Siege of Danzig (1807)
Danzig (Gdańsk), Poland
What happened
French, Polish, Saxon and other troops under Marshal François Joseph Lefebvre besieged the Prussian port of Danzig, held by Friedrich Kalckreuth. The French surrounded Danzig and dug siege trenches in April. A Russian attempt to bring help by sea was beaten back, and a British ship carrying gunpowder ran aground and was captured. After more French troops arrived and stormed a key hill, Kalckreuth asked for terms.
Why it matters
Danzig threatened the French rear and was a possible landing point for Allied troops. Its stores of grain and powder were valuable for Napoleon's campaign.
What came next
The garrison marched out with the honours of war. Lefebvre was made Duke of Danzig, and Napoleon made Danzig a 'Free City'.
Did you know?
Napoleon called the Prussian garrison 'canaille', meaning rabble.
Timeline
- 19 Mar 1807Siege begins.
- 21 May 1807French storm the Hagelsberg.
- 24 May 1807Danzig capitulates.
- 9 Sep 1807Free City of Danzig created.