Battle of Austerlitz

battle_name=Battle of Austerlitz

The battle

In the morning of the 2 December, the Austro-Russians were occupying the Pratzen Heights, oriented North-South, with two corps of army, one of them being the centre of the coalised forces, and the other, the left wing. The Russians formed the right wing. In front of them were two French corps of army, facing the centre and the right wing of the Austro-Russian forces; the French right wing, under command of Davout, was stll on its way in the morning of the battle. Its first elements arrived one hour before sunset.

Related Topics:
2 December - Davout

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Seeing the weakness of the French right flank, the two Austrian corps of army marched down South to surround the French army with an enveloping move. The still incomplete corps of army of Davout sustained the shock of the attack.

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When the Austrian centre was far enough, Napoleon had his 17 000 man strong centre, under Soult, climb the Pratzen Heights. Kutuzov's army was expecting French counterattacks to be flanking side manoeuvres, was surprised at the frontal attack, and eventually, had to surrender the centre after heavy fighting. The French centre then attacked the flank of the moving Austrian left flank, and continued attacking the right flank of the Russo-Austrian across the Heights. The attack disbanded the Austrian corps, which ended up on the frozen lake at the South, and cut the Austrians from the Russian forces, which Kutusov had retreating in order, as to avoid the danger.

Related Topics:
Soult - Kutusov

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