Battle of Oudenarde 1708 • Classical Era
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Battle of Oudenarde

Classical Era French defeat
Historical significance:

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 French successes in Spain, the Flanders campaign becomes a priority for the Allies. Marlborough seeks a decisive victory to regain the initiative in the Spanish Netherlands. The Battle of Oudenarde is a response to the French advance toward Ghent and Bruges.

Tactics

Rapid Allied lateral attack by pontoon bridge across the Scheldt, concentration on the French flanks, intensive use of mobile artillery. The French fail to form a coherent line; several units are encircled before they can manoeuvre.

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

Related battles

Battle of Malplaquet

1709

The Battle of Malplaquet is one of the bloodiest of the eighteenth century. The French, entrenched in a strongly fortified position near the border, await the coalition assault. Despite tactical victory for the Allies, their massive losses slow their advance and allow the French to withdraw in good order. Boufflers commands the left wing and ensures an orderly retreat when Villars is wounded.

Defeat

Siege of Lille

1708

After Oudenarde and Wijnendale, the Allies launch a siege against the fortress of Lille, strategic key to French Flanders. Marshal Boufflers organizes an exemplary defense, using Vauban's fortifications with rare effectiveness. Despite encirclement and massive bombardments, the garrison holds for nearly four months, inflicting heavy losses on the besiegers. Several French attempts to break the siege fail (relief battles led by Vendôme and La Mothe). Boufflers surrenders the city with military honors.

Defeat

Battle of Wijnendale

1708

While the siege of Lille is underway, an immense Allied supply convoy from Ostend must cross territory threatened by the French. The English general Webb, in charge of the escort, establishes a defensive position in a narrow forest at Wijnendale. Count de La Mothe, believing he can easily intercept the convoy, launches his forces in assault. Thanks to skillful use of terrain and fierce resistance, the Allies repulse the French attack despite their numerical inferiority.

Defeat