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BATTLE // September 21, 1794

First Battle of Dego

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Overview

The Battle of Dego took place on September 21, 1794, in present-day Italy, during the War of the First Coalition. The battle was fought between French and Austrian armies resulting in a French victory. The battle is notable for being described in Napoleon's correspondence, as he was present at the battle.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

The First Battle of Dego was fought on September 21, 1794, during the War of the First Coalition, pitting a French force of approximately 18,000 against an Austrian force of roughly 8,000 in present-day northern Italy. The engagement resulted in a French victory. Its primary historical note rests on Napoleon Bonaparte's presence at the battle, which he later described in his correspondence. Commanders Masséna and Napoleon represented French forces against Austrian commander Wallis. French casualties of around 2,000 against Austrian losses of approximately 1,000 indicate the contest carried a real cost despite the numerical disparity, though the battle's broader operational consequences within the Italian theater are not detailed in available sources.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • French Republic18,000
    medium
  • Habsburg monarchy8,000
    medium

French Republic fielded a 2.3 : 1 numerical advantage

Casualties

  • French Republic2,000
    medium11% loss rate
  • Habsburg monarchy1,000
    medium13% loss rate

Commanders (3)

French Republic

Habsburg monarchy

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Last verified June 2026
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