Second Battle of Constantine

The second expedition against Constantine, conducted one year after Clausel's failure, was better prepared and crowned with success. General Damrémont meticulously organized approach to the city. After his premature death, General Valée took command and directed the final assault. French troops managed to breach fortifications after intense bombardment. Constantine fell after two days of fierce fighting, marking a turning point in French conquest of eastern Algeria.

After the humiliating 1836 defeat, the July Monarchy sought to restore its authority. The expedition was entrusted to Damrémont, who mobilized more than 7,000 well-equipped men and prepared methodical siege. This time logistical means matched requirements: prepared roads, artillery efficiently transported, supply assured. Ahmed Bey, still master of the city, refused submission and organized defense again. Constantines hoped that, as the previous year, the French would fail before the walls.

The French installed artillery on heights dominating Constantine and bombarded the city for several days. On 12 October General Damrémont was killed by shell fragment. His successor Valée decided to maintain the assault. On 13 October at dawn French infantry launched coordinated assault on the ramparts. After fierce street fighting, sometimes hand to hand, defenders were overwhelmed. On 14 October the last bastions fell. Ahmed Bey managed to escape but his authority was broken.

Capture of Constantine was a strategic and symbolic victory for France. It allowed control of eastern Algeria, considerably reducing Ahmed Bey's capacity for resistance. It was also exploited politically in Paris as a major military success of Louis-Philippe's regime. General Valée was made Marshal of France for his victory. However, although Constantine was taken, complete pacification of the hinterland had only just begun. Ahmed Bey would continue guerrilla against colonial troops for several more years.