When did the Battle of Brienne take place?
The Battle of Brienne took place on the 29th of January 1814. Napoleon advanced toward Brienne in three columns on the 28th of January and ordered a general attack after 3:30 pm on the following day.
Questions about Battle of Brienne
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded the French forces at the Battle of Brienne?
Emperor Napoleon led the French army with 36,000 to 40,000 soldiers during the engagement. Key commanders included Marshal Marmont, Marshal Ney, Marshal Victor, and General Étienne Maurice Gérard who directed specific columns.
What were the casualty figures for the Battle of Brienne?
Historian Francis Loraine Petre stated that both sides suffered about 3,000 casualties while David G. Chandler reported the Allies lost 4,000 men compared to 3,000 for the French. Digby Smith claimed the French lost 3,500 casualties and 11 guns against 3,000 Allied losses.
Where was the Battle of Brienne fought?
The battle occurred near the town of Brienne in France where Blücher had posted Olsufiev's infantry and Pahlen's cavalry. The fighting involved positions in the plain to the northeast and near the Bois d'Ajou before Sacken arrived from Lesmont.
Why did the Battle of Brienne end inconclusively?
Napoleon failed to prevent the armies of Blücher and Schwarzenberg from joining forces after the engagement. Historians describe the result as indecisive or a strategic defeat because the French could not keep Blücher from linking up with other Coalition troops.