Combat of Stockerau facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Combat of Stockerau
Part of the War of the Fifth Coalition
Date 8 July 1809 Location Stockerau, present-day Austria, then Austrian Empire 48°23′N 16°13′E / 48.383°N 16.217°E / 48.383; 16.217 Result Austrian victory
Belligerents
French Empire Grand Duchy of Hesse	Austrian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Jacob Marulaz	Ludwig Wallmoden
Strength
150 cavalrymen	Around 1,200 men
Casualties and losses
Most troops engaged	Light

The Combat of Stockerau was a small fight between soldiers on horseback. It happened on July 8, 1809, near Stockerau, which is now in Austria. This battle was part of the larger War of the Fifth Coalition.

In this fight, a small group of French and Hessian cavalry (horse soldiers) led by General Jacob François Marulaz faced off against a larger group of Austrian cavalry. The Austrian soldiers were part of the Austrian army and were led by Ludwig von Wallmoden-Gimborn. The Austrians won this skirmish.

What Was the Combat of Stockerau?

The Combat of Stockerau was a minor battle. It was a "rearguard" action. This means it happened when one army was retreating, and a small group stayed behind. Their job was to slow down the enemy. This allowed the main army to get away safely.

This particular fight involved only cavalry units. Cavalry are soldiers who fight on horseback.

Who Fought in This Battle?

• French Empire and Allies: About 150 cavalrymen from the Hessian Guard. They were led by French General Jacob François Marulaz.
• Austrian Empire: Around 1,200 Austrian cavalrymen. They were led by Ludwig von Wallmoden-Gimborn.

Why Did This Battle Happen?

The Combat of Stockerau happened just two days after a major battle. That big battle was the Battle of Wagram, which the French won. After their victory, the French army, led by Marshal André Masséna, was chasing the retreating Austrian army.

The Austrian army was trying to get to Bohemia (a region in today's Czech Republic). General Marulaz was leading the French cavalry. His job was to scout ahead and find the Austrians. He was at the front with his 150 Hessian cavalrymen.

What Happened During the Combat?

On July 8, 1809, General Marulaz and his small group of Hessian cavalry arrived in Stockerau. This town is about 43 kilometers (around 27 miles) from Vienna.

Suddenly, Austrian hussars attacked them. Hussars were a type of light cavalry known for their speed. The Austrian force was much larger. While the exact number of Austrians in this specific fight is not clear, they had many more soldiers.

The fighting was quick. The small Hessian cavalry unit was overwhelmed. They were scattered, and many of their soldiers were captured or killed. The Hessian regiment was almost completely destroyed.

A French historian, Alain Pigeard, described this fight as a "bloody setback" for the French side. This means it was a very bad loss for General Marulaz's troops.