Battle of Raab

Arc de Triomphe: RAAB

June 14, 1809

While much of the campaign of 1809 occurred in Germany and Austria, both the French and Austrians sent armies to battle it out in northern Italy. Prince Eugene de Beauharnais, Napoleon's stepson, commanded the French army and was ably assisted by an experienced staff. The French had advanced well into Austria when the Austrian commander Archduke John decided to take up a strong position at Raab after learning of Napoleon's setback at Aspern-Essling . Nevertheless, the French advanced and launched an attack, and eventually the Austrians were forced to retreat or be cut off and captured. This victory for the French enabled Eugene to bring his army up to join Napoleon's for the Battle of Wagram , while the Austrian army under Archduke John would be unable to join the battle.

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.

Updated March 2017