Battle of Wertingen
German Campaign (War of the Third Coalition) · Wertingen, Bavaria (Holy Roman Empire)
Summary
The Battle of Wertingen was the first engagement of the Ulm campaign. French cavalry under Murat swept the Austrian vanguard in a rapid, violent attack. Lannes supported the offensive with infantry.
Historical context
On 8 October 1805, at the start of the Ulm campaign, Feldmarschall-Leutnant von Auffenberg, isolated at Wertingen with around 5,500 infantry and 400 cavalry, was surprised by Marshals Murat and Lannes with about 12,000 men, as part of the French maneuver to cut the retreat of Mack's army.
Tactics
Murat enveloped the Austrian column while Nansouty charged with heavy cavalry; Auffenberg formed an infantry square flanked by cuirassiers. After two hours of fierce fighting, Albert's cuirassiers were crushed and the broken square dispersed; Oudinot's brigade accelerated the enemy rout.
Consequences
Auffenberg lost about half his strength, mostly taken prisoner, as well as nearly all his artillery and many flags. This French victory disorganized Austrian plans and accelerated the encirclement of Mack's army, opening the way to the capitulation at Ulm.