Battle of Lesmont facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Lesmont
Part of the Campaign of France of the Sixth Coalition
Painting of the battle by Théodore Young, showing French sappers mining the first arch of the bridge and Lagrange's infantry repulsing Eugen's cavalry
Date 2 February 1814 Location Lesmont, French Empire 48°25′42″N 4°24′55″E / 48.4283°N 4.4153°E / 48.4283; 4.4153 Result French victory
Belligerents
France	Bavaria Russia
Commanders and leaders
Joseph Lagrange	Karl Philipp von Wrede Eugen of Württemberg
Strength
4,500 men	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	2,000 killed, wounded, or captured

The Battle of Lesmont was an important fight during the War of the Sixth Coalition. It happened in a town called Lesmont in France on February 2, 1814. In this battle, French soldiers led by General Joseph Lagrange won against a group of Russian and Bavarian soldiers. These enemy forces were led by generals Eugen of Wurtemberg and Carl Philipp von Wrede. The French army successfully blew up the bridge in Lesmont. This stopped the enemy from crossing the Aube River.

What Happened Before the Battle?

Just before this battle, on February 1, 1814, a big fight called the battle of La Rothière happened. After that battle, the French leader, Napoleon, told his army to move back towards Troyes. He chose some troops, including those led by General Joseph Lagrange, to protect the army's back. This group was called the rearguard.

The Battle of Lesmont

The French army crossed the bridge at Lesmont during the night of February 2. Soldiers under Michel Ney protected them as they crossed. After the main army was safe, Ney's troops also moved away.

General Lagrange's soldiers stayed in the village of Lesmont. They took positions on the right side of the river, behind the bridge. Soon, enemy cavalry (soldiers on horseback) led by Eugen attacked them. Other parts of von Wrede's army also joined the attack.

Lagrange's soldiers fought hard and managed to hold their ground. They stopped many attacks, especially from Eugen's Russian cavalry. When the battle was almost over, the French troops set the bridge on fire. This made sure the enemy could not follow them. Then, Lagrange's division joined the rest of the French army as they continued their retreat.

What Happened After?

Because the bridge was destroyed, the enemy cavalry could not keep up with the French army. The French troops reached Troyes the next day without any problems. In Troyes, Napoleon brought his army together. He then started to attack again. Just eight days later, on February 10, he defeated the Russians at the battle of Champaubert.