When did the Battle of Fombio take place?
The Battle of Fombio was fought between the 7th and the 9th of May 1796, during Napoleon Bonaparte's Italian campaign against Austria.
Questions about Battle of Fombio
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded the French and Austrian forces at the Battle of Fombio?
Napoleon Bonaparte commanded the French Army of Italy. The Austrian forces were under Feldzeugmeister Johann Peter Beaulieu, with General-major Anton Lipthay de Kisfalud commanding the troops that directly contested the crossing.
Why was the Battle of Fombio strategically decisive?
Bonaparte crossed the Po River at Piacenza in Beaulieu's rear, simultaneously threatening Milan and the Austrian line of communications. That double threat forced the entire Austrian army to withdraw eastward toward the Adda River.
Who was the first French soldier to cross the Po River at Fombio?
Colonel Jean Lannes was the first Frenchman to step onto the north bank of the Po River when the advance guard seized a ferry near Piacenza on the 7th of May 1796.
How did General Laharpe die at the Battle of Fombio?
General of Division Amedee Emmanuel Francois Laharpe was killed on the evening of the 8th of May 1796 during confused night fighting in the streets of Codogno. Evidence suggests he may have been struck by friendly fire.
What battle followed immediately after the Battle of Fombio?
The Battle of Lodi followed on the 10th of May 1796, one day after the night fighting at Codogno ended. Beaulieu directed his retreating army toward the bridge at Lodi, and Bonaparte moved to intercept him before the Austrians could cross the Adda River.