Battle of Zurich
War of the Second Coalition · Zurich, Switzerland
Summary
On 25–26 September 1799, near Zurich, General Masséna won a major victory over Korsakov's Austro-Russian army, forcing the coalition to withdraw from Switzerland and retaking the city on 26 September.
Historical context
On 25–26 September 1799, near Zurich, General André Masséna commanded around 45,000 French soldiers engaged in the War of the Second Coalition against some 50,000 troops of General Korsakov's Austro-Russian army.
Tactics
Masséna crossed the Limmat at Dietikon at four in the morning on 25 September, protected by Foy's artillery. On the 26th, a decisive charge broke Korsakov's Russian column; Oudinot forced the great gate of Zurich at noon.
Consequences
Masséna's major French victory forced the coalition to withdraw from Switzerland and secured strategic control of the region. Losses were around 3,000 dead or wounded on the French side against around 7,000 killed or wounded and 6,000 prisoners on the coalition side.