Raab
14 June, 1809
The
Napoleonic Guide's Suggested
Tours
1809
Danube Campaign Battles Map
Pushing
a nervous Archduke John
back from North Italy towards Hungary, Eugene
Beauharnais was given confidence by reports of the French
victories at Abensberg
and Eckmuhl.
His
opponent, however, was later buoyed by the news of the setback
to Napoleon Bonaparte's
campaign at Aspern-Essling
and decided to fight his pursuer.
John
set up his 35,000 troops in a defensive position overlooking
the Raab river and split off his main body of cavalry to
guard excellent horse terrain in the plain below.
Eugene
had only 24,000 men, but gained support from Marshal
Macdonald and his 9000-strong corps.
He
sent a diversionary move against the Austrian horsemen and,
in mid-afternoon, sent his infantry against the strong positions
John had prepared.
Eugene's
move against the enemy cavalry brought unexpected results
as the French horse artillery began to inflict heavy losses
upon the Austrians who eventually fled.
With
his flank broken, and under extreme pressure from the main
French attack, John sent part of his army into the fortress
at Raab and withdrew the remainder. The Austrians lost some
5000 men to Eugene's 3000.
Eugene
surrounded the fortress and after 11 days it surrendered.
He then moved off to link up with his stepfather in time
for the battle of Wagram.
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