Battle of Dego
Italian Campaign (French Revolutionary Wars) · Dego, Liguria, Italy
Summary
On 14-15 April 1796, near Dego in Liguria, Bonaparte and Masséna took the Austro-Sardinian position controlling the enemy armies' junction route, then repulsed Colonel Vukasovich's surprise counter-attack the following day.
Historical context
After the victory at Montenotte, Napoleon sought to prevent the Austrian and Piedmontese armies from joining: capturing Dego, on a hillside defended by a fort and trenches above the Bormida, was essential to cut their only junction route.
Tactics
On the 14th, Masséna outflanked the enemy right and seized the village and ridge; on the 15th, an Austrian counter-attack exploited French looting and disorder, but Masséna and Laharpe rallied the troops and retook Dego after a new coordinated assault.
Consequences
The double victory at Dego prevented the coalition from joining forces, pinned Beaulieu to the east, and allowed Napoleon to strike the Sardinian army under General Colli, defeated at Mondovì on 21 April, opening the way to a Sardinian armistice.