Battle of Pfeddersheim (1795) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Pfeddersheim (1795)
Part of War of the First Coalition
Date 10 November 1795 Location Worms-Pfeddersheim, Germany Result Austrian victory
Belligerents
Republican France	Habsburg Austria
Commanders and leaders
Charles Pichegru	Count of Clerfayt
Units involved
Army of the Rhine and Moselle	Army of the Lower Rhine
Strength
37,232 36–40 guns	75,000 150 guns
Casualties and losses
1,400	600

The Battle of Pfeddersheim was an important fight during the French Revolutionary Wars. It happened on November 10, 1795. In this battle, the army of Habsburg Austria, led by Count of Clerfayt, fought against the French army. The French army was commanded by Charles Pichegru.

The Austrians won the battle. They forced the French to retreat south. A few days later, Clerfayt won another battle near Frankenthal. This battle was part of the War of the First Coalition. Pfeddersheim is a town in Germany, located near Worms. Worms is about 23 kilometers (14 miles) north of Mannheim. Pfeddersheim is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) west of Worms.

What Led to the Battle of Pfeddersheim?

In 1795, France was fighting a war on the Rhine River. Two French armies were involved. They were working on their own. One army was led by Jean-Baptiste Jourdan. It had a good start. But then it was pushed back to the west side of the Rhine.

French Army Retreats

On October 29, the Austrians, led by Clerfayt, defeated Jourdan's army. This happened at the Battle of Mainz. The French had to stop their siege of Mainz. With Jourdan's army out of the way, Clerfayt moved south. He advanced along the west bank of the Rhine.

Clerfayt's Advance

Clerfayt then moved against Pichegru's defenses. These defenses were set up behind the Pfrimm River. This river is near the city of Worms.

What Happened After Pfeddersheim?

After winning at Pfeddersheim, Clerfayt also beat Pichegru at Frankenthal. These victories were very important. They allowed Clerfayt to cut off the French soldiers. These soldiers were stationed in Mannheim.

Siege of Mannheim

Soon after, the Austrians successfully ended the Siege of Mannheim. This meant the French lost their important position. They no longer had a strong hold on the east side of the Rhine River. This battle and the siege almost ended the entire campaign for that year.