When was the Battle of Laon fought?
The Battle of Laon was fought on the 9th and the 10th of March 1814, during the final months of the Napoleonic Wars as part of the War of the Sixth Coalition.
Questions about Battle of Laon
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded the Allied forces at the Battle of Laon?
Field Marshal Blucher commanded the Prussian-Russian Army of Silesia at Laon, supported by corps commanders including Bulow, Wintzingerode, Yorck, Kleist, Langeron, and Osten-Sacken. When Blucher fell ill on the 11th of March, his chief of staff Gneisenau took command.
How large were the opposing armies at the Battle of Laon?
The Allied Army of Silesia numbered approximately 100,000 troops with 176 guns, including around 75,000 infantry, 25,000 cavalry, and 480 total artillery pieces. Napoleon's French force totaled roughly 50,000 men with about 40,000 infantry, 10,000 cavalry, and 260 artillery pieces.
What happened to Marshal Marmont at the Battle of Laon?
Marshal Marmont's isolated corps, advancing on Laon via the Berry-au-Bac road, was struck by a surprise Allied counteroffensive during the night of March 9 and driven back in disorder. Marmont narrowly avoided encirclement when Colonel Fabvier and an Old Guard escort secured the retreat routes. His performance drew severe criticism from Napoleon.
What were the casualties at the Battle of Laon?
French casualties were estimated at a minimum of 6,000 killed, wounded, and captured. Allied losses totaled at least 3,500, but the Allies retained control of Laon and continued their advance toward Paris.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Laon and its impact on Napoleon?
Napoleon withdrew after two days of failed assaults and ordered a retreat under cover of darkness on the night of March 10. Although the French subsequently won at Reims, the Allied Army of Silesia remained positioned to advance on Paris, which fell to Allied forces at the end of March 1814, leading shortly to Napoleon's abdication.