Battle of Staffarda
War of the League of Augsburg · Staffarda, Piedmont (present-day Italy)
Summary
French victory on 18 August 1690 at Staffarda (Piedmont): Catinat defeated Victor Amadeus II who had attacked prematurely with the Spanish. French dragoons forced the farm defences, the second line shattered the Savoyard centre, and the French occupied Savigliano and Saluzzo.
Historical context
On 18 August 1690, near Staffarda Abbey in Piedmont, Nicolas Catinat commanded about 12,000 French against Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, allied to the League of Augsburg. The Duke of Savoy, estimating French forces at only 18,000 men, attacked without waiting for Spanish Imperial reinforcements, against the advice of Eugene of Savoy and the Marquis de Louvigny.
Tactics
On muddy ground, Victor Amadeus deployed in two ranks, leaving a gap between farms held around Staffarda and neglecting an old dyke flanking the French. Catinat had his dragoons overrun the farm defences, then launched his second line: the impact broke the Savoyard front and imposed retreat, covered by the Savoy Guards and carabiniers.
Consequences
Savoyards and Spaniards lost 4,000 men, 1,200 prisoners and 1,500 wounded, as well as eleven guns and many colours. Catinat occupied Savigliano and Saluzzo; Piedmont was ravaged and Savoy went on the defensive. The battle was one of the bloodiest of the conflict opposing Louis XIV to the Duke of Savoy.