ON THIS DAY: In 1745, a major engagement of the War of Austrian Succession, the Battle of Fontenoy was fought between an Allied Army led by the Duke of Cumberland, consisting of Dutch, British and Hanoverian troops, and a French army led by Maurice De-Saxe, the commander of King Louis XV troops in the Low Countries. The two armies were of roughly equal size, with approximately 50,000 men on each side, however the French had more cavalry whilst the Allied Army more infantry. Despite high flanking fire a column of the Allied Army, led by Cumberland managed to burst through the French lines seemingly to victory. However, Saxe concentrating all his available forces on the column forcing it to yield and the Allied Army retreated as the French army advanced. Casualty figures were high for both sides with the French reaching at least 7,000 killed and wounded and the Allied Army estimated as 10,000 to 12,000. Cumberland was widely praised for his bravery but also criticised for his leadership in neglecting to establish an adequate intelligence system allowing the French army ample time to prepare their position. It is said the defeat inspired Charles Edward Stuart to begin the 45 Rising as all but 8,000 British troops were away on the continent.
Posted on: Sun, 11 May 2014 11:15:55 +0000
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