The Battle of Marengo

Map by [HWK]Stu

The Battle of Marengo began early on the morning of June 14, 1800, when Austrian Army troops under the command of Lieutenant General Michael Melas crossed the Bormida River in Northern Italy and attacked several isolated divisions of a French army commanded by First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte. Earlier that morning Napoleon had sent part of his strength away to the north and south in the belief that Melas would attempt to circumvent the approaching French Army. This inaccurate appraisal of his enemy's intent nearly spelled disaster, for as the Austrian Army of Italy marched out of their bridgehead east of the city of Alessandria the French Army lay scattered before them.

The first serious fighting of the day was actually delayed until long after dawn because of the constricted Austrian bridgehead and swampy terrain which lay beyond. Only around mid-morning did Austrian Major General Andreas O'Reilly's attacking columns deploy and lash out at Lieutenant General Claude Victor Perrin's infantry, all of whom had been moved into a defense line which ran along Fontanone Creek. Also in the vicinity was Brigadier General Francois Kellermann with 600 well mounted French heavy cavalry. Kellermann's presence on Victor's left flank was to save the situation many times that day.

As the mid-morning (wore on) Austrian attacks gained in intensity and scope, confused fighting broke out on both flanks of Victor's positions. O'Reilly's command, joined by those of Major Generals Conrad Kaim and Karl Haddik, continued to be frustrated by a combination of rough terrain and tenacious French resistance. Far away to the east at Torre di Garrofoli, Napoleon considered the attack across the Bormida to be an enemy diversion. Fortunately for Victor, French Lieutenant General Jean Lannes helped to stabilize the situation by moving Major General Watrin's infantry division and Brigadier General Champeaux's cavalry into the fight on his own initiative.

To read the rest of this article, visit the following web site; http://www.wtj.com/articles/marengo/articles_summary/battle.htm

The Map

The Austrian army has crossed the Bormida River, and is about to attack Napoleon’s precarious position. There are 5 map objectives (circled yellow), also marked on the field itself, that signify strategic locations from the battle. The moment that the Austrians (green) control 4 of these 5 locations the French (blue) must surrender/concede defeat. Markers have been set on all 5 objectives so that both sides may confirm their possession. There is a delay of 15 minutes on certain French and Austrian contingents, clearly written on the field to reflect historical reality, most notably French generals Kellerman and Desaixs’ eventual arrival on the field. Some buildings are garrisonable, however, they need not be taken or destroyed in order to claim or control a nearby objective square (outlined in stone on the field). Study the Tile Map for a clear picture of the battlefield and watch the Video for better understanding of map objectives. No up-grades or building allowed.