ORDER OF BATTLE // April 15, 1796
Second Battle of Dego
Estimated force strength by side, with confidence labels per surviving record.
Forces engaged
2 sides catalogued · combined 17,700 estimated
French Republic
12,000
Medium-confidence figure
Habsburg monarchy
5,700
Medium-confidence figure
Battle context
The Second Battle of Dego, fought near Dego in northwestern Italy on 14–15 April 1796, resulted in a French victory over Austro-Sardinian forces during the War of the First Coalition. The engagement pitted a French force of approximately 12,000 troops against a combined Austro-Sardinian force of roughly 5,700, with Habsburg commanders Argenteau and Vukassovich unable to prevent a decisive outcome. French casualties stood at approximately 1,500 against an estimated 3,000 on the Austro-Sardinian side, a loss ratio that underscored the severity of the defeat for the coalition. The battle formed part of Bonaparte's opening Italian campaign, in which French forces worked to separate and defeat the Austrian and Piedmontese armies before they could coordinate effectively. A French success at Dego contributed to the broader pressure that would drive Piedmont toward an armistice and leave Austrian forces increasingly isolated in northern Italy.
‹ Full battle dossier