Battle of Biberach

The Battle of Biberach was a French victory that strengthened Moreau's position in southern Germany by repelling Austrian forces under Latour. On 2 October 1796, Moreau turned to stop Baillet-Latour's harassment during his retreat through the Black Forest after Jourdan's defeats at Amberg and Würzburg.

During the 1796 campaign, Moreau led an offensive to secure control of the Upper Rhine region and weaken the Austro-Prussian coalition. After repelling Latour early in the summer, Moreau advanced toward Munich but had to retreat on 19 September. Baillet-Latour harassed his withdrawal with ~30,000 men.

Moreau exploited favorable terrain with coordinated infantry attacks supported by heavy artillery, forcing the Austrians into a disorderly withdrawal. Desaix broke the Austrian right wing at noon; Gouvion-Saint-Cyr attacked in three columns at the center. Kospoth and Mercandin yielded under repeated assaults, and Baillet-Latour ordered a general retreat.

This victory allowed the French army to continue its advance in southern Germany, threatening Austrian lines of communication. The Imperials left 300 dead and wounded, 4,000 prisoners, 18 guns, and 2 flags. Latour thereafter merely followed the French retreat without hindering it.