Battle of Fleurus
French Revolutionary Wars · Fleurus, Belgium
Summary
Decisive French victory on 26 June 1794 at Fleurus (Belgium): Jourdan defeated Coburg after a full day of fighting around Charleroi, assisted by the balloon L'Entreprenant. Losses were about 5,000 French casualties against 7,000 allies according to Soult; Belgium came under Republican control.
Historical context
On 26 June 1794, during the War of the First Coalition, Jourdan's Revolutionary French army (about 75,000 men) faced the allies commanded by Prince Coburg near Fleurus in Belgium. The Austrians sought to relieve the siege of Charleroi, unaware that the town had accepted a secret surrender the day before.
Tactics
The allies struck in five simultaneous columns on an arc around Charleroi. Jourdan used the observation balloon L'Entreprenant (first military use of an aerostat) to coordinate his troops from Jumet. After fifteen hours of fighting in blazing heat, Jourdan's reinforcements retook Heppignies and Lambusart, forcing Coburg to order a general retreat.
Consequences
The next day the allies abandoned Belgium and withdrew toward the Empire. The French took Brussels on 10 July and Antwerp on 27 July; the British expeditionary corps was embarked. The battle marked the definitive loss of Imperial control over the region and opened the conquest of the Austrian Netherlands.