BATTLE // May 3, 1809
Battle of Ebelsberg
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
At Ebelsberg on 3 May 1809, Masséna's French force drove Johann von Hiller's Austrian left wing from its position on the Traun river, compelling Hiller to withdraw and ceding French control of the crossing. The engagement formed part of the broader French advance during the War of the Fifth Coalition, in which Napoleon's forces pressed into Austrian territory along the Danube corridor. Austrian casualties—ranging as high as 8,340 by some accounts against French losses of up to 6,000—indicate the severity of the fighting relative to the forces engaged. By forcing Hiller's withdrawal, the battle removed a significant blocking force from the French line of advance and secured a river crossing that anchored Austrian defensive hopes in the region.
Tactics
The Austrian force under Hiller occupied defensive positions at Ebersberg on the Traun river. The French under Masséna attacked by crossing a heavily defended 550-meter-long bridge under fire. After forcing the crossing, French troops went on to conquer the local castle, which broke the coherence of the Austrian defense and compelled Hiller to abandon the position entirely.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- Austrian Empire22,000–30,000medium
- French Empire22,100–30,000medium
Both sides were near-evenly matched in numbers
Casualties
- Austrian Empire4,495–8,340medium25% loss rate
- French Empire3,605–6,000medium18% loss rate
Commanders (2)
Austrian Empire
Johann von Hillerfield marshal-lieutenant
French Empire
André Massénageneral
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