Battle of Laval

Significance

The Battle of Laval on 22 October 1793 resulted in a Vendéen victory over republican forces commanded by François-Joseph Letourneur, whose army of approximately 6,000 faced a Vendéen force of around 25,000 under Henri de La Rochejaquelein. The engagement marked the opening major action of the Virée de Galerne, a distinct operational episode within the broader War in the Vendée. By defeating the republican troops at Laval, the Vendéens established an early advantage at the outset of this campaign phase, demonstrating their capacity to overcome organized republican resistance and setting the terms for the fighting that would follow during the Virée de Galerne.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (3)