When did the Battle of Arcis-sur-Aube take place?
The Battle of Arcis-sur-Aube was fought on the 20th and the 21st of March 1814, during the War of the Sixth Coalition.
Questions about Battle of Arcis-sur-Aube
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How many troops did Napoleon have at the Battle of Arcis-sur-Aube compared to the Allies?
Napoleon commanded approximately 28,000 French troops on the second day of fighting. Allied historians estimate Schwarzenberg deployed between 74,000 and over 80,000 soldiers, with one count placing Allied strength at 83,400 infantry and 24,500 cavalry.
What happened when a shell exploded near Napoleon at Arcis-sur-Aube?
During the first day of fighting, Napoleon rode his horse directly over a sputtering Allied howitzer shell to steady his panicking troops. The shell exploded and killed his horse, throwing the emperor to the ground. Napoleon emerged unscathed, mounted a fresh horse, and continued directing the battle.
Why did Napoleon fight at Arcis-sur-Aube if he was so outnumbered?
Napoleon mistakenly believed he was fighting a retreating Allied rearguard. Local residents warned the French of large Allied forces nearby, but Napoleon refused to believe it. He only realized he was massively outnumbered when his troops crested a plateau on the second day and found an army of perhaps 100,000 enemies arrayed in battle lines.
How did Napoleon escape after the Battle of Arcis-sur-Aube?
Napoleon ordered a concealed retreat beginning around 1:30 in the afternoon on the 21st of March, establishing a bridge of boats at Villette-sur-Aube. Oudinot's veterans held Arcis under bombardment until 6 in the evening, then destroyed the bridge behind them. MacDonald's troops then blocked the crossing all day on the 22nd, keeping the Allies unaware of Napoleon's movements.
What were the casualties at the Battle of Arcis-sur-Aube?
Estimates vary by historian. David G. Chandler calculated 3,000 French and 4,000 Allied casualties. Digby Smith and Gaston Bodart put French losses at 3,400 killed and wounded plus three guns and 800 prisoners, with Allied losses around 3,000. George Nafziger counted 4,200 French casualties and noted the Bavarian corps alone lost 224 officers and 2,000 rank-and-file.