Battles & Campaigns · 1796
Battle of Siegburg
Siegburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
What happened
A French force under Jean-Baptiste Kléber fought Austrian troops under Prince Augustus of Württemberg. Kléber crossed the Rhine at Düsseldorf with two divisions and marched south. At Siegburg his much larger force beat the Austrians.
Why it matters
It was the first battle of the French offensive across the Rhine in 1796. It drew Austrian troops away so the main French army could cross.
What came next
Three days later Kléber won again at Altenkirchen, and the main French army crossed the Rhine at Neuwied.
Did you know?
The French outnumbered the Austrians about three to one.
Timeline
- 30 May 1796Kléber crosses the Rhine at Düsseldorf.
- 1 Jun 1796Battle of Siegburg.
- 4 Jun 1796Battle of Altenkirchen.
- 10 Jun 1796Jourdan crosses the Rhine at Neuwied.