Battle of Caldiero
Italian Campaign (War of the Third Coalition) · Caldiero, Venetia (Italy)
Summary
The Battle of Caldiero pitted Masséna's troops against those of Archduke Charles in difficult weather conditions. Despite several attempts, the French failed to break the Austrian lines.
Historical context
On 30 October 1805, near Caldiero, Marshal Masséna with 37,000 men faced Archduke Charles's 50,000-strong Austrian army posted in the village and on the heights, while Napoleon was encircling Ulm in Germany.
Tactics
Masséna launched several frontal assaults on heights held by the Austrians, but rain, mud, and solid defenses made advance difficult. Artillery and Austrian counterattacks prevented any significant progress.
Consequences
The Austrians lost about 3,000 dead or wounded and 8,000 prisoners, including Hillinger's entire corps. The French suffered about 4,000 dead or wounded. Archduke Charles requested a truce to bury the dead.