Dates 4 May 1800 – 5 May 1800 Location Meßkirch, Germany | Result French victory. | |
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Combatants French First Republic, Habsburg Monarchy Similar Battle of Biberach, Battle of Ampfing, Vlieter Incident, Battle of Pozzolo, Battle of Stockach | ||
The Battle of Messkirch was fought on 4 and 5 May 1800 and resulted the victory of French army against the Austrians.
Overview
See the Messkirch 1800 Order of Battle for details of the French and Austrian armies in the campaign.
On 25 April 1800 the French Armée d'Allemagne, under Jean Victor Marie Moreau, crossed the Rhine River at Kehl and Schaffhausen. The 1st Demi-Brigade, of the Corps led by Laurent de Gouvion-Saint-Cyr, conquered St. Georgen and entered the Black Forest at Freiburg im Breisgau. After conquering Stuhlingen, 25 km south of Donaueschingen, the unit took part in the Battle of Stockach and Engen on 3 May, after which the Austrian retreated to Messkirch where they enjoyed a more favourable defensive position.
The French repeatedly assaulted the town on 4 and 5 May always in vain. The 1st Demi-Brigade, despite the Austrian superiority there, was able to conquer Krumbach and the heights surrounding it, which commanded Messkirch. Therefore, the Austrian moved back to Sigmaringen, followed by the French. The Battle of Biberach ensued on 9 May.