Aspern-Essling—Day 1 Aspern

Slowed by having only one bridge to cross, Napoleon had less than a third of his army across the Danube, when Charles attacked. The Austrians were formed into five attack columns with the Grenadiers and the majority of the cavalry …

1809-05-21

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Slowed by having only one bridge to cross, Napoleon had less than a third of his army across the Danube, when Charles attacked. The Austrians were formed into five attack columns with the Grenadiers and the majority of the cavalry in reserve. The battle started with the attack by the first and second Austrian columns against Aspern. The French, under the command of Molitor, were already deployed in the village and repulsed the first attack, but the second attack briefly entered the town. French reinforcements were brought forward and a third attack was repulsed. By this time, some of the Austrian cavalry had moved forward and came under French artillery fire. The Austrian cavalry launched an attack to silence the French guns and was counter attacked, but the French cavalry was forced to retire when attacked by the Austrian lancers. By this time, the artillery of the third column was in position and was able to support another attack on the village. Napoleon, concerned the village might fall, ordered Marulaz to charge the Austrian guns. The guns, however, were supported by the Austrian infantry, which drew up in battalion masses and forced the French cavalry to retire. The battle for control of Aspern swung back and forth and at the end of the day, both Austrian and French infantry occupied the town.

Aspern, Austria

In the Battle of Aspern-Essling, Napoleon attempted a forced crossing of the Danube near Vienna, but the French and their allies were driven back by the Austrians under Archduke Charles. The battle was the first time Napoleon had been personally defeated in over a decade, but Aspern would be a sign of numerous military defeats and blunders that would soon hinder Napoleon. However, Archduke Charles failed to secure a decisive victory as Napoleon was able to successfully withdraw most of his forces.

Wikipedia: Battle of Aspern-Essling

French

Austrians

Fifth Coalition