Battle of Sans Culottes Camp facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Sans Culottes Camp
Part of War of the Pyrenees
Date 5 February 1794 Location Urrugne, France Result French victory
Belligerents
France	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Jean de Frégeville Augustin Lespinasse	Ventura Caro José de Urrutia
Units involved
Army of the Western Pyrenees	Army of Navarre and Guipuzcoa
Strength
unknown	13,000
Casualties and losses
235	335

The Battle of Sans Culottes Camp was an important fight during the War of the Pyrenees. This war was part of the larger French Revolutionary Wars. On February 5, 1794, the Spanish army attacked a French army camp. The camp was called Sans Culottes Camp. The battle lasted for eight hours.

What Was the Battle of Sans Culottes Camp?

The Battle of Sans Culottes Camp was a military clash. It happened between the armies of France and Spain. The French army was called the Army of the Western Pyrenees. The Spanish army was led by José de Urrutia y de las Casas. The battle took place near the Bidasoa River.

Where Did the Battle Happen?

The battle happened "in front of" Saint-Jean-de-Luz. This area is close to the modern border between Spain and France. Specifically, it was near Urrugne, a town in France. The main fighting was around the Sans Culottes Camp. This camp was a key French position.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The battle involved soldiers from two countries.

• The French side was led by Jean-Henri-Guy-Nicolas de Frégeville.
• Augustin de Lespinasse was the French artillery chief.
• The Spanish army had about 13,000 soldiers.
• Spanish commanders included Ventura Caro and José de Urrutia y de las Casas.

How Did the Battle Unfold?

The Spanish army, led by Ventura Caro, had 20,000 troops. They planned to attack the French camps. These camps were located behind the Bidasoa River. The Spanish attacked the French positions. They managed to capture two smaller forts. These forts were important positions.

However, the Spanish could not take the main Sans Culottes Camp. The French artillery chief, Augustin de Lespinasse, made a smart move. He pulled back his troops from the smaller forts. This allowed him to gather all his strength at the main camp. When Jean de Frégeville arrived, the Spanish attack was losing its power.

What Was the Outcome of the Battle?

The battle was a victory for the French. The Spanish army could not capture the main camp. Even though they took some smaller positions, they failed their main goal. The French defended their ground successfully.

After the battle, Bon-Adrien Jeannot de Moncey was honored. He was promoted to a higher rank. He became a general of brigade for his bravery. Later, he became a very important military leader. He even became a Marshal of France under Napoleon.

The French had 235 soldiers killed or wounded. The Spanish had 335 soldiers killed or wounded. This battle showed the strength of the French defense.