Battle of Heilsberg

Arc de Triomphe: HEILSBERG

June 10, 1807

The Russians under General Benningsen had opened the summer campaign with an offensive, but Napoleon quickly responded with his typical superior maneuvering, forcing the Russians to fall back. Benningsen decided to make a stand at Heilsberg where he had prepared defensive works. As each French corps arrived at the battlefield, they attacked and made some progress but were unable to decisively break through. Both sides suffered heavy casualties but Napoleon decided to force the victory by ordering his other corps to march for Benningsen's flank. Benningsen had no choice but to withdraw or be cut off. The Russians abandoned their position, with both sides having suffered heavy casualties and having little to show for it.

Bibliography

Chandler, David G. Dictionary of the Napoleonic Wars. New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1979.
Smith, Digby. The Greenhill Napoleonic Wars Data Book. London: Greenhill Books: 1998.

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Battle Explanation

Updated March 2014