Siege of Philippsburg (final capture)
War of the Polish Succession · Philippsburg, Palatinate (Holy Roman Empire)
Summary
After the prolonged siege begun in spring, the fortress of Philippsburg is definitively taken by French troops under the Marquis d'Asfeld, successor to Marshal Berwick, killed in action. Surrender follows a final methodical assault and intense bombardment.
Historical context
During the War of the Polish Succession, the French Army of the Rhine under Marshal Berwick invested Philippsburg in spring 1734. Despite Berwick's death from a cannonball on 12 June, a 35,000-man relief army under Prince Eugene failed to break the siege.
Tactics
On 26 May, 12,000 sappers began the outer ditch. On 17 July, the French opened a breach in the first line of defense and entered as far as the citadel ramparts. Wuttgenau capitulated on 18 July; the garrison withdrew to Mainz with the honors of war.
Consequences
The capture of Philippsburg was one of the victories won by France and its allies over Austria in 1734. It weakened the Imperial position on the Rhine and opened the way to the preliminary agreement of Vienna in October 1735, confirmed by the Treaty of Vienna in 1738.