Aspern-Essling

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

EPIC04

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. The second Austrian attack briefly entered the town before being thrown back. French reinforcements were needed to repulse a third attack. By this time, some of the Austrian cavalry had moved forward along with the third column. Napoleon, concerned the village might fall, ordered Marulaz to charge. 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. Meanwhile, in a series of uncoordinated attacks, the infantry of the Austrian fourth column could not take the granary in Essling, a massive bastion, and pulled back. 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 French troops to these critical points to maintain control of the village. After this final attack of the day, Rosenberg ordered his Austrians to retire and wait for the Grenadiers and the rest of the Austrian cavalry reserve to arrive.

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