Siege of Aire-sur-la-Lys 1710 • Classical Era
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6 October – 9 November 1710 French defeat

Siege of Aire-sur-la-Lys

War of the Spanish Succession · Aire-sur-la-Lys, Artois (France)

Summary

The last important place in Artois, Aire-sur-la-Lys is besieged in autumn 1710. The defense led by the Marquis de Gacé is vigorous: besiegers encounter prolonged resistance, notably during several costly French sorties. Nevertheless, the siege is methodical and progressive. The town is taken after a month of intense fighting. The garrison obtains the honors of war.

Historical context

The fall of Douai, Béthune, and Saint-Venant opened the road to Aire. Its position on the Lys made it a logistical lock between Flanders and Artois. Its loss concluded a catastrophic year for the defense of northern France. In September 1710, the Grand Alliance besieged the town, defended by the Bauffremont Dragoons and Bueil-Racan regiments under the Marquis de Gacé; the siege was conducted by Arnold Joost van Keppel, Earl of Albemarle.

Tactics

Classical siege: parallel trenches, breaching fire, repeated assaults. The garrison conducts several effective counterattacks, notably against the sappers. Crossfire from the bastions causes heavy losses among the besiegers.

Consequences

France lost almost total control of the right bank of the Lys. The enemy threatened Lens and Arras. King Louis XIV ordered a reform of defensive strategy for 1711. After 58 days of siege, the fortress was surrendered to the Dutch in November 1710 and remained under Allied occupation until the Treaty of Utrecht of 14 April 1713, when France returned Furnes and the United Provinces restored Aire.

Location

Place : Aire-sur-la-Lys, Artois (France)
Coordinates : 50.6414°N, 2.3992°E

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