Battle of Limburg (1792) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Limburg
Part of War of the First Coalition
Date 9 November 1792 Location Limburg an der Lahn, Hesse Result French victory
Belligerents
Republican France	Kingdom of Prussia
Commanders and leaders
Jean Nicolas Houchard	Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel
Strength
Advance Guard of Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine's army, approximately 4,000	1 Grenadier Battalion (Kenitz), 1,200 men
Casualties and losses
Unknown	170 dead, wounded or missing

The Battle of Limburg, sometimes called the Battle of Friedberg, was an important fight during the War of the First Coalition. This larger war was part of the French Revolutionary Wars, a time when France was going through big changes. The battle happened on 9 November 1792 in a place called Limburg an der Lahn. It was a clash between the French army and soldiers from Prussia, and the French side won.

What Was the War of the First Coalition?

The War of the First Coalition was a major conflict that started in 1792. It involved several European countries fighting against France. These countries were worried about the French Revolution and wanted to stop its ideas from spreading.

France had just become a republic, meaning it no longer had a king. This was a huge change for Europe. Countries like Prussia and Austria formed a "coalition" (a group working together) to try and put the French king back in power.

Why Was Limburg Important?

In 1792, the French army was pushing into other parts of Europe. One French general, Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine, was invading an area called the Electoral Palatinate. The Prussian army, led by Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, rushed to help.

The Prussians decided to set up their defenses around Limburg. They thought this spot was perfect to block the French from moving forward. They believed they were safe there.

The Battle Begins

On November 8, 1792, General Custine gave an order. He told Colonel Jean Nicolas Houchard to gather his troops and attack the Prussians in Limburg. Another French officer, Louis Dominique Munnier, was told to support this attack.

The French soldiers moved quietly and surprised the Prussians. The Prussians had not set up strong defenses because they felt secure. The French were able to set up their cannons before the Prussians even realized what was happening.

French Victory

Even though they were surprised, the Prussian soldiers eventually came out to fight. They tried to push back the French, causing some confusion. But the French cannons fired strongly, forcing the Prussians to retreat.

The French army successfully pushed the Prussians out of Limburg. The Prussian soldiers then moved back to a town called Montabaur. The French quickly made their new positions stronger in Limburg. The entire battle was very quick, lasting only about 90 minutes.