Battle of Neerwinden
French Revolutionary Wars · Neerwinden, Belgium
Summary
French defeat on 18 March 1793 at Neerwinden (present-day Belgium): Dumouriez's army (about 40,000 men) was beaten by Coburg's forces positioned on the heights overlooking the Petite Gette. The battle ended the first Revolutionary occupation of Belgium and precipitated Dumouriez's defection.
Historical context
The Battle of Neerwinden took place on 18 March 1793 near the Belgian village of Neerwinden, shortly after the first French occupation of Belgium taken at Jemappes (6 November 1792). General Dumouriez, returning from a poorly conducted expedition in the Dutch Republic, faced the Imperial army of Prince Coburg on the battlefield of 1693, with roughly balanced forces.
Tactics
Dumouriez divided his army into eight columns to drive the Austrians toward the Saint-Trond road. Imperial artillery under Smola dominated the heights on the right bank of the Petite Gette; the village of Neerwinden was bitterly contested all day. The rout of the French left wing (Miranda's columns) around 2:30 p.m. led to a general withdrawal despite fierce fighting in the centre.
Consequences
The French defeat ended the first occupation of Belgium and forced Dumouriez to retreat. Archduke Charles of Austria-Teschen, distinguished in the battle, was appointed governor of the Austrian Netherlands. Dumouriez, threatened by the Convention, attempted a coup then went into exile. French losses are estimated at about 3,000 killed and wounded and 1,000 prisoners.