Battle of Elchingen (Höchstädt)
War of the Second Coalition · Elchingen near Höchstädt, Bavaria, Germany
Summary
The Battle of Elchingen, often called the Battle of Höchstädt, was a decisive victory for French forces under General Ney, breaking Austrian lines and renewing the offensive in southern Germany.
Historical context
This battle took place during the 1800 German campaign in the War of the Second Coalition. It followed the Battle of Marengo and confirmed French superiority in the region.
Tactics
At eight o'clock, Ney sent Villatte's brigade to take the bridge held by an Austrian guard. Engineers repaired the damage, then Villatte attacked the main Austrian position, supported by Colbert-Chabanais's cavalry. With Mahler to the east and Dupont to the northeast, Riesch began to withdraw; Murat's cavalry broke the Austrian squares and finished routing the fugitives.
Consequences
Mack was now trapped in Ulm and most Austrian survivors of the battle joined him there. Murat continued pursuing the remnants of Riesch's army, engaging them several times until 18 October. Only Archduke Ferdinand, Friedrich Hohenzollern-Hechingen, Karl von Schwarzenberg, and their cavalry escaped. The French army recovered much of the artillery intended for Mack.