Abensberg

20 April 1809

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1809 Danube Campaign Battles Map

Desperately trying to wrest the initiative back from Archduke Charles in the opening phases of the 1809 Campaign, Napoleon Bonaparte consolidated his forces - left in a confused state by the former commander Marshal Berthier - and went on the offensive at Abensberg.

Despite being outnumbered, Bonaparte's 113,000 troops split the 160,000 strung-out Austrians into two forces.

Charles was forced to retreat east to Eckmuhl and General Hiller moved south-east to Landshut. Both then had to fight a second major battle each.

Austria suffered 2700 casualties at Abensberg, with a further 4000 men captured.