The Battle of Marengo

Berthier's Plates: Plate 1: 8:00 am

by Captain G.F. Nafziger, USNR

The Austrian Army crossed its bridges at Bormida and pushed back Gardanne's Division from its posts at Pedre-Bona. Gardanne's division formed the advanced guard of the French army. The Austrians deployed their forces in two lines. The right, under General Haddick was supported on Bormida and the left, under General Kaim, extended obliquely along the edge of the stream.

The numerous Austrian cavalry, under General Elsnitz, moved in column to the north of Castel-Ceriolo. It was followed by the Tyrolian Jagers and the du Loup Jagers, which were to occupy Castel-Ceriolo and would be supported by part of the Reserve Grenadiers.

This latter corps marched down the main road in column under the command of General Ott.

The two French divisions under Chambarlbac and Gardanne, under the command of General Victor, were positioned on the right of the stream by Marengo. They occupied the village of Marengo in force. Their right was supported by General Champeaux's cavalry brigade and that of General Kellermann on their left.

Watrin's Division and Mainoni's infantry brigades, arrived on the right of this first line under the orders of Lieutenant General Lannes.

The artillery had begun to fire about the same time as the advanced posts began exchanging musketry.

Napoleon's Consular Guard was held in reserve before the Buzana Farm. Monnier's Division, to the right rear, marched forward in column and along the road from San-Giuliano, the light troops of Desaix were beginning to appear on the field.

Jumbo Plate 1: 8:00 am (monstrously slow: 513K)

Battle of Marengo 14 June 1800

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