Battles & Campaigns · 1799
Battle of Feldkirch
Feldkirch, Vorarlberg, Austria
What happened
Earlier that month, a French force had won a first fight at Feldkirch. On 23 March Masséna attacked the Austrian defences in four columns. Every attack was beaten back, and the fighting lasted until nightfall.
Why it matters
It was an Austrian victory in the War of the Second Coalition. French defeats elsewhere soon forced Masséna onto the defensive.
What came next
Masséna learned that Jourdan had already been beaten at Ostrach and was retreating. On 5 April Masséna took over Jourdan's army.
Did you know?
Jourdan's defeat at Ostrach came before Masséna's attack, so one source says the battle was fought for nothing.
Timeline
- 7 Mar 1799First fight at Feldkirch; French win.
- 20–21 Mar 1799Battle of Ostrach.
- 23 Mar 1799Battle of Feldkirch.
- 5 Apr 1799Masséna takes command of the Army of the Danube.