Battle of Hondschoote

Republican victory on 8 September 1793 at Hondschoote (Flanders), ending three days of fighting that relieved Dunkirk from the Anglo-Hanoverian siege. Jourdan's bayonet attack and Leclaire's flanking move broke Walmoden's entrenched redoubts; the allies lost about 4,000 men and six colours.

From 6 to 8 September 1793, during the War of the First Coalition, Republican troops fought Hanoverian and British forces besieging Dunkirk. General Houchard, at the head of about 40,000 men, received Carnot's order to relieve the town. Hondschoote was held by Hanoverian troops under Marshal Wilhelm von Freytag.

After approach battles on 6 and 7 September, the decisive assault of 8 September saw Jourdan, wounded, lead a column of three battalions at the bayonet against Hanoverian and British redoubts, despite Houchard's initial refusal. Colonel Leclaire took the entrenchments in reverse by skirting the Moëre marshes; the Paris foot gendarmerie carried the enemy positions.

The French victory forced the Duke of York to lift the siege of Dunkirk hastily and withdraw toward Furnes. It followed several defeats and had considerable psychological impact in France. Houchard was however dismissed, accused of cowardice for letting the enemy escape, then guillotined on 16 November 1793; Jourdan succeeded him in command.