When looking at the battle of Aspern, it is important to note that both sides fought very well and that there were a number of factors contributing to the Austrian failure to destroy the bridgehead. But, as in any battle there are some units that distinguish themselves through their actions and gain a measure of fame or notoriety. Aspern would prove to be no exception.

The Austrians: Individually brave, the Austrians suffered from poor tactical coordination and overly-complicated battle plans. The morale of the army was average according to Bowden's Armies on the Danube 1809, and most units were at least well trained, if not combat experienced. Some of the more notable Austrian units at the battle of Aspern:

1. The battalions of Brigade Nordmann--Attempting to use skirmisher tactics and infiltrate their way through the marsh along the Danube River to reach the crossing site, their performance was generally poor and according to Arnold, underscored Austria's continuing failure to field an effective light infantry force.
2. 60th Infantry Regiment--This unit actually occupied Aspern early in the battle, having driven the surprised French advanced companies from the village. Molitor's counter-attack drove the 60th out after a bitter fight in which the regiment suffered 700 casualties.
3. 47th Infantry Regiment--These men finally drove Molitor's stubborn defenders out of Aspern, particularly distinguishing themselves in the hand-to-hand fighting there.

At right, another Keith Rocco sketch, this of the defense of the church. © Keith Rocco.

The French: This was not the Grande Armee of 1805-1807. However, the troops at Aspern were battle-hardened, well-led at a tactical level, and their morale was high.

1. 37th Line--This unit was at the center of the defense at Aspern. Despite taking an incredible pounding from Austrian artillery, the regiment held on for five hours in the face of superior enemy numbers.
2. 67th Line--Also involved in the defense of Aspern proper, this unit broke the back of Hiller's attack while defending the church and adjacent cemetery.
3. French Cavalry--Throughout the first day of battle, the French light cavalry were called upon time again to charge the Austrian battle line, a role for which they were not intended. Each time they were either stopped short by massed fire and superior numbers of enemy cavalry, or they broke through the Austrian line only to become entangled in what has been described as the "solid Austrian battalion masses" and literally had to cut their way out. Such sacrificial charges were not in vain, as the Austrian attack would halt in order to deal with the French cavalry and thus lose momentum, giving the French defenders in the town a brief respite.