Battles & Campaigns · 1796
Battle of Altenkirchen
Altenkirchen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
What happened
Two French divisions under Jean-Baptiste Kléber fought an Austrian wing under Duke Ferdinand of Württemberg. The French attacked from the front while Michel Ney led a column around the Austrian flank. The combined pressure forced the Austrians to retreat.
Why it matters
It was part of the opening move of the 1796 Rhine campaign. Kléber's attack drew Austrian troops away so Jourdan's army could cross the Rhine.
What came next
Jourdan crossed at Neuwied on 10 June, and the next fight was at Wetzlar on 15–16 June.
Did you know?
Three future Marshals of France, Lefebvre, Soult and Ney, fought in the battle.
Timeline
- 1 Jun 1796Battle of Siegburg.
- 4 Jun 1796Battle of Altenkirchen.
- 10 Jun 1796Jourdan crosses at Neuwied.
- 15–16 Jun 1796Battle of Wetzlar.