Battle of Pesaro facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Pesaro
Part of the Neapolitan War
Michele Carrascosa
Date 28 April 1815; 210 years ago (1815-04-28) Location Pesaro, present-day Italy 43°54′41.73″N 12°54′35.17″E / 43.9115917°N 12.9097694°E / 43.9115917; 12.9097694 Result Austrian victory
Belligerents
Austrian Empire	Kingdom of Naples
Commanders and leaders
General Major Geppert	Michele Carrascosa
Strength
400	3,000
Casualties and losses
25 killed or wounded	200 killed or wounded 250 captured

The Battle of Pesaro was a small but important fight. It happened on April 28, 1815, in the town of Pesaro, Italy. This battle was part of a bigger conflict called the Neapolitan War.

What Was the Neapolitan War?

The Neapolitan War was a conflict in 1815. It involved the Kingdom of Naples, led by King Joachim Murat. He was fighting against the Austrian Empire. Murat wanted to unite Italy under his rule. However, his army faced many defeats.

Why Were the Neapolitans Retreating?

King Joachim Murat's main army was in trouble. They had lost several battles in Northern Italy. Because of these losses, they had to retreat. Their goal was to get back to their main base. This base was in a city called Ancona.

The Austrian army was chasing them. An Austrian group was led by Adam Albert von Neipperg. They were close behind the Neapolitan forces.

The Surprise Attack at Pesaro

The Battle of Pesaro was a surprise attack. It happened during the night. A small group of Austrian soldiers attacked. These soldiers were hussars and jägers. Hussars were light cavalry, known for quick attacks. Jägers were skilled light infantry.

Who Fought in Pesaro?

The Austrian attacking force was very small. There were only about 400 Austrian soldiers. They attacked a much larger Neapolitan group. This Neapolitan group was a garrison. A garrison is a group of soldiers protecting a town. The Neapolitan garrison had 3,000 men.

What Happened During the Battle?

Even though they were greatly outnumbered, the Austrians succeeded. They attacked the Neapolitan garrison by surprise. The Austrians managed to capture 250 Neapolitan soldiers. They also caused many injuries to the Neapolitan side. The Austrians themselves had very few casualties.

Because of the surprise attack, the Neapolitan soldiers had to run away. They fled during the night. This allowed the Austrians to win the battle.