Battles & Campaigns · 1809
Battle of Ratisbon
Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
What happened
After Eckmühl, the Austrians moved their army across the Danube by the city's stone bridge and a pontoon bridge, leaving a garrison to hold Ratisbon. French artillery opened a gap in the walls, and on the fourth attempt Lannes led his men into the city. Napoleon was slightly wounded during the day.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The French took the city, but the Austrian army escaped into Bohemia. The rearguard's defence made that escape possible.
What came next
Napoleon marched on Vienna, which led to the Battle of Aspern-Essling in May.
Did you know?
Robert Browning's poem 'Incident of the French Camp' tells a story set during this battle that is probably made up.
Timeline
- 21–22 April 1809Battle of Eckmühl.
- 23 April 1809Battle of Ratisbon.
- 21–22 May 1809Battle of Aspern-Essling.