Siege of Valenciennes
French Revolutionary Wars · Valenciennes, Nord, France
Summary
The siege of Valenciennes, fought from 25 May to 28 July 1793 during the Flanders campaign, ended with the capitulation of the Republican garrison commanded by Jean Henri Becays Ferrand to the coalition armies of the Prince of Saxe-Coburg and the Duke of York, after the preliminary battles of Famars and Raismes.
Historical context
After Dumouriez's treason and the progressive encirclement of the town by a combined Hanoverian, Dutch, Hessian, Austrian, and British army, the Republicans failed to break the blockade in the battles of Raismes (8 May) and Famars (23 May), where General Dampierre was mortally wounded.
Tactics
Following Mack's plan adopted by Coburg, the coalition carried out a methodical circumvallation of the fortress, combining trenches, artillery batteries, and blockade of approaches, while the French garrison, reduced to about 11,000 men, held out from the citadel before capitulating for lack of relief.
Consequences
The fall of Valenciennes on 28 July 1793 opened northern France to the coalition, which then threatened Condé, Le Quesnoy, and Maubeuge; this major setback preceded the French autumn counter-offensive, notably the victory at Wattignies in October.