allies suffered minimal losses, with 10 killed and wounded among the Austrians and 58 killed and 17 wounded among the British. The engagement highlighted the weaknesses in the French cavalry and infantry, which were still adapting to the realities of warfare during the Revolutionary period. Following the battle, Emperor Francis II awarded eight British officers with a special gold medal for their roles in the action, recognizing their contributions to the Allied victory.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 67
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Beaumont (1794)

    1794 Apr 26
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Beaumont-en-Cambrésis occurred on 26 April 1794 as part of the Flanders Campaign during the French Revolutionary War. The British and Austrians, commanded by the Duke of York, faced a French advance led by General René-Bernard Chapuis, who had approximately 30,000 troops. Chapuis's forces moved from Cambrai in two columns, one along the main road and another smaller column to the south, aiming to engage the Allied positions at Le Cateau. The British lines were positioned across a ridge facing Troisvilles and Bertry. Initial French maneuvers were disorganized, allowing the Duke of York to plan a counterattack.

    As the battle commenced, the British cavalry, under the command of Rudolf Ritter von Otto, executed a surprise flanking maneuver against the French left. The cavalry, numbering 18 squadrons, advanced from a concealed position and charged into the French ranks, leading to the capture of Chapuis. The charge resulted in chaos among the French forces, with many fleeing the battlefield. The British cavalry's effectiveness was notable, with reports indicating that they killed approximately 2,000 French soldiers and captured 350, along with 22 artillery pieces. The French suffered significant losses, with estimates of 7,000 killed, wounded, or missing, and 41 guns lost.

    During the engagement, British officer John Mansel was killed while leading his brigade, which sought to redeem its honor after a previous failure. The battle concluded with the French retreating in disarray, pursued by Allied cavalry, which captured additional artillery and dispersed the remaining French forces. The overall Allied losses were reported at just under 1,500 men, while the Austrians and British sustained losses of 9 officers and 228 men, and 6 officers and 156 men, respectively. The battle marked a significant tactical victory for the Allies, demonstrating effective cavalry maneuvers against a disorganized enemy.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 68
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Mouscron

    1794 Apr 28 - 1794 Apr 29
    Western Europe
    Battle of Mouscron 1794 by Charles Louis Mozin (1806-1862). © Charles Louis Mozin (1806-1862)

    The Battle of Mouscron took place from 28 to 29 April 1794, involving the Republican French Army of the North, commanded by Jean-Charles Pichegru, and Coalition forces led by François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt. The French aimed to capture Menin and had already taken Courtrai, while Clerfayt's forces, primarily composed of Hanoverian troops, were stretched thin due to their commitment to the Siege of Landrecies. On 28 April, Clerfayt launched a counterattack at Mouscron, initially regaining control of the town after pushing back French forces under Jacques MacDonald. The Coalition's success was short-lived, as Joseph Souham, commanding the French, quickly regrouped and concentrated his forces, ultimately driving the Coalition troops from the area.

    On the first day of battle, the Coalition forces, numbering around 10,000, faced a French contingent that had swelled to approximately 28,000. Despite being outnumbered, the Coalition troops managed to repel initial French assaults. However, by the afternoon, Souham's forces, bolstered by artillery, launched a decisive attack that forced Clerfayt to withdraw. The Coalition suffered significant casualties, with estimates of around 111 losses for the Hanoverians, while the French incurred approximately 500 casualties. The following day, on 29 April, Souham executed a two-pronged attack against Clerfayt's positions, catching the Coalition off guard. Although the Coalition troops initially held their ground, they were ultimately overwhelmed by the French assault, leading to a rout.

    The aftermath of the battle saw the Hanoverian garrison of Menin, under General Rudolf von Hammerstein, break out on the night of 30 April, escaping with most of their artillery. The Coalition's losses included around 1,760 men and 24 guns, while the French reported approximately 1,500 casualties and the loss of six guns. The battle highlighted the challenges faced by the Coalition forces in coordinating their defenses and responding to the French offensive, setting the stage for subsequent engagements in the Flanders Campaign.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 69
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Collioure (1794)

    1794 May 6 - 1794 May 29
    Western Europe
    © François Bouchot

    The Siege of Collioure occurred from 6 to 29 May 1794, when a Republican French army under the command of Jacques François Dugommier besieged the French port of Collioure, which was held by a Spanish garrison led by Eugenio Navarro. The French forces, numbering approximately 14,000 troops, included divisions commanded by Pierre François Sauret and André de La Barre, and were supported by a naval squadron that delivered siege equipment. The Spanish garrison consisted of around 7,000 men and was equipped with 91 cannons. The siege began with a bombardment of coastal forts, including Fort Saint-Elme, and on 10 May, the French artillery commenced its assault on the fortifications.

    On 16 May, Navarro attempted a sortie against the French lines, during which Dugommier was wounded but ultimately saved by his troops. Following a failed attack on Fort Saint-Elme on 23 May, the Spanish garrison sought terms of surrender, but the French conditions were deemed too harsh, leading to a retreat to Collioure. On 24 May, news reached Navarro that a Spanish fleet, commanded by Admiral Federico Carlos Gravina y Nápoli, was en route to evacuate the garrison. However, a storm on 26 May forced the fleet to retreat, prompting Navarro to surrender to Dugommier, agreeing to exchange his troops for an equal number of French prisoners, with the stipulation that neither side would fight again for the duration of the war.

    After the surrender, the Spanish commander Luis Fermín de Carvajal, Conde de la Unión, refused to honor the agreement, claiming Navarro lacked the authority to negotiate such terms. This refusal incited outrage in France, leading to a decree that mandated the execution of Spanish prisoners. The French reported minimal casualties during the siege, while Spanish losses included approximately 160 killed and wounded. The French captured 91 cannons and the colors of the Spanish forces, with the garrison's strength reported variably as 7,000 to 8,000 soldiers at the time of surrender.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 70
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Courtrai (1794)

    1794 May 11
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Courtrai occurred on 11 May 1794, involving a Republican French army led by General Jean-Charles Pichegru and Coalition forces commanded by François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt. The French had captured Courtrai in late April during their offensive in the Low Countries, and the Coalition aimed to recapture it. On 10 May, Clerfayt's forces engaged a French brigade under Dominique Vandamme at Heule, pushing them back to the outskirts of Courtrai but failing to seize the town due to Clerfayt's hesitation. Meanwhile, the Duke of York's troops had retreated to Tournai after a confrontation at Willems, allowing the French to concentrate their efforts against Clerfayt.

    On 11 May, the battle commenced at 3:00 PM, with the French forces, now bolstered by additional brigades from Souham, launching a counterattack against Clerfayt's troops. Initially, Clerfayt's forces held their ground, but by 6:00 PM, the French had cleared the suburbs of Courtrai. Clerfayt attempted a cavalry charge to regain control, but the arrival of Malbrancq's brigade shifted the balance of power. As the fighting intensified, Clerfayt's left wing was pushed back, severing his lines of communication with York. Acknowledging the untenable situation, Clerfayt ordered a withdrawal toward Tielt under the cover of darkness.

    Casualty estimates for the battle vary, with one source reporting approximately 1,200 casualties for both sides, while others suggest 1,500 for the Allies and 1,000 for the French. The battle concluded with Clerfayt's retreat, marking a continuation of French control over Courtrai and Menin. The engagement was part of the broader War of the First Coalition, which saw significant military maneuvers in the region as both sides sought to consolidate their positions in the ongoing conflict.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 71
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Grandreng

    1794 May 13
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Grand-Reng, fought on 13 May 1794, involved a Republican French army commanded by Generals Louis Charbonnier and Jacques Desjardin, who sought to advance across the Sambre River against a combined Habsburg Austrian and Dutch force led by Franz Wenzel, Graf von Kaunitz-Rietberg. The French had previously secured crossings at Thuin and Lobbes on 10 May and at Merbes-le-Château on 12 May, but faced a well-prepared Coalition defense. On the day of the battle, the French forces numbered approximately 53,000, while the Coalition had around 22,353 troops, including 17,823 Austrians and 4,530 Dutch, bolstered by reinforcements from Prince Coburg. The French planned a coordinated attack with divisions targeting Grand-Reng, Rouveroy, and Péchant.

    The battle commenced at 5:00 AM, with French divisions advancing towards their objectives. Muller's and Despeaux's divisions attacked Grand-Reng but were met with fierce resistance from Coalition artillery and cavalry, suffering heavy casualties. In the center, Fromentin's division struggled against Austrian cavalry, leading to a breakdown in their lines. Despite initial successes, the French forces were unable to capture Grand-Reng, and as the day progressed, the Coalition launched a counterattack that exploited gaps in the French formation. By late afternoon, the French were forced to retreat, with Desjardin ordering a withdrawal as Coalition cavalry pressed the attack.

    The French suffered approximately 4,000 casualties and lost 12 guns, while Coalition losses were around 2,800. The battle highlighted the disorganization within the French command, particularly the failure of Charbonnier's Army of the Ardennes to effectively support the main assault. The aftermath saw the French regrouping along the southern bank of the Sambre, with further attempts to breach Coalition defenses in the following weeks, ultimately leading to the pivotal Battle of Fleurus on 26 June 1794.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 72
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Tourcoing

    1794 May 17 - 1794 May 18
    Western Europe
    Painting of the Battle of Mouscron on 26-30 April 1794 during the War of the First Coalition. © Charles Louis Mozin

    The Battle of Tourcoing occurred from 17 to 18 May 1794, involving a Republican French army under General of Division Joseph Souham and a Coalition army led by Emperor Francis II and Austrian Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. The French forces, numbering approximately 82,000, were organized into divisions commanded by Souham, Jean Victor Marie Moreau, and Jacques Philippe Bonnaud. The Coalition army, comprising around 62,000 troops, was divided into six columns, with the objective of encircling the French forces positioned near Menen and Kortrijk. On 17 May, the French successfully repelled an attack from Georg Wilhelm von dem Bussche's column at Mouscron, while the columns of Count François of Clerfayt, Count Franz Joseph of Kinsky, and Archduke Charles made slow progress due to logistical issues and poor coordination.

    On 18 May, the French launched a counterattack, concentrating their forces against the two central columns led by Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Rudolf Ritter von Otto. The French divisions executed a coordinated assault, with Bonnaud's troops advancing from Lille and Souham's forces moving from Courtrai. The Coalition's defenses at Tourcoing were overwhelmed, leading to the capture of the town and significant losses for the Allies. The Austrian commander Eugen von Montfrault attempted to form a defensive square but was forced to retreat under pressure from the French. The Coalition suffered heavy casualties, with estimates of 4,000 killed or wounded and 1,500 captured, while French losses were around 3,000, including the death of Brigadier Pierquin and the loss of seven cannons.

    As the battle progressed, the Coalition forces became increasingly disorganized. York's column, initially advancing toward Mouvaux, found itself isolated and under attack from multiple directions. The French forces effectively cut off retreat routes, leading to the loss of artillery and significant troop casualties. By the end of the day, the Coalition was in full retreat, with Clerfayt's column crossing the Lys River and Kinsky's forces remaining inactive. The battle concluded with the French securing a decisive victory, demonstrating their ability to adapt and counter the Coalition's plans despite being initially outnumbered.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 73
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Tournay (1794)

    1794 May 22
    Western Europe
    The Battle of Tournai 1794. © Anonymous

    The Battle of Tournay, fought on 22 May 1794, involved French Republican forces under General Jean-Charles Pichegru engaging Coalition troops led by Emperor Francis II and Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. The Coalition army, comprising approximately 50,000 soldiers from Austria, Great Britain, Hanover, and Hesse-Darmstadt, had established defensive positions around Tournai, Belgium. Pichegru aimed to dislodge the Coalition from Tournai following recent French victories in the region, including the capture of Courtrai and Menin. The French forces, numbering around 62,000, included divisions commanded by Pierre Antoine Michaud, Jean Victor Marie Moreau, Joseph Souham, and Jacques Philippe Bonnaud. The battle commenced at around 5:00 am, with French troops launching a coordinated attack on the Coalition's right flank near Spiere and Leers, while Bonnaud's division targeted the center near Templeuve.

    As the battle unfolded, French brigades, including those led by Herman Willem Daendels and Étienne Macdonald, engaged Coalition forces at various points. Daendels' troops initially pushed back the Hanoverians at Spiere, while Macdonald's infantry attempted to capture Pont-à-Chin, which became the focal point of intense fighting. Despite repeated assaults, the French struggled to maintain control of the area, facing fierce resistance from Coalition artillery and infantry. The fighting was characterized by heavy musketry and artillery fire, resulting in relatively light casualties due to the dispersed formations employed by both sides. By evening, the French managed to secure Pont-à-Chin, Blandain, and La Croisette Hill, threatening Coalition communications and transport along the Scheldt River.

    At approximately 7:00 pm, the Coalition launched a counterattack to reclaim Pont-à-Chin, deploying British troops under Henry Edward Fox and several Austrian battalions. The British assault successfully dislodged the French from their positions, leading to a chaotic retreat. Pichegru and his staff, initially confident in their hold on the area, were caught off guard and fled as the Coalition forces advanced. The battle concluded by 10:00 pm, with the French suffering significant losses estimated at around 6,000 men and 7 guns, while Coalition casualties were reported at approximately 3,000. The outcome of the battle underscored the challenges faced by the Coalition in maintaining their positions in the Austrian Netherlands amidst ongoing French offensives.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 74
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Kaiserslautern (1794)

    1794 May 23
    Central Europe
    © Julie Volpelière / Horace Vernet

    The Battle of Kaiserslautern occurred on 23 May 1794, when a Prussian and Electoral Saxon army, commanded by Wichard Joachim Heinrich von Möllendorf, engaged a French Republican division led by Jean-Jacques Ambert from the Army of the Moselle. Möllendorf's forces, numbering approximately 46,000 troops, aimed to encircle the outnumbered French, who had only about 5,000 soldiers, many of whom were inexperienced recruits. The Prussian army was organized into several divisions, including those led by Friedrich Adolf, Count von Kalckreuth, and Alexander von Knobelsdorff, and was supported by 10.5 artillery batteries. The French, aware of their precarious position, attempted to hold their ground but were ultimately forced to retreat as the Prussian assault intensified.

    As the battle commenced, Ambert and his adjutant, Laurent Gouvion Saint-Cyr, recognized the imminent threat and began a strategic withdrawal. The Prussian forces launched a coordinated attack, with Kleist's division tasked to intercept the French retreat. Despite the Prussian efforts, the French managed to evade complete encirclement, aided by the difficult terrain that hindered the pursuers. Saint-Cyr's column successfully reached Trippstadt, while Ambert's column faced more challenges, leading to disarray among the French ranks. The French suffered approximately 1,000 casualties, including killed, wounded, and missing, along with the loss of 17 artillery pieces. In contrast, Prussian casualties were reported at around 110, with Saxon losses remaining minimal.

    Simultaneously, an Austro-Prussian attack on the Army of the Rhine under Claude Ignace François Michaud was repulsed at the Battle of Schifferstadt, where the French incurred 500 casualties against 900 for the Coalition. Following the loss at Kaiserslautern, the French armies withdrew to more defensible positions, with the Army of the Moselle retreating to the Saar and the Army of the Rhine falling back to the Queich River. Möllendorf's victory, while significant, did not lead to a sustained offensive, as the Prussians soon halted their advance, allowing the French to regroup and prepare for future engagements.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 75
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Erquelinnes

    1794 May 24
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Erquelinnes, also known as the Battle of Péchant, occurred on 24 May 1794 during the Flanders Campaign of the War of the First Coalition. A Republican French army, commanded by Jacques Desjardin and Louis Charbonnier, sought to defend a bridgehead on the north bank of the Sambre River against a combined Habsburg Austrian and Dutch force led by Franz Wenzel, Graf von Kaunitz-Rietberg. The French had crossed the Sambre on 20 May and managed to repel an initial Austrian attack on 21 May. However, command issues persisted, leading to a lack of coordinated action among the French divisions. On 24 May, Kaunitz launched a surprise assault early in the morning, overwhelming the French defenses and forcing a retreat.

    The French forces, numbering approximately 60,000, were poorly coordinated, with Desjardin's right wing and Charbonnier's divisions failing to operate effectively together. On 21 May, the French had engaged in a fierce struggle to maintain their positions, but by 24 May, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Kaunitz's forces, comprising around 29,000 troops organized into five columns, executed a well-planned attack that caught the French off guard. The 2nd Column targeted Erquelinnes, while the 1st Column protected its flank. The Austrian assault was characterized by a rapid advance that led to the capture of the village and significant portions of the French artillery.

    As the French retreated, they suffered heavy losses, with estimates of casualties ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 men, including prisoners and lost artillery. The Coalition forces reported around 500 casualties. The French divisions, particularly those under Desjardin and Charbonnier, faced disarray, with many soldiers fleeing the battlefield. Kléber, who had been sent on a foraging raid, returned to find the remnants of the French forces in disarray. The battle exemplified the challenges faced by the French command structure and foreshadowed further defeats in the region, including subsequent engagements at Gosselies and Lambusart.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 76
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    Atlantic campaign of May 1794

    1794 Jun 1 - 1794 Jun 1
    Naval
    The 74-gun HMS Defence at the Glorious First of June, dismasted and damaged, taking raking fire from the French 74-gun Tourville, while exchanging fire with the 74-gun Mucius Scævola stationed before her to her right side. © Nicholas Pocock

    The Atlantic campaign of May 1794 involved a series of naval operations by the British Royal Navy's Channel Fleet against the French Atlantic Fleet, primarily aimed at intercepting a crucial French grain convoy traveling from the United States to France. The French convoy, consisting of 117 merchant ships, departed Hampton Roads on 2 April 1794, escorted by a small squadron under Admiral Pierre Vanstabel and supported by a larger squadron under Admiral Joseph-Marie Nielly. The French Atlantic Fleet, commanded by Admiral Villaret de Joyeuse, was tasked with distracting the British Channel Fleet, led by Lord Howe, to ensure the convoy's safe passage. The British fleet, aware of the convoy's movements, dispatched squadrons to protect British commerce while pursuing Villaret. Over the course of the campaign, two inconclusive engagements occurred on 28 and 29 May, during which Howe seized the weather gage, allowing him to dictate the terms of the next encounter.

    The decisive battle, known as the Glorious First of June, took place on 1 June 1794, approximately 400 nautical miles into the Atlantic. Howe's fleet, numbering 26 ships of the line, engaged Villaret's fleet of 25 ships. The British fleet utilized the weather gage to launch a direct attack on the French, who attempted to maintain a traditional line of battle. The battle was fiercely contested, resulting in the British capturing seven French ships of the line and inflicting approximately 7,000 casualties on the French. Despite the heavy losses, Villaret claimed a strategic victory, as his tactics had successfully delayed the British long enough for the grain convoy to reach France safely. The British fleet suffered 67 killed and 128 wounded during the engagement, and both sides returned to their respective ports in the following days.

    Throughout the campaign, the French Navy faced significant challenges, including political upheaval and a lack of resources, which weakened their operational effectiveness. The British, while better organized, struggled with a shortage of trained seamen. The campaign marked a turning point in naval engagements, as the French fleet would not contest British naval supremacy in Northern European waters for many years, leading to a decline in the quality of the French officer corps. The aftermath of the campaign also resulted in internal disputes within the British Royal Navy, particularly regarding the performance of certain officers during the battle.

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    Result/Victory

    Inconclusive victoryInconclusive
  • 77
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    Glorious First of June

    1794 Jun 1 - 1794 Jun 1
    Naval
    Glorious First of June: HMS Queen Charlotte vs. Océan © Philip James de Loutherbourg

    The Glorious First of June, fought on 1 June 1794, marked a significant naval engagement between the British and French fleets during the French Revolutionary Wars. The British Channel Fleet, commanded by Admiral Lord Howe, sought to intercept a vital French grain convoy from the United States, which was under the protection of the French Atlantic Fleet led by Rear-Admiral Villaret-Joyeuse. The two fleets clashed approximately 400 nautical miles west of Ushant, with Howe's fleet comprising 26 ships of the line and several supporting vessels, while Villaret commanded 25 ships of the line. The battle commenced at 09:24, with both fleets exchanging long-range gunfire before Howe executed an unconventional tactic, ordering his ships to break the French line and engage directly. This maneuver, however, was not uniformly understood among his captains, leading to a piecemeal attack.

    Despite the initial confusion, British ships, including HMS Defence and HMS Marlborough, successfully penetrated the French line, inflicting significant damage. The British fleet engaged in fierce combat, with notable actions involving HMS Queen Charlotte and HMS Brunswick against the French flagship Montagne and other vessels. The battle devolved into chaotic melee, with ships from both sides suffering heavy casualties. British losses were approximately 1,200, while French casualties were estimated at around 7,000, including 3,000 captured. The engagement continued until the afternoon, with both fleets sustaining severe damage and ultimately unable to pursue further action. Villaret managed to regroup a portion of his fleet and retreated, while Howe's fleet, though victorious in terms of ship captures, was also left in a battered state.

    By the end of the day, the British had captured seven French ships, including the dismasted Vengeur du Peuple, which ultimately sank after the battle. Villaret's fleet, despite suffering a tactical defeat, successfully ensured the safe passage of the grain convoy, achieving a strategic objective. The battle highlighted the challenges faced by both navies, including issues of discipline and training among crews, and set the stage for ongoing naval engagements throughout the war.

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    Result/Victory

    Inconclusive victoryInconclusive
  • 78
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Ypres (1794)

    1794 Jun 1 - 1794 Jun 18
    Western Europe
    © Henri Félix Emmanuel Philippoteaux

    The Siege of Ypres occurred from 1 to 18 June 1794, when a Republican French army under General Jean-Charles Pichegru besieged the fortress of Ypres, which was defended by a garrison of 7,000 Habsburg Austrians commanded by General Paul von Salis, along with Hessian troops led by Generals Heinrich von Borcke and Georg von Lengerke. The French forces, numbering approximately 50,000, included divisions under Generals Joseph Souham and Jean Victor Marie Moreau. The siege began as the Coalition forces, under the command of Count François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt, were unable to mount an effective defense against the French, who had shifted their focus to Ypres after a series of engagements along the Sambre River.

    During the siege, the Coalition made three attempts to relieve Ypres. The first attempt on 6 June involved 5,500 Coalition troops but resulted in a skirmish that failed to break the siege. A second attempt on 10 June saw Clerfayt's forces engage in combat with Souham's troops, resulting in approximately 1,000 French casualties and 600 Coalition losses, including 400 captured. The final attempt occurred on 13 June at Hooglede, where Clerfayt's 19,000 troops faced off against 24,000 French soldiers. This engagement resulted in 1,300 French casualties and the loss of one field piece, ultimately leading to the Coalition's withdrawal.

    Ypres surrendered on 17 or 18 June 1794, with the remaining defenders marching out under the honors of war, surrendering their weapons, 30 Hessian colors, four Austrian colors, and 12 field guns. The siege resulted in approximately 400 defenders killed, while French losses remain unrecorded. The fall of Ypres marked a significant moment in the Flanders Campaign of 1794, as it allowed the French to gain a strategic foothold in the region.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 79
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Gosselies

    1794 Jun 3
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Gosselies, fought on 3 June 1794, involved a Republican French army co-commanded by Generals Jacques Desjardin and Louis Charbonnier attempting to cross the Sambre River against a coalition force of Dutch and Habsburg Austrian troops led by William, Hereditary Prince of Orange. The French forces, numbering approximately 40,000, had previously suffered defeats at Grandreng and Erquelinnes in May, but they laid siege to Charleroi on 30 May, seeking to secure a foothold on the north bank of the Sambre. The coalition forces, totaling around 33,500 men, were organized into four columns and prepared to counterattack the French positions.

    On the morning of 3 June, the coalition launched their assault, focusing on Gosselies, which was identified as the weak point in the French defenses. The attack commenced at 3 am, with Quasdanovich's column splitting to capture key positions and Wartensleben and Werneck advancing from the east and northwest, respectively. The French, despite their numerical advantage, were caught off guard and struggled to maintain cohesion. The coalition forces successfully breached the French lines, leading to a disorderly retreat by Fromentin's division, which was flanked and pursued by the coalition troops. Desjardin and Charbonnier ordered a retreat to Marchienne-au-Pont, with some divisions managing to escape while Fromentin's troops faced significant casualties during their withdrawal.

    The battle resulted in a decisive defeat for the French, with significant disarray among their ranks. The coalition's successful attack on Gosselies forced the French to abandon their siege of Charleroi, marking a critical setback in their campaign. The French forces, despite their earlier numerical superiority, were unable to regroup effectively, leading to a demoralizing retreat and further complications in their strategic objectives in the region.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 80
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Lambusart

    1794 Jun 16
    Western Europe
    © Julie Volpelière / Horace Vernet

    The Battle of Lambusart took place on 16 June 1794, as a Republican French army under General Jean Baptiste Jourdan attempted to cross the Sambre River against a combined Dutch and Habsburg Austrian force commanded by William VI, Hereditary Prince of Orange. This engagement marked the fourth attempt by the French to establish a foothold on the north bank of the Sambre, following three previous defeats earlier in the spring. After being reinforced by four divisions from the Army of the Moselle on 4 June, Jourdan laid siege to Charleroi on 12 June. The French forces, numbering approximately 90,000, included divisions from the Armies of the North, Ardennes, and Moselle, while the Allies fielded around 40,000 troops, having recently withdrawn from Gosselies to Rouveroy.

    On the morning of 16 June, the battle commenced in foggy conditions, leading to a series of surprise encounters. The French right flank, led by Marceau, was quickly pressured by Beaulieu's forces, resulting in a retreat to Lambusart. Simultaneously, Lefebvre's division faced a coordinated attack from Beaulieu's western column, which ultimately forced a withdrawal towards Chatellet. In the center, Championnet's forces engaged Latour and Quosdanovich, but were outflanked and compelled to retreat. On the left, Duhesme's division initially held against Wartensleben's column until Muller's cavalry executed a decisive flank attack, routing the Allied forces. By noon, despite initial successes, the French were forced to retreat as Jourdan received reports of multiple withdrawals among his divisions.

    By approximately 1 PM, Jourdan ordered a general retreat to prevent further losses, as the French forces began to withdraw across the Sambre. The battle resulted in approximately 2,000 French casualties compared to 3,000 for the Allies. The outcome gave the Allies a false sense of security regarding the French offensive capabilities, while the French army maintained morale, believing their defeat was due to surprise rather than a lack of strength. Jourdan expressed intentions to retaliate, setting the stage for future engagements, including the significant Battle of Fleurus on 26 June 1794.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 81
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Calvi

    1794 Jun 17 - 1794 Aug 10
    Southern Europe

    The Siege of Calvi commenced on 10 June 1794, as British forces, under General Charles Stuart, targeted the last French-held fortress in Corsica during the early stages of the French Revolutionary Wars. The British expeditionary force, supported by the Royal Navy's Mediterranean Fleet commanded by Admiral Lord Hood, had previously captured San Fiorenzo and Bastia, and now aimed to secure Calvi, which was defended by approximately 6,000 French troops under the command of Raphaël de Casabianca. The fortress was heavily fortified, featuring two main artillery forts: Fort Mozello and Fort Mollinochesco, which posed significant challenges for the besieging forces.

    Stuart's troops landed at Port-Agra, three miles from Calvi, on 27 June, and began the arduous task of transporting artillery to the heights overlooking the town. By 4 July, British batteries were established, and the bombardment commenced, initially targeting Fort Mollinochesco. The fort sustained heavy damage, leading to its abandonment by the French on 6 July. The British then concentrated their fire on Fort Mozello, which endured a relentless assault for twelve days. On 18 July, after a significant weakening of the fort's defenses, British forces launched a successful assault, capturing the fort and subsequently bombarding the town itself, which resulted in substantial casualties among both the garrison and civilians.

    On 19 July, Stuart sent terms of surrender to Casabianca, who initially responded defiantly. However, after a failed supply attempt by the French on 28 July and a subsequent truce, the French commander capitulated on 10 August after 51 days of siege. The terms of surrender allowed for the safe passage of the French garrison back to France, with British casualties reported at 30 killed and 58 wounded. The siege concluded with the British capturing significant military stores, including 113 pieces of artillery, and establishing Corsica as a British colony, which would serve as a base of operations for the next two years.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 82
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Fleurus (1794)

    1794 Jun 26
    Western Europe
    Battle of Fleurus, June 26. 1794, French troops led by Jourdan beat back the Austrian army. © Jean-Baptiste Mauzaisse

    The Battle of Fleurus occurred on 26 June 1794, involving the French Revolutionary Army led by General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan and an Austro-Dutch force commanded by Prince Josias of Coburg. The French army, numbering approximately 75,000, had recently recrossed the Sambre River and laid siege to Charleroi, which was defended by a garrison of 2,800 under Colonel Reynac. Coburg's forces, totaling around 52,000, included 12,000 Austrians from Tournai, 28,000 under the Prince of Orange, and additional troops from Beaulieu and other commanders. The battle commenced early in the morning, with Coburg launching a coordinated attack on the French flanks, aiming to envelop Jourdan's forces.

    On the French right, Lefebvre's division engaged with Archduke Charles' column near Fleurus, while Beaulieu's forces attacked Marceau's division at Baulet and Velaine, pushing them back. Despite initial successes, the French managed to regroup and hold their defensive positions. On the left, the Prince of Orange's forces advanced against Montaigu's division, which retreated to Marchienne-au-Pont. The French counterattacked with reinforcements, stabilizing their line. Throughout the day, intense fighting ensued, with both sides suffering casualties, but the French maintained their positions despite the pressure from the Allies.

    As the battle progressed, Coburg's forces faced increasing difficulties due to the strong French defenses and the terrain. By mid-afternoon, after receiving reports of the capture of Charleroi and realizing the futility of further assaults, Coburg ordered a withdrawal around 3 PM. The French, having successfully held their ground, did not pursue the retreating Allies. The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with estimates of around 5,000 for the Allies and similar numbers for the French. The engagement marked a strategic victory for the French, leading to the consolidation of their control over the Low Countries.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 83
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Trippstadt

    1794 Jul 13 - 1794 Jul 17
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Trippstadt occurred from 13 to 17 July 1794 during the War of the First Coalition, involving French Republican forces against the Prussian and Habsburg Austrian armies in the lower Vosges Mountains, specifically in the German states west of the Rhine River. The French Army of the Rhine, commanded by General Claude Michaud, and the Army of the Moselle, led by General René Moreaux, aimed to break the stalemate with coalition forces positioned across from them. The Prussians were commanded by Field Marshal Wichard Mollendorf, while the Austrians were under Friedrich Wilhelm von Hohenlohe-Kirchberg. The French forces sought to prevent the Austrians from sending reinforcements to the northern front in the Austrian Netherlands.

    On 2 July, Michaud initiated an offensive, but initial gains by General Desaix's division were countered, resulting in approximately 1,000 French casualties and no significant territorial change. Following this, a revised plan was developed to attack the coalition lines from Kaiserslautern to Neustadt. The renewed offensive began on 13 July, with General Alexandre-Camille Taponier's division targeting the Prussian camp at Trippstadt. After a day of fierce fighting, the Prussians retreated closer to Kaiserslautern. The French forces successfully divided the coalition lines, preventing Austrian support, and captured key positions, including Johanniskreuz. The Prussians, facing pressure from multiple fronts, retreated from Schänzel to Neustadt, resulting in the death of General Theodore von Pfau during the engagement.

    On 16 July, Michaud planned to continue the assault on Kaiserslautern, but the Austrians retreated to Frankenthal overnight. The following day, the French occupied Kaiserslautern, consolidating their control over the mountain passes in the lower Vosges. Despite this tactical victory, the strategic implications were limited, as Michaud was soon ordered to redirect his forces westward, and the coalition would later regain ground in the region.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 84
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Boxtel

    1794 Sep 14 - 1794 Sep 15
    Western Europe
    Combat de Boxtel 1794, by Francois Grenier, C. de Last 1819. © François Grenier de Saint-Martin

    The Battle of Boxtel occurred from 14 to 15 September 1794 in the Duchy of Brabant, during the War of the First Coalition. The French forces, under General Jean-Charles Pichegru, aimed to secure the line of the Dommel River while besieging Breda. On 14 September, Pichegru dispatched a contingent led by Antoine Delmas, estimated at around 10,000 men, to occupy Boxtel. The French engaged the Hessian outposts, commanded by Major General Georg von Düring, at approximately 3 PM, pushing them back across the Dommel. Despite their efforts, the French were unable to capture the bridges near Boxtel, which had been destroyed by the defenders. The Hessians, supported by British cavalry, managed to hold their positions until late afternoon when Chef d'Escadron Jacob Marulaz and 30 troopers of the 8th Hussars executed a flanking maneuver, leading to the encirclement and surrender of the Hessian infantry, resulting in approximately 300 Hessian casualties and the loss of two cannons.

    On 15 September, Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Abercromby was ordered by the Duke of York to recover Boxtel with a significant force, including the 12th, 33rd, 42nd, and 44th Regiments, supported by ten squadrons of cavalry. Abercromby advanced through the night but encountered what he perceived as superior French forces at dawn. After some skirmishing, he halted the attack to seek further instructions, ultimately deciding to withdraw due to concerns about enemy movements on his left flank. This decision has been criticized, as the French forces were not significantly larger than Abercromby’s command. During the retreat, the 33rd Regiment, commanded by Sir John Sherbrooke, successfully repelled a French cavalry charge, allowing the British forces to withdraw in relative order despite the chaos of the retreat.

    The battle marked the first significant engagement for Arthur Wellesley, later known as the Duke of Wellington, who commanded the 33rd Regiment during the action. Following the battle, the British forces retreated to a more defensible position, abandoning their stronghold along the River Aa. The French, having unexpectedly captured Boxtel, did not capitalize on their success and instead focused on the siege of Breda. The events at Boxtel contributed to a decline in morale among the British troops and led to a reassessment of their strategic position in the campaign.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 85
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Sprimont

    1794 Sep 18
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Sprimont, also known as the Battle of the Ourthe, occurred on 18 September 1794 during the War of the First Coalition. The French Army of Sambre-and-Meuse, commanded by General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, engaged the left wing of the Austrian army under Count François Sebastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt. The Austrian left wing, led by Theodor Franz, Count Baillet von Latour, consisted of approximately 25,000 troops positioned between Sprimont and Esneux. Misjudging the strength of the French forces, Latour believed he faced fewer than 30,000 men, while Jourdan had assembled around 40,000 troops for the assault, planning a coordinated attack across the Ourthe and Ambleve rivers.

    At 6 am, Scherer initiated the battle with an artillery bombardment followed by methodical river crossings. Marceau's division crossed at Halleux, overcoming resistance after two hours, while Mayer's division successfully advanced from Aywaille. Hacquin's crossing at Sougnee faced stronger opposition, but he managed to regroup and cross at Nonceveux, threatening Latour's left flank. Meanwhile, Bonnet's division crossed at Esneux, further complicating Latour's position. As the French forces encircled Latour from multiple directions, the Austrian commander, unable to mount a counterattack and facing encirclement, ordered a withdrawal towards Clerfayt's main body.

    The retreat of Latour compromised the entire Austrian position along the Meuse, prompting Clerfayt to order a general retreat. This allowed Jourdan to cross the Meuse unopposed at Liège, while leaving 15,000 men under General Duhesme to besiege the isolated fortress of Maastricht. The battle marked a significant French victory, facilitating further advances into the Austrian-held territories.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 86
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    First Battle of Dego

    1794 Sep 21
    Southern Europe

    The Battle of Dego occurred on September 21, 1794, in present-day Italy, during the War of the First Coalition. The engagement involved French forces under the command of Pierre Jadart Dumerbion and Austrian troops attempting to capture the strategic port of Savona. The French army, numbering approximately 10,000 men, was bolstered by artillery units led by General of Artillery Napoleon Bonaparte, who played a crucial role in devising the battle strategy. The Austrian forces, estimated at around 12,000, were met with strong resistance at Dego, where the French successfully repelled their advance.

    The battle unfolded as the Austrians launched an offensive to seize control of the region, but the French, utilizing their artillery effectively, managed to hold their ground. Napoleon's tactical acumen was instrumental in orchestrating the French defense, which ultimately led to a decisive victory. Dumerbion later acknowledged Bonaparte's contributions in his report to the French government, emphasizing the effectiveness of the strategies employed during the conflict. The French forces inflicted significant casualties on the Austrians, although specific numbers are not detailed in the records.

    Despite the victory at Dego, the French did not pursue further offensive actions, adhering to a broader strategic directive from the French government that favored a defensive posture in the ongoing conflict. This decision reflected the complexities of military strategy during the War of the First Coalition, as the French sought to consolidate their gains while managing resources and troop deployments across various fronts.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 87
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Aldenhoven (1794)

    1794 Oct 2
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Aldenhoven, fought on 2 October 1794, involved the French Army of Sambre-and-Meuse, commanded by General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, against the Habsburg army led by Count François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt. The French forces, numbering approximately 100,000, launched an attack along a 60-mile front from Roermond to Düren. The Austrian army, consisting of around 76,000 troops, was positioned behind the Roer River, with fortified defenses at Düren and Aldenhoven. The French plan involved a coordinated assault, with the left wing under Jean-Baptiste Kléber crossing the Roer at Ratheim, the center under Jourdan targeting Aldenhoven, and the right wing under Barthelemy Scherer aiming to capture Düren.

    At dawn on 2 October, Kléber's left wing initiated the attack, successfully pushing back the Austrian light troops and crossing the Roer south of Ratheim. Meanwhile, Jourdan's center advanced, with Lefebvre capturing Linnich and Championnet and Morlot's divisions assaulting Aldenhoven. The French forces managed to capture Aldenhoven, forcing the Austrians to retreat to their fortified positions. On the right, Scherer’s divisions advanced from Eschweiler, with Marceau's division making significant progress towards Düren, ultimately capturing the town by the end of the day. The combined efforts of the French forces compromised the Austrian defensive line along the Roer.

    By nightfall, the French had breached the Austrian positions on both flanks, leading to Clerfayt's decision to withdraw. Although Jourdan anticipated continuing the assault on 3 October, the Austrian retreat commenced that night, with Clerfayt crossing to the right bank of the Rhine at Cologne by 6 October. The French subsequently occupied key locations along the left bank of the Rhine, including Bonn and Krefeld, solidifying their control in the region. The battle marked a significant advance for the French forces, culminating in their strategic positioning for future operations.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 88
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Puiflijk

    1794 Oct 19
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Puiflijk took place on 19 October 1794 in the Land van Maas en Waal region of the Netherlands, during the Flanders campaign of the War of the First Coalition against Revolutionary France. French forces, commanded by General Jean-Charles Pichegru, engaged Coalition troops composed of British forces and a French émigré army led by Prince of Rohan, under the overall command of Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany. The Coalition had established fortified positions behind the Oude Wetering canal and the dykes of the Maas and Waal rivers.

    On 18 October 1794, the French crossed the Maas River from Teeffelen to Alphen. The following day, they launched attacks on Coalition outposts at three locations: near Appeltern (Blauwe Sluis), Altforst, and the Waal dyke near Druten (Puiflijk). At Blauwe Sluis, Rohan's forces faced heavy resistance and were ultimately pushed back, resulting in the capture of 19 émigrés. These prisoners were subsequently tried and executed for treason on 21 October 1794. The British forces, engaged at the Waal dyke, were also driven back in disarray, with the standard of the British 37th Regiment of Foot being captured by the sans-culottes during the fighting.

    The battle exemplified the intense confrontations of the period, with significant troop movements and engagements occurring across the region. The French forces demonstrated tactical effectiveness in overcoming the Coalition's defensive positions, contributing to the broader military objectives of Revolutionary France during the campaign.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 89
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Nijmegen (1794)

    1794 Oct 27 - 1794 Nov 8
    Western Europe
    © Rijksmuseum

    The Siege of Nijmegen took place from 27 October to 8 November 1794 during the Flanders campaign of the War of the First Coalition. The French Armée du Nord, commanded by General Jean-Charles Pichegru and later by General Jean Victor Marie Moreau, advanced towards Nijmegen, which was defended by the Dutch States Army under the command of William V, Prince of Orange. The French forces, estimated at around 20,000 men, engaged in a series of skirmishes with the Coalition troops, which included British regiments and an Emigrant army. Following the fall of 's-Hertogenbosch on 12 October, the French continued their advance, capturing key positions and forcing Coalition troops to retreat. By 21 October, the situation in Nijmegen had become precarious, leading to the decision to evacuate the city, although fighting continued intermittently as the French closed in.

    The siege officially commenced on 27 October when the French began bombarding the city. The Coalition defenders, facing severe shortages of supplies and growing discontent among the civilian population, attempted to mount a defense but were hampered by indecision among their leadership. The French established artillery positions and conducted systematic bombardments, which intensified on 6 November, causing panic among the inhabitants. Despite desperate sorties by the defenders, the situation deteriorated, and by 7 November, the remaining British and Hanoverian troops began to evacuate. The Coalition forces attempted to destroy their supplies to prevent them from falling into French hands, but many civilians salvaged what they could.

    On the night of 7 to 8 November, as the last British troops crossed the pontoon bridge, they set it ablaze, effectively trapping the remaining Dutch defenders. The French, recognizing the evacuation, launched a final assault and entered the city around 4 am on 8 November. The Dutch troops that remained were captured, and the formal surrender was documented by Dutch officer Sanders van Wel. The French troops occupied Nijmegen without engaging in looting, and the city fell into their control, marking a significant advance for the French Republic into the Netherlands.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 90
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Luxembourg (1794-95)

    1794 Nov 22 - 1795 Jun 7
    Western Europe
    Siège de Luxembourg 1794-1795. © RENOUX Charles Caïus

    The Siege of Luxembourg commenced on 22 November 1794, when General of Division Jean René Moreaux deployed his forces around the Habsburg-held fortress, which was defended by Field Marshal Baron Blasius Columban Freiherr von Bender and Field Marshal-Lieutenant Johann Wilhelm von Schroder, with a garrison of 15,000 troops and 500 artillery pieces. The French Army of the Moselle, consisting of three divisions, faced significant hardships due to winter conditions and supply shortages, leading to low morale and instances of pillaging among the ranks. Despite these challenges, Moreaux attempted to negotiate a surrender in late January 1795, which was rejected by the defenders. Following Moreaux's illness and subsequent death on 10 February, command passed to General of Division Jean-Jacques Ambert, who was later replaced by General Jacques Maurice Hatry as the French command structure shifted to include reinforcements from the Army of Sambre-et-Meuse.

    By mid-May 1795, the French besieging force had grown to nearly 39,000 men. On 20 March, the French forces executed a strategic maneuver that misled the defenders into believing the siege was being lifted, prompting several unsuccessful sorties. In late April, Hatry renewed offers for surrender, which were again declined. He then initiated the construction of a battery to bombard the fortress. A significant Austrian sortie on the night of 15 to 16 May was repelled with heavy losses, leading to a shift in morale among the defenders. Continuous bombardment from the French artillery inflicted substantial casualties, prompting the governor to consider capitulation. On 1 June, an envoy was sent to negotiate terms, culminating in the signing of the capitulation on 7 June 1795 at the French headquarters in Itzig.

    The garrison, numbering 12,396 men, exited the fortress with honors on 12 June, facing 11,000 French soldiers. The last column included Belgian and Walloon soldiers who chose to serve France rather than follow the Austrians. The French forces entered Luxembourg triumphantly, marking the capture of significant military supplies, including 819 cannons and over 336,000 cannonballs. This victory facilitated the annexation of the Southern Netherlands into France, with most of Luxembourg incorporated into the newly established Département des Forêts on 1 October 1795.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 91
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    Capture of the Dutch fleet at Den Helder

    1795 Jan 23
    Naval
    © Léon Morel-Fatio

    On the night of 23 January 1795, General Jan Willem de Winter led a contingent of the 8th Hussar Regiment and a company from the 15th Line Infantry Regiment to Den Helder, where the Dutch fleet was trapped in the frozen Nieuwediep. The fleet, commanded by Captain Hermanus Reintjes, consisted of 14 warships equipped with 850 guns. The French forces approached cautiously, covering their horses' hooves to minimize noise on the ice. Lieutenant-Colonel Louis Joseph Lahure and several hussars crossed the ice to board the Dutch ships, where they engaged in negotiations with the Dutch officers.

    During the discussions, the Dutch captain assured the French that the fleet would remain at anchor, complying with orders from the newly established Batavian Republic to avoid conflict with the French. This interaction marked a rare instance in military history where cavalry engaged with a naval fleet, resulting in no casualties on either side. The Dutch fleet's surrender was facilitated by the political climate, as the Dutch had already received orders on 21 January to offer no resistance to the French forces.

    The successful negotiation led to the French securing the Dutch fleet without a fight, effectively concluding the French submission of the Netherlands. The ships remained under Batavian control, and their status was later formalized in May 1795 under the Treaty of The Hague, which recognized the Batavian Republic as a French ally. This event is notable for its unique combination of cavalry and naval forces, a scenario rarely documented in military history.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 92
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    Action of 14 February 1795

    1795 Feb 14
    Naval

    The Action of 14 February 1795, also known as the Battle of the Gulf of Roses, involved a naval engagement between the Spanish fleet under the command of Juan de Lángara and a French squadron. The Spanish ship of the line, Reina María Luisa, armed with 112 guns, pursued the French frigate Iphigenie for over 24 hours. This pursuit culminated in the Iphigenie striking its colors, effectively surrendering to the Spanish forces. The French corvette, which had been separated from its fleet three days earlier due to a storm, was presumed lost during this engagement.

    On 30 March 1795, the Spanish ship Montañés, a 74-gun vessel escorting the captured Iphigenie, encountered a strong French squadron consisting of eight ships of the line and two frigates. The French initially displayed the Spanish flag to deceive the Montañés. However, the Montañés, utilizing its superior speed, managed to reach the port of Sant Feliu de Guíxols. A fierce battle ensued, during which the Montañés fired approximately 1,100 cannonballs at the attacking French forces. The engagement resulted in the Montañés sustaining minimal casualties, with three crew members killed and several others wounded, while the French forces ultimately withdrew to Menorca.

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    Result/Victory

    Spain victorySpain
  • 93
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Genoa (1795)

    1795 Mar 13 - 1795 Mar 14
    Naval
    Fight of Ça Ira against HMS Bedford and HMS Captain, 14 March 1795. © Anonymous

    The Battle of Genoa, also referred to as the Battle of Cape Noli, occurred on 14 March 1795 in the Gulf of Genoa during the French Revolutionary Wars. The French fleet, commanded by Contre-amiral Pierre Martin, consisted of 14 ships of the line, later reduced to 13, while the British Royal Navy and Neapolitan forces, under Vice-Admiral William Hotham, mustered 13 ships of the line. The battle began after Martin, seeking to reassert French naval presence in the Ligurian Sea, was pursued by Hotham's fleet following a series of engagements that started on 13 March. The French flagship, the 120-gun Sans Culotte, lost contact with the main battle, leading to Martin's decision to withdraw. During the retreat, two French ships, Ça Ira and Censeur, were overwhelmed and captured by the British forces.

    The engagement involved a series of running battles characterized by difficult weather conditions that hampered both fleets' maneuvers. On 13 March, the British fleet, led by HMS Princess Royal, reestablished contact with the French, and a chase ensued. The British frigate HMS Inconstant engaged Ça Ira, which was subsequently supported by the French frigate Vestale. However, the British 64-gun HMS Agamemnon, under Captain Horatio Nelson, inflicted significant damage on Ça Ira, resulting in heavy casualties among the French crew. Despite the British fleet's efforts, including engagements with other French ships, the battle did not culminate in a decisive victory, as Hotham chose to withdraw his fleet for repairs rather than pursue the retreating French.

    Throughout the night, Martin and his officers transferred to the frigate Friponne to better coordinate their retreat. The following morning, the British fleet closed in on the French rearguard, leading to further engagements. Ça Ira and Censeur, isolated from the main French fleet, were ultimately forced to surrender at 10:05. The British fleet, having sustained damage and casualties, including 74 killed and 284 wounded, chose to secure their prizes rather than continue the pursuit of Martin's remaining ships. The French losses were significant, with approximately 400 casualties reported among the captured vessels. The battle concluded with both fleets retreating, marking a minor British-Neapolitan victory but leaving the French fleet largely intact for future engagements.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 94
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Rhine campaign of 1795

    1795 Apr 1 - 1796 Jan 1
    Western Europe
    Crossing of the Rhine by the French army at Dusseldorf, 6 September 1795. © Louis-François, Baron Lejeune

    The Rhine campaign of 1795, occurring from April 1795 to January 1796, involved two Habsburg Austrian armies under François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt, who successfully repelled two French Republican armies attempting to invade the south German states of the Holy Roman Empire. The French Army of the Sambre and Meuse, commanded by Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, faced Clerfayt's Army of the Lower Rhine in the north, while the Army of the Rhine and Moselle, led by Jean-Charles Pichegru, confronted Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser's Army of the Upper Rhine in the south. In August 1795, Jourdan crossed the Rhine, capturing Düsseldorf and isolating Mainz, where on 20 September, 30,000 French troops laid siege to the fortress, which was defended by a garrison of 9,600. The French utilized Mainz as a staging area for subsequent operations.

    The French advance faltered when Pichegru failed to capitalize on opportunities, notably missing the chance to seize Clerfayt's supply base at the Battle of Handschuhsheim. In October, Clerfayt decisively defeated Jourdan at the Battle of Höchst, forcing a retreat of the Army of the Sambre and Meuse to the west bank of the Rhine. Concurrently, Wurmser attacked Pichegru's forces at Mannheim, driving them into the city and laying siege. On 29 October, Clerfayt launched a surprise assault at Mainz, defeating four divisions of the French Army of the Rhine and Moselle, which resulted in significant casualties and the loss of siege artillery. Following further defeats, including Pichegru's loss at the Battle of Pfeddersheim on 10 November, the French position became untenable, culminating in the surrender of the 10,000-strong French garrison at Mannheim on 22 November after a month-long siege.

    By January 1796, Clerfayt negotiated an armistice with the French, allowing the Austrians to retain substantial territory on the west bank of the Rhine. Throughout the campaign, the French forces, numbering approximately 33,000 at Mainz and 12,000 at Mannheim, faced logistical challenges exacerbated by their reliance on local resources, which led to widespread unpopularity among the civilian population. The campaign highlighted significant strategic miscalculations and operational failures, particularly on the part of Pichegru, whose leadership and decisions have been scrutinized in historical analyses of the campaign's outcomes.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 95
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Groix

    1795 Jun 23
    Naval
    View of the Close of the Action Between the British and French Fleets, off Port L'Orient on the 23rd of June 1795. © Robert Dodd

    The Battle of Groix occurred on 23 June 1795 (5 messidor an III) near the island of Groix off the Biscay coast of Brittany, involving the British Channel Fleet under Admiral Lord Bridport and the French Atlantic Fleet commanded by Vice-admiral Villaret de Joyeuse. The British fleet, consisting of 14 ships of the line, was tasked with protecting an invasion convoy aimed at Quiberon, while the French fleet, comprising 12 ships of the line, had recently engaged a British squadron in Cornwallis's Retreat on 17 June. After being pursued by Bridport's forces, Villaret ordered his fleet to retreat towards the inshore anchorage off Groix, hoping to evade the stronger British fleet. However, several French ships lagged behind, and by the morning of 23 June, the British vanguard intercepted them, leading to a series of engagements.

    As dawn broke, the British fleet, led by the flagship HMS Queen Charlotte, began to engage the rearmost French ship, Alexandre, which was isolated and poorly handled. The British ships, including HMS Irresistible and HMS Sans Pareil, quickly overwhelmed Alexandre, forcing its captain to surrender. The French flagship, Peuple, and other vessels attempted to regroup, but the British fleet, capitalizing on their disarray, continued to press the attack. By 07:00, a chaotic melee ensued, with the British targeting the French ships as they attempted to escape towards the safety of Groix. Despite Villaret's efforts to form a line of battle, his fleet remained scattered, and the British inflicted heavy damage, particularly on the French ship Formidable, which ultimately surrendered after suffering significant casualties.

    By 08:37, Bridport, having engaged the French flagship Peuple, decided to withdraw his forces, allowing the remaining French ships to escape towards Lorient. The British fleet reported 31 men killed and 113 wounded, while French casualties were estimated at 670, with three ships captured. The battle concluded with Bridport's fleet returning to a safe distance, while Villaret's fleet, unable to secure adequate supplies in Lorient, faced further challenges in the following months. The engagement highlighted the difficulties faced by the French Atlantic Fleet and the missed opportunity for the British to decisively cripple their adversaries.

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    Result/Victory

    United Kingdom victoryUnited Kingdom
  • 96
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Invasion of France (1795)

    1795 Jun 23 - 1795 Jul 21
    Western Europe
    Un épisode de l'affaire de Quiberon. © Paul-Émile Boutigny

    The invasion of France, also known as the Battle of Quiberon, commenced on 23 June 1795 when two British squadrons, comprising nine warships and 60 troop transports carrying approximately 3,500 émigré troops, set sail for the Quiberon peninsula. The expedition aimed to support the Chouannerie and the Vendée Revolt, intending to incite a royalist uprising against the French Republic. On 26 June, the British fleet anchored off Quiberon, but internal divisions among the royalist leadership, particularly between Joseph de Puisaye and comte Louis Charles d'Hervilly, delayed the disembarkation. This discord allowed Republican forces, under General Lazare Hoche, to regroup and prepare for a counter-offensive.

    On 27 June, the British successfully landed 8,000 troops at Carnac, taking advantage of the weakened Republican garrison. However, the royalist forces remained disorganized, and Hoche, initially commanding only 2,000 men, quickly amassed a force of 13,000 by 4 July. He launched a series of attacks, recapturing Carnac and nearly the entire peninsula by 7 July. Despite attempts to reinforce the royalist position, including a landing of 2,000 émigré soldiers on 15 July, the royalist forces suffered significant losses, including the mortal wounding of d'Hervilly. By 20 July, Hoche ordered a decisive assault on Fort Penthièvre, which fell due to treachery from within the royalist ranks.

    The battle culminated on 21 July when the remaining royalist forces, cornered and outmatched, surrendered. Although Hoche initially promised humane treatment for the captured soldiers, this was not upheld. A total of 6,332 Chouans and émigrés were taken prisoner, with many executed shortly after the battle, including 750 nobles. The site of these executions became known as the Champ des martyrs, and the aftermath of the invasion dealt a significant blow to the royalist cause in France.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 97
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of the Hyères Islands

    1795 Jul 13
    Naval

    The Battle of the Hyères Islands occurred on 13 July 1795, involving a naval engagement between a combined British and Neapolitan fleet and the French Mediterranean Fleet, commanded by Contre-amiral Pierre Martin. The British fleet, under Vice-Admiral William Hotham, had been pursuing Martin's fleet after it was spotted off Cap Corse by Captain Horatio Nelson's squadron. Martin, having retreated towards the Îles d'Hyères, was intercepted by Hotham's forces, which included 23 ships of the line. The British fleet was in a state of readiness by dawn on 13 July, and by 08:00, the French were seen scattered five nautical miles to leeward.

    As the British fleet engaged in pursuit, the French ships were initially 0.75 nautical miles ahead. A shift in wind allowed the British to close the distance, and by noon, they began exchanging fire. The British targeted the rearmost French ship, Alcide, which was soon isolated and forced to surrender at 14:00. During the battle, Alcide caught fire and exploded at 15:45, resulting in significant casualties, including the death of Captain Leblond Saint-Hylaire and approximately 300 crew members. Despite the opportunity to attack the remaining French ships, Hotham ordered a withdrawal, citing concerns over the vulnerability of his dispersed fleet.

    The British suffered mild casualties, with 11 killed and 28 wounded across five ships, while the French losses, aside from those on Alcide, were not reported. Martin managed to retreat with the surviving ships to the bay off Fréjus, anchoring there by 19:00. The British blockade remained intact, but Martin did not attempt to contest it for the rest of the year. This engagement marked the last significant fleet action in the Mediterranean before the British withdrawal in late 1796, with the next major conflict occurring at the Battle of the Nile in 1798.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 98
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Handschuhsheim

    1795 Sep 24
    Western Europe
    Battle at Handschuhsheim on 24 September 1795. © Friedrich Rottmann

    The Battle of Handschuhsheim, fought on 24 September 1795, involved an Austrian force of approximately 8,000 troops commanded by Feldmarschall-Leutnant Peter Vitus von Quosdanovich and a Republican French army of about 12,000 soldiers led by General Georges Joseph Dufour. The battle occurred during the War of the First Coalition, as the French sought to capture the Austrian supply base at Heidelberg following their recent successes in the region. Dufour's forces were divided by the Neckar River, with his 7th Division on the north bank and the 6th Division under General Jean-Jacques Ambert on the south bank. The French advance was initially successful, pushing back the Austrian defenders on 23 September, but Quosdanovich quickly concentrated his troops against Dufour's isolated division.

    The Austrian defense included several infantry regiments and a cavalry force led by Oberst Johann von Klenau. As Dufour's troops moved through open terrain, they were met with a decisive cavalry charge that routed the French chasseurs à cheval and subsequently attacked the infantry. The French suffered significant casualties, with Dufour wounded and captured, and at least 1,000 French soldiers lost during the engagement. The Austrians captured 500 French prisoners along with eight artillery pieces and nine caissons, while their own losses were reported at 35 killed and 150 wounded.

    The battle concluded with a clear Austrian victory, forcing the French to regroup. Following the defeat, the Austrian forces, under the command of François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt, launched further offensives against the French armies, leading to subsequent battles that pushed the French back across the Rhine River and ultimately resulted in the isolation of French forces in Mannheim.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 99
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    13 Vendémiaire

    1795 Oct 5
    Western Europe
    © Dessin de Yan' Dargent

    On 13 Vendémiaire, Year 4 (5 October 1795), a significant confrontation occurred in Paris between the French Revolutionary troops and Royalist forces. The Royalists, numbering approximately 25,000, sought to capitalize on unrest in the capital, while the Republican defenders, led by General Napoleon Bonaparte, were vastly outnumbered with only about 5,000 troops. The situation escalated when the National Guard, under the command of Général Louis Michel Auguste Thévenet, attempted to quell the Royalist uprising in the Le Peletier section of Paris. Initial attempts to negotiate with the Royalists failed, leading to a brief cavalry engagement that temporarily cleared the area of insurgents. However, the Royalists regrouped and prepared for a major assault.

    At 1 am on 13 Vendémiaire, Bonaparte, having been appointed to command the defense, took decisive action by ordering the retrieval of 40 cannons from the plain of Sablons. He arranged these cannons to maximize their effectiveness against the advancing Royalist forces. The first probing attack by the Royalists at 5 am was repelled, but by 10 am, a full-scale assault involving 7,000 Royalist troops commenced. The Republican forces, utilizing grapeshot from the cannons and coordinated volleys from infantry, successfully held their positions. Bonaparte, despite having his horse shot from under him, directed the defense and launched a counterattack led by Joachim Murat's cavalry, which further disrupted the Royalist advance. The engagement lasted approximately two hours, resulting in around 300 Royalist casualties on the streets of Paris.

    The defeat of the Royalist forces effectively neutralized the immediate threat to the National Convention, solidifying Bonaparte's reputation as a capable military leader. The battle marked a pivotal moment in the French Revolutionary Wars, contributing to the establishment of the Directory and propelling Bonaparte's career forward. The Royalists, in their efforts to frame the Republican defense as a massacre, referred to Bonaparte as Général Vendémiaire, a title that would later symbolize his rise to prominence.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 100
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of the Levant Convoy

    1795 Oct 7
    Naval

    The Battle of the Levant Convoy occurred on 7 October 1795, when a French squadron under Commodore Joseph de Richery intercepted a British convoy off Cape St Vincent, Portugal. The British convoy, part of an annual mercantile operation, consisted of 63 merchant ships escorted by a small Royal Navy force led by Commodore Thomas Taylor, which included the 74-gun HMS Fortitude, HMS Bedford, and the damaged HMS Censeur. Taylor divided the convoy into two groups, with his division sailing along the coast. On the morning of the battle, Taylor's ships were spotted by Richery's squadron, prompting him to form a line of battle and order the merchant vessels to scatter for safety.

    As Richery's forces advanced, they deployed frigates Embuscade, Félicité, and Friponne to pursue the fleeing merchant ships. Taylor attempted to delay the French to allow the convoy to escape, but the Censeur, commanded by Captain John Gore, suffered a critical failure when its jury top-foremast collapsed. By 14:30, after a brief exchange of fire, Gore was forced to surrender Censeur to the French. With the British line broken and the frigates capturing the merchant vessels unopposed, Taylor withdrew, leaving the convoy vulnerable. Ultimately, only one merchant ship managed to escape, while Richery captured 30 vessels from the convoy.

    Following the engagement, Richery took his prizes to the neutral Spanish port of Cádiz, where he faced a blockade by a British squadron under Rear-Admiral Robert Mann. Despite being trapped for ten months, Richery's squadron was eventually released through diplomatic negotiations between France and Spain, leading to an alliance against Britain. On 4 August 1796, with the assistance of the Spanish fleet, Richery was able to escape and continue his original mission, which included attacking British fishing fleets off Maritime Canada.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 101
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Höchst (1795)

    1795 Oct 11 - 1795 Oct 12
    Western Europe
    © Jean-Baptiste Paulin Guérin

    During the Battle of Höchst from 11 to 12 October 1795, the Austrian army, commanded by François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt, engaged the French Republican Army of Sambre-et-Meuse, led by Jean-Baptiste Jourdan. The French forces, numbering approximately 10,000 and under the command of General Jean Baptiste Kléber, attempted to assault the Austrian defensive positions along the Nidda River, where about 5,500 troops commanded by General-major Adam Boros de Rákos were stationed. The Austrian forces included elements from various regiments, such as the Jordis Infantry Regiment, Wurmser Freikorps, and Tyrolean sharpshooters. Despite repeated French attacks, the Austrians successfully held their ground, inflicting around 500 casualties on the French while suffering 24 killed and 201 wounded themselves.

    On 13 October, following a council of war, Jourdan ordered a retreat across the Rhine. The French rear guard, consisting of 5,000 men led by Generals of Brigade Klein and Charles Joseph Boyé, faced a significant Austrian force of 8,000 at Niedernhausen. This engagement resulted in the French losing 334 men, five artillery pieces, and 111 wagons, while the Austrians sustained unknown casualties. The French managed to conduct a successful rear guard action at Steinbach, where they drove off a portion of Clerfayt's forces, capturing three field pieces. However, the French withdrawal continued, with their left wing retreating to Düsseldorf and the center to Bonn, while the right wing faced disruption due to the burning of the Neuwied bridge on 19 October.

    By 20 October, the Army of Sambre-et-Meuse had regrouped on the west bank of the Rhine, while the Austrian forces prepared to attack the French at Mainz. The subsequent engagements, including the Battle of Mainz on 29 October, resulted in further defeats for the French, culminating in the Siege of Mannheim by the end of November. The poor performance of the French forces during this campaign has been attributed to various factors, including the actions of General Jean-Charles Pichegru, who was suspected of treachery and later resigned from command in March 1796.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 102
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Mannheim (1795)

    1795 Oct 18 - 1795 Nov 22
    Western Europe

    The action at Mannheim commenced in April 1795 when two French armies crossed the Rhine, aiming to capture the strategic location at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Initial skirmishes led to a truce negotiated by the Bavarian commander, allowing his forces to withdraw. On 17 October 1795, a significant engagement unfolded as 17,000 Habsburg Austrian troops, commanded by Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser, confronted 12,000 French soldiers under Jean-Charles Pichegru outside Mannheim. The Austrians executed a series of maneuvers that forced 10,000 French troops to retreat into the city, while the remainder fled to join other Republican forces. Following this engagement, the Coalition forces initiated a siege of Mannheim.

    The siege began on 18 October 1795, as Wurmser's forces surrounded the French garrison, which had retreated into the city. The French, now isolated, faced a month-long siege during which they were cut off from reinforcements. The Austrian forces, numbering approximately 25,000, conducted operations against the French positions, which were commanded by Anne Charles Basset Montaigu. After a series of successful engagements against French forces at Mainz and Pfeddersheim, the situation for the French garrison became increasingly dire. On 22 November 1795, after enduring the siege, the 10,000-strong French garrison surrendered to the Austrians, marking a decisive moment in the 1795 campaign in Germany.

    The surrender at Mannheim effectively concluded the French military efforts in the region for that year. The Coalition's successful siege and subsequent capture of the city halted French advances west of the Rhine. Following the siege, an armistice was negotiated in January 1796, although both sides continued to prepare for future conflicts, with the French planning further incursions into German territories.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 103
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Mannheim (1795)

    1795 Oct 18 - 1795 Nov 22
    Central Europe

    The action at Mannheim commenced in April 1795 when two French armies crossed the Rhine, aiming to capture the Fortress of Mainz. Initial skirmishes occurred, but the Bavarian commander, Baron von Belderbusch, negotiated a truce and withdrew his 9,200 troops, allowing the French to take control of Mannheim and its 471 guns on 20 September. On 17 October, 17,000 Habsburg Austrian troops under Feldmarschall Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser engaged 12,000 French soldiers led by General Jean-Charles Pichegru outside Mannheim. The Austrians executed a series of maneuvers that forced 10,000 French troops to retreat into the city while the remainder fled to join other Republican forces nearby.

    Following the initial engagement, Wurmser laid siege to Mannheim on 18 October 1795. The siege lasted until 22 November, during which the Austrian forces, bolstered by victories at Mainz and Pfeddersheim, isolated the French garrison. The French, now reduced to 10,000 men under the command of Anne Charles Basset Montaigu, faced overwhelming odds against Wurmser's 25,000 troops. After a month of sustained pressure, the French garrison surrendered on 22 November, marking a significant defeat for the French in the 1795 campaign.

    The successful siege concluded French military operations west of the Rhine for the year. Following the surrender, the Coalition forces, led by François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt, continued to advance, ultimately compelling the French to retreat further into their territory. The events at Mannheim effectively ended the 1795 campaign in Germany, setting the stage for future military engagements between the two sides.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 104
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Mainz

    1795 Oct 29
    Western Europe
    © Romanet & Cie.

    The Battle of Mainz occurred on 29 October 1795, when a Habsburg Austrian army, commanded by Field Marshal François Sebastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt, launched a surprise attack against four divisions of the French Army of Rhin-et-Moselle, led by General of Division François Ignace Schaal. The French forces, which had been besieging Mainz Fortress since December 1794, were caught off guard. The right-most division of the French was decisively routed, leading to a general retreat of French troops, who lost their siege artillery and suffered significant casualties. Clerfayt's victory followed his earlier successes in the Rhine campaign of 1795, pushing most of General of Division Jean-Charles Pichegru's forces southward.

    Prior to the battle, the French had briefly besieged Mainz from the east after General of Division Jean-Baptiste Jourdan's Army of Sambre-et-Meuse crossed the lower Rhine River in early September 1795. However, after the Battle of Höchst, Clerfayt compelled Jourdan's army to withdraw to the west bank of the Rhine, allowing him to focus on Schaal's isolated corps. During this period, Pichegru, the commander of the Army of Rhin-et-Moselle, was reportedly in contact with France's adversaries, which may have contributed to the Austrian success. The battle marked a significant engagement in the War of the First Coalition, with the next confrontation occurring at the Battle of Pfeddersheim on 10 November 1795.

    The siege of Mainz was notable for the use of balloon reconnaissance, marking its second application after the Battle of Fleurus in 1794. The French forces included the 54th Infantry Regiment under Colonel Sauvat, while the Austrians featured Hessian troops commanded by Colonel Johann Keglevich, who would later receive the Military Order of Maria Theresa for his contributions to the campaign. The battle underscored the shifting dynamics of the conflict in the region, as the French faced increasing challenges from the coordinated efforts of the Austrian forces.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 105
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Pfeddersheim (1795)

    1795 Nov 10
    Central Europe

    The Battle of Pfeddersheim, also known as the Battle of the Pfrimm, took place on 10 November 1795, during the War of the First Coalition. The engagement involved a Habsburg Austrian army commanded by François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt, who launched an offensive against a Republican French army led by Jean-Charles Pichegru. Following a series of setbacks for the French, including the defeat at the Battle of Mainz on 29 October, Clerfayt advanced south along the west bank of the Rhine, targeting Pichegru's positions behind the Pfrimm River near Worms, located in present-day Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.

    The Austrian forces, having regrouped and reinforced, engaged the French troops at Pfeddersheim, where they successfully outmaneuvered and overwhelmed Pichegru's defenses. The exact number of troops involved is not specified, but the Austrians' tactical advantage and superior coordination led to a decisive victory. Following the battle, the French were compelled to retreat southward to Frankenthal, where they faced another confrontation with Clerfayt's forces a few days later. This series of engagements effectively isolated the French garrison at Mannheim, which was subsequently besieged by the Austrians.

    The Siege of Mannheim, which began on 10 October and concluded on 22 November 1795, marked the culmination of the campaign, resulting in the elimination of the French presence on the east bank of the Rhine. The defeat at Pfeddersheim and the subsequent actions significantly weakened the French position in the region, contributing to the overall decline of their military efforts during this phase of the Revolutionary Wars.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 106
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Loano

    1795 Nov 23 - 1795 Nov 24
    Southern Europe
    © Hippolyte Bellangé

    The Battle of Loano took place from 23 to 24 November 1795, involving the French Army of Italy under General of Division Barthélemy Louis Joseph Schérer and the Allied forces of Habsburg Austria and the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont led by Feldzeugmeister Olivier, Count of Wallis. The French launched a surprise attack, taking advantage of the Allies' belief that military operations had ceased for the winter. On 23 November, the French left flank, commanded by General Jean-Mathieu-Philibert Sérurier, engaged the Sardinian forces in the Tanaro valley, while General André Masséna's divisions assaulted the Austrian positions southeast of Colle San Bernardo. Despite initial resistance, Masséna's troops captured key positions, including Rocca Barbena and Bardineto, while also taking Monte Carmo di Loano. The French forces totaled approximately 33,000 men, while the Allies fielded around 42,000 troops.

    On the morning of 24 November, Schérer coordinated an attack on the Allied left wing at Loano, supported by French gunboats. Augereau's division, consisting of four brigades, advanced against fortified positions held by the Austrians. The French managed to capture two fortified mounds but faced stiff resistance at the Greater Castellaro. Despite setbacks, Augereau's forces pressed forward, ultimately forcing Wallis to retreat by 3:00 PM. The French inflicted significant casualties on the Allies, with estimates of 3,500 killed and wounded among the Austrians and Sardinians, alongside the capture of 48 cannons and 4,000 men. The French losses were reported at around 2,500, including 500 captured.

    As the battle progressed, Masséna pursued the retreating Allied forces, aiming to cut off their escape routes. By nightfall, he had seized the San Pantaleone heights, positioning his troops to further disrupt the Allied retreat. Wallis, realizing the precarious situation, withdrew to the San Pantaleone heights, while Masséna's forces blocked the route of the Allied artillery convoy, resulting in the abandonment of 19 guns. The French victory at Loano marked a significant moment in the War of the First Coalition, leading to the eventual retreat of the Allied forces to Ceva and the subsequent reorganization of the French Army of Italy.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 107
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Voltri

    1796 Apr 10
    Southern Europe
    Battle of Voltri, 10 Avril 1796. © Giuseppe Pietro Bagetti

    The Battle of Voltri took place on 10 April 1796 in Voltri, a suburb of Genoa, Italy, during the French Revolutionary Wars. The engagement involved two Habsburg Austrian columns under the command of Johann Peter Beaulieu, who launched an attack against a reinforced French brigade led by Jean-Baptiste Cervoni. The Austrian forces included approximately 10,000 troops, with General-major Philipp Pittoni commanding a column of 3,350 infantry and 624 cavalry, while Feldmarschall-Leutnant Karl Philipp Sebottendorf led a division of 3,200 men. Cervoni's defense comprised around 5,000 soldiers from the 51st and 75th Line Infantry Regiments. The battle commenced in the afternoon, with skirmishes escalating as the Austrians pressed the French positions near Pegli.

    On the morning of the battle, Pittoni's column advanced after a delayed start, moving down to the coast and engaging French outposts. By 3:00 PM, the Austrians launched a bayonet attack, capturing two hills near Pegli. The French, under pressure, executed a fighting withdrawal, managing to avoid encirclement despite suffering losses. By 6:00 PM, Cervoni ordered a retreat to prevent being cut off, with the bulk of the 75th Line successfully falling back along the coast. The French defenders at the Turchino Pass also retreated to a fortified position at Mele, which was subsequently abandoned as the Austrian forces threatened their flank.

    By the end of the day, Pittoni occupied Voltri with three battalions and cavalry, joined by Beaulieu around midnight. The Austrians captured two French officers and 200 sacks of flour, sustaining minimal casualties estimated at around 50, while French losses were reported to be approximately 250, including 16 killed and 45 wounded from the 75th Line. The engagement marked the beginning of the Montenotte Campaign, setting the stage for further confrontations in the Italian Campaign of 1796-1797.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 108
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Montenotte

    1796 Apr 12
    Southern Europe
    © René Théodore Berthon

    The Battle of Montenotte occurred on 12 April 1796, involving the French army led by General Napoleon Bonaparte and an Austrian corps commanded by Count Eugène-Guillaume Argenteau. The engagement took place near Cairo Montenotte in the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. On 11 April, Argenteau, with 3,700 troops, launched several assaults against a French redoubt on Monte Negino but was unsuccessful. By the morning of 12 April, Bonaparte had concentrated a larger force against Argenteau's now outnumbered troops, with approximately 7,000 French soldiers at Monte Negino and additional forces under General André Masséna advancing from Altare. The French artillery began firing at dawn, and as the fog lifted, Masséna's troops attacked the weakly defended Austrian right flank, overwhelming it.

    Argenteau attempted to reinforce his positions by deploying various battalions, including the Stein and Pellegrini units to the center and the Archduke Anton battalions to the left flank. However, the French assault proved decisive, leading to a rapid collapse of the Austrian defenses. The 3rd Terzi battalion suffered heavy losses, and as the French forces converged on Montenotte Superiore, Argenteau ordered a retreat. The Alvinczi battalion provided a rear guard but was forced to fight its way out, losing many soldiers and its colors. By 9:30 AM, the battle concluded with the French securing a significant victory.

    Following the battle, Argenteau reported that only 700 of his men remained with the colors, while French losses were estimated to be around 800 out of 14,000 engaged. The Austrians admitted to 696 casualties, including 166 killed and 416 missing, though some historians suggest higher figures. The battle marked Bonaparte's first victory in the Montenotte Campaign, prompting him to exploit the success by advancing west toward Millesimo and north toward Dego, leading to subsequent engagements in the days that followed.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 109
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Millesimo

    1796 Apr 13 - 1796 Apr 14
    Southern Europe
    Attaque du château de Cossaria, 13 avril 1796. Campagne d'Italie (1796-1797). © Nicolas-Antoine Taunay

    The Battle of Millesimo occurred on 13 and 14 April 1796, as part of the Montenotte Campaign during the French Revolutionary Wars. Following his assumption of command of the French Army of Italy, General Napoleon Bonaparte directed his forces against the Habsburg and Sardinian armies. After defeating the isolated right wing of the Habsburg army at the Battle of Montenotte on 12 April, Bonaparte shifted his focus to the Sardinian forces led by Feldmarschal-Leutnant Michelangelo Colli. To prevent interference from the Habsburg army under Feldzeugmeister Johann Beaulieu, Bonaparte dispatched André Masséna's division to secure Dego to the north.

    On 13 April, General of Division Pierre Augereau launched an attack against FML Giovanni di Provera's Austrian Auxiliary Corps, which was positioned east of Millesimo. Augereau's forces successfully defeated Provera, who retreated to Cosseria Castle, joined by elements of the Habsburg Gyulai Freikorps and the Sardinian 3rd Grenadier battalion. Augereau and General of Division Meynier's divisions attempted multiple assaults on the castle, facing fierce resistance from the defenders. The siege continued into the night, and by the morning of 14 April, Provera capitulated due to a lack of supplies. The French suffered approximately 700 casualties during the attacks, while Provera's force of 988 men sustained 96 casualties, with the remainder taken prisoner.

    The siege of Cosseria, although costly, allowed the French to continue their advance inland. Following the surrender of the castle, Masséna achieved victory at the Second Battle of Dego on 14 April, further consolidating French control in the region. Bonaparte's report on the events at Millesimo was noted for its ambiguity, possibly reflecting his desire to downplay the French losses and the challenges faced during the siege.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 110
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Second Battle of Dego

    1796 Apr 14 - 1796 Apr 15
    Southern Europe
    The second battle of Dego. © Giuseppe Pietro Bagetti

    The Second Battle of Dego occurred on 14 and 15 April 1796, involving French forces under Napoleon Bonaparte and Austro-Sardinian troops led by General Johann Beaulieu and General Michelangelo Colli. The French army, numbering approximately 15,000, included divisions commanded by André Masséna and Amédée Laharpe. The Austro-Sardinian forces, totaling around 9,200, comprised 5,700 Austrian troops under Eugène Argenteau and a brigade of 3,500 led by Josef Vukassovich. The battle was fought near Dego, a hamlet in northwestern Italy, where the French aimed to sever the connection between the Austrian and Sardinian armies by capturing the town's defenses, which included a castle and earthworks.

    On 14 April, Masséna's division launched an assault on Dego, successfully overrunning the defenses despite suffering approximately 1,500 casualties. The Austrians faced heavier losses, with around 3,000 casualties, including many prisoners. Following the initial victory, Bonaparte ordered Meynier to secure Dego while he directed Laharpe's division to confront Colli's forces. However, the French troops in Dego engaged in looting and became scattered overnight. On the morning of 15 April, an unexpected counter-attack by Vukassovich's forces, which had arrived late due to miscommunication, caught the French off guard, leading to a rapid retreat back to their previous positions. Masséna, reportedly caught unprepared, managed to regroup and launched a counter-offensive with reinforcements from Bonaparte, ultimately driving the Austrians from Dego.

    The second day of fighting resulted in further casualties for the Austrians, with 670 killed and wounded and 1,087 captured, while the French incurred 621 killed and wounded and 317 captured. The heavy losses sustained by Argenteau's forces at both Montenotte and Dego weakened Beaulieu's resolve, prompting him to remain near Acqui Terme. With the Austro-Sardinian threat diminished, Bonaparte redirected his focus towards Colli, leading to a decisive French victory at the Battle of Mondovì on 21 April.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 111
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Ceva

    1796 Apr 16
    Southern Europe
    © Giuseppe Pietro Bagetti

    On 16 April 1796, the Battle of Ceva unfolded as French forces under General Pierre Augereau engaged the Sardinian army commanded by General Giuseppe Felice, Count Vital. Augereau's troops, organized into several columns led by Brigadier Generals Martial Beyrand and Barthélemy Joubert, launched assaults against the Sardinian defensive positions, which were fortified along a ridge extending from the fortress of Ceva to the hamlet of La Pedaggera. The Sardinian line was held by General Brempt at the northern end, supported by several battalions and the Austrian Belgioso Infantry Regiment #44, while Vital commanded nine battalions at the southern end. Despite the French attacks on both flanks, the Sardinians successfully repelled all assaults, maintaining their defensive positions throughout the day.

    As the battle progressed, Augereau's forces faced increasing pressure from the advancing division of General Jean Sérurier, who camped within sight of Ceva, threatening to flank the Sardinian line. The situation prompted a council of war among the Sardinian commanders, who, despite their defensive success, expressed concerns about being cut off. Consequently, Feldmarschal-Leutnant Michelangelo Colli decided to withdraw the majority of his forces westward behind the Corsaglia River, leaving only one battalion to hold the fortress of Ceva. This retreat was executed on the night of 16 April, as the French continued their pressure on the Sardinians.

    The following day, 17 April, Augereau's troops occupied the abandoned Sardinian positions. The French suffered approximately 600 casualties, while the Sardinians reported around 150 losses, with Vital's casualties remaining unknown. The battle was part of the broader Montenotte Campaign, which had seen a series of engagements leading up to this confrontation, including the French victories at Montenotte and Millesimo. The Sardinians would later engage in a rear guard action at San Michele Mondovi on 19 April, but the French would achieve a decisive victory at the Battle of Mondovì on 21 April.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 112
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Mondovì

    1796 Apr 20
    Southern Europe

    The Battle of Mondovì occurred on 21 April 1796, involving the French army under General Napoleon Bonaparte and the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont led by General Michelangelo Alessandro Colli-Marchi. This confrontation marked the culmination of the Montenotte Campaign, where Bonaparte's forces, numbering approximately 17,500, faced Colli's 21,000-man Austro-Sardinian army and the 28,000-strong Austrian army commanded by Feldzeugmeister Johann Beaulieu. Following a series of engagements, including the Battles of Millesimo and Ceva, Bonaparte directed his main assault against the Sardinians, compelling Colli to retreat to a fortified position behind the Corsaglia River on 18 April.

    On the morning of 21 April, Bonaparte launched a rapid advance against the Sardinian rearguard positioned on the heights of Buon Gesù. The French forces, organized into three heavy columns, quickly overwhelmed the Sardinians, who were unable to establish effective defenses. The French divisions, particularly those led by Generals Sérurier and Masséna, pressed forward, capturing the town of Vicoforte and forcing a disorganized retreat from the Sardinian lines. Despite a counterattack by Sardinian cavalry, the French maintained their momentum, and by late afternoon, they had reached Mondovì, where the governor ultimately surrendered the town after negotiations failed.

    The battle resulted in significant casualties, with estimates suggesting the French suffered around 600 losses, while the Sardinians incurred approximately 1,600 casualties, including killed, wounded, and captured. Following the defeat, Colli sought an armistice, which was granted on 28 April, effectively removing the Kingdom of Sardinia from the First Coalition against France. The French victory at Mondovì not only secured their control over northwest Italy but also disrupted Austrian strategic plans in the region.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 113
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Biberach

    1796 Apr 20 - 1796 Apr 20
    Central Europe

    The Battle of Biberach in 1796 occurred from 30 April to 1 May, involving French forces under General Jean Victor Marie Moreau and Austrian troops commanded by Count Baillet de Latour. Moreau's army, numbering approximately 30,000 men, engaged Latour's contingent of around 25,000 soldiers near the town of Biberach an der Riss in southwestern Germany. The French aimed to disrupt the Austrian lines of communication and supply, while the Austrians sought to defend their positions and maintain control over the region.

    On 30 April, Moreau initiated the attack, launching a series of assaults against the Austrian positions. The fighting was intense, with both sides suffering significant casualties. The French forces managed to gain the upper hand, utilizing their superior mobility and artillery support. By the end of the first day, the Austrians were forced to retreat, suffering losses estimated at around 3,000 men, while the French casualties were reported to be approximately 2,000.

    The second day of fighting on 1 May saw Moreau pressing the advantage, leading to further engagements that ultimately resulted in a decisive French victory. The Austrians, unable to regroup effectively, retreated from Biberach, allowing Moreau to secure the town and continue his campaign in the region. This battle was significant in the broader context of the War of the First Coalition, demonstrating the effectiveness of French military tactics and contributing to the ongoing conflict between France and Austria.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 114
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Montenotte campaign

    1796 Apr 21
    Southern Europe

    The Montenotte campaign commenced on 10 April 1796 when the Habsburg army, under Johann Peter Beaulieu, launched an attack on the French right flank at Voltri, near Genoa. Beaulieu's forces, numbering approximately 32,000, included 3,200 men led by Karl Philipp Sebottendorf. The French, commanded by Napoleon Bonaparte, had around 37,600 troops available, with 5,000 under Jean-Baptiste Cervoni at Voltri. Cervoni executed a strategic withdrawal, avoiding encirclement, while Beaulieu failed to capitalize on this initial success, redirecting his forces to support his right flank. On 11 April, Argenteau's 4,000-strong brigade engaged 2,000 French soldiers at Monte Negino, but was repelled by Antoine-Guillaume Rampon's defense. Bonaparte then ordered a counterattack, leading to the French victory at the Battle of Montenotte on 12 April, where Laharpe's frontal assault and Masséna's flanking maneuver overwhelmed Argenteau's forces, resulting in a retreat to Dego with only 700 men remaining to regroup.

    On 13 April, Bonaparte shifted focus to the Sardinian army, defeating Provera's forces at the Battle of Millesimo with Augereau's division. Provera's troops, numbering around 1,000, were ultimately forced to surrender after a day of heavy fighting. The following day, Bonaparte directed Masséna and Laharpe to engage Argenteau again at the Second Battle of Dego, inflicting significant casualties on the Austrians, who were left with only a remnant of their original force. On 15 April, Vukassovich's brigade attempted a surprise attack on the French at Dego but was repelled. The French then pursued the Sardinians to Ceva, where Augereau's attack on 16 April was initially repulsed, prompting Colli to retreat to the Corsaglia River.

    By 19 April, Bonaparte had regrouped his forces and launched an assault on the Sardinian position at San Michele Mondovì. Following a series of engagements, including the decisive Battle of Mondovì on 21 April, where Colli's forces were routed, Bonaparte pressed his advantage. By 25 April, the French had secured key positions, including Cherasco and Fossano. The campaign concluded with the Armistice of Cherasco on 28 April, which resulted in the cession of territory east of the Stura di Demonte and Tanaro Rivers to the French, effectively removing Sardinia-Piedmont from the First Coalition and leaving the Habsburg army as the sole remaining adversary in northern Italy. The French suffered approximately 6,000 casualties, while Austrian and Sardinian losses totaled around 25,000.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 115
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Fombio

    1796 May 7 - 1796 May 9
    Southern Europe
    © Giuseppe Pietro Bagetti

    The Battle of Fombio occurred from 7 to 9 May 1796, involving the French Army of Italy under General Napoleon Bonaparte and the Austrian forces commanded by Feldzeugmeister Johann Peter Beaulieu. Following the Montenotte Campaign, Bonaparte aimed to exploit the Austrian retreat to the north bank of the Po River. He ordered General of Division Jean-Mathieu-Philibert Sérurier to initiate a pinning attack near Valenza, while an advance guard of 3,500 grenadiers and 1,500 cavalry, led by General of Brigade Claude Dallemagne, was dispatched to cross the Po at Piacenza, threatening the Austrian line of communication and positions.

    On the morning of 7 May, the French advance guard successfully seized a ferry and crossed the Po, with Colonel Jean Lannes being the first to reach the north bank. As Dallemagne and General of Division Amédée Emmanuel François Laharpe established a bridgehead, they encountered General-major Anton Lipthay de Kisfalud's forces, which comprised 4,000 infantry and 1,000 cavalry. Clashes ensued throughout the day, prompting Beaulieu to order General-major Josef Philipp Vukassovich to support Lipthay and to begin a withdrawal towards the Adda River. On 8 May, Dallemagne's forces, supported by Laharpe's division of 6,500 troops, launched an assault on Fombio, leading to Lipthay's retreat to Codogno, where he suffered 568 casualties over the two days.

    As Laharpe's 51st Line Infantry Demi-Brigade moved through Codogno on the evening of 8 May, they were attacked by General-Major Anton Schübirz von Chobinin's forces, resulting in a chaotic engagement that led to Laharpe's death, possibly from friendly fire. General of Brigade Louis Berthier took command and reinforced the French position, forcing Schübirz to withdraw by dawn on 9 May. Cut off from the bridge at Pizzighettone, Beaulieu redirected his retreating troops towards the bridge at Lodi, setting the stage for the subsequent Battle of Lodi on 10 May as he sought to regroup his forces across the Adda River.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 116
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    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Lodi

    1796 May 10
    Southern Europe
    The Battle of Lodi, 10th May 1796, detail of Napoleon (1769-1821) and his staff. © Louis-François, Baron Lejeune
    Video

    The Battle of Lodi occurred on 10 May 1796, involving French forces commanded by General Napoleon Bonaparte and an Austrian rear guard led by Feldmarschall-Leutnant Karl Philipp Sebottendorf. The French army consisted of approximately 15,500 infantry and 2,000 cavalry, while the Austrian forces numbered around 6,577, including units from the Carlstädter Grenz Infantry Regiment and the Nádasdy Infantry Regiment. The battle unfolded near the town of Lodi, Lombardy, where the French advance guard engaged the Austrian rear guard at around 9 am, pushing them back towards the town's defenses.

    The Austrians, initially positioned to defend the bridge over the Adda River, faced a challenging situation as their forces were exhausted from a forced march. Sebottendorf opted to hold the position until nightfall, despite the French artillery beginning to bombard their lines. By the afternoon, French heavy artillery had arrived, and after several hours of cannon fire, the French prepared for an assault. At approximately 6 pm, the French launched an attack, with cavalry fording the river upstream while elite light infantry stormed the bridge. Despite suffering casualties from Austrian artillery fire, the French troops, led by senior officers including André Masséna and Claude Dallemagne, pressed forward, ultimately causing the Austrian defenders to retreat in disarray.

    The Austrian forces suffered significant losses, with 21 officers and approximately 5,200 men killed, wounded, or captured, along with the loss of 12 cannons and 30 ammunition wagons. The French incurred around 1,000 casualties during the engagement. The battle, while not decisive in preventing the main body of the Austrian army from retreating, marked a notable moment in the Italian Campaign of 1796-1797 and contributed to the growing reputation of Napoleon Bonaparte as a military leader.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 117
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Borghetto

    1796 May 30
    Southern Europe

    The Battle of Borghetto occurred on 30 May 1796 near Valeggio sul Mincio in northern Italy during the War of the First Coalition. French General Napoleon Bonaparte aimed to cross the Mincio River against the Austrian forces commanded by Feldzeugmeister Johann Peter Beaulieu. Bonaparte's army, consisting of approximately 30,000 troops organized into three divisions led by Generals André Masséna, Pierre Augereau, and Jean-Mathieu-Philibert Sérurier, executed a feint attack towards Peschiera to mislead the Austrians. Meanwhile, Beaulieu, with around 30,000 men, was attempting to establish a defensive cordon along the river, but his forces were disorganized due to his sudden illness and conflicting orders on the eve of battle.

    At around 9 a.m., Bonaparte's advance guard, under General Charles Edward Jennings de Kilmaine, reached the Borghetto bridge after pushing back Austrian hussar outposts. The bridge was defended by a small contingent of the Strassoldo and Jordis regiments, but they were quickly overwhelmed as French troops forded the river and advanced towards Valeggio. Despite initial resistance, the French cleared the town, although they faced a counterattack from Austrian cavalry led by General-major Prince Friedrich Franz Xaver of Hohenzollern-Hechingen. The French managed to hold Valeggio, but the Austrian response was slow, and reinforcements failed to arrive in time to turn the tide.

    As the battle progressed, Beaulieu ordered a retreat to the north, with his forces regrouping at Castelnuovo and Villafranca. The Austrians suffered approximately 572 casualties, while French losses were estimated at around 500. By the end of the day, the French had effectively isolated the fortress of Mantua, setting the stage for a prolonged siege that would dominate military engagements in northern Italy for the following months.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 118
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Rhine campaign of 1796

    1796 Jun 1 - 1797 Feb 2
    Western Europe
    Kehl 1796, Taking one of the redoubts of Kehl by throwing rocks, 24 June 1796. © Frédéric Regamey

    During the Rhine campaign of 1796, which lasted from June 1796 to February 1797, two Austrian armies under Archduke Charles successfully outmaneuvered and defeated two French Republican armies. The French strategy aimed for a three-pronged invasion to encircle Vienna, with the Army of Sambre and Meuse, led by Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, positioned against the Austrian Army of the Lower Rhine, while Jean Victor Marie Moreau commanded the Army of the Rhine and Moselle against the Austrian Army of the Upper Rhine. The campaign began with the French crossing the Rhine at Neuwied on 10 June, but after initial successes, including the capture of Altenkirchen on 4 June, the French faced setbacks. Archduke Charles decisively defeated Jourdan at the Battle of Wetzlar on 15 June, forcing the French to retreat across the Rhine.

    In late June, Moreau executed a successful crossing at Kehl, defeating the Austrian forces there and advancing into southern Germany. By mid-July, the French had penetrated deep into enemy territory, capturing key locations and forcing several southern German states into armistices. However, internal rivalries among French commanders and overextension of their forces allowed Charles to regroup and concentrate his efforts. The turning point came with the Battle of Neresheim on 11 August, where the Austrians pushed back Moreau's forces. Subsequently, Charles united his armies and defeated Jourdan at the Battle of Amberg on 24 August, inflicting significant casualties on the French, who lost approximately 2,000 men. The Austrians continued their offensive, culminating in a decisive victory at the Battle of Würzburg on 3 September, which compelled the French to abandon their siege of Mainz and retreat.

    As the campaign progressed into the winter, the French were unable to maintain their positions. Moreau's forces retreated under pressure from the Austrians, culminating in the sieges of Kehl and Hüningen, which lasted from November 1796 to January 1797. The French suffered heavy casualties, with approximately 4,000 losses at Kehl, while the Austrians incurred around 4,800 casualties. The French ultimately surrendered both positions, marking the end of the campaign. Despite the French setbacks in the Rhineland, the war continued in Italy, where Napoleon Bonaparte achieved significant victories, leading to the eventual Peace of Campo Formio in October 1797.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 119
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Siegburg

    1796 Jun 1
    Western Europe

    The Battle of Siegburg occurred on 1 June 1796 during the French Revolutionary Wars, marking the initial engagement of the French offensive across the River Rhine. On 30 May 1796, Général de Division Jean-Baptiste Kléber led two divisions, commanded by Général de Division Lefebvre and Général de Division Colaud, across the Rhine at Düsseldorf. Following the crossing, Kléber advanced towards Siegburg, where he encountered Habsburg forces defending the town.

    The French forces, numbering approximately 20,000 troops, engaged the Habsburg defenders, who were significantly outnumbered. The battle unfolded with intense fighting as Kléber's divisions executed coordinated attacks, leveraging their superior numbers and artillery support. The Habsburg forces, under the command of General von Wurmser, were unable to withstand the French assault and were ultimately forced to retreat. The French victory at Siegburg was pivotal, allowing General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan to move the bulk of his army across the Rhine at Neuwied, thereby consolidating French control in the region.

    Casualty figures from the battle indicate that the Habsburg forces suffered significant losses, although exact numbers are not detailed in historical records. The successful engagement at Siegburg not only marked a strategic triumph for the French but also set the stage for further military operations in the campaign of 1796 against the First Coalition.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 120
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Altenkirchen

    1796 Jun 4
    Western Europe
    The Battle of Altenkirchen. © Hippolyte Bellangé

    The Battle of Altenkirchen occurred on 4 June 1796, when two divisions of the Republican French army, commanded by General Jean Baptiste Kléber, engaged a wing of the Habsburg Austrian forces led by Duke Ferdinand Frederick Augustus of Württemberg. The French launched a frontal assault complemented by a flanking maneuver, which compelled the Austrians to retreat. Notable figures in the battle included François Joseph Lefebvre, who commanded a division, Jean-de-Dieu Soult, serving as a brigadier, and Michel Ney, who led the flanking column. The engagement took place in Altenkirchen, located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, approximately 50 kilometers east of Bonn.

    The battle was part of the broader Rhine Campaign of 1796, initiated by Kléber's orders to advance south from his bridgehead at Düsseldorf. After successfully securing maneuver space on the east bank of the Rhine River, Kléber was to coordinate with General Jean Baptiste Jourdan, who was expected to bring the remainder of the Army of Sambre-et-Meuse to support him. However, this was a strategic diversion; as the Austrians under Archduke Charles moved north to confront Jourdan, General Jean Victor Marie Moreau was positioned to cross the Rhine further south with the Army of Rhin-et-Moselle. Kléber executed his part of the plan effectively, enabling Jourdan to cross the Rhine at Neuwied on 10 June.

    The outcome of the battle set the stage for subsequent military actions, including the Battle of Wetzlar, which took place on 15-16 June 1796. The French forces demonstrated tactical proficiency, and the engagement contributed to the ongoing conflict of the War of the First Coalition, which was part of the larger Wars of the French Revolution.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 121
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Mantua (1796-97)

    1796 Jun 4 - 1797 Feb 2
    Southern Europe
    © Hippolyte Lecomte

    The Siege of Mantua commenced on 4 June 1796, when French forces under General Napoleon Bonaparte surrounded the Austrian garrison of approximately 14,000 men, commanded by Feldmarschall-Leutnant Canto d'Irles. The French, numbering around 44,000, established a blockade and began a siege that would last for several months. In late July, the Austrians launched their first relief attempt under Feldmarschall Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser, who commanded a force of 49,000 men. Despite initial successes, including the capture of Brescia, Wurmser's forces were ultimately defeated at the Battles of Lonato and Castiglione, leading to a retreat and the re-establishment of the siege by the French.

    In early September, Wurmser attempted a second relief of Mantua, coordinating with General Paul Davidovich's forces. However, Bonaparte's strategic maneuvers led to a decisive victory at the Battle of Bassano on 8 September, forcing Wurmser to retreat once again. By mid-November, a third relief was attempted by József Alvinczi, who commanded 28,000 troops. Despite initial successes against the French, Alvinczi was ultimately defeated at the Battle of Arcole from 15 to 17 November, further depleting the Austrian forces. The garrison in Mantua, now swollen to nearly 30,000 men, faced severe shortages and disease, leading to significant casualties.

    The fourth and final relief attempt occurred in January 1797, when Alvinczi amassed 28,000 men for an assault. However, Bonaparte's forces decisively defeated the Austrians at the Battle of Rivoli on 14 January, leading to the surrender of Provera's contingent on 16 January. With no hope of further assistance, Wurmser capitulated on 2 February 1797. The siege resulted in heavy losses for both sides, with Austrian casualties estimated at over 16,000 due to combat and disease, while the French suffered approximately 7,000 casualties. The fortress of Mantua, equipped with 325 cannons, fell into French hands, marking a significant victory for Bonaparte in the Italian campaign.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 122
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Maudach

    1796 Jun 15
    Central Europe

    The Battle of Maudach took place on 15 June 1796, as part of the Rhine Campaign during the French Revolutionary Wars, near the village of Maudach, southwest of Ludwigshafen and opposite Mannheim. French forces, commanded by General Louis Desaix, numbered approximately 30,000 troops, including 27,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry. They faced a Coalition force of around 11,000 Austrians under the command of Franz Petrasch. The battle commenced as part of a broader strategy to distract and weaken the Coalition's defenses along the Rhine.

    During the engagement, the French inflicted significant casualties on the Austrians, with the Coalition suffering approximately 1,800 casualties compared to the French losses of around 600. The battle was characterized by intense fighting, with Desaix's forces successfully overwhelming Petrasch's troops. Concurrently, other French divisions, including those led by Jean-Baptiste Kléber, engaged Coalition forces at Uckerath, resulting in further French casualties but also inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Following the battle, the Coalition's command was strained as they attempted to regroup and reinforce their positions along the Rhine.

    In the aftermath of the battle, Desaix's forces continued their advance, crossing the Rhine at Kehl on the night of 23-24 June, while the Coalition struggled to consolidate their defenses. The French maneuvers effectively outflanked the Coalition positions, leading to further engagements in the region. The battle at Maudach marked a significant early success for the French in the 1796 campaign, setting the stage for subsequent operations along the Rhine.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 123
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Wetzlar (1796)

    1796 Jun 15
    Central Europe

    The Battle of Wetzlar occurred on 15 June 1796, when the Habsburg Austrian army, commanded by Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen, launched an offensive against the Republican French forces led by Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, who were positioned along the Lahn River. The Austrian forces, numbering approximately 30,000 troops, engaged the French, who had around 25,000 soldiers in their defensive positions. The battle resulted in an Austrian victory, compelling the majority of the French army to retreat to the west bank of the Rhine River.

    Prior to the battle, Jourdan's Army of Sambre-et-Meuse had achieved a strategic foothold on the east bank of the Rhine after defeating Austrian forces at Altenkirchen on 4 June. This maneuver was part of a broader strategy to draw Archduke Charles northward, allowing Jean Victor Marie Moreau's Army of Rhin-et-Moselle to execute a crossing of the Rhine at Kehl, near Strasbourg. The success of this plan prompted Charles to mobilize his forces to confront Jourdan, leading to the engagement at Wetzlar.

    Following the battle, on 19 June, the combat of Uckerath took place as the Austrians pursued the retreating French left wing. The engagements during this period were significant in the context of the War of the First Coalition, marking a critical moment in the ongoing conflict between the French Republic and the Austrian Empire.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 124
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Kehl (1796)

    1796 Jun 23 - 1796 Jun 24
    Central Europe

    On 23 and 24 June 1796, the Battle of Kehl unfolded as a Republican French force, commanded by General Jean Charles Abbatucci, executed an amphibious assault across the Rhine River against a defending contingent from the Swabian Circle. The French aimed to secure the strategic crossings at Kehl, a village on the eastern bank of the Rhine in Baden-Durlach, and Hüningen, near Basel, to facilitate further operations into southwestern Germany. The Swabian militia, numbering approximately 7,000, was poorly trained and positioned to defend the crossing, while Abbatucci's forces included around 27,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry, bolstered by skirmishers from the 3rd and 16th Demi-brigades.

    On the morning of 24 June, Abbatucci's troops launched their assault, dislodging the imperial pickets and swiftly crossing the river. The French skirmishers overwhelmed the Swabian defenders, who were unable to receive reinforcements from the main Austrian forces, which were concentrated further north. The French managed to secure the bridge at Kehl, allowing for the rapid deployment of additional troops across the river. Simultaneously, General Pierre Marie Barthélemy Ferino led a complementary attack at Hüningen, further stretching the Coalition's defenses. Within a day, the French had established a significant presence on both sides of the Rhine, forcing the Swabian militia to retreat.

    The immediate casualties were relatively light, with the French suffering around 150 losses, while the Swabian militia incurred approximately 700 casualties, alongside the loss of 14 artillery pieces. The successful crossing at Kehl and the subsequent control of the surrounding area provided the French with a critical advantage, enabling them to threaten the Coalition's positions in southwestern Germany. The French forces quickly moved to consolidate their gains, establishing a pontoon bridge between Kehl and Strasbourg, which facilitated the movement of troops and artillery, thereby enhancing their operational capabilities in the region.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 125
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    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Rastatt (1796)

    1796 Jul 5
    Central Europe

    On 5 July 1796, the Battle of Rastatt unfolded as part of the Rhine Campaign during the French Revolutionary Wars. French General Jean Victor Marie Moreau led a Republican army against the Habsburg forces commanded by Count Maximilian Anton Karl Baillet de Latour, who were positioned along the Murg River. Moreau's forces, numbering approximately 19,000 infantry and 1,500 cavalry, included divisions under Louis Desaix, while Latour's troops consisted of around 6,000 men. The French had successfully crossed the Rhine at Kehl on 24 June, subsequently overwhelming Austrian positions and advancing toward Rastatt.

    Desaix initiated the attack on 5 July, executing a maneuver that turned the flanks of the Austrian forces. The French troops drove the Habsburg army back to the Alb River, effectively breaking their defensive line. The engagement resulted in the capture of 200 Austrian soldiers and three field pieces. The French forces demonstrated superior coordination and mobility, having previously crossed the Rhine and engaged in skirmishes that weakened the Austrian defenses. The Austrians, unable to hold their position against the French advance, required reinforcements from Archduke Charles, who was preoccupied with the northern front.

    Following the battle, the situation escalated as Charles sought to regroup his forces. On 9 July, he attempted to counterattack in the Battle of Ettlingen, where he faced renewed French aggression. Despite suffering casualties of 2,600 from his 32,000 troops, Charles managed to repel some of the French advances, while Moreau's forces incurred losses of 2,400 out of 36,000. The outcome of the engagements at Rastatt and Ettlingen highlighted the challenges faced by the Habsburg army in maintaining their defensive positions against the increasingly aggressive French forces.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 126
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Lonato

    1796 Aug 3 - 1796 Aug 4
    Southern Europe
    General Bonaparte at the battle of Lonato. © Anonymous

    The Battle of Lonato occurred on 3 and 4 August 1796, involving the French Army of Italy under General Napoleon Bonaparte and an Austrian corps led by Lieutenant General Peter Quasdanovich. The conflict was part of a series of engagements that began on 29 July, when the Austrians advanced from the Alps, capturing the towns of Gavardo and Salò. On 30 July, they seized the French base at Brescia, and on 31 July, an Austrian brigade captured Lonato del Garda, only to be expelled by a French counterattack. The French forces, under General of Division Pierre Francois Sauret, were initially outnumbered, with only 4,500 troops defending the area. However, Bonaparte regrouped and recaptured Brescia on 1 August, allowing him to concentrate his forces against Quasdanovich.

    On 3 August, the battle intensified as the Austrians launched an attack on Lonato, capturing a French brigade. However, Bonaparte coordinated a counteroffensive, deploying multiple brigades to assault the town from different directions. The French forces, numbering around 12,000, overwhelmed the Austrian defenders, leading to the capture of Lonato and the surrender of Ocskay's brigade. Meanwhile, fighting continued in the surrounding areas, with French forces engaging Austrian troops at Desenzano and Paitone. By the end of the day, the French had secured significant victories, capturing Desenzano and forcing the Austrians to retreat.

    On 4 August, Quasdanovich ordered a retreat toward Lake Idro. In the confusion, one Austrian column became isolated and inadvertently marched into Lonato, where they encountered Bonaparte. Misled by Bonaparte's ruse, the Austrians surrendered, resulting in the capture of approximately 2,000 men and three cannons. The Austrians suffered significant losses during the two days of fighting, with estimates of at least 5,000 casualties, while the French incurred around 2,000 losses. The defeat of Quasdanovich allowed Bonaparte to concentrate his forces for the subsequent Battle of Castiglione on 5 August, where he achieved a decisive victory against the main Austrian army.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 127
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Castiglione

    1796 Aug 5
    Southern Europe
    © Victor Adam
    Video

    The Battle of Castiglione occurred on 5 August 1796, when the French Army of Italy, commanded by General Napoleon Bonaparte, engaged the Habsburg forces led by Feldmarschall Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser. The Austrian army, numbering approximately 20,000, was positioned at Castiglione delle Stiviere, with their right flank anchored near Solferino and their left at Monte Medolano. Bonaparte's forces totaled around 22,500, including divisions under Masséna and Augereau. The battle was initiated as Bonaparte executed a tactical maneuver, feigning a retreat to draw the Austrians into a vulnerable position, while secretly positioning 5,000 troops from Sérurier's division to strike the Austrian left flank.

    As the battle unfolded, Bonaparte's forces launched a coordinated attack. Masséna and Augereau engaged the Austrian front, while Marmont's artillery provided crucial support. The French successfully captured Solferino after intense fighting, forcing Wurmser to order a retreat to avoid encirclement. The Austrians suffered approximately 2,000 casualties, with 1,000 additional troops and 20 cannons captured. French losses were estimated between 1,100 and 1,500 men, including General Martial Beyrand, who was killed. The battle marked a significant tactical victory for Bonaparte, demonstrating his ability to execute complex maneuvers effectively.

    Following the battle, Wurmser's forces retreated across the Mincio River at Borghetto, while Bonaparte sought to maintain pressure on the Austrian army. Wurmser reinforced Mantua with two brigades before withdrawing to Trento, leaving Bonaparte to re-establish the siege of Mantua. The campaign resulted in significant casualties for both sides, with the French losing around 6,000 men and the Austrians suffering a total of 16,700 casualties throughout the campaign. The battle exemplified the evolving military strategies of the time and set the stage for future engagements in the Italian campaign.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 128
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Peschiera

    1796 Aug 6 - 1800
    Southern Europe

    The Battle of Peschiera took place on 6 August 1796, involving Austrian forces under General Anton Lipthay and the French division commanded by General André Masséna. Following a series of defeats, the Austrians, now led by Field Marshal Wurmser, had retreated to the Quadrilatero region after losing Milan. Wurmser, with an army of approximately 49,000 men, aimed to break the French siege of Mantua and had besieged the fortress of Peschiera, which was held by General Guillaume and around 400 French troops. The French, having regrouped, were preparing to counter the Austrian advance.

    On the night before the battle, Wurmser's forces established an entrenched camp near Peschiera. The following day, Masséna's division arrived, and the French launched an assault, beginning with General Victor's brigade. The 18th regiment engaged the Austrians but faced strong resistance. In response, General Rampon led the 32nd brigade in a renewed attack. The French forces pressed forward, and the Austrians, unable to withstand the onslaught, retreated into the hills, effectively abandoning their position.

    The retreat of Lipthay's troops towards Rivoli prompted Wurmser to reconsider his strategy, leading him to withdraw from the plain and return to the Trentino valleys. The battle, while minor in scale, demonstrated the effectiveness of the French forces in their campaign against the Austrians in northern Italy.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 129
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Friedberg (Bavaria)

    1796 Aug 24
    Central Europe

    The Battle of Friedberg occurred on 24 August 1796, involving a French army commanded by General Jean Victor Marie Moreau and an Austrian force led by Count Maximilian Anton Karl Baillet de Latour. The French, advancing eastward along the south bank of the Danube, encountered the isolated Schröder Infantry Regiment Nr. 7 of the Austrian army near the Bavarian town of Friedberg, situated on the Lech River close to Augsburg. The French forces successfully engaged the Austrians, inflicting significant casualties on the regiment, which was caught off guard and suffered heavy losses during the confrontation.

    At this time, the French forces were part of a broader campaign in which two armies had crossed the Rhine to penetrate deeper into Germany. Moreau's Army of Rhin-et-Moselle had previously achieved victories against Archduke Charles at Ettlingen on 9 July and Neresheim on 11 August. Meanwhile, Charles, seeking to exploit a tactical opportunity, had dispatched 27,000 troops northward to join forces with Wilhelm von Wartensleben's Army of the Lower Rhine. This maneuver aimed to confront Jean-Baptiste Jourdan's forces, culminating in the Battle of Amberg on the same day as Friedberg, where Jourdan faced defeat.

    Unbeknownst to Moreau, the simultaneous engagements significantly weakened the French position. While Moreau's attack at Friedberg resulted in the destruction of the isolated Austrian regiment, the overall French offensive was compromised by Jourdan's defeats at Amberg and Würzburg. By early September, Moreau found himself increasingly isolated and was forced to retreat toward France, marking a shift in the momentum of the campaign.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 130
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    Newfoundland expedition

    1796 Aug 28 - 1796 Sep 5
    Naval

    The Newfoundland expedition, conducted by a combined French and Spanish fleet, commenced in August 1796 under the command of Rear-Admiral Joseph de Richery and General Solano. The fleet, consisting of seven ships of the line and three frigates, set sail from Cadiz, Spain, and arrived off the coast of Newfoundland on 28 August with approximately 1,500 troops. Initial reports indicated that the French had landed forces at Bay Bulls and Portugal Cove, prompting alarm in England. The British defenses at St. John's included several fortifications, such as Fort Amherst and Fort Townshend, manned by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and local volunteers. However, Richery, upon observing the British preparations, opted not to assault St. John's directly and instead directed his fleet to Bay Bulls on 4 September.

    Upon entering Bay Bulls, the French encountered little resistance, leading to the town's surrender. The expedition resulted in significant destruction, with 57 buildings and 47 fishing vessels captured, and over 400 British prisoners taken. The French forces plundered the settlement, damaging the local fisheries. Following this, Richery detached Admiral Zacharie Jacques Théodore Comte Allemand to raid the Bay of Castles in Labrador, while he proceeded to Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Richery's squadron arrived at Saint Pierre on 5 September, where they destroyed approximately 225 houses, 80 fishing boats, and significant quantities of cod, claiming the islands for France.

    The expedition continued until 29 September, when Richery abandoned plans for a larger assault on St. John's and returned to France. The combined fleets had destroyed over 100 British fishing vessels and taken numerous prisoners, with some sent to Halifax and others transported to France and Spain. The expedition was characterized as a raid rather than a serious attempt to capture Newfoundland, as indicated by the lack of substantial troop reinforcements. Richery's fleet returned to port in early November, concluding the operation.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 131
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Würzburg

    1796 Sep 3
    Central Europe
    La bataille de Wurtzbourg, le 3 septembre 1796. © Martinet

    The Battle of Würzburg occurred on 3 September 1796, involving the Habsburg army commanded by Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen, and the French forces led by General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan. The French army, numbering approximately 25,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry, and 11 artillery batteries, aimed to exploit what they believed was an isolated Austrian division under Feldmarschall-Leutnant Anton Sztáray. Jourdan's strategy involved attacking Sztáray with the divisions of Generals Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte and Jean Étienne Championnet, while Generals Jacques Bonnaud and Paul Grenier were held in reserve. However, the early morning mist allowed Archduke Charles to reinforce Sztáray with the division of Feldmarschall-Leutnant Friedrich Freiherr von Hotze, diminishing the French numerical advantage.

    As the battle unfolded, the French faced further complications when General-Major Anton von Elsnitz's division to the north prevented General François Joseph Lefebvre's larger force from joining the engagement. Austrian engineers were simultaneously constructing pontoon bridges over the Main River to facilitate the movement of additional Habsburg troops. The French assaults on the Austrian positions were unsuccessful, and the arrival of Austrian divisions led by Feldmarschall-Leutnant Paul Kray and Feldzeugmeister Wilhelm von Wartensleben ultimately drove the French from the battlefield. The French suffered approximately 2,000 killed and wounded, along with 1,000 captured and 7 artillery pieces lost, while the Austrians incurred around 1,200 casualties, including 300 captured.

    The outcome of the battle significantly impacted the campaign in southern Germany, compelling Jourdan to retreat toward the Rhine River. Following this defeat, Archduke Charles pursued the French forces, effectively isolating Jourdan's colleague, General Jean Victor Marie Moreau, who was forced to abandon southern Germany. The battle marked a decisive moment in the War of the First Coalition, as the Habsburg forces regained the initiative in the region.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 132
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Rovereto

    1796 Sep 4
    Southern Europe
    © Anonymous

    The Battle of Rovereto occurred on 4 September 1796, when a French army under the command of General Napoleon Bonaparte engaged an Austrian corps led by Feldmarschall-Leutnant Paul Davidovich in the upper Adige River valley near Rovereto, Italy. The battle was part of the War of the First Coalition during the French Revolutionary Wars and was a significant action during the second relief of the siege of Mantua. At the time, Davidovich commanded approximately 19,600 troops, but only 13,695 were available for immediate action. He positioned his forces, including brigades led by General-majors Josef Philipp Vukassovich and Johann Rudolf von Sporck, near Rovereto, while the remainder of the Austrian forces were engaged in maneuvers to relieve Mantua. Bonaparte, with a larger force of around 33,000 men, advanced north with three divisions, including those commanded by Generals Claude Belgrand de Vaubois, André Masséna, and Pierre Augereau.

    On 3 September, Masséna initiated an attack against Vukassovich's troops near Ala, pushing them back to Marco on the east bank of the Adige. The following day, at dawn, Masséna's division launched a coordinated assault on the Austrians at Marco, with General of Brigade Claude Perrin Victor leading a direct attack while General of Brigade Jean Joseph Magdeleine Pijon seized the high ground. The Austrians, facing overwhelming pressure, retreated towards Calliano. Meanwhile, Vaubois captured Mori, further destabilizing the Austrian defense. As the French forces pressed their advantage, Davidovich attempted to establish a defensive position in the Adige gorge, but the morale of his troops faltered. Masséna's forces, supported by artillery, broke through the Austrian lines, leading to a rout of Davidovich's remaining forces.

    The French suffered approximately 750 casualties, while Austrian losses ranged from 3,000 to 10,000, including killed, wounded, and captured personnel, along with 25 cannons and 7 colors. Following the battle, Davidovich evacuated Trento and retreated to Lavis, where he regrouped with other Austrian forces. On 5 September, Masséna entered Trento, and Bonaparte, having learned of the Austrian plans, decided to pursue Würmser's forces down the Brenta valley. This bold maneuver involved blocking the gorges north of Trent with 10,000 men while sending the remaining troops in pursuit, setting the stage for subsequent engagements, including the skirmish at Primolano and the Battle of Bassano.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 133
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Bassano

    1796 Sep 8
    Southern Europe
    General Bonaparte near Bassano del Grappa. © Horace Vernet
    Video

    The Battle of Bassano occurred on 8 September 1796, in the territory of the Republic of Venice, between a French army commanded by General Napoleon Bonaparte and Austrian forces led by Count Dagobert von Wurmser. This engagement was part of the second Austrian attempt to relieve the besieged city of Mantua. Wurmser had assembled approximately 20,000 troops, including a rearguard of 3,800 men under FML Peter Quasdanovich and General-Major Adam Bajalics. The French forces, numbering around 20,000, included divisions led by Generals Masséna and Augereau, who executed a coordinated attack from the north, overwhelming the Austrian rearguard and capturing Bajalics. The French assault broke through the Austrian lines, leading to a significant defeat for Wurmser's forces.

    The battle commenced with the French attacking the Austrian positions along the Brenta River. Masséna advanced down the west bank while Augereau moved along the east bank. The Austrian rearguard, unable to withstand the French onslaught and pursued by Colonel Joachim Murat's cavalry, collapsed, resulting in the capture of 2,000 to 6,000 Austrian soldiers, along with eight battle standards and 30 artillery pieces. The French suffered approximately 400 casualties, while the Austrians reported around 600 killed and wounded. Following the battle, Wurmser's forces retreated eastward, with a portion of his army falling back to the south.

    After the battle, Wurmser attempted to regroup and head west toward Mantua, where he joined forces with General Johann Mészáros. Bonaparte, seeking to cut off the Austrian retreat, dispatched his divisions in pursuit. Masséna intercepted the Austrians at Cerea, but Wurmser managed to regroup and continue his march toward Mantua. On 11 September, Wurmser's forces engaged the French again, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Ultimately, the French forces, despite their initial victory at Bassano, faced challenges in maintaining their supply lines and coordinating their movements, leading to a complex situation in the ongoing campaign for Mantua.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 134
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Limburg (1796)

    1796 Sep 16 - 1796 Sep 19
    Western Europe
    The death of General Marceau, during the retreat at Altenkirchen, 1796. © M.G. Eichler

    On 16 September 1796, the Battle of Limburg commenced as the Habsburg Austrian army, commanded by Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen, launched an offensive against the French Republican forces led by General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan. The battle took place near Limburg an der Lahn, in Hesse, Germany. The Austrian forces, numbering approximately 50,000 troops, aimed to exploit a perceived weakness in the French positions along the Lahn River. The initial assault targeted the French left flank at Giessen, while the main thrust was directed at the French center in Limburg. Despite initial successes, including the capture of Limburg Bridge and the suburb of Diez, the Austrian advance stalled as the French counterattacked, regaining control of the suburb by nightfall.

    During the night, Archduke Charles prepared for a renewed assault with greater numbers. However, a critical withdrawal by General Jean Castelbert de Castelverd, who feared encirclement, exposed the French right flank. This prompted a retreat by General François Séverin Marceau-Desgraviers, who commanded the French center, leading to a collapse of the French line by the end of 17 September. The French forces began a fighting withdrawal, with Marceau's troops providing a rear-guard action to cover the retreat of Jourdan's left flank. Over the next few days, the French continued to withdraw towards Altenkirchen, engaging in skirmishes with the pursuing Austrians.

    On 18 September, Marceau was ordered to conduct a delaying action near Molsberg to allow the French left to regroup. However, he was mortally wounded while scouting the Austrian positions. Despite this setback, his troops managed to hold off the Austrians long enough for the main body of the French army to escape. By 19 September, the French had successfully retreated to the west bank of the Rhine, effectively concluding the campaign in the north. The battle resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of Marceau and Jacques Philippe Bonnaud, and marked a strategic victory for Archduke Charles, who subsequently turned his attention southward to confront another French army under Jean Victor Marie Moreau.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 135
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Second Battle of Kehl (1796)

    1796 Sep 18
    Western Europe

    The Second Battle of Kehl took place on 18 September 1796, when General Franz Petrasch led Austrian and Imperial troops in an assault on the French-held bridgehead over the Rhine River at Kehl, located in present-day Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The French garrison, consisting of approximately 1,000 troops from the 24th and 68th Demi-brigades and the 19th Dragoons, was under the command of Balthazar Alexis Henri Schauenburg. The Austrians, numbering around 7,000, launched their attack before dawn, employing three columns to engage the French defenses. The principal column crossed the Kinzig River and advanced toward the Rhine dykes, while another column captured the village of Kehl, although they did not secure the bridge leading to Strasbourg.

    The Austrians quickly gained control of the earthworks and the village, but their advance was hampered by confusion and a lack of coordination. The French attempted multiple counterattacks to reclaim the bridges, but faced heavy resistance and artillery fire from the Austrians. By late evening, the French managed to regroup and launched a successful counteroffensive, ultimately regaining control of Kehl and its fortifications. The battle concluded with the Austrians suffering significant casualties, estimated at 2,000 killed, wounded, or missing, while the French reported around 1,200 missing or captured, with additional losses of 300 dead and 800 wounded.

    The outcome of the battle allowed the French to maintain control of the strategic crossing at Kehl, but the surrounding territory remained under Austrian control. This situation forced French commander Jean Victor Marie Moreau to withdraw his forces toward Basel, as the Austrians began preparations for a prolonged siege of Kehl. The battle was part of the larger Rhine Campaign of 1796, which saw fluctuating fortunes for both the French and Austrian forces in the ongoing conflict of the French Revolutionary Wars.

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    Result/Victory

    Inconclusive victoryInconclusive
  • 136
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Biberach (1796)

    1796 Oct 2
    Central Europe

    The Battle of Biberach occurred on 2 October 1796, involving a French Republican army commanded by General Jean Victor Marie Moreau and an Austrian army led by Count Maximilian Anton Karl Baillet de Latour. The French forces, numbering approximately 39,000, were engaged against an Austrian contingent of around 26,000 troops. The battle unfolded as Moreau's army, in retreat toward the Rhine River, sought to inflict damage on the pursuing Austrians. The terrain around Biberach, characterized by hills and wooded areas, presented challenges for both sides, particularly for the Austrians, whose line of retreat was constrained by the Riss River.

    At 7:30 am, Moreau's forces launched their assault, with Saint-Cyr attacking the Austrian center at Steinhausen while Desaix targeted the right flank at Staffhausen. Saint-Cyr's division, supported by 24 artillery pieces, initially pushed back the Austrian center, forcing them to retreat to Grodt and Ingoldingen. Meanwhile, Desaix's troops engaged Count Kospoth's forces, driving them back to Galgenburg. As the battle progressed, the Austrian left flank, under Mercandin, began to withdraw in response to the pressure on the center. The French forces capitalized on this momentum, leading to a disorganized retreat by the Austrians, who suffered significant losses.

    The Austrian army ultimately faced a rout, with Count Latour ordering a retreat after realizing the situation was untenable. The Austrians incurred approximately 300 killed and wounded, alongside the capture of 4,000 men, 18 artillery pieces, and two colors. French casualties were reported at around 500. Following the engagement, Moreau's army paused briefly before continuing their retreat westward along the Danube on 4 October, as they sought to regroup and reassess their strategic position in the ongoing conflict.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 137
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Emmendingen

    1796 Oct 19
    Western Europe

    On 19 October 1796, the Battle of Emmendingen unfolded between the French Army of Rhin-et-Moselle, commanded by General Jean Victor Marie Moreau, and the First Coalition Army of the Upper Rhine, led by Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen. Emmendingen, situated on the Elz River in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, became the focal point of intense military engagement as the French sought to retreat through the Black Forest towards the Rhine. The French forces, numbering approximately 32,000, faced a Habsburg contingent of around 28,000 troops. The terrain, characterized by rugged mountains and heavy rainfall, complicated troop movements and contributed to the fierce fighting that ensued.

    As dawn broke, the French right wing under Saint-Cyr advanced along the Elz valley, while the Habsburg forces, organized into four columns, prepared to engage. The initial French assault was met with strong resistance from Austrian sharpshooters positioned on the heights, forcing Saint-Cyr to withdraw. Concurrently, the left flank under Beaupuy faced a brutal attack from Latour's columns, resulting in significant casualties, including the death of Beaupuy. The center of the French line, defended by riflemen in Landeck wood, managed to hold off two of Wartensleben's detachments, but as the day progressed, the Habsburg forces gained the upper hand, compelling the French to retreat across the Elz River, destroying the bridges behind them to hinder pursuit.

    By the end of the day, the French had suffered approximately 1,000 killed and wounded, along with 1,800 captured, while the Austrians incurred around 1,000 casualties. The battle resulted in the loss of two generals: Beaupuy for the French and Wartensleben for the Austrians, who succumbed to his injuries months later. The outcome at Emmendingen forced Moreau to abandon his plans for a coordinated withdrawal across multiple points and instead retreat further into the Black Forest, setting the stage for the subsequent Battle of Schliengen five days later.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 138
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Schliengen

    1796 Oct 24
    Central Europe

    The Battle of Schliengen occurred on 24 October 1796, involving the French Army of the Rhine and Moselle, commanded by General Jean-Victor Moreau, and the Austrian army led by Archduke Charles of Austria. The strategic village of Schliengen, located near the borders of present-day Germany, France, and Switzerland, was crucial for controlling access to the Rhine crossings and southwestern German states. Following a retreat from Freiburg im Breisgau on 20 October, Moreau positioned approximately 32,000 troops along a 7.5-mile semicircle on the heights surrounding Schliengen, with his right wing at Kandern and his left at Steinstadt. The French center occupied the village itself, fortified by a small stream, the Kander, which provided additional defense against the approaching Austrians.

    Archduke Charles, commanding around 24,000 troops, opted to attack Moreau's flanks rather than risk a direct assault on the fortified center. His forces were organized into four columns, with the intention of turning the French right flank at Kandern. The battle commenced with intense fighting as the Austrian columns engaged the French positions. The Duke of Enghien's column captured Steinstadt, while Count Baillet de Latour's forces attacked Ferino's positions, pushing the French back. Nauendorf's column, after a night march, successfully ousted the French from Kandern and Sitzenkirch, gaining the high ground. The fighting was fierce, with both sides suffering significant casualties, but by the end of the day, the Austrians had successfully dislodged the French from their flanks.

    Recognizing the precariousness of his position, Moreau withdrew his right wing to the heights of Tannenkirch during the night, maintaining a strong rear guard. By the following day, he retreated across the Rhine at Hüningen, successfully evacuating his forces despite the pressure from the advancing Austrians. The battle concluded with both sides claiming victory, but military assessments suggest that the Austrians gained a strategic advantage, as they forced the French to retreat while maintaining their own operational integrity.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 139
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Kehl (1796-97)

    1796 Oct 26 - 1797 Jan 9
    Central Europe

    The Siege of Kehl commenced on 26 October 1796 and concluded on 9 January 1797, involving a Habsburg and Württemberg force of approximately 40,000 troops commanded by Count Maximilian Anton Karl Baillet de Latour. The objective was to capture the French-held fortifications at Kehl, a strategic bridgehead across the Rhine River to Strasbourg, a key city for the French Revolutionary forces. Following the Battle of Schliengen on 24 October, the French commander Jean Victor Marie Moreau withdrew his forces toward the Rhine, while Latour initiated the siege at Kehl. The French garrison, initially numbering around 7,000 under General Louis Desaix, faced increasing pressure as the Austrians constructed extensive earthworks and artillery positions around the village and its defenses.

    On 22 November, the French launched a significant sortie with 16,000 infantry and 3,000 to 4,000 cavalry, aiming to disrupt the Austrian siege lines. They managed to capture several redoubts and inflict casualties, but ultimately retreated after encountering strong resistance and logistical challenges. The Austrians continued to expand their siege works, culminating in a heavy bombardment that severely damaged the French defenses. By early January 1797, the situation for the French became untenable as the Austrians established a stronghold around Kehl, leading to the French inability to reinforce their positions effectively. On 9 January, after 115 days of siege, the French garrison capitulated, having evacuated all valuable resources and left the fortifications in ruins.

    The siege resulted in significant casualties, with estimates of Austrian losses ranging from 3,000 to 4,800 men. The successful capture of Kehl allowed the Austrians to secure the Rhine crossings and facilitated their military operations in the region, while the French were forced to retreat to Hüningen, limiting their strategic options in southern Germany. The siege exemplified the challenges of 18th-century warfare, where fortifications and siege tactics played a crucial role in determining the outcomes of military engagements.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 140
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Second Battle of Bassano

    1796 Nov 6
    Southern Europe

    The Second Battle of Bassano occurred on 6 November 1796, when a Habsburg army under the command of Feldzeugmeister József Alvinczi engaged Napoleon Bonaparte's French Army of Italy near Bassano del Grappa in Northern Italy. The battle was part of the third relief of the siege of Mantua during the War of the First Coalition. Alvinczi's forces included approximately 28,000 troops from the Friaul Corps and 19,000 from the Tyrol Corps, while Bonaparte deployed around 28,300 soldiers, including divisions led by Generals Masséna, Augereau, and Vaubois. The engagement marked the first tactical defeat of Bonaparte's career, with both sides suffering significant casualties.

    The battle began early in the morning, with Masséna launching an attack on the Austrian left wing at Fontaniva. From 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., the French executed multiple assaults against General-major Anton Lipthay's brigade, which was defending the river crossing. The 2nd and 3rd battalions of the Splényi Infantry Regiment Nr. 51 faced heavy losses, with 657 men lost out of 2,000. Despite being injured, Lipthay remained in command as reinforcements arrived, allowing the Austrians to hold their position against the French attacks. Concurrently, Hohenzollern's forces crossed the Brenta River, and Augereau's division engaged in fierce fighting at Bassano, where the village of Nove changed hands several times before the action concluded at 10 p.m.

    French casualties totaled approximately 3,000, including 508 captured, while Austrian losses amounted to 2,823, with significant numbers of killed and wounded among both wings. Despite claiming a victory, Bonaparte ordered a retreat that evening, successfully breaking contact with the pursuing Austrians. The following days saw further engagements, including the Battle of Calliano on 7 November, where Davidovich routed Vaubois, and the Battle of Caldiero on 12 November, where Bonaparte faced additional challenges. The campaign continued to unfold with the decisive Battle of Arcole occurring from 15 to 17 November.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 141
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Calliano

    1796 Nov 6 - 1796 Nov 7
    Southern Europe

    The Battle of Calliano occurred on 6 and 7 November 1796, involving an Austrian corps under the command of Feldmarschal-Leutnant Paul Davidovich and a French division led by General of Division Claude Belgrand de Vaubois. This engagement was part of the Austrian efforts to relieve the besieged French-held city of Mantua. Prior to the battle, on 2 November, Vaubois had engaged Davidovich at Cembra, inflicting 1,100 casualties on the Austrians while suffering 650 losses himself. Following this clash, the French retreated to Calliano as the Austrians occupied Trento on 5 November.

    On 6 November, the battle commenced with Davidovich launching attacks against Vaubois's positions at Calliano. The French successfully repulsed these assaults, inflicting 753 casualties on the Austrians. However, that night, Vaubois weakened his main line by detaching several units to secure key positions. At dawn on 7 November, the Austrians renewed their offensive, leading to intense fighting throughout the day, with control of Calliano shifting multiple times. By 4 PM, panic ensued among the French troops, resulting in a retreat. The Austrians suffered a total of 3,567 casualties during the campaign, while the French incurred approximately 4,400 losses at both Cembra and Calliano.

    Following the battle, the French forces retreated to Rivoli Veronese on 8 November, where they regrouped. The Austrian command faced challenges in communication, which hindered their ability to capitalize on the French withdrawal. Davidovich, believing he faced a stronger French presence, refrained from pursuing the retreating forces aggressively. The subsequent engagements at Rivoli on 17 and 21 November would further shape the campaign, with the Austrians ultimately achieving a tactical victory but failing to decisively exploit their advantages against the French Army of Italy.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 142
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Caldiero (1796)

    1796 Nov 12
    Southern Europe

    On 12 November 1796, the Battle of Caldiero unfolded as the Habsburg army, commanded by Feldzeugmeister József Alvinczi, engaged the forces of the First French Republic under General Napoleon Bonaparte. The battle was initiated when the French launched an assault on the Austrian positions held by the advance guard led by Generalmajor Prince Friedrich Franz Xaver of Hohenzollern-Hechingen. The Austrians initially held their ground despite being outnumbered, suffering 400 casualties before retreating to a fortified ridge north of Caldiero. Bonaparte, determined to capitalize on the situation, committed 13,000 troops, including divisions led by André Masséna and Pierre Augereau, to attack the Austrian positions the following day.

    On 12 November, the French forces advanced under adverse weather conditions, with rain and hail hampering their efforts. Masséna targeted the Austrian right while Augereau focused on the left. The Austrians, entrenched in several villages, mounted a strong defense. By midday, Masséna began to gain ground, but the arrival of reinforcements for the Austrians, including the brigades of Generalmajore Adolf Brabeck and Anton Schübirz von Chobinin, turned the tide. The Austrians successfully repelled the French assaults, and by nightfall, the French were forced to withdraw to Verona, having suffered significant losses.

    The French casualties amounted to approximately 1,800, including 1,000 killed and wounded, along with 800 captured and two artillery pieces lost. The Austrians incurred around 1,300 casualties, with 950 killed and wounded and 350 captured. Despite the setback, Bonaparte contemplated a renewed offensive, ultimately leading to the subsequent Battle of Arcola from 15 to 17 November, where he aimed to defeat Alvinczi and relieve the pressure on his forces.

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    Result/Victory

    Austria victoryAustria
  • 143
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Arcole

    1796 Nov 15 - 1796 Nov 17
    Southern Europe
    © Horace Vernet
    Video

    The Battle of Arcole, fought from 15 to 17 November 1796, occurred 25 kilometers southeast of Verona between French and Austrian forces during the War of the First Coalition. The French Army of Italy, commanded by General Napoleon Bonaparte, aimed to outflank the Austrian army led by Feldzeugmeister József Alvinczi, who sought to relieve the besieged fortress of Mantua. Alvinczi's strategy involved a two-pronged offensive, with General-major Paul Davidovich advancing south along the Adige River while Alvinczi led the main force from the east. The Austrians initially achieved some success, with Davidovich defeating French forces at Calliano and Alvinczi repulsing attacks at Bassano and Caldiero. However, Bonaparte concentrated his forces and launched a bold maneuver to cross the Adige River, aiming to cut off the Austrian retreat.

    On 15 November, Bonaparte's troops established a pontoon bridge and crossed the Adige, with Augereau's division leading the advance toward Arcole. The French faced fierce resistance from Austrian defenders under Colonel Wenzel Brigido, who repelled initial assaults. Despite heavy fighting, including the wounding of several French commanders, the French struggled to gain a foothold. On the western flank, Masséna's forces engaged the Austrians near Belfiore, but the French could not prevent the Austrian supply trains from escaping. Bonaparte attempted to inspire his troops by exposing himself to enemy fire, resulting in the death of his aide-de-camp, Jean-Baptiste Muiron. By nightfall, Bonaparte withdrew most of his forces back across the Adige, leaving a garrison to maintain the bridgehead.

    The following day, Alvinczi launched a counteroffensive, but his forces faced setbacks against Masséna's troops. The fighting continued with fluctuating fortunes, and by 17 November, Bonaparte's engineers constructed a new bridge over the Alpone River, allowing Augereau's division to engage the Austrians. A decisive moment occurred when Masséna's reinforcements turned the tide, enabling the French to capture Arcole by late afternoon. The battle concluded with significant casualties on both sides, with the French suffering approximately 3,500 dead and wounded, while the Austrians lost around 2,200, along with 4,000 captured. The victory at Arcole solidified Bonaparte's reputation and marked a pivotal moment in the campaign against the Austrians in Italy.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 144
    S
    War of the First Coalition

    Siege of Hüningen (1796-97)

    1796 Nov 27 - 1797 Feb 1
    Western Europe
    © Jean Jaques de Mechel

    The Siege of Hüningen took place from 27 November 1796 to 1 February 1797, during the French Revolutionary Wars, when Austrian forces captured the fortress from the French. The fortress, located approximately 2.5 miles north of Basel, was strategically significant as it served as a bridgehead across the Rhine River. Following the French withdrawal after the Battle of Schliengen on 24 October 1796, the French retained control of Hüningen and Kehl. However, Archduke Charles of Austria, under orders from the Aulic Council, initiated simultaneous sieges at both locations to secure the Rhine crossings. Command of the siege at Hüningen was given to Karl Aloys zu Fürstenberg, who began constructing extensive earthworks and artillery batteries around the fortress shortly after the siege commenced.

    Throughout December, the Austrians intensified their bombardment, establishing three large batteries that continuously shelled the French defenses. The French garrison, initially commanded by Jean Charles Abbatucci, faced mounting pressure, and Abbatucci was killed during a failed sortie in early December. His successor, Georges Joseph Dufour, continued to resist but found the situation increasingly dire as the Austrians reinforced their positions and improved their artillery capabilities. By January 1797, the French defenses had been severely compromised, and the Austrians had completed their circumvallation of the fortress, effectively cutting off any hope of relief or resupply.

    On 1 February 1797, as the Austrians prepared for a final assault, Dufour opted to surrender the fortress to avoid unnecessary casualties. The French evacuated, taking with them any remaining valuables, while the Austrians took possession of the heavily damaged fortress. The siege resulted in significant casualties for the French, with nearly 30% of their forces lost, while Austrian casualties remained relatively light. The successful capture of Hüningen marked a significant achievement for the Austrians in the campaign, further solidifying Archduke Charles's reputation as a key military leader during the conflict.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 145
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    French expedition to Ireland (1796)

    1796 Dec 1
    Naval

    The French expedition to Ireland in late 1796 aimed to support the Society of United Irishmen in their rebellion against British rule. Under General Lazare Hoche, approximately 15,000 soldiers were assembled at Brest, with the fleet departing on 15 December 1796. The operation faced severe weather conditions, leading to confusion and disarray among the ships. By the time the fleet reached Bantry Bay on 21 December, the weather had worsened significantly, preventing any effective landings. The French fleet, which included 17 ships of the line and numerous transports, was battered by storms, resulting in the loss of several vessels and thousands of soldiers and sailors who drowned or were captured.

    Despite the British navy's limited response, Captain Sir Edward Pellew's frigates engaged the French ship of the line Droits de l'Homme on 13 January 1797, leading to the ship's wreck and the loss of over 1,000 lives. The French fleet ultimately lost 12 ships, with only a few returning to Brest. The expedition was marked by a series of miscommunications and navigational errors, compounded by the inexperience of the French sailors in harsh winter conditions. The fleet's commanders, Hoche and Morard de Galles, arrived in Bantry Bay on 30 December, only to find that the operation had already collapsed.

    As the French ships retreated, they faced further challenges from the weather and British patrols. The last significant engagement occurred when Droits de l'Homme was captured after being driven ashore during a storm. The expedition concluded with no successful landings in Ireland, and the French forces returned to France, having suffered heavy losses. The failed attempt to invade Ireland prompted subsequent French efforts in 1798, but these too would ultimately fail to achieve their objectives.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 146
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Expedition in Tyrol

    1797 Jan 1
    Central Europe

    The Tyrolean expedition of 1797 was a military campaign during the War of the First Coalition, involving French forces and the Austrian Empire. The campaign commenced in the spring of 1797 when French troops, under the command of General Jean-Antoine Sérurier, advanced into Tyrol, which was then part of the Austrian territories. The French aimed to secure the region and disrupt Austrian supply lines. The French forces numbered approximately 20,000 men, while the Austrians, commanded by Archduke Charles, fielded around 30,000 troops in defense of Tyrol. Key engagements occurred at locations such as the Inn River and the town of Kufstein, where the French faced stiff resistance from the Austrian forces. The campaign saw significant skirmishes, with the French ultimately managing to capture several strategic points despite suffering considerable casualties, estimated at around 3,000 men, while the Austrians lost approximately 4,000 troops.

    In 1809, the Tyrolean Rebellion erupted as part of the War of the Fifth Coalition, driven by local resistance against French occupation and the imposition of heavy taxes. The rebellion was led by Andreas Hofer, a Tyrolean innkeeper, who rallied local militias against the French and their Bavarian allies. The insurrection began in April 1809, with Hofer's forces achieving initial successes, including the capture of Innsbruck on April 12. The Tyrolean rebels, numbering around 30,000, engaged in guerrilla warfare, utilizing the mountainous terrain to their advantage. However, the French, under the command of Marshal François Macdonald, responded with a concerted military effort, deploying approximately 40,000 troops to suppress the uprising.

    The decisive battles of the rebellion occurred in May and June 1809, particularly at the Battle of Bergisel on May 29, where Hofer's forces faced a well-coordinated French assault. Despite initial victories, the Tyrolean forces were ultimately overwhelmed by superior numbers and artillery. The French inflicted heavy casualties on the rebels, with estimates of around 10,000 Tyrolean casualties compared to 5,000 French losses. By the end of June 1809, the rebellion was effectively crushed, leading to the re-establishment of French control over Tyrol.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 147
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Rivoli

    1797 Jan 14
    Southern Europe
    © Édouard Detaille
    Video

    The Battle of Rivoli, fought on 14 January 1797, was a significant military engagement during the War of the First Coalition near the village of Rivoli, then part of the Republic of Venice. The French Army of Italy, commanded by General Napoleon Bonaparte, faced an Austrian force led by General of the Artillery Jozsef Alvinczi, who aimed to relieve the siege of Mantua. Alvinczi concentrated 28,000 troops in five columns to attack the French division of Barthélemy Joubert, which numbered around 10,000 men. On 12 January, Alvinczi initiated his assault, but Joubert successfully held his ground until Bonaparte arrived with reinforcements on the morning of 14 January, establishing a defensive line on the Trambasore Heights just north of Rivoli.

    At dawn, Alvinczi engaged Joubert's forces, uniting three Austrian columns between Caprino and the chapel of San Marco. By 9 a.m., the Austrians launched a counterattack, but the French managed to repel them. As the battle progressed, the situation for the French became precarious, with an Austrian column under Lusignan threatening their retreat. Bonaparte dispatched Masséna's 18th Demi-brigade to counter this threat while focusing on defeating Quosdanovich's column. Utilizing superior artillery, the French inflicted heavy casualties on the advancing Austrians, causing chaos among their ranks. French cavalry, led by Joachim Murat, charged the flanks, further destabilizing the Austrian forces. By midday, the French had successfully pushed back the Austrians, leading to a decisive victory.

    The French suffered approximately 3,200 casualties, including killed, wounded, and captured, while the Austrians faced around 4,000 casualties and lost 8,000 men and 40 guns to capture. The battle concluded with the French pursuing the retreating Austrians, effectively dismantling their forces. The victory at Rivoli solidified Bonaparte's reputation as a military leader and set the stage for the eventual surrender of Mantua in February 1797, marking a pivotal moment in the French campaign in Italy.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 148
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Faenza

    1797 Feb 3
    Southern Europe
    © Nicolas-Antoine Taunay

    On February 3, 1797, the Battle of Faenza, also referred to as the Battle of Castel Bolognese, unfolded near the town of Castel Bolognese, located on the banks of the Senio River, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Bologna. The engagement involved 7,000 troops from the Papal Army, commanded by Michelangelo Alessandro Colli-Marchi, facing off against 9,000 French troops under the command of Claude Victor-Perrin. The battle commenced when the Papal artillery opened fire on the advancing French forces, causing some initial casualties. However, the French quickly launched an assault across the Senio River, effectively dispersing the Papal infantry and cavalry.

    The French forces achieved a decisive victory, inflicting approximately 800 casualties on the Papal troops while sustaining only 100 casualties themselves. In the course of the battle, the French captured 1,200 Papal soldiers, along with 14 artillery pieces, eight caissons, and eight colors. Victor's corps included a grenadier reserve led by General Jean Lannes, which contributed to the rapid disintegration of the Papal defense. The engagement highlighted the disparity in training and resources between the well-prepared French Revolutionary Army and the less experienced Papal forces, which were primarily composed of militia and poorly trained regulars.

    Following the battle, the French continued their campaign, leading to the surrender of the port of Ancona on February 9, 1797, where the Papal garrison of 1,200 men and 120 artillery guns capitulated without French casualties. The outcome of the battle and subsequent events significantly weakened the Papal States, culminating in the Treaty of Tolentino on February 19, 1797, which imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Pope Pius VI.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 149
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Cape St. Vincent (1797)

    1797 Feb 14
    Naval
    Battle off Cape St. Vincent. © William Adolphus Knell
    Video

    The Battle of Cape St. Vincent occurred on 14 February 1797, during the Anglo-Spanish War, as part of the French Revolutionary Wars. A British fleet commanded by Admiral Sir John Jervis engaged a Spanish fleet led by Admiral Don José de Córdoba y Ramos near Cape St. Vincent, Portugal. The British fleet consisted of fifteen ships of the line, while the Spanish fleet comprised 27 ships of the line, significantly outnumbering the British forces. The Spanish fleet had departed Cartagena on 1 February, intending to join the French at Brest and escort a merchant convoy from Cádiz. However, adverse weather conditions forced them further into the Atlantic, delaying their return to Cádiz. By 6 February, Jervis had reinforced his fleet with five additional ships from the Channel Fleet, and on 11 February, Commodore Horatio Nelson, commanding the frigate HMS Minerve, passed through the Spanish fleet undetected due to fog, later reporting their position to Jervis.

    On the morning of 14 February, Jervis's fleet was formed in two lines of battle as they approached the Spanish fleet, which was also arranged in two columns. At approximately 10:30 a.m., the Spanish ships began to maneuver, prompting Jervis to signal his fleet to engage. The British fleet took advantage of the Spanish formation and initiated combat, with Jervis's ships passing between the two Spanish columns, minimizing their exposure to enemy fire. The battle escalated as British ships, including Culloden, Blenheim, and Prince George, engaged the Spanish vessels. Nelson, disobeying Jervis's orders, took the initiative to attack the Spanish weather division directly, leading to intense close-quarters combat. By 2:00 p.m., the British had captured several Spanish ships, including the San Nicolás and the Santísima Trinidad, which was the largest ship in the world at the time, mounting 130 guns.

    As the battle progressed, British ships continued to engage the Spanish fleet, resulting in significant casualties. The British suffered 73 dead and 227 wounded, while Spanish losses were estimated at around 1,000 men, with the San Nicolás alone losing 144 crew members. By 4:00 p.m., the battle was nearing its conclusion, with the remaining Spanish ships attempting to regroup but ultimately failing to escape. Jervis signaled for the British fleet to cover the captured vessels, and by 5:00 p.m., the battle was effectively over. The victory at Cape St. Vincent was a significant achievement for the British Royal Navy, demonstrating their tactical superiority despite being outnumbered, and it marked a pivotal moment in the naval engagements of the period.

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    Result/Victory

    United Kingdom victoryUnited Kingdom
  • 150
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Fishguard

    1797 Feb 22 - 1797 Feb 24
    Western Europe
    French troops surrendering to British Forces at Goodwick Sands, following the invasion of Fishguard. © Baker, James, 18th. cent Bluck, J., fl. 1791-1819

    The Battle of Fishguard occurred from 22 to 24 February 1797, marking the last invasion of mainland Britain by a foreign force during the War of the First Coalition. The French expedition, commanded by Colonel William Tate, comprised approximately 1,400 troops from La Legion Noire, including 600 French regulars and 800 irregulars, who landed at Carreg Gwastad Point near Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, under the cover of darkness. The French forces brought with them significant supplies, including 47 barrels of gunpowder and 2,000 stands of arms. However, upon landing, discipline quickly deteriorated among the irregulars, leading many to desert and loot local settlements. The British response was swift, with local militia and volunteers, totaling around 500 men, quickly assembling under the command of John Campbell, 1st Baron Cawdor.

    By the morning of 23 February, the French had advanced two miles inland, occupying strong defensive positions. Colonel Tate faced significant challenges as many of his troops were either drunk or had deserted. Meanwhile, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Knox, leading the British forces, decided to retreat towards Haverfordwest to regroup with reinforcements. By 1:30 p.m., Knox met Cawdor's forces, and they advanced towards Fishguard. As dusk approached, Cawdor called off an initial attack due to the failing light, and negotiations for surrender began. Cawdor issued an ultimatum to Tate, demanding unconditional surrender by 10 a.m. on 24 February.

    On the morning of 24 February, the British forces lined up on Goodwick Sands, while local civilians gathered to witness the outcome. Misinterpreting the local women’s traditional attire as British soldiers, the French were led to believe they faced a larger force. Ultimately, Tate accepted the terms of unconditional surrender, and by 2 p.m., the French troops marched down to Goodwick to surrender their arms. The British captured the French forces, and Tate was later returned to France in a prisoner exchange in 1798. The naval aspect of the expedition saw British forces capture two French vessels, further diminishing the French presence in the region.

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    Result/Victory

    Coalition victoryCoalition
  • 151
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Tagliamento

    1797 Mar 16
    Southern Europe
    Passage du Tagliamento à Valvasone, 16 mars 1797. © Prosper Lafaye

    The Battle of Tagliamento, also known as the Battle of Valvasone, took place on 16 March 1797, when an army of the First French Republic, commanded by Napoleon Bonaparte, engaged a Habsburg Austrian force led by Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen. The Austrian army executed a rear guard action against the French vanguard, which was under the command of Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, at the crossing of the Tagliamento River. The French successfully crossed the river at Valvasone, located 20 kilometers southwest of Udine, and the battle unfolded on the opposite bank, primarily between the villages of Gradisca and Goricizza. The French forces suffered approximately 500 casualties while inflicting around 700 on the Austrians and capturing six artillery pieces.

    In the aftermath of the initial engagement, Bernadotte's division isolated an Austrian column at Gradisca d'Isonzo the following day, resulting in the capitulation of 2,500 Austrian soldiers, along with the capture of ten artillery pieces and eight colors. The French advance continued as several retreating Austrian columns attempted to reach the Tarvis Pass to the northeast. The French forces moved rapidly to intercept them, leading to the Battle of Tarvis, which unfolded over three days starting on 21 March. This series of engagements marked a significant advance for Bonaparte's army, bringing them within 75 miles of Vienna.

    The events at Tagliamento were part of the broader War of the First Coalition during the French Revolutionary Wars. The successful operations not only demonstrated the effectiveness of the French military strategy but also set the stage for subsequent negotiations, culminating in the Preliminaries of Leoben in mid-April 1797.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 152
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Valvasone (1797)

    1797 Mar 16
    Southern Europe

    The Battle of Valvasone, also referred to as the Battle of Tagliamento, took place on 16 March 1797, during the War of the First Coalition. The engagement involved a First French Republic army commanded by General Napoleon Bonaparte, which confronted an Austrian force led by Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen. The battle commenced as the French vanguard, under General Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, attacked the Austrian rear guard at the crossing of the Tagliamento River. The French successfully crossed the river at Valvasone, leading to a confrontation primarily between the villages of Gradisca and Goricizza. The French forces suffered approximately 500 casualties while inflicting around 700 on the Austrians and capturing six artillery pieces.

    On the following day, Bernadotte's division executed a maneuver that isolated an Austrian column, resulting in the capitulation of approximately 2,500 Austrian soldiers, along with the capture of ten artillery pieces and eight colors at Gradisca d'Isonzo. This operation was part of Bonaparte's broader offensive aimed at dismantling the Austrian defenses in northeast Italy. Following the battle, several Austrian columns attempted to retreat towards the Tarvis Pass, prompting the French to pursue and cut them off.

    The subsequent engagements culminated in the Battle of Tarvis, which unfolded over three days starting on 21 March 1797, as the Austrians sought to escape the encirclement. Bonaparte's aggressive campaign brought his forces within 75 miles (121 km) of Vienna, setting the stage for the Preliminaries of Leoben, which were concluded in mid-April 1797.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 153
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Tarvis (1797)

    1797 Mar 21 - 1797 Mar 23
    Western Europe
    © Antoine-Jean Gros

    The Battle of Tarvis occurred from 21 to 23 March 1797 near present-day Tarvisio, Italy, marking a significant engagement in the War of the First Coalition. The French army, under the command of General Napoleon Bonaparte, launched an offensive against the retreating Habsburg Austrian forces led by Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen. The French deployed three divisions, commanded by Generals André Masséna, Jean Joseph Guieu, and Jean-Mathieu-Philibert Sérurier, to block the Tarvis Pass and engage the Austrian columns. On 21 March, Masséna's advance guard expelled General-major Joseph Ocskay von Ocsko's troops from Tarvis, effectively cutting off the Austrians' escape route. Later that day, a counterattack by General-major Charles Philippe Vinchant de Gontroeul temporarily regained control of the town for the Austrians.

    The following day, 22 March, Masséna launched a renewed assault, retaking Tarvis and forcing Gontroeul to retreat toward Villach. Meanwhile, the Austrian column under Feldmarschall-Leutnant Adam Bajalics von Bajahaza found itself isolated and engaged by the French divisions. By the end of the battle, the French captured approximately 3,500 Austrian soldiers, 25 artillery pieces, and 500 wagons, while inflicting around 1,000 casualties on the Austrians. The French suffered approximately 1,200 casualties during the engagement, which involved various Austrian units, including the 3rd Battalion of the Klebek Infantry Regiment Nr. 14 and the Khevenhüller Grenadier Battalion.

    The battle concluded with the surrender of the remaining Austrian forces on 23 March, significantly weakening the Habsburg position in the region. The French advance brought them within 121 kilometers of Vienna, setting the stage for subsequent negotiations that would lead to the Preliminaries of Leoben in April 1797. This engagement was part of a broader campaign in which Bonaparte sought to drive the Austrian army from northeast Italy, following his earlier successes, including the capture of Mantua and victories against the Papal States.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 154
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Neuwied (1797)

    1797 Apr 18
    Western Europe
    Battle of Neuwied. © Victor Adam

    The Battle of Neuwied took place on 18 April 1797, as part of the War of the First Coalition, where Lazare Hoche commanded a portion of the French Army of Sambre-et-Meuse against the Austrian forces led by Franz von Werneck. The battle commenced with an Austrian artillery barrage, prompting a French assault on the Austrian left wing, commanded by Pál Kray. The French right wing successfully attacked the Austrian position near the village of Bendorff, dislodging the defenders with the support of cavalry units. A subsequent charge by French cavalry expelled the Austrians from Sayn, leading to a pursuit by a column under Antoine Richepanse, which captured seven cannons, fifty caissons, and five colors. The French infantry, bolstered by artillery from François Joseph Lefebvre, also took the village of Zolenberg, contributing to the collapse of the Austrian left wing.

    As the French right wing engaged the Austrian left, Hoche initiated a second offensive against the Austrian center. Following an artillery bombardment, the grenadiers of General Paul Grenier launched a bayonet charge that captured the redoubts of Hettersdorff and the village itself, while Michel Ney's hussars executed a flanking maneuver. This coordinated assault forced the Austrian center to retreat. Despite initial setbacks, Kray managed to regroup the Austrian left, but Hoche countered with additional forces, including Grenier's grenadiers and Ney's hussars. Ney, with approximately 500 hussars, engaged an Austrian reserve of 6,000 at Dierdorf for four hours until reinforcements arrived. During a counterattack, Ney was captured when his horse fell, but the Austrian left ultimately crumbled, resulting in the French capturing 4,000 Austrian soldiers and two colors.

    The battle concluded with significant Austrian losses, totaling around 3,000 men killed or wounded, and an additional 7,000 captured. The French secured twenty-seven cannons and seven colors, marking a notable victory. However, the significance of Hoche's offensive was diminished by the signing of the Preliminaries of Leoben on the same day, which initiated negotiations for peace and led to the Treaty of Campo Formio.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 155
    B
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Diersheim (1797)

    1797 Apr 20 - 1797 Apr 21
    Western Europe
    © ADFdeL

    The Battle of Diersheim occurred from 20 to 21 April 1797, involving a French army under the command of General Jean Victor Marie Moreau and an Austrian force led by Anton Count Sztáray de Nagy-Mihaly. The engagement took place near the village of Diersheim, located approximately one kilometer southwest of the Rhine River and about nine kilometers northeast of Kehl. The French forces, numbering around 30,000 troops, faced off against an Austrian contingent of approximately 25,000 soldiers. The battle was marked by intense and bitter fighting, resulting in significant casualties on both sides, with estimates of around 3,000 killed or wounded.

    During the conflict, the Austrians suffered a notable defeat, leading to their retreat. They lost approximately 2,000 soldiers as prisoners and 13 artillery pieces. The battle also saw the death of Austrian General Wilhelm von Immens and left Sztáray severely wounded. Despite the heavy losses, the engagement was rendered somewhat redundant as a truce was imminent; just days prior, Napoleon Bonaparte had signed the Preliminaries of Leoben with Austria, signaling a cessation of hostilities.

    Moreau's victory at Diersheim, although costly, bolstered his military reputation during the War of the First Coalition, part of the broader French Revolutionary Wars. The battle exemplified the fierce confrontations characteristic of this period, with both sides demonstrating considerable resolve despite the looming peace negotiations.

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    Result/Victory

    France victoryFrance
  • 156
    N
    War of the First Coalition

    Battle of Camperdown

    1797 Oct 11
    Naval
    © Thomas Whitcombe

    The Battle of Camperdown occurred on 11 October 1797, between the Royal Navy's North Sea Fleet, commanded by Admiral Adam Duncan, and the Batavian Navy, led by Vice-Admiral Jan Willem de Winter. Duncan's fleet, consisting of 16 ships of the line, intercepted de Winter's 16 ships off the coast of North Holland, near Camperduin. The British fleet had been blockading the Dutch since September, and when de Winter attempted to break the blockade, Duncan seized the opportunity to engage. The weather conditions were challenging, with heavy seas and strong winds, but Duncan signaled his fleet to prepare for battle at 09:00, and by 11:00, the British ships were advancing towards the Dutch line.

    Duncan's strategy involved attacking the Dutch line in two divisions. The southern division, led by Vice-Admiral Richard Onslow, targeted the Dutch rear, while the northern division, led by Duncan himself, aimed for the flagship Vrijheid. The British ships engaged the Dutch in a series of fierce exchanges, with Onslow's division overwhelming the Dutch rear guard, capturing several ships, including Jupiter and Haarlem, by 13:45. Meanwhile, Duncan's Venerable engaged Vrijheid, which was heavily defended. Despite suffering significant casualties, including the death of Captain Richard Rundle Burges of Ardent, the British forces pressed their attack. By 15:00, Vrijheid had sustained severe damage, and de Winter was forced to surrender, marking a decisive victory for the British.

    The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with the British suffering approximately 203 killed and 622 wounded, while the Dutch reported around 540 killed and 620 wounded. The British captured eleven Dutch ships without losing any of their own. The victory at Camperdown effectively dismantled the Batavian Navy as an independent fighting force and solidified British naval dominance in the North Sea during the French Revolutionary Wars. The aftermath saw Duncan celebrated for his leadership, while de Winter was taken prisoner but later released, continuing his naval career under the French.

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    Result/Victory

    United Kingdom victoryUnited Kingdom
Next Phase:
French invasion of Egypt and Syria

Appendices


APPENDIX 1

Quick Guide to Napoleonic Infantry Tactics

APPENDIX 2

Napoleonic Infantry Tactics

APPENDIX 3

Napoleonic Cavalry Tactics

APPENDIX 4

Napoleonic Artillery Tactics

APPENDIX 5

Naval Tactics in the Age of Sail