Aspern-Essling—Day 1 Essling

In a series of uncoordinated attacks, the infantry of the Austrian fourth column could not take the granary, a massive bastion, and pulled back. D’Espagne’s French cavalry, returning from its unsuccessful attack against the guns of the Austrian third column, …

1809-05-21

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In a series of uncoordinated attacks, the infantry of the Austrian fourth column could not take the granary, a massive bastion, and pulled back. D’Espagne’s French cavalry, returning from its unsuccessful attack against the guns of the Austrian third column, was ordered to reform and charged the Austrian fourth column as it retired. Again, the Austrian infantry reacted quickly and formed battalion masses, which prevented any French success. Austrian cavalry, then moved forward, and forced the French cavalry to withdraw. The fifth column, having the greatest distance to march, was now in position around 8:00 PM and launched its attack. Using both the granary and the Long Garden as key defensive positions, Lannes skillfully deployed and redeployed his outnumbered troops to these critical points to maintain control of the village against the Austrian pressure. After this final attack of the day faltered, Rosenberg ordered his Austrians to retire and wait for the Grenadiers and the rest of the Austrian cavalry reserve to arrive.

Essling, 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