Battles & Campaigns · 1793
Battle of Wattignies
Wattignies-la-Victoire, Nord, France
What happened
A French army under Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, with Lazare Carnot, fought Austrian and Dutch forces under Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg. Coburg's army was besieging the French fortress of Maubeuge. On the first day most French attacks were driven back, except near Wattignies. On the second day Jourdan gathered about half his army there, and after hard fighting the Coalition covering force withdrew.
Why it matters
Coburg had to raise the siege of Maubeuge. The Allies temporarily gave up their plan to march on Paris.
What came next
Coburg's army went into winter quarters. Jourdan did not follow up the victory and was dismissed from the army in January 1794.
Did you know?
The village was renamed Wattignies-la-Victoire in honour of the win.
Timeline
- 30 September 1793The siege of Maubeuge begins.
- 15 October 1793First day of fighting.
- 16 October 1793The Coalition retreats and the siege is raised.
- January 1794Jourdan is dismissed.