Battle of Hondschoote
Hondschoote, Nord, France
What happened
A French Republican army under Jean Nicolas Houchard fought British, Hanoverian and Hessian troops under the Duke of York and Heinrich Wilhelm von Freytag. The Duke of York's army was besieging the port of Dunkirk, with Freytag's corps covering it. On 6 September the French attacked the thinly spread line near Hondschoote. After three days of fighting the Hanoverian and Hessian troops pulled back, and Freytag was captured in a confused skirmish.
Why it matters
York's council of war decided to give up the siege of Dunkirk. The heavy siege guns had to be left behind.
What came next
York's corps withdrew toward Furnes that night.
Did you know?
When Freytag was captured, the future Duke of Cambridge was taken too, but he escaped with help from his young aide, Scharnhorst.
Timeline
- 24 August 1793The siege of Dunkirk begins.
- 6 September 1793Battle of Hondschoote begins.
- 8 September 1793The siege of Dunkirk is lifted.