Battle of Oudenarde 1708 • Classical Era
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11 July 1708 French defeat

Battle of Oudenarde

War of the Spanish Succession · Oudenarde (present-day Audenarde), Spanish Netherlands

Summary

The Battle of Oudenarde pits the French army commanded by the Duke of Burgundy and Marshal de Vendôme against the Allied coalition led by Marlborough and Eugene of Savoy. The French attempt to take the town of Oudenarde to control the Scheldt, but are surprised by the speed of the Allied counter-offensive. Lack of coordination between the two French commanders causes disastrous confusion. The French, caught in a pincer, suffer a heavy defeat.

Historical context

After Ramillies (1706), Allies controlled western Flanders. In 1708 Marlborough and Eugene planned to take Lille, strategic key of the Netherlands. Vendôme and the Duke of Burgundy tried to intercept Allies at Oudenarde on the Scheldt, but their forces arrived in dispersed order on the battlefield.

Tactics

Marlborough engaged before the entire French army was deployed. Allies progressively broke French wings while Eugene stabilized the center. Vendôme, hindered by the Duke of Burgundy's interventions, could not coordinate a decisive counterattack. French retreat became rout with thousands of prisoners.

Consequences

The defeat ends the French push in Flanders. It opens the way to the siege of Lille, a strategic bastion. Disastrous coordination between the Duke of Burgundy (Louis XIV's grandson) and Vendôme is heavily criticized at court. The French army loses the initiative on the northern front.

Location

Place : Oudenarde (present-day Audenarde), Spanish Netherlands
Coordinates : 50.85°N, 3.6°E

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