Battle of Schöngrabern (or Hollabrunn) 1805 • Revolution & Empire
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16 November 1805 Indecisive battle

Battle of Schöngrabern (or Hollabrunn)

German Campaign (War of the Third Coalition) · Schöngrabern, Lower Austria

Summary

In this rearguard action, Russian General Bagration skillfully delayed the French advance to allow the bulk of the Austro-Russian army to fall back toward Brünn and join Kutuzov. Murat fell into the Russians' diplomatic trap, accepting a false armistice to gain time.

Historical context

Napoleon pursued the remnants of coalition armies after Ulm and Dürenstein. The Russians sought to avoid immediate confrontation before being reinforced. Bagration accepted a delaying action at Schöngrabern.

Tactics

Bagration held strong defensive positions at Schöngrabern. Russian artillery opened fire and set the village ablaze, momentarily halting the French assault and allowing Bagration to organize an orderly withdrawal eastward.

Consequences

Bagration's maneuver succeeded: Koutouzov avoided a premature confrontation and consolidated his position before Austerlitz. Murat, deceived by an armistice, was sharply rebuked by Napoleon for letting the Russian army withdraw in good order.

Location

Place : Schöngrabern, Lower Austria
Coordinates : 48.6014°N, 15.9922°E

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