Battle of Blenheim

battle_name=Battle of Blenheim

The battle

The allied army had 52,000 men. Marlborough, commanding the Dutch, British, Hanoverian, Prussian, Hessian and Danish contingents, was in the center, Eugene on the right, and a third group was on the left — up against the Danube. The French and Bavarians numbered some 60,000. The battle opened with the allied left attacking the French right twice and being driven back, while the French left attacked Eugene's forces on the right, which held their ground. As the French centre (uncommonly consisting of cavalry) was weakened by the need to reinforce the engaged flanks, Marlborough attacked and routed it. Wheeling left he rolled up the flank of the French right, driving many into the river and removing them from the battle. Savoy's troops then cleaned up the remaining adversaries on his side. French casualties were approximately 30,000, split evenly between those taken prisoner and those who were wounded or killed. The allies suffered about 12,000 casualties.

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